Hei Chou Seeds (Pharbitis nil) — Dried Qian Niu Zi Herb, Also Available as Bai Chou Powder

Hei Chou (黑丑), also known as Qian Niu Zi (牵牛子) or Pharbitis Seed, is the dried mature seed of Pharbitis nil, a traditional herb long recorded in Chinese materia medica. Its sister variety, Bai Chou (白丑), shares the same botanical origin with a paler seed coat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qian Niu Zi is classified as a purgative and water-disinhibiting herb, with a nature that is bitter, cold, and slightly toxic, entering the Lung, Kidney, and Large Intestine channels. Hei Chou has been traditionally used to move stagnant qi, expel retained fluids, and support the downward clearing of the digestive tract.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional Qian Niu Zi herb, Hei Chou and Bai Chou varieties
• Dried mature seeds of Pharbitis nil
• Also available as finely milled Bai Chou powder
• Sun-dried processing to preserve seed quality
• 500g bulk pack for herbal preparation

Quality & Sensory

Each batch consists of small, angular seeds with a dark brown to blackish seed coat for Hei Chou, or a pale greyish-white coat for Bai Chou. The seeds are hard, smooth, and dry, with a faint earthy, slightly bitter aroma. When ground into powder, Bai Chou yields a fine, pale greyish-beige powder with a mild, neutral scent. In decoction, the seeds release a bitter, slightly astringent taste, which is why they are traditionally combined with other herbs to balance the formula.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoction formulas
• Herbal powder blends for external or internal use
• Medicinal food preparation under professional guidance
• Bulk herbal ingredient for practitioners
• Cold-natured herb pairing in TCM formulas

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Qian Niu Zi is decocted in combination with other herbs to address water retention and digestive stagnation. It is often paired with herbs like Ting Li Zi, Da Huang, and Gan Sui in classical formulas. Hei Chou is traditionally used in decoctions for its downward-moving properties, while Bai Chou is sometimes preferred for its gentler action. The seeds are also ground into powders for external applications or included in medicinal food preparations. Because of its potency, it is typically used in small, carefully measured amounts within a balanced formula.

FAQ Q&A