Dodder Seed (Tu Si Zi)
菟丝子 · Tùsīzǐ
Cuscuta chinensis
Family: Convolvulaceae · Part used: Ripe seed · Origin: Shandong & Hebei, China
Nature
Flavor
Meridian
Liver, Kidney, Spleen
Tu Si Zi — the golden thread vine's seeds — tonifies both kidney yang and yin without drying or cloying, securing essence, brightening the eyes, and quieting a restless fetus in tradition. Its balanced warmth made it the imperial favorite for longevity formulas and the core of Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Tonifies kidney yang and secures essence
- •Nourishes liver and benefits the eyes
- •Calms the fetus (traditional)
- •Stops diarrhea and leakage
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Lower back and knee weakness
- •Impotence and infertility (traditional)
- •Frequent urination and leakage
- •Blurred vision and dizziness
- •Threatened miscarriage with kidney deficiency
📖 Usage & Dosage
10–15 g in decoction; the hard seeds are traditionally crushed and boiled into thick paste for pills.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Tu Si Zi Tea
Crushed dodder seed 10 g simmered 20 minutes — the daily kidney-tonifying infusion.
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Base
Dodder with five other seed herbs — the classical essence-fortifying formula.
🔬 Modern Research
Cuscuta flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol glycosides) are studied for reproductive-health support and bone density.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with yin-deficiency fire and constipation.
