Xiu Hua Zhen (Damnacanthus indicus) — Dried Food Herb, Hu Ci / Fu Niu Hua, 500g

Xiu Hua Zhen (绣花针), botanically known as Damnacanthus indicus and also called Hu Ci (虎刺) or Fu Niu Hua (伏牛花), is the dried whole herb of a traditional food herb long honored in Chinese herbal practice. Known in folk tradition as Shou Xing Cao (寿星草), it has been prized as a gentle, wind-dispelling and collateral-freeing herb used to ease joint stiffness, support smooth movement, and harmonize the Liver and Kidney channels. Its nature is sweet, slightly bitter, and neutral, making it a mild yet purposeful herb for daily food-therapy use.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional food herb (药食同源) whole-plant material
• Known as Hu Ci, Fu Niu Hua, and Shou Xing Cao
• Sulfur-free, new-crop quality
• 500g bulk pack for daily decoction and soup use
• Sourced from origin production areas

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully dried to preserve its natural green-brown color, slender twiggy texture, and faint grassy aroma. When decocted, the herb yields a light amber infusion with a mild, slightly bitter and subtly sweet taste, leaving a clean herbal finish without harshness.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoction
• Chinese-style soup and broth
• Herbal tea blends
• Seasonal food-therapy preparations
• Herbal soak and external wash

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Xiu Hua Zhen is decocted into soups, teas, and daily tonics to support joint comfort and smooth movement. It is often paired with herbs like Du Zhong, Niu Xi, and Gou Ji in traditional food-therapy formulas for the limbs and lower back. As a daily tea, it is brewed alone or blended with other gentle herbs for a light, mildly bitter infusion.

FAQ Q&A