Fruits and seedsTonifyingSemen Astragali Complanati

Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed)

Q: What is Sha Yuan Zi? Are Sha Yuan Ji Li, Tong Ji Li, Ci Ji Li and Huang Qi the same?

Official Sha Yuan Zi (沙苑子) is the dried ripe seed of Astragalus complanatus . The pharmacopoeial name is Astragali Complanati Semen , also called Sha Yuan Ji Li or Tong Ji Li . Ci Ji Li (Bai Ji Li) is the fruit of Tribulus terrestris: acrid-bitter and slightly warm, levels and courses the Liver, dispels wind and brightens the eyes—spiny and not a tonic, wholly different. Huang Qi is the root of a related Astragalus: supplements Qi and raises Yang—not the seed. Stir-frying or salt-frying strengthens warm supplementation and astringency. Write Sha Yuan Zi; do not dispense Ci Ji Li.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Sha Yuan Zi?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Sha Yuan Zi is sweet and warm , enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to supplement the Kidney to assist Yang, secure essence and reduce urination, and nourish the Liver to brighten the eyes . It is used for Kidney-vacuity lumbar pain, seminal emission and premature ejaculation, enuresis and urinary frequency, cloudy urine and vaginal discharge, dizziness, and dim vision. Sweet-warm and gently moistening, it evenly supplements Liver-Kidney while astringing—suited to vacuity that fails to secure, not to blazing ministerial fire, persistent erection, or Bladder damp-heat.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a virility or eye tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g . It is not a four-season “Sha Yuan Zi virility tea.” Yin-deficiency fire and inhibited urination only burn more when warmed. Insecure Kidney vacuity and dim vision need a practitioner to name fried or salted and a course.

Q: How do you choose and store Sha Yuan Zi?

Choose slightly flattened kidney-shaped seeds, brown-green or gray-brown, plump and hard, faint in odor and bean-fishy when chewed ; Tongguan, Shaanxi lots habitually called Tong Ji Li are often preferred. Shriveled, moldy, moth-eaten and Tribulus-admixed lots are discarded. Store airy and dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Sha Yuan Zi; do not replace supplementing the Kidney and securing essence with an equal weight of Ci Ji Li.

A practical guide to Sha Yuan Zi: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Semen Astragali Complanati
Chinese Name & Pinyin	沙苑子 · Sha Yuan Zi
Medicinal Part	Fruits and seeds
The herb	Sha Yuan Zi is the dried, slightly kidney-shaped seed of Astragalus complanatus. Bai Ji Li is the fruit of Tribulus. Huang Qi is a root. Do not write them as one herb.
Nature and channels	Sweet, warm. Enters the Liver and Kidney. Sweetness tonifies. Warmth assists yang. It also secures essence and brightens the eyes.
Pharmacopoeia line	Tonifies the Kidney and assists yang. Secures essence and reduces urination. Nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes. Used for Kidney-deficiency low-back pain, seminal emission and premature ejaculation, cloudy discharge and leukorrhea, dribbling after urine, dizziness, and dim vision.
Pattern cues	Kidney-deficiency low-back pain. Emissions. Dribbling urine. Dim vision and dizziness.
In this article	Sha Yuan Zi versus Bai Ji Li, Tu Si Zi, and Gou Qi Zi. Securing essence versus calming the Liver to brighten eyes. Why yin-deficiency fire is a caution. Who should skip it.

What Is Sha Yuan Zi?

Sha Yuan Zi (沙苑子; Shā Yuàn Zǐ; Latin: Astragali Complanati Semen; English: flatstem milkvetch seed) is the dried ripe seed of Astragalus complanatus R. Br. In Chinese medicine it is a yang-tonifying herb. It is sweet and warm, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and its core actions are to tonify the Kidney and assist yang, secure essence and reduce urination, and nourish the Liver and brighten the eyes. Other names include Sha Yuan Ji Li and Tong Ji Li. It is not Bai Ji Li / Ci Ji Li (Tribulus terrestris). Tribulus calms and courses the Liver, dispels wind, and brightens the eyes. It does not tonify the Kidney or secure essence. Both names contain “ji li.” The plants and actions are different. It is also not Huang Qi. Astragalus is a root that tonifies qi and raises yang. Sha Yuan Zi is a seed that tonifies the Kidney and astringes.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Kidney deficiency failing to secure — low-back pain, seminal emission, premature ejaculation
The urine gate not holding — dribbling after urine, cloudy discharge, leukorrhea
Liver–Kidney deficiency — dizziness, dim vision

It is usually used raw. The usual decoction dose is 9–15 g. Yin-deficiency fire, inhibited urination, and a dry red tongue are cautions. Sweet, warm, and astringent, it is not a “Kidney ji li” that can swap with Tribulus. Astringe too early in damp-heat painful strangury, and the pathogen is trapped.

