Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Allii Tuberosi Semen |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 韮菜子 · Jiu Cai Zi |
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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 Allium tuberosum Rottl.(Liliaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Sweet; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Jiu Cai Zi?
Jiu Cai Zi (Tuber Onion Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangdong.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Sweet; Warm
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Jiu Cai Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Allii Tuberosi Semen
Botanical Origin
The dried mature seed of Allium tuberosum Rottl.(Liliaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangdong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has black color, full seed, without foreign matter.
Macroscopic Features
Flat oval or semi-oval shape, 2~4mm long, 1.5~3mm wide, externally black, one side is raised, rough, with thin and dense reticular wrinkles; another side has slightly indented, indistinct wrinkles; apex is blunt, base is slightly pointed, one raised spotted hilum is present. Hard texture, distinctive odor; slightly acrid taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Sweet; WarmLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Warms and supplements the liver and kidney, strengthens yang and astringes essence.
How Jiu Cai Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Jiu Cai Zi 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.
