Actually they have a few different names and similar species, such as scallions, spring onions, shallots, chives, and China leeks. However, from the point of view of TCM, they refer to the bulb and stalk part near the root of Allium fistulosum L., one member of Liliaceae family. They grow all over the country in China and can be plucked at any time. After the excavation, for the medicinal purpose the fresh scallions should have the fibrous roots, leaves, and outer membrane removed before the use.

Green onion is a perennial herb, up to 50cm, usually clustered, with pungent, smelly odor, and with pungent mucus after broken. White fibrous roots cluster. Bulbs are cylindrical, with slightly larger tip and white layered scale leaves, which have white vertical stripes. Leaves are basal, cylindrical, hollow, about 45cm, 1.5-2cm in diameter, apex acute, green, and with vertical stripes. Sheaths are light green. Floral axis grows from the foliage stems, usually in only one, with enlarged central part, hollow, green, and with some vertical lines. Flowers are in spherical umbels. Involucre is membranous, ovate or lanceolate. Capsule is in the shape of three prisms. Seeds are black, triangular-shaped, and semicircular. It blossoms from July to September and fruits from August to October.

POPULAR SCALLION RELATED CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS 
In the light of TCM theory, this herb is acrid and warm in properties. It covers two channels of lung and stomach. Its main functions are to relieve exterior syndrome by diaphoresis, activate Yang, relieve internal heat or fever, and kill parasites. Its basic indications and uses are common cold due to wind-cold pathogens, Headache, stuffy nose, chill abdominal pain, Constipation and urinary obstruction, dysentery, sore and Carbuncle, and parasites causing abdominal pain. Usual dosage is from 9 to 15 grams in decoction or decocted with wine. 1 5 to 30 grams of fresh onions should be used in the form of porridge. In external use, proper amount should be applied.

Green Onions

1) Cong Chi Tang
Cong Chi Tang comes from Bu Que Zhou Hou Fang (Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies). This formula is basically for headache, hot flesh, and full pulse in the early stage of typhoid fever. The Cong Bai (Green onions) combines with Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) to induce perspiration;

2) Wu Jin San
Wu Jin San is from Wai Ke Jing Yi (Essence of External Diseases). It is formulated for hard carbuncle or swollen boils with no head. Main herbs include Cong Bai, rice flour, and vinegar;

3) Bai Tong Tang
Bai Tong Tang comes from Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage). It is a key prescription for diarrhea in Shaoyin diseases. Other two herbs combined are Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Root), and Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root).

4) Green onion recipes
Onion is not only delicious, but also with high nutritional benefits. However, when it comes to how to chop, use, and prepare this spice to bring out its best flavor, honestly it is a bit challenging. But don’t worry here are the most easy and tasty recipes for your reference.