Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 佛手 · Fo Shou |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Qi-regulating |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried fruit of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle.(Rutaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter, Sour; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung |
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What Is Fo Shou?
Fo Shou (Finger Citron Fruit) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan and Chongqing.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter, Sour; Warm
Channels Entered: Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung
Fo Shou: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus
Botanical Origin
The dried fruit of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle.(Rutaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan and Chongqing.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large and thin, with yellow skin and white flesh (Guang fo shou), or green skin and white flesh (Chuan fo shou), aromatic odor and sweet taste.
Macroscopic Features
Semi-elliptical or oval-shaped thin slices, often wrinkled or curled. 6~10cm long, 3~7cm wide, 0.2~0.4cm thick. Apex is slightly wide, with 3~5 finger-like sections, base is slightly narrow, some with fruit stem. Outer skin is yellowish-green or orange-yellow, with wrinkles and oil spots. Flesh is pale yellowish-white, with scattered uneven linear or spotted vascular bundles. Hard and brittle texture, pliable after being moistened. Aromatic odor; tastes slightly sweet and then bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter, Sour; WarmLiverSpleenStomachLung
Traditional Functions
Spreads liver qi and regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach and stops pain, and dries dampness and resolves phlegm.
How Fo Shou Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Fo Shou is classified among the Qi-regulating herbs.
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.