When the low back is sore, essence will not hold, or vision dims, Sha Yuan Zi’s sweet warmth tonifies, secures, and nourishes the Liver. That is why it is often paired with Tu Si Zi and Gou Qi Zi. It warms and tonifies more than it clears. Tidal heat, night sweats, and emissions with fire signs get more restless if more warmth is added.

Sha Yuan Zi is not a catch-all Kidney or eye herb. In yin-deficiency fire or damp-heat strangury, using it alone can assist fire and trap dampness. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Sha Yuan Zi: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Semen Astragali Complanati

Botanical Origin

The dried ripe seed of Astragalus complanatus R. Br. (Fabaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Shanxi and Hebei.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is full, greenish-brown, and free of empty seeds.

Macroscopic Features

Kidney-shaped seeds, 2~2.5mm long; externally greenish-brown to greyish-brown, slightly lustrous; hard; kernel yellowish.

Origin and Quality Identification

Historically, the most prized seeds come from Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces. The name "Tong Ji Li" actually refers to the high-quality seeds historically produced in the Tongzhou area of Shaanxi.

Quality Markers: Authentic seeds are small, kidney-shaped, and greenish-brown or grayish-brown. They are smooth, hard, and reveal a yellowish-white interior when cracked. They have a faint, slightly "beany" taste and smell.
Salt-Baked vs. Raw: The salt-baked version is slightly darker, mildly puffed up, and has a faint salty taste.
Spotting Confusions: Be cautious of seeds from similar plants that look identical but lack the characteristic beany scent and TCM properties.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Sweet; WarmLiverKidney

1. Historical Records

This herb is highly respected in classical TCM literature:

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Ranked it as a top-tier herb, noting it tonifies the kidneys, strengthens Yin, boosts essence, and makes the body feel light with long-term use.
Ming Yi Bie Lu: Highlighted its use for lower back pain and essence leakage.
Ben Cao Gang Mu: Recorded its ability to treat profound fatigue, lower back pain, and weakness.
Zhong Hua Ben Cao: Summarized its modern TCM role as an herb that tonifies the kidneys, secures essence, and nourishes the Liver to brighten the eyes.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Over time, TCM practitioners refined how to best use this herb:

Balanced Action: Doctors value it because it treats Liver and Kidney deficiency (like a sore lower back or poor vision) while also addressing "leaking" issues (like frequent urination).
Key Boundaries: Practitioners clearly established that this is not a "cure-all" tonic. For example, if someone's frequent urination is caused by "Damp-Heat" (an excess condition, rather than a deficiency), this herb should not be used, as its astringent nature could trap the heat inside the body.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Supplements the kidney, secures essence, and brightens the eyes. Apply to seminal emission, frequent urination, lumbar weakness, and blurred vision.

1. Primary Focus: Tonifying the Kidneys and Securing Essence

The primary traditional use of Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) is to tonify the kidneys and secure the body's essence. This targets issues caused by Liver and Kidney deficiency where the body's energy is "leaking."

Target Symptoms: It is commonly used for conditions like nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, a sore lower back and weak knees, chronic fatigue, or dizziness and ringing in the ears. These issues often stem from overwork, lack of sleep, or innate weakness.
Common Pairings: To enhance the "securing" effect, it is frequently paired with astringent herbs like Long Gu (Dragon Bone) and Mu Li (Oyster Shell). If there are signs of Yin deficiency (like night sweats or hot flashes), it can be combined with nourishing herbs like Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) and Nu Zhen Zi (Glossy Privet Fruit).
When to Avoid: Do not use this herb on your own if you have signs of "Damp-Heat" (like a bitter taste in the mouth, a thick greasy tongue coating, or dark/scanty urine) or if you are suffering from an acute illness like a cold or fever. Using a tonic during an active infection can trap the pathogen inside the body.

