04/07/2026
LILY SYNDROME /BAI HE BING
Lily disease (百合病, Bai He Bing) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an emotional and visceral syndrome characterized by chronic, low-level anxiety, depression, restlessness, and insomnia caused by Yin deficiency and lingering internal heat, often following a chronic illness and/or stress. It is treated by nourishing heart/lung Yin and calming the spirit.
The disease is often caused by visceral injury, emotional stress (depression/anxiety), or lingering pathogenic heat following an acute feverish illness. It is a classic "emotional disease". Yin deficiency and fluid loss lead to empty heat, which disturbs the heart and spirit. It is considered a Heart and Lung Yin deficiency syndrome.
SYMPTOMS:
Emotional/Mental: Depression, anxiety, restlessness, desire to walk but inability to do so, silent demeanor.
Physical: Intermittent bitter taste, yellow urine, red tongue with little coating, and a weak, rapid (thready) pulse.
Digestive: Fluctuated appetite and sometimes restlessness during eating or drinking.
TREATMENT:
Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction (Bai He Di Huang Tang): The primary formula used for thousands of years to nourish Yin and clear internal heat.
Other formulas: Lily Bulb and Anemarrhenae Decoction for more severe heat, or Ganmai Dazao Decoction for restless organ disorder (Zang Zao).
Modern Relevance: Researchers often correlate Lily disease with modern-day depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome, often presenting as "nervous system dysregulation".