Shí Hú · Dendrobium
Shí Hú (石斛, Dendrobium) is a herb of Cool nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Yin Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to nourish Yin, Clear Heat, Nourish the Stomach.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Shí Hú
- Characters
- 石斛
- Botanical name
- Dendrobium nobile Lindl.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Part used
- Stem
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Stomach, Kidney, Lung
- Category
- Yin Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Southeast Asia
Actions according to tradition
- Nourish Yin
- Clear Heat
- Nourish the Stomach
- Generate Body Fluids
- Tonify Lung and Stomach Yin
Traditional uses
- Stomach Yin deficiency
- Fever with thirst
- Impaired vision
- Hematemesis
- Loss of appetite
Studied effects and current applications
- Moistens dryness
- Immunomodulating
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
- Improves dry mouth (Sjögren's)
Applications under investigation
- Dry mouth syndromes
- Diabetes support
- Immune modulation
- Eye health
- Anti-aging
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- None known
Relative contraindications
- Cold from Spleen deficiency
- Dampness
- Pregnancy
- Generally considered safe.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe in appropriate doses.
- Older adults
- Beneficial for Yin deficiency.
Possible adverse effects
- Rare: mild digestive upset
When to stop
- Signs of dampness
- Diarrhea
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic agents | Metformin, Insulin | Mild | Polysaccharides may slightly reduce blood glucose Monitor blood glucose in diabetics. |
| Inmunosupresores | Ciclosporina | Mild | Possible immunomodulation by polysaccharides Consultar en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-18 grams daily
- Powder
- 2-6 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 4-8 weeks
- Maximum
- Use with breaks
- Children
- Safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-18g for 20-30 min. Fresh stems can be chewed.
Yin nourishment
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Dendrobium polysaccharides (DOP) and alkaloids (dendrobine)
Heterogeneous polysaccharides · Immunomodulator, hypoglycemic, gastric protector, anti-aging
Macrophage and NK cell activation, α-glucosidase inhibition, parietal cell protection · 20-45% in aqueous stem extract
Sesquiterpene alkaloid · Antipyretic, analgesic, hypnotic at high doses
Autonomic ganglionic blockade, Na+/K+ channel modulation · 0.02-0.2% (variable depending on species)
Biphenyls (bibenzyls) · Antitumor, anti-inflammatory
COX-2 inhibition, induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway · 0.1-0.5%
Phenylpropanoids and flavonoids · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Free radical scavenging, xanthine oxidase inhibition · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- All year round; best in spring and autumn for the wild; cultivated available all year round
Fresh or dried stems collected from epiphytic plants that grow on rocks or trees in humid mountain areas. The most valuable variety is the wild Dendrobium nobile. Cultivation in Yunnan and Sichuan has relieved pressure on the wild.
Fresh stems used directly in juice or short decoction. The fresh form has a higher content of polysaccharides and mucilage. Preferred way in classical medicine to generate fluids.
Fresh stems washed, lightly heated to soften, then hand-rolled into spirals (枫斗 fēng dǒu) and slowly dried. This presentation concentrates the polysaccharides.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
