Glehnia root

Botanical

What is it

Glehnia root (Glehnia littoralis, Bei Sha Shen, American silvertop) is a coastal plant in the parsley family. The root is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a yin-tonifying herb for dry cough, dry mouth, and conditions of fluid deficiency.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Dry cough / respiratory conditions

Mixed Evidence

Strong traditional TCM use; modern Western clinical evidence is limited.

How it works

Glehnia littoralis root contains polyacetylenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol), coumarins (psoralen, imperatorin), and polysaccharides. The compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and possibly antitumor effects in preclinical studies. In TCM, Bei Sha Shen is classified as cooling and moistening, often used in formulas for dry-type respiratory conditions, hot flashes, and during recovery from febrile illness. Modern clinical evidence in Western populations is limited.

Dosage

TCM traditional: 6-12 g of dried root as decoction. Often used in combinations.

When and how to take it

Traditional TCM formulations follow practitioner protocols.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried root (Bei Sha Shen)

Used in herbal formulas.

Traditional TCM preparation

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. The psoralen content can cause photosensitivity. Long-term safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation. Caution with sun exposure due to psoralen content. Use under TCM practitioner guidance.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with photosensitizing medications and immunosuppressants.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bei Sha Shen used for?⌄

Traditional Chinese medicine uses it for dry cough and yin-deficiency conditions. Often combined with other herbs.

Does glehnia cause sun sensitivity?⌄

Possibly, due to psoralen content. Use sun protection if taking extended courses.

References

Glehnia root on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Glehnia root on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Glehnia root (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Glehnia root with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.