Tú Sī Zǐ · Chinese Dodder Seed
Tú Sī Zǐ (菟丝子, Chinese Dodder Seed) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet, Pungent flavor, in the “Yang Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Kidney Yang and Yin, Secure Essence, Calm Fetus.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Tú Sī Zǐ
- Characters
- 菟丝子
- Botanical name
- Cuscuta chinensis Lam.
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Part used
- Seed
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet, Pungent
- Meridians
- Kidney, Liver, Spleen
- Category
- Yang Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Kidney Yang and Yin
- Secure Essence
- Calm Fetus
- Brighten Eyes
Traditional uses
- Kidney deficiency with impotence and nocturnal emissions
- Frequent urination and incontinence
- Threatened miscarriage from kidney deficiency
- Blurry vision and eye disorders from deficiency
- Spleen-kidney deficiency diarrhea
Studied effects and current applications
- Tonifies kidney yang and yin simultaneously (neutral herb)
- Secures kidney essence to stop leakage
- Stabilizes and calms restless fetus
- Brightens eyes and vision from liver-kidney nourishment
- Strengthens spleen to stop diarrhea
Applications under investigation
- Male reproductive disorders and infertility
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Osteoporosis prevention
- Vision deterioration from aging
- Thyroid conditions
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Kidney fire from yin deficiency (excess heat signs)
- Constipation from heat
Relative contraindications
- Excess heat conditions
- Pregnancy
- Often used in pregnancy to secure kidney essence and prevent miscarriage.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Not generally used in children.
- Older adults
- Excellent tonic for elderly with kidney deficiency. Neutral temperature is gentle.
Possible adverse effects
- Rare: mild dryness with excess use
When to stop
- Kidney fire signs appear
- Constipation develops
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormone medications | Testosterone, DHEA, Progesterone | Mild | May complement hormonal effects Monitor hormone levels |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-12 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-6 grams daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Continuous long-term for chronic kidney deficiency
- Children
- Generally not used in children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-12g in 3 cups water 30-40 min. Take warm twice daily.
Kidney deficiency, reproductive disorders
Traditional form: take 6-12g equivalent as pills with salt water.
Long-term tonification
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin glycosides) and polysaccharides
Flavonol and flavonol diglucoside · Phytoestrogenic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, renoprotective
Estrogen receptor β binding, Nrf2 activation, MAPK inhibition · 0.1-0.5%
Anthraquinone and biflavonoid · Mild antidepressant, antiviral
MAO-A inhibition (hypericin), viral replication inhibition (amentoflavone) · Traces
Heterogeneous polysaccharides · Immunomodulator, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic
Macrophage activation, hepatocytes protection, α-glucosidase inhibition · 10-20% in aqueous extract
Lignans and flavonoids · Adaptogenic, anti-fatigue
HPA axis modulation, cortisol reduction · 0.05-0.2%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (September-October) when the seeds are ripe
Seeds collected when the dry parasitic stem separates from the host. The seeds are threshed and cleaned and dried in the sun.
Seeds cleaned, sifted and dried in the sun. The hard testa reduces the absorption of active ingredients in decoction.
Seeds mixed with salt water (2 g salt per 100 g) and fried until they burst. The salt directs the action towards the Kidney and the high temperatures break the testa to improve absorption.
Formulas it appears in
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.
