Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus orientalis) — Dried Arborvitae Seed for TCM Tea & Congee

Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus orientalis) is the dried ripe seed of the Chinese arborvitae, a traditional herb and food ingredient known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Bǎi Zǐ Rén (柏子仁). For centuries it has been prized as a gentle, spirit-quieting and heart-nourishing herb, traditionally used to calm the mind, ease restlessness, and moisten the intestines. Its nature is sweet and neutral, making it a mild yet deeply nourishing herb for supporting the Heart and Liver, settling the spirit, and promoting smooth, unhurried digestion.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional spirit-quieting food herb
• Dried arborvitae seed, lightly shelled
• Platycladus orientalis
• Suitable for tea, congee, and decoctions
• Clean, new-crop, unsulfured quality

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully cleaned and dried to preserve its pale golden-brown color, smooth oval shape, and faint resinous aroma. The seeds feel firm yet slightly oily to the touch, a sign of their natural seed oil. When decocted or simmered, they release a mild, subtly sweet and nutty flavor with a soft, creamy texture, lending gentle body to teas and congee without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Herbal tea blends
• Congee and grain porridge
• Traditional decoctions
• Seasonal slow-cooking
• Soup-pack ingredient

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Bai Zi Ren is decocted into teas, congee, and gentle tonics to support calm nerves and restful evenings. It is a common ingredient in traditional spirit-settling formulas, where it pairs with ingredients like sour jujube seed, lily bulb, and poria. Simmered into congee with rice and a few jujubes, it becomes a soft, mildly sweet daily dish; brewed as a tea, it offers a light, nutty infusion for quiet moments.

FAQ Q&A