Tu Si Zi - Chinese Dodder Seeds
TCM Materia Medica
Tu Si Zi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "tu si zi" which in english is "chinese dodder seeds", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yang" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and liver channels and exhibits acrid, neutral (ping) 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: 9-15g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Tonify kidneys, strengthens yin, secures essence, reserves urine - impotence, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, tinnitus, frequent urination, sore painful back, vaginal discharge.
- Tonify kidney and liver, improves vision - liver and kidney yin and yang deficiency patterns with dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, floaters, etc.
- Strengthen the spleen and kidneys - resolve diarrhea.
- Calms the fetus - important herb for habitual and/or threatened miscarriage.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, tu si zi is generally included in the following 9 formulas:
ViewAn Shen Bu Xin Wan (Calm the Shen and Supplement the Heart Pills)
Insomnia and palpitations Anxiety, possible difficulty with concentration Irritibility and restlessness Tinnitus
ViewGu Zhi Shu Song Wan (Osteoporosis Tablets)
For bone disorders includeing osteoporosis and osteopenia. May help reduce or prevent further bone loss.
ViewShou Wu Wan (Polygonum Multiflorum Pills)
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ViewTe Xiao Jing Zhui Tong Wan (Patent Neck Pain Relief Pills)
Stiffness, pain, and/or tightness of the neck.
ViewWu Zi Yang Zong Wan (Five Seeds to Bring Forth Offspring)
Impotence, premature ejaculation, noctural emissions, low libedo from weakened kidney jing (essence). Poor concentration and memory, listlessness, general fatigue and worsening eyesight also resulti…
ViewYou Gui Wan (Restore the Right Kidney Pill)
Cold extremities, fatigue, weak/aching low back, knees, waist, aversion to cold, loose stools - due to kindney yang deficiency. Impotence, infertility, low libedo, low sperm count, abnormal sperm mo…
ViewZhuang Yang Wan (Strengthen Kidney Yang And Preserve Power Pill)
Tonifies the kidney yang and astringe the jing (essence), primarily for sexual dysfunction in older males - symptoms may include impotence, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and other sign…
ViewZhuang Yao Jian Shen Wan (Strengthen The Back And Benefit The Kidney Pills)
Weakness in the lower parts of the body from kidney yang and kidney qi deficiency - low back pain, weak back, hips, knees, leg, weak tendons.
ViewZuo Gui Wan (Right Returning Pills)
Infertility, low libedo, impotence due to kidney yin deficiency. Low sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology resulting from jing deficiency. Irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness.
As noted above, tu si zi is within the herbs that tonify yang functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
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