Dadder seed (Tusizi)-Cuscuta chinensis Lam

Dadder seed (Tusizi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Cuscutae

Botanical Name: 1. Cuscuta chinensis Lam.; 2. Cuscuta japonica Choisy

Common Name: Dadder seed, Cuscuta seed.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The ripe seeds are collected in autumn, and then they are dried in the sun or boiled.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and neutral

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Functions: 1. To tonify kidneys and control essence; 2. To nourish liver and brighten the eyes

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient kidneys manifested as impotence, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, lower back pain or leukorrhagia. Dadder seed (Tusizi) is used with Eucommia bark (Duzhong), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Cibot rhizome (Gouji) for lower back pain or leukorrhagia; Dadder seed (Tusizi) is used with Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi), Cnidium fruit (Shechuangzi), Flattened milkvetch seed (Shayuanzi) and Grossy privet fruit (Nuzhenzi) for impotence.

2. Diarrhea due to deficient spleen. Dadder seed (Tusizi) is used with Pilose asiabell root (Dangshen), White atractylodes (Baizhu) and Dioscorea (Shanyao).

Dosage: 10-15 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency of yin with excessive fire, constipation and red, scanty urine.