Fruits and seedsWind-extinguishingTribuli Fructus

Bai Ji Li (Tribulus Fruit)

Q: What is Bai Ji Li? Are Sha Yuan Zi and Ci Ji Li the same?

The pharmacopoeial name is Ji Li (蒺藜), also called Bai Ji Li and Ci Ji Li. It is the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris . The pharmacopoeial name is Tribuli Fructus . Sha Yuan Zi is also called Tong Ji Li: the seed of Astragalus complanatus, sweet-warm, supplements the Kidney, assists yang, secures essence, reduces urination, nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes. It is not this fruit. Write Ji Li or Bai Ji Li. Use caution in pregnancy and qi and Blood vacuity.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Bai Ji Li?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Ji Li is acrid, bitter and slightly warm , enters the Liver channel, and acts to calm the Liver, resolve depression, invigorate Blood, dispel wind, brighten the eyes and stop itch . It is used for headache and dizziness, distending pain of the chest and flanks, blocked milk and breast abscess, red eyes with nebula, and wind-rash itch. Acrid-bitter and slightly warm, it suits Liver depression and wind-heat—not qi and Blood vacuity, or pregnancy without assessment.

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

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 6–10 g . It is not a four-season “tribulus eye tea.” Qi and Blood vacuity only increase vacuity as it disperses. Headache and red eyes need a practitioner to name a short course; they do not replace eye assessment.

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

Use caution in pregnancy and in qi and Blood vacuity. Stop if dizziness worsens or bleeding appears. Sudden loss of vision and chest pain need medical care.

Q: How do you choose and store Bai Ji Li?

Choose five-ridged radiating fruits, green-white or gray-white, spines on the back, hard, a faint odor and a bitter-acrid taste . Moldy, spineless or dirty lots are discarded. Store dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Ji Li; do not replace calming the Liver, resolving depression, invigorating Blood, dispelling wind, brightening the eyes and stopping itch with flattened milkvetch seed by equal weight.

A practical guide to Bai Ji Li: 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	Tribuli Fructus
Chinese Name & Pinyin	白蒺藜 · Bai Ji Li
Medicinal Part	Fruits and seeds
The herb	Bai Ji Li is Ci Ji Li, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris. Sha Yuan Zi is a different official drug. It is slightly toxic.
Nature and channels	Acrid, bitter, slightly warm, slightly toxic. Enters the Liver. Acrid bitter slight warmth calms the Liver, releases constraint, invigorates blood, dispels wind, brightens the eyes, and stops itch.
Pharmacopoeia line	Calms the Liver and releases constraint. Invigorates blood and dispels wind. Brightens the eyes. Stops itch. Used for headache and dizziness, distending chest and flank pain, breast milk not flowing and breast abscess, red eyes and screens, and wind-rash itch.
Pattern cues	Headache and dizziness. Distending chest and flank pain. Red eyes. Wind-rash itch.
In this article	Bai Ji Li versus Sha Yuan Zi, Ju Hua, and Gou Teng. Calming the Liver versus tonifying the Kidney. Why it is slightly toxic. Why pregnancy is a caution. Who should skip it.

What Is Bai Ji Li?

Bai Ji Li is the pharmacopoeia drug Ci Ji Li (刺蒺藜; Bái Jí Lí; Latin: Tribuli Fructus; English: puncture vine fruit). It is the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L. In Chinese medicine it calms the Liver and extinguishes wind. It is acrid, bitter, and slightly warm, slightly toxic, enters the Liver channel, and its core actions are to calm the Liver and release constraint, invigorate blood and dispel wind, brighten the eyes, and stop itch. It is not Sha Yuan Zi. Flattened milkvetch seed is also called Sha Yuan Ji Li. It is sweet-warm. It tonifies the Kidney, secures essence, and nourishes the Liver to brighten the eyes. It does not disperse. Bai Ji Li is acrid, bitter, and slightly warm. It calms the Liver, dispels wind, and stops itch. Use caution in pregnancy. Blood deficiency and weak qi are a poor match. This is not a testosterone or sports-performance product claim. Headache and dizziness need pattern diagnosis. Eye screens need a clinic.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Headache and dizziness — Liver yang rising
Distending chest and flank pain, breast milk not flowing, breast abscess — Liver constraint; breast abscess needs a clinic
Red eyes and screens, wind-rash itch

The usual decoction dose is 6–10 g. Acrid, bitter, slightly warm, and slightly toxic, it is not a daily “Liver-calming tribulus” to keep increasing. Dispersing when there is no Liver constraint and no Liver yang consumes qi.

