Dried Cuscuta Seeds Tu Si Zi Whole Herb Bulk 500g Water Washed Traditional Chinese Botanical

Dried Cuscuta Seeds, known in TCM as Tu Si Zi (菟丝子), from Cuscuta chinensis. These small dried seeds are the mature seed of the dodder plant, a traditional Chinese botanical. In TCM theory, Tu Si Zi is considered neutral in nature with a pungent-sweet flavor and is traditionally associated with the liver and kidney channels. Sold as a raw agricultural product for herbal decoction, tea blending, or culinary preparation.

Key Selling Points

• Whole dried Cuscuta chinensis seeds, a classic TCM botanical
• Water-washed and sun-dried with no further processing
• Traditionally associated with liver and kidney channels in TCM theory
• Bulk loose seeds suitable for decoction, tea, or culinary use
• Sourced from Inner Mongolia, a recognized growing region for this seed

Quality & Sensory

The seeds are typically small, round, and grayish-brown to yellowish-brown with a hard, smooth surface. They have a faint, mild herbal aroma. When decocted, the liquid typically takes on a light brownish tone with a subtle, slightly sweet and astringent taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmer in herbal decoctions with other prescribed botanicals
• Add to herbal tea blends for slow steeping
• Cook into congee or tonic soups in traditional recipes
• Grind into powder for use in traditional herbal preparations

Traditional Uses

In TCM practice, Tu Si Zi is traditionally used in tonifying formulas and is commonly paired with herbs such as Gou Qi Zi (goji berry) and Du Zhong (eucommia bark) in decoctions. It has also been traditionally added to congee or wine infusions in folk herbal routines, particularly during seasonal tonifying periods.

FAQ Q&A