- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- East Asia
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 641
Cuscuta chinensis
Herb · Asia
Chinese dodder (tu si zi)
Cuscuta chinensis
Traditionally attributed effects: a remedy for male infertility and urinary complaints; a tonic that strengthens bones and tendons, soothes lower back pain and balances the female reproductive system.
Safety notes
According to tradition not with constipation or heat complaints. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: According to the book not during pregnancy.
Preparation
Seed, cooked along in a herb bag.
Use in traditions
A classic kidney tonic in Chinese medicine.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese food therapy
Attributed effects
The seed tastes savoury; by cooking it directly with the rice, according to tradition its action is best preserved.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, sweet, neutral
- Meridians
- kidney, liver
Attributed effects
Tu si zi strengthens the kidney yang and the essence in impotence, seminal emission, premature ejaculation, frequent urination and lower back pain, nourishes the liver in weak eyesight, helps in chronic diarrhoea and was used for a tendency to miscarry.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 9–15 g a day, usually in a decoction. The book calls the seed a specific remedy for a low or slow sperm count.
Combinations
- With psoralea, schisandra, goji, plantain seed, Chinese raspberry and others in wu zi wan ('five seeds') for reduced fertility
Caution: According to the book not during pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction
- Formulas
- You gui wanZuo gui wan