Biota Leaf
Biota Leaf (Ce Bai Ye)
Botanical Name: Platycladus Orientalis, Biotae Orientalis, Thuja orientalis, Oriental Arborvitae
Biota leaf (Ce Bai Ye), not to be confused with biota seed (Bai Tou Weng) is used in (TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat bleeding disorders such as vomiting blood, coughing up blood, and blood in the stools and urine. Used topically it is useful for treating scalds and burns.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Using Biota Essential Oil.
Below is an overview of biota leaf, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of biota leaf.
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Western
Western Name: Biota Twigs and Leaves
Also Known As: N/A
Organs/Systems: Respiratory, Nervous, Digestive, Intestines
Key Actions: Emmenagogue, Diuretic, Antibacterial, Sedative, Antiasthmatic, Astringent, Emollient, Stomachic, Antipyretic, Expectorant, Parasiticide, Anti-inflammatory
Medicinal Uses: Fever, edema, headaches, asthma, coughs, laxative, parasites, anxiety, constipation, stops bleeding, strengthens stomach, moistens skin, treats digestive disorders, induces menses, calms nerves, treats parasites.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Ce Bai Ye (translates as “flat, fir leaves”)
Also Known As: Ce Bai
Meridians: Heart, Liver, Large Intestine
Key Actions: Cools the Blood, Stops Bleeding, Stops Coughing, Expels Phlegm, Promotes Healing of Burns
Medicinal Uses: Vomiting blood, bleeding gums, cold sores, coughing up blood, blood in the stools or urine, uterine bleeding. Lung Heat patterns with cough and phlegm, such as bronchitis. Difficult-to-expectorate sputum streaked with blood. Topically in powdered form, treats burns over a small to moderate area, nourishes hair. Treats painful conditions such as osteoarthritis and trigeminal neuralgia.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Biota grows either as a large evergreen shrub or tree. The tree has scale-like leaves and little inconspicuous monoecious flowers. Platycladus is a “monotypic” genus, which means that it contains only one genus – Platycladus orientalis. It is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae.
The tree is native to China, Japan, North Korea, and a few isolated populations in Northeastern Iran. It likes cliffs and steep rocky hillsides.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leafy Twig, Leaf, Root Bark, Oil (See also Biota Seed)
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Astringent, Slightly Cold
Caution: Considered safe though large doses can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Key Constituents: Thujene, Thujone, Fenchome, Pinene, Caryphyllene, Quercetin, Myricetin, Amentoflavone, Tannin, Vitamin C
History/Folklore: Biota is a famous Chinese healing tree. Biota leaf (Ce Bai Ye), not to be confused with Biota seed (Bai Tou Weng), which best treats nervous anxiety, is used in (TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine to stop bleeding disorders. The twigs and leaves are commonly used in formulas with barley sprouts to treat depression and with Ginko to increase oxygen to the brain.
Biota trees are often found as hedges in cemeteries as natural fences. Their scent is said to Lift the Spirit. The wood has been used to build Buddhist temples and the leaves have been dried to use as incense for sacred ceremonies.
Biota is vulnerable, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Regulation of harvesting and habitat preservation is key to preserving this lovely and important medicinal plant.
The leaves can be used fresh or dried. Occasionally the root bark and stems are also used. In China, they are popularly used to treat nervous disorders, insomnia, heart palpitations, and emotional depression as well as to stop bleeding.
Biota is used in aromatherapy for massage and as a scent for soothing baths to help induce sleep.
Preparations made from the leaves are an excellent remedy for bleeding warts on the genitals or anus.
The root bark is used externally to treat burns, hemorrhoids, and nosebleeds.
Recent research suggests that an extract made from the leaves may promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in resting hair follicles.
Homeopathic preparations of biota include pills, granules, oils, ointments, and liquid dilutions. The last three impart a wonderful fragrance.
Biota oil is used to scent shoe polish and men’s colognes.
Protect Against Moths
Biota leaves wrapped in pouches are used in chests and drawers to protect clothes from moths.
Rich in Vitamin C
Biota leaves are rich in vitamin C.
Essential Oil
Both leaves and seeds contain an essential oil used as an abortifacient, vermifuge, digestive aid, and treat ringworm and thrush.
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