When Liver yang rises, or wind is depressed in the skin, headache, red eyes, and wind-rash are common. Bai Ji Li is acrid, bitter, and slightly warm. It calms, disperses, and stops itch, which is why it appears in Liver-calming and wind-dispelling formulas. It disperses more than it holds. Dizziness from blood deficiency and shortness of breath get weaker if more dispersing is added.

Bai Ji Li is not a catch-all Liver or itch fruit. In blood deficiency and weak qi, or when there is no wind and no constraint, using it alone can consume qi. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Bai Ji Li: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Tribuli Fructus

Botanical Origin

The dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Hebei, Shandong and Anhui.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is uniformly grey-white, with intact spines and full fruit.

Macroscopic Features

Pentagonal mericarps with paired hard spines; externally greenish-grey to greyish-white; hard.

Sourcing and Quality Identification

Historically, the most premium Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) comes from northern Chinese provinces like Henan, Hebei, and Shandong.

High Quality: A good raw herb features plump, pentagonal fruits that are yellowish-white and very hard. When crushed, it has a faint grassy scent and a slightly bitter taste. The stir-fried version will be darker, crispier, and mostly spike-free.
Inferior Quality: Confusing substitutes or low-quality batches tend to be soft, irregularly shaped, and lack the distinct smell.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Acrid, Bitter; Slightly warm; Slightly toxicLiver

1. Historical Records

The understanding of Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) has deep roots in classic texts:

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Initially noted for managing "bad blood" (stasis) and throat/breast discomfort.
Ming Yi Bie Lu: Added its benefits for wind-induced skin itching, headaches, and coughs.
Xin Xiu Ben Cao: Highlighted its specific ability to "dispel wind and brighten the eyes."
Ben Cao Gang Mu: Expanded its use to chronic coughs and lower back pain.
Zhong Hua Ben Cao: Today, its core traditional functions are summarized as calming the liver, resolving Qi stagnation, moving blood, and stopping itching.

2. Evolution of Understanding

How TCM doctors use this herb has evolved significantly over centuries. Before the Song Dynasty, it was mainly viewed as a strong tool for breaking up blood stasis. By the Ming Dynasty, doctors began to recognize its excellent ability to soothe the Liver and resolve emotional or stress-related aches (like rib pain or tension headaches). By the Qing Dynasty, practitioners refined its safety guidelines, emphasizing that because it is a "dispersing" herb, it should be paired with nourishing tonics if given to patients with a weak constitution to avoid exhausting their energy.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Calms the liver, brightens the eyes, dispels wind, and stops itching. Apply to headache and dizziness from liver yang, red eyes, and wind-rash itching.

1. Primary Focus: Calming and Smoothing the Liver

One of the most essential traditional functions of Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) is to calm and smooth the Liver meridian, relieving discomfort caused by stagnant Liver Qi.

Common Symptoms: It is highly effective for stress-related rib pain, chest tightness, frequent sighing, breast tenderness, irregular periods, or headaches and dizziness caused by "Liver fire."
Common Pairings: Practitioners often combine it with Qi-moving herbs like Chai Hu (Bupleurum) or Xiang Fu (Cyperus). If there is excess heat (Liver fire), cooling herbs like Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) or Zhi Zi (Cape Jasmine Fruit) are added.
Warning: If your discomfort is simply due to a lack of energy or blood (Qi or Blood deficiency), you should not use this herb on its own, as its dispersing nature can make you feel more exhausted.

2. Secondary Focus: Dispelling Wind and Brightening the Eyes

The second core function is dispelling external "wind" pathogens that affect the head, face, and eyes.

Common Symptoms: It helps relieve blurry vision, dry/red/swollen eyes, itchy skin, and wind-induced headaches.
Common Pairings: For wind-heat in the head and eyes, it is paired with Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) or Man Jing Zi (Vitex Fruit). For skin itching, it is combined with Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia) or Jing Jie (Schizonepeta).
Warning: If your dry eyes or itchy skin are caused by chronic Yin or Blood deficiency (internal dryness), using this herb might worsen the dryness.

3. Common Herb Pairing: The Synergy

A classic TCM combination is Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) and Chai Hu (Bupleurum).

The Synergy: Chai Hu specializes in lifting and unblocking Liver Qi, while Bai Ji Li excels at smoothing it out. Together, they create a powerful team for resolving emotional stress, rib pain, and menstrual irregularities.
Caution: This is a professional clinical pairing. Doses must be carefully adjusted based on the individual's constitution.

