Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus complanatus) — Dried Food-Herb Seeds for Tea & Daily Nourishment

Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus complanatus), also known as Sha Ji Li (沙蒺藜) or Tong Ji Li (潼蒺藜), are the dried, sun-dried seeds of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Shā Yuàn Zǐ (沙苑子). For centuries, this small, flat, kidney-shaped seed has been prized as a gentle, kidney-and-liver-nourishing herb used in daily teas, congee, and longevity tonics. Its nature is sweet and slightly warm, making it a mild yet steadily supportive herb for tonifying the Kidney, consolidating essence, and brightening the eyes.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional kidney-and-liver nourishing food herb
• Sun-dried Sha Yuan Zi seeds from Shaanxi
• Also known as Sha Ji Li and Tong Ji Li
• Suitable for daily tea, congee, and soups
• 500g value pack, food-herb grade

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully sun-dried to preserve the seeds' small, flat, kidney-like shape, their warm brownish-green to dark-brown color, and their smooth, slightly glossy surface. They carry a mild, earthy, faintly nutty aroma. When brewed or simmered, the seeds release a gentle, subtly sweet and slightly astringent infusion with a soft, rounded body that blends well with other herbs.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Daily herbal tea or infused water
• Congee and grain porridge
• Chinese-style soup and broth
• Blended with Gou Ji Zi (goji berry) or Tu Si Zi (dodder seed)
• Seasonal tonic and longevity formulas

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Sha Yuan Zi is decocted into soups, congee, and gentle daily tonics to support the Kidney and Liver, nourish essence, and brighten the eyes. It is a common ingredient in traditional longevity formulas, often paired with Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta chinensis), Gou Ji Zi (Lycium barbarum), and Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita). As a daily tea, it is brewed alone or blended with goji berry and chrysanthemum for a mild, subtly sweet infusion that fits easily into morning or evening routines.

FAQ Q&A