Xiao Ji (Cirsium setosum) — Dried Food-Herb Thistle for Tea & Decoction

Xiao Ji (Cirsium setosum), also known as Small Thistle or Ci Er Cai (刺儿菜), is the dried aerial part of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Xiǎo Jì (小蓟). For centuries, Xiao Ji has been prized as a cooling, blood-cooling herb used to clear heat, calm bleeding tendencies, and support the body's natural balance. Its nature is sweet, slightly bitter, and cool, making it a gentle yet effective herb for soothing internal heat and harmonizing the blood aspect.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional heat-clearing food herb
• Dried Xiao Ji aerial parts
• Cirsium setosum
• Suitable for tea and decoction
• Clean, sulfur-free quality

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully dried to preserve its deep green color, delicate leafy texture, and mild grassy aroma. When brewed or decocted, it yields a light, slightly bitter infusion with a subtle sweetness, adding a refreshing character to herbal blends without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Herbal tea blends
• Traditional decoctions
• Seasonal cooling beverages
• Soup and congee ingredient
• Daily wellness tea

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Xiao Ji is decocted into teas and soups to cool internal heat and support the blood aspect. It is a common ingredient in summer cooling formulas, where it pairs with ingredients like honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and dandelion. As a tea, it is brewed alone or blended with other cooling herbs for a light, refreshing infusion.

FAQ Q&A