Tu Si Zi
Botanical name: Cuscuta chinensis
Common name: Cuscuta, Chinese dodder seeds
Family: Convolvulaceae
Part used in Chinese medicine: seed
Major Chinese medicine actions:
Tonifes yang, augments yin, secures essence,
tonifies Liver and Kidneys, benefits Spleen, calms fetus in pregnancy
Photo Credits: (top to bottom)
Photo 1: Cuscuta europaea; 07/2005; author Bogdan; permission under GFDL
Photo 2: Cuscuta europaea; author Tolmiea; permission under GFDL
Photo 3: Cuscuta europaea; 06/2008; author Bouba; permission under GFDL
Comments:
Besides Cuscuta chinensis, other acceptable species for use in Chinese medicine are Cuscuta japonica, C. australis, C. europaea, and C. reflexa.