Modern Research

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

1. Key Chemical Components

Modern science shows that Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and volatile oils. These natural plant compounds are the foundation of its medicinal effects. Currently, most research on these components is limited to laboratory and animal models.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

While traditional medicine uses a holistic approach, modern pharmacological studies have mainly focused on a few specific areas:

Liver Function: Observing how its extracts might regulate markers related to liver stress.
Skin Health: Testing its potential to reduce allergic itching in animal skin models.
Eye Health: Exploring its effects on local blood circulation in the eyes.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

Lab vs. Human Reality: Results from a petri dish or an animal model do not directly translate to human clinical success.
Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: The highly concentrated extracts or isolated single chemicals used in modern labs are entirely different from the traditional Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) herbal slices boiled in a standard TCM decoction.
Synergy is Key: In TCM, the healing power comes from the complex interaction of all components within the whole herb, and often how it interacts with other herbs in a formula. A single active compound cannot represent the effects of the whole plant.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Both herbs can influence the Liver meridian and are frequently used in Liver and Kidney formulas. Both require careful dosage control.

2. Core Differences

Nature and Intent: Bai Ji Li is neutral and dispersing; its main job is to "move and unblock" stagnant Qi and wind. Sha Yuan Zi is warm and sweet; its job is to "nourish and hold in" (tonify) to prevent leakage.
Application: Choose Bai Ji Li for active, stagnant issues (like stress, headaches, or itching). Choose Sha Yuan Zi for chronic deficiency issues (like a sore lower back, dizziness, or frequent urination).
Direction of Action: Bai Ji Li pushes outward and disperses. Sha Yuan Zi pulls inward and astringes.

3. Summary of Differences

In short, Bai Ji Li (Tribulus) is a "mover" used for blockages and external wind, while Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed) is a "builder" used for deep deficiencies. They cannot replace one another.

Classical Formulas Containing Bai Ji Li

Dang Gui Yin Zi

當歸飲子

Formula CategoryBlood-Tonifying FormulasPrimary PatternBlood DeficiencyPrimary FunctionNourish blood, dispel wind, stop itchRelated ConditionsDry Skin

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 Recipes or Teas

Recipe 1: Bai Ji Li and Chrysanthemum Tea
- Ingredients: 3g of Chao Bai Ji Li (Stir-fried Tribulus), 2g of Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), 2g of Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), 200ml hot water.
- Usage: Brew for 5 minutes. Great for mild dry eyes or stress-induced headaches. Drink up to twice a week.
- Avoid if: You have "Yin deficiency" (hot hands/feet, night sweats).
Recipe 2: Bai Ji Li and Fang Feng Porridge
- Ingredients: 5g of Chao Bai Ji Li (Stir-fried Tribulus), 3g of Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), 50g of rice.
- Usage: Boil the herbs in a cloth bag for 20 mins, remove the bag, and cook the rice in the herbal water. Good for wind-induced headaches or mild itching. Use once every two weeks for no more than 3 days.
- Avoid if: You sweat very easily from minor physical activity (Qi deficiency).

2. Preparation and Brewing

Raw vs. Stir-fried: Raw Bai Ji Li is stronger for dispelling wind and stopping itches. Chao Bai Ji Li (Stir-fried) has its spikes removed, is milder, and is better for smoothing Liver Qi.
Brewing: It does not require special boiling times. Simply boil it with other herbs for about 20 minutes.

3. Dosage and Cycle

Dosage: Clinical doses are typically 5-10g. For home wellness (like teas), keep it lower at 3-5g.
Duration: Keep use short-term (under 1 week). It is not a daily dietary supplement.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It?

Deficiency Constitutions: Those with severe Qi, Blood, or Yin deficiency (symptoms include extreme fatigue, pale face, or chronic dry mouth/hot flashes).
Special Populations: Pregnant and nursing women must avoid it. Children and the elderly should only use it under professional guidance.
Organ Health & Allergies: People with compromised liver/kidney function or allergies to the Zygophyllaceae plant family.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Medication Interactions: It may amplify the effects of blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or sedatives. Always consult your doctor before mixing it with prescriptions.
Dietary Rule: While there are no strict food bans, avoid mixing it with other potent medicinal herbs without a practitioner's advice.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Side Effects: Normal use is generally safe, but an overdose can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or skin rashes.
Action Plan: If you experience severe allergic reactions, continuous vomiting, or breathing issues, stop immediately and seek emergency medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bai Ji Li

What is Bai Ji Li? Are Sha Yuan Zi and Ci Ji Li the same?

