Yin Yang House | Shi Hu - Dendrobium Stem TCM Materia Medica

Shi Hu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

Full List by Function by Channel by Property

The TCM herb "shi hu" which in english is "dendrobium stem", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yin" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and stomach channels and exhibits cold (han), salty (xian) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

Dosage: 6-15g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

Nourish yin, clear heat, generate fluids - severe thirst, parched mouth, intractable fever associated with yin deficiency (occurring from injury to fluids from warm febrile disease).
Nourish stomach yin - dry heaves, stomach ache, xiao ke, shiny tongue with little coating.
Brighten vision, strengthen lower back.

As noted above, shi hu is within the herbs that tonify yin functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... yin tonics are generally sweet, cold, enriching and cloying. they are inappropriate for spleen or stomach deficiency, internal da…)".

Bai He Bie Jia Gui Ban Han Lian Cao Hei Zhi Ma Luo Han Guo Mai Men Dong Nu Zhen Zi Sang Ji Sheng Sha Shen Shi Hu Su Jiu Gui Ban Tian Men Dong Xi Yang Shen Yu Zhu