2. Secondary Focus: Nourishing the Liver and Improving Vision

Another key function is nourishing the Liver to clear the eyes, addressing visual discomfort linked to internal deficiency.

Target Symptoms: It is excellent for blurry or declining vision, dry eyes, and dizziness, especially when accompanied by lower back and knee weakness. In TCM, the Liver "opens to the eyes," so poor vision is often treated by nourishing Liver and Kidney blood/essence.
Common Pairings: For better vision support, it is often paired with Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) and Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed). If you have "Hyperactive Liver Yang" (causing headaches or severe dizziness), it may be combined with cooling, calming herbs like Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower) and Gou Teng (Uncaria Vine).
When to Avoid: Avoid using it if your eye issues are caused by "Wind-Heat" (red, swollen, painful eyes with increased discharge) or active "Liver Fire" (throbbing eye pain with a bitter taste in the mouth). Adding a tonic to these "Heat" conditions will only make the inflammation worse.

3. Common Herb Pairings: The Synergistic Duo

A classic TCM combination is Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) paired with Tu Si Zi (Dodder Seed). Both herbs share the ability to tonify the kidneys, secure essence, and nourish the liver to improve vision.

Synergy: When used together, they create a powerful, cooperative effect, making them ideal for treating lower back weakness, vision decline, and essence leakage. However, they should only be used after proper diagnosis, as this double-tonic approach can aggravate Damp-Heat or other "Excess" conditions.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Main Chemical Components

Modern chemical analysis shows that Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) contains flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol), amino acids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, and trace elements like zinc.

Lab Observations: In test tubes, some of these flavonoid compounds show antioxidant activity. In animal models, extracts have shown potential protective effects on liver and kidney tissues. However, these remain lab-based observations.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

Current scientific research is mostly exploring the herb's antioxidant properties and its potential to protect the liver and kidneys. While animal studies hint at metabolic regulation, we still lack large-scale human clinical trials to confirm how these specific compounds work in the human body.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

When reading about modern studies on traditional herbs, it is vital to keep these limitations in mind:

Animals Aren't Humans: Promising results in a lab mouse do not automatically translate to human healing.
Format Differences: Lab researchers use highly purified extracts or single compounds. This is completely different from a traditional, gently brewed cup of herbal tea.
Dosage Disconnect: Studies often use doses far beyond what is safe or practical for daily consumption.
Holistic Synergy: In TCM, the healing power comes from the complex interaction of the whole herb. Judging the herb based on a single isolated antioxidant misses the big picture of how the whole plant interacts with the body.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Shared Traits

Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) is frequently confused with Ci Ji Li (Puncturevine Caltrop).

Both offer benefits for improving vision and alleviating eye discomfort.
Both are used to regulate conditions related to the Liver and Kidneys.
Both require careful consideration of dosage and body constitution before use.

2. Core Differences

Despite their similarities, these two herbs are fundamentally different in how they work:

Nature and Flavor: Sha Yuan Zi is neutral, sweet, and astringent, making it a gentle, non-harsh tonic. Ci Ji Li is slightly warm, bitter, and pungent, giving it a dispersing, "moving" quality.
Core Strength: Sha Yuan Zi focuses on nourishing and securing (building up energy and stopping leaks). Ci Ji Li focuses on smoothing Liver Qi and dispelling wind (clearing blockages and venting out skin rashes or irritations).
Action on the Body: Sha Yuan Zi is a tonic that doesn't disrupt the body's natural flow. Ci Ji Li actively moves energy, clears out stagnation, and vents external pathogens.
Target Symptoms: Use Sha Yuan Zi for deficiency patterns (weak lower back, chronic fatigue, declining vision). Use Ci Ji Li for excess patterns (chest tightness from emotional stress, red/cloudy eyes, or itchy skin rashes).
Contraindications: Sha Yuan Zi should be avoided in Damp-Heat or excess conditions. Because of its moving and slightly warm nature, Ci Ji Li should be avoided by those with Yin deficiency (internal heat) or severe weakness, as it can drain the body's energy.

3. A One-Sentence Summary

Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) gently tonifies the Liver and Kidneys to secure energy, while Ci Ji Li (Puncturevine Caltrop) actively smooths the Liver and disperses blocked energy and wind; although both treat the eyes, they cannot be used interchangeably.