The pharmacopoeial name is Ji Li (蒺藜), also called Bai Ji Li and Ci Ji Li. It is the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris. The pharmacopoeial name is Tribuli Fructus. Sha Yuan Zi is also called Tong Ji Li: the seed of Astragalus complanatus, sweet-warm, supplements the Kidney, assists yang, secures essence, reduces urination, nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes. It is not this fruit. Write Ji Li or Bai Ji Li. Use caution in pregnancy and qi and Blood vacuity.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Bai Ji Li?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Ji Li is acrid, bitter and slightly warm, enters the Liver channel, and acts to calm the Liver, resolve depression, invigorate Blood, dispel wind, brighten the eyes and stop itch. It is used for headache and dizziness, distending pain of the chest and flanks, blocked milk and breast abscess, red eyes with nebula, and wind-rash itch. Acrid-bitter and slightly warm, it suits Liver depression and wind-heat—not qi and Blood vacuity, or pregnancy without assessment.

How do you choose Bai Ji Li versus Sha Yuan Zi? Can Sha Yuan Zi replace it?

Tribulus is acrid and dispersing: calms the Liver, dispels wind, brightens the eyes and stops itch, leaning to wind-heat red eyes and itch. Flattened milkvetch seed is sweet-warm: supplements the Kidney, secures essence, nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes, leaning to Kidney-vacuity seminal emission and dim vision. They cannot replace one another by equal weight. Commercial tribulus tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as an eye tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 6–10 g. It is not a four-season “tribulus eye tea.” Qi and Blood vacuity only increase vacuity as it disperses. Headache and red eyes need a practitioner to name a short course; they do not replace eye assessment.

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

Use caution in pregnancy and in qi and Blood vacuity. Stop if dizziness worsens or bleeding appears. Sudden loss of vision and chest pain need medical care.

Can Bai Ji Li calm the Liver, resolve depression, invigorate Blood, dispel wind, brighten the eyes and stop itch?

It can help headache from Liver depression and wind-rash itch. Headache joins chrysanthemum, uncaria and white peony. Red eyes may join chrysanthemum and cassia seed after pattern differentiation. It calms the Liver, resolves depression, invigorates Blood, dispels wind, brightens the eyes and stops itch—not a specific for every eye disease or every itchy skin.

Can Bai Ji Li be drunk daily as an eye, itch or Liver tea?

Liver depression and wind-heat may enter a short formula; qi and Blood vacuity only increase vacuity as it disperses. “Tribulus must brighten the eyes” does not replace eye assessment. Calming the Liver, resolving depression, invigorating Blood, dispelling wind, brightening the eyes and stopping itch should name 6–10 g.

How do you choose among Bai Ji Li, Sha Yuan Zi, Ju Hua, Gou Teng and Chan Tui?

Tribulus is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: calms the Liver, resolves depression, invigorates Blood, dispels wind, brightens the eyes and stops itch—headache, red eyes and wind rash. Flattened milkvetch seed is sweet-warm: supplements the Kidney, assists yang, secures essence, reduces urination, nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes—Kidney-vacuity seminal emission and dim vision. Chrysanthemum is sweet-bitter and slightly cold: disperses wind-heat, calms Liver yang, clears the Liver and brightens the eyes—wind-heat red eyes. Uncaria is sweet-cool: extinguishes wind, settles fright, clears heat and calms the Liver—Liver-heat convulsions. Cicada slough is sweet-cold: disperses wind-heat, benefits the throat, vents rash, brightens the eyes and removes nebula—wind-heat hoarseness and itchy rash. Wind-heat red eyes favor Bai Ji Li or Ju Hua; Kidney-vacuity dim vision favors Sha Yuan Zi; convulsions favor Gou Teng; venting rash favors Chan Tui. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; pregnancy and qi and Blood vacuity forbid large Bai Ji Li.

Which herbs is Bai Ji Li combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Headache and dizziness join chrysanthemum, uncaria, white peony and gastrodia. Wind-rash itch joins cicada slough, schizonepeta and saposhnikovia after pattern differentiation. Write Bai Ji Li 6–10 g; do not replace calming the Liver and dispelling wind with flattened milkvetch seed by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Bai Ji Li?

Choose five-ridged radiating fruits, green-white or gray-white, spines on the back, hard, a faint odor and a bitter-acrid taste. Moldy, spineless or dirty lots are discarded. Store dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Ji Li; do not replace calming the Liver, resolving depression, invigorating Blood, dispelling wind, brightening the eyes and stopping itch with flattened milkvetch seed by equal weight.

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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.