Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

jiǔ cài zǐ / 韭菜子 / 韭菜子 / garlic chive seed;

Latin pharmacognostic name: Allii Tuberosi Semen

Alternate English names: Chinese leek seed

Alternate Chinese names: 韭菜仁 jiǔ cài rén; 韭子 jiǔ zǐ; 家韭子 jiā jiǔ zǐ

Origin: Plant

Use: medicinal

Category: Supplementing agents / Yáng-supplementing agents

Properties: Acrid, sweet; warm.

Channel entry: kidney and liver channels.

Indications:

• Invigorates yáng and secures essence: Impotence, seminal emission, enuresis, frequent urination, or excessive white vaginal discharge.
• Warms and supplements the kidney and liver: Limp aching lumbus and knees; cold pain in the lumbus and knees; difficulty in walking and in bending and stretching.

Dosage & Method:

Oral: 5–10g in decoctions, powders, or pills.

Warning:

Contraindicated in yīn vacuity with effulgent fire.

Quality:

Dry black seeds without pericarp are the best.

Product Area:

All provinces of China, with production highest in Héběi, Shānxī, Jílín, Jiāngsū, Shāndōng, ānhuī, and Hénán.