Classical Formulas Containing Sha Yuan Zi

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan

金鎖固精丸Sovereign

Formula CategoryAstringent FormulasPrimary PatternKidney Yang DeficiencyPrimary FunctionSecure Essence, astringe leakage, tonify KidneyRelated ConditionsFrequent Nocturia·Low Libido·Premature Ejaculation

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Herbal Teas

For daily wellness, you can easily make a gentle Sha Yuan Zi and Goji Tea.

Ingredients: 5g Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) and 3g Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry).
Method: Place both herbs in a cup, pour boiling water over them, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. You can refill with hot water until the taste fades.
Best For: Routine care for mild Liver and Kidney deficiency, such as a slightly sore lower back, mild fatigue, or dry eyes, especially during the autumn and winter seasons.
Who Should Avoid It: Do not drink this if you have Damp-Heat (symptoms include a bitter taste in the mouth, a thick greasy tongue coating, or dark urine) or Yin Deficiency with Fire (symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats).
Frequency: Drink 2 to 3 times a week. It is not meant to be consumed daily for long periods. Remember that these are medicinal herbs, not standard food ingredients, so keep the dosage light.

2. Brewing and Processing Differences

The way the herb is processed changes its focus:

Raw Form (Sheng Sha Yuan Zi): Best for nourishing the Liver and improving vision. Great for mild eye discomfort.
Salt-Baked Form (Yan Zhi Sha Yuan Zi): Better for tonifying the Kidneys and securing essence. Ideal for a weak lower back or frequent urination.
Home Brewing: When cooking this at home, it does not require special steps like pre-boiling. Simply soak it in water for 30 minutes, then boil it along with your other herbs.
Note: Do not try to directly convert clinical prescription doses into daily tea doses; they serve different purposes.

3. Dosage and Usage Cycle

Dosage: In traditional clinical prescriptions, the dose is usually 6 to 10 grams. For home dietary use, keep it milder at 3 to 5 grams, adjusting based on your constitution.
Usage Cycle: Do not use it continuously for more than 2 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve, stop taking it and consult a TCM practitioner.
Special Groups: Pregnant women, children, and the elderly must always consult a professional before starting any herbal regimen to ensure the dose and duration are safe.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

Damp-Heat Conditions: If you have frequent urination or emissions caused by Damp-Heat (marked by a bitter mouth, yellow greasy tongue coating, and scanty, dark urine), using this herb will trap the heat inside your body and make things worse.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Because there is limited safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women should be very cautious and only use it under a doctor's strict guidance.
Children and the Elderly: Their digestive and organ systems are more sensitive; professional supervision is required.
Liver/Kidney Dysfunction: Anyone with pre-existing organ impairment should consult a doctor before use.
Legume Allergies: Since this herb comes from the bean family, avoid it if you have known legume allergies.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Medication Interactions: While there are no strict "forbidden foods," this herb may interact with certain Western medications, particularly blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, or diabetes medications.
Timing: Always consult your doctor if you are on prescription drugs, and make sure to separate your herbal tea from your medications by at least 1 to 2 hours.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Side Effects: Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) is generally very mild and safe at normal doses. However, taking too much can cause "Internal Heat," leading to a dry mouth, bitter taste, or a sore throat.
When to Seek Help: Stop using it immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, severe discomfort, continuous vomiting, breathing difficulties, or rapid worsening of your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sha Yuan Zi

What is Sha Yuan Zi? Are Sha Yuan Ji Li, Tong Ji Li, Ci Ji Li and Huang Qi the same?

Official Sha Yuan Zi (沙苑子) is the dried ripe seed of Astragalus complanatus. The pharmacopoeial name is Astragali Complanati Semen, also called Sha Yuan Ji Li or Tong Ji Li. Ci Ji Li (Bai Ji Li) is the fruit of Tribulus terrestris: acrid-bitter and slightly warm, levels and courses the Liver, dispels wind and brightens the eyes—spiny and not a tonic, wholly different. Huang Qi is the root of a related Astragalus: supplements Qi and raises Yang—not the seed. Stir-frying or salt-frying strengthens warm supplementation and astringency. Write Sha Yuan Zi; do not dispense Ci Ji Li.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Sha Yuan Zi?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Sha Yuan Zi is sweet and warm, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to supplement the Kidney to assist Yang, secure essence and reduce urination, and nourish the Liver to brighten the eyes. It is used for Kidney-vacuity lumbar pain, seminal emission and premature ejaculation, enuresis and urinary frequency, cloudy urine and vaginal discharge, dizziness, and dim vision. Sweet-warm and gently moistening, it evenly supplements Liver-Kidney while astringing—suited to vacuity that fails to secure, not to blazing ministerial fire, persistent erection, or Bladder damp-heat.

