Use of Tu Si Zi (cuscuta seeds) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Harvest the fruit when mature, dry it, extract the seeds and remove impurities.
Dosage: 9 - 15 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence. Nourishes the Liver.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Tu Si Zi may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Impotence Enuresis Urinary incontinence Impaired vision Tinnitus Miscarriage Diarrhea Premature ejaculation
Contraindications*: Not for use during pregnancy.
Common TCM formulas in which Tu Si Zi is used*
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Source date: 1550 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Formula key actions: Tonifies Kidney Yang. Strengthens the Essence.
Conditions targeted*: ImpotenceSexual dysfunction and others
Tu Si Zi is a king ingredient in Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, Tu Si Zi tonifies Kidney Yang and strengthen the Essence.
Tu Si Zi Wan
Source date: 1253 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Formula key actions: Warms the Kidneys. Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions.
Conditions targeted*: Urinary incontinenceSeminal emission and others
Tu Si Zi is a king ingredient in Tu Si Zi Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Tu Si Zi Wan, Tu Si Zi , together with other key herbs of the formula, tonifies the Kidneys.
Key TCM concepts behind Tu Si Zi's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tu Si Zi belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Yang Tonics are generally used in combination with a small amount of Yin tonics. If Yin is deficient, neither Qi nor Yang herbs alone will be effective. The most common symptoms associated with Yang Deficiency are low libido and impotence. It is worth mentioning that another very effective remedy against Yang Deficiency is regular exercise.
Furthermore Tu Si Zi is Warm in nature. This means that Tu Si Zi tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Tu Si Zi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Tu Si Zi also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Tu Si Zi tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Tu Si Zi is thought to target the Kidney, the Liver and the Spleen. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. The Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body.
Research on Tu Si Zi
Whey associated with dodder seed extract can serve as a promising alternative for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.1
Sources:
1. Mehrbani M, Choopani R, Fekri A, Mehrabani M, Mosaddegh M, Mehrabani M. (2015). The efficacy of whey associated with dodder seed extract on moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol., 172:325-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.07.003.