Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Cassiae Semen |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 決明子 · Jue Ming Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature seed of Cassia obtusifolia L., or Cassia tora L.(Fabaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter, Salty; Slightly cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Large Intestine |
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What Is Jue Ming Zi?
Jue Ming Zi (Sickle Senna Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Sichuan.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter, Salty; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Large Intestine
Jue Ming Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Cassiae Semen
Botanical Origin
The dried mature seed of Cassia obtusifolia L., or Cassia tora L.(Fabaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Sichuan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has full seed and green color.
Macroscopic Features
Slightly square or short cylindrical shape, two ends are parallel, slightly slanted, 3~7mm long, 2~4mm wide, greenish-brown or dark brown, smooth and lustrous, one crest line on each side, and one pale yellow concave line on the two sides of crest; hard texture, not easily broken. Cut surface presents with a seed coat and 2 yellow cotyledons in “3” shaped fold. faint odor; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter, Salty; Slightly coldLiverLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Clears the liver, brightens the eyes, moistens the intestines, and unblocks the bowels. Apply to red painful eyes, headache, and constipation from intestinal dryness.
How Jue Ming Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Jue Ming Zi is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Jue Ming Zi are traditionally used for:
Eye DrynessEye FatigueBitter Taste in MouthHeadache
Classical Formulas Containing Jue Ming Zi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jue Ming Zi? Are abalone shell and chrysanthemum the same?
Official Jue Ming Zi (决明子) is the dried ripe seed of Cassia obtusifolia or Cassia tora. The pharmacopoeial name is Cassiae Semen, also called Cao Jue Ming. Abalone shell is salty-cold: calms the Liver, subdues yang, clears the Liver and brightens the eyes. Chrysanthemum is sweet-bitter and slightly cold: disperses wind, clears heat, calms the Liver and brightens the eyes. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Jue Ming Zi. Use caution in Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold and loose stool.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Jue Ming Zi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Jue Ming Zi is sweet, bitter, salty and slightly cold, enters the Liver and Large