How do you choose raw versus fried or salt-fried? Should it be crushed?

Brightening the eyes and nourishing the Liver may use the raw seed; emission and urinary frequency more often use Chao Sha Yuan Zi or Yan Sha Yuan Zi to enter the Kidney. The seed is hard—crush it into the decoction. Do not mix it with Ci Ji Li.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a virility or eye tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g. It is not a four-season “Sha Yuan Zi virility tea.” Yin-deficiency fire and inhibited urination only burn more when warmed. Insecure Kidney vacuity and dim vision need a practitioner to name fried or salted and a course.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Forbid in blazing ministerial fire, persistent erection, Yin-deficiency fire, and Bladder damp-heat strangury or discharge. Sweet-warm assisting Yang and astringing is wrong without insecure vacuity. Pregnancy data are sparse and experiments suggest uterine contraction—only under assessment, not as self-prescribed Kidney supplementation. Stop if penile pain and red urine appear.

Can Sha Yuan Zi secure essence, reduce urination and brighten the eyes?

It can help Liver-Kidney insufficiency. Seminal slippage joins Euryale, lotus stamen, dragon bone and oyster shell. Dim vision joins Lycium, Cuscuta and chrysanthemum. It warmly supplements Liver-Kidney while securing essence and brightening the eyes—not a specific for every impotence, every enuresis or every myopia. Acute urinary infection and sudden vision loss are emergencies.

Can Sha Yuan Zi be drunk daily as a Kidney, eye or anti-aging tea?

Liver-Kidney vacuity that fails to secure may enter a short formula; ministerial fire and damp-heat only suffer more. “Sha Yuan Zi strengthens yang and protects the eyes” does not replace urology and ophthalmology. Supplementing the Kidney and securing essence should name Sha Yuan Zi (not Ci Ji Li) and a 9–15 g dose.

How do you choose among Sha Yuan Zi, Ci Ji Li, Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi and Fu Pen Zi?

Flattened milkvetch seed is sweet-warm: supplements the Kidney to assist Yang, secures essence, reduces urination and nourishes the Liver to brighten the eyes—warm, moist and astringent. Tribulus is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: levels and courses the Liver, quickens the Blood, dispels wind and brightens the eyes—spiny and not a tonic. Cuscuta is acrid-sweet-neutral: supplements the Kidney, benefits essence, nourishes the Liver to brighten the eyes, stops diarrhea and calms the fetus—even supplementation without cloying. Lycium is sweet-neutral: enriches Liver-Kidney, benefits essence, brightens the eyes and moistens the Lung—leaning to nourish Yin. Raspberry is sweet-sour and slightly warm: benefits the Kidney, secures essence, reduces urination and nourishes the Liver to brighten the eyes—clearer astringency. Vacuity that fails to secure favors Sha Yuan Zi and Fu Pen Zi; Liver-constraint eye disorders favor Ci Ji Li; even Liver-Kidney supplementation favors Tu Si Zi and Gou Qi Zi. They may be paired; all are wrong as pure warm supplementation in ministerial fire and damp-heat, and Sha Yuan Zi must not be called the same “Ji Li” as Ci Ji Li.

Which herbs is Sha Yuan Zi combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Unrestrained seminal slippage joins fried Euryale, lotus stamen, calcined dragon bone and calcined oyster shell. Liver-Kidney insufficiency with dim vision joins Lycium, Cuscuta and chrysanthemum. Write Sha Yuan Zi or Tong Ji Li; do not dispense Ci Ji Li.

How do you choose and store Sha Yuan Zi?

Choose slightly flattened kidney-shaped seeds, brown-green or gray-brown, plump and hard, faint in odor and bean-fishy when chewed; Tongguan, Shaanxi lots habitually called Tong Ji Li are often preferred. Shriveled, moldy, moth-eaten and Tribulus-admixed lots are discarded. Store airy and dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Sha Yuan Zi; do not replace supplementing the Kidney and securing essence with an equal weight of Ci Ji Li.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.