Dendrobium (shi hu)

Dendrobium nobile (en verwante soorten)

Traditionally attributed effects: nourishes the yin of lung and stomach, replenishes body fluids and cools heat from deficiency.

Safety notes

Not without heat and dryness or at the start of a feverish illness. All orchids are on CITES Appendix II: choose cultivated material. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Stems. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics for the yin'. Shi hu, an orchid that grows on rocks and trees, nourishes the yin of the stomach and eyes according to Chinese medicine, for thirst and a dry mouth after fever. It became so expensive that it was known as 'soft gold'; wild species are protected.

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 materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, slightly salty, bland, cold
Meridians: lung, kidney, stomach

Attributed effects

For great thirst, a dry mouth, fever from yin deficiency and a red tongue without coating, and heat after feverish illnesses. Improves eyesight and strengthens the lower back. According to the book a remedy after exhaustion from heavy work, a lot of sex or overwork, and after too much spicy or sweet food, coffee or alcohol.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 6–18 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With mai men dong, sha shen and raw rehmannia for stomach heat that consumes yin
With sang ji sheng and du zhong for back pain after sudden lifting

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Qing shu yi qi tang

Sources

All herbs from Asia →