Cat’s Claw Root Mao Zhao Cao Dried Herb Water Washed Bulk 1 Jin

Cat's Claw Root, known in TCM as Mao Zhao Cao (猫爪草), from Ranunculus ternatus, is the dried tuber root of a small buttercup herb. The name comes from the claw-like clusters of small tubers. In TCM theory it is considered sweet and pungent in flavor with a neutral nature, traditionally associated with dispersing nodules and supporting the liver and lung channels. This water-washed, cleaned bulk herb is sold by weight for decoction and herbal preparation use.

Key Selling Points

• Dried Mao Zhao Cao (猫爪草) tuber roots with characteristic claw-like clustered tubers
• Botanical source Ranunculus ternatus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb
• Water-washed and cleaned with minimal foreign matter for convenient preparation
• In TCM theory traditionally associated with dispersing nodules and softening hardness
• Bulk loose herb sold by the jin, suitable for decoctions and herbal formulas

Quality & Sensory

The dried tubers are typically small, clustered, and light brown to yellowish-brown with a firm, starchy texture and a faint earthy aroma. When decocted, the liquid typically has a mild, slightly sweet and starchy taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmered in traditional herbal decoctions
• Added to slow-cooked herbal soups in folk practice
• Combined with other herbs in TCM formulas for nodules
• Used by herbalists and home practitioners for seasonal decoction preparation

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, Mao Zhao Cao has long been used in folk practice for dispersing nodules and masses, and it is traditionally associated with the liver and lung channels. It is commonly decocted alone or paired with herbs such as Xia Ku Cao (Prunella spike) in classical nodule-dispersing preparations. Some households also add it to slow-simmered soups in small amounts following traditional food-herb customs.

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