Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Trigonellae Semen |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 葫蘆巴 · Hu Lu Ba |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Tonifying |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.(Fabaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Kidney |
What Is Hu Lu Ba?
Hu Lu Ba (Common Fenugreek Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Anhui, Henan.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Warm
Channels Entered: Kidney
Hu Lu Ba: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Trigonellae Semen
Botanical Origin
The dried mature seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.(Fabaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Anhui, Henan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large, full.
Macroscopic Features
Slightly rhomboid or diamond-shape, 3~5mm long, 2~3mm wide, about 2mm thick. Externally yellowish-brown or reddish-brown, slightly with gray short hairs, both sides each have a deep angled groove, linked at the hilum. Hard texture. Aromatic odor; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; WarmKidney
Traditional Functions
Warms kidney andassists yang, disperses cold and relieves pain.
How Hu Lu Ba Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Hu Lu Ba is classified among the Tonifying 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.