Hei Chou Seeds (Pharbitis nil) — Dried Black Morning Glory Seed Herb, 500g

Hei Chou Seeds (Pharbitis nil), also known as Black Morning Glory Seed and called Hēi Chǒu (黑丑) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are the dried mature seeds of a traditional herb long recorded in classical materia medica. In TCM, Hei Chou is classified among the seed-type herbs that move qi and transform stagnation, and it has been prized for centuries as a downward-directing, water-regulating herb used in decoctions and herbal formulas. Its nature is described as bitter and cold, giving it a strong, focused character within traditional herbal practice.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional seed-type herb of TCM materia medica
• Dried black Pharbitis nil seeds
• Sulfur-free, clean seed quality
• 500g bulk pack for decoction use
• Also available in Bai Chou (white seed) variety

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully sorted and dried to preserve the seeds' deep black color, firm rounded shape, and smooth, slightly glossy surface. The seeds carry a mild, earthy, almost neutral aroma with no sulfurous sharpness. When decocted, they yield a bitter, faintly astringent infusion that is typically combined with other herbs to soften its character.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoction formulas
• Herbal pairing in classical TCM recipes
• Bulk ingredient for herbal preparation
• Combined use with Bai Chou in formulas

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Hei Chou is decocted into formulas alongside herbs such as Bai Chou, Gan Sui, and Da Ji, where it is traditionally used to direct qi downward and support the movement of fluids. It appears in classical decoction recipes rather than everyday teas, and is typically prepared under the guidance of a practitioner familiar with its strong, cold nature. Because of its potency, it is rarely used alone and is almost always balanced within a larger formula.

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