History of Yunnan Baiyao

Development and Early Use

Yunnan Baiyao, initially formulated as “Qu Huanzhang Panacea” by Chinese herbalist Qu Huanzhang from Jiangchuan County, Yunnan Province, emerged from extensive herb explorations in 1902. Qu tested hundreds of herbs before finalizing the formula, which later gained renown as “White Medicine from Yunnan” or Yunnan Baiyao.

During the Battle of Taierzhuang in 1938, Qu’s donation of over 30,000 bottles to the Chinese National Revolutionary Army reportedly saved many soldiers’ lives, solidifying its reputation as an effective remedy.

Notable Cases and Government Involvement

In the 1940s, army commander Wu Xuexian avoided amputation for a severe leg injury using Yunnan Baiyao, a decision made after the French hospital in Kunming recommended amputation. Wu’s remarkable recovery without surgery bolstered Yunnan Baiyao’s reputation as a miraculous treatment.

After Qu Huanzhang’s death, his wife, Liao Lanying, donated the secret recipe to the government. Qu’s earlier trademark registration in 1935 marked an initial attempt at intellectual property (IP) protection for Yunnan Baiyao.

Modern Production and Intellectual Property

Large-scale production of Yunnan Baiyao commenced in 1956 following Liao Lanying’s donation of the recipe to the Chinese government. The establishment of the Yunnan Baiyao Factory in 1971 marked a significant milestone. Concerns over counterfeit products prompted the company to intensify IP protection efforts starting in the late 1990s, registering trademarks like “Yunfeng” and “Yunnan Baiyao.”

By 2004, Yunnan Baiyao achieved a valuation of 2.18 billion yuan (approximately US$269 million) and ranked 263rd among the top 500 Chinese brands according to the World Economic Forum and the World Brand Lab.

Patents and Technological Innovation

Before 2005, Yunnan Baiyao invested nearly 1 million yuan (US$123,300) in patent registration, product industrialization, and technological innovation. The company applied for three invention patents in 2002, increasing the total to 14 by 2004. As of October 2005, Yunnan Baiyao had filed applications for 36 invention patents and 40 design patents, highlighting its commitment to innovation and robust IP protection strategies.