Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Chebulae Fructus |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 訶子 · He Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Astringent |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz.(Combretaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Sour, Astringent; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Large Intestine |
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What Is He Zi?
He Zi (Medicine Terminalia) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Sour, Astringent; Neutral
Channels Entered: Lung, Large Intestine
He Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Chebulae Fructus
Botanical Origin
The dried mature fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz.(Combretaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is brownish-yellow, large, slightly wrinkled, and lustrous.
Macroscopic Features
Fruit is oval or elliptical, 2.4cm long, 2~2.5cm diameter. Externally brown, slightly lustrous, with 5~6 longitudinal ridges and irregular wrinkles, 1~2 longitudinal raised projections among the ridges, thin and dense horizontal lines can be seen; base has round stem scar. Firm texture; after being cut, flesh is 2~4mm thick, yellowish-brown. Kernel is 1.5~2.5cm long, pale yellow, rough, hard, with one seed that has thin and narrow fusiform shape, 1cm long, 2~4mm diameter, membranous yellowish-brown seed coat, 2 white cotyledons twisted together. faint odor; sour and astringent taste at first, then sweet.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Sour, Astringent; NeutralLungLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Astringes intestines and stops diarrhea, astringes lung and stops cough, and downbears fire and benefits the throat.
How He Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, He Zi is classified among the Astringent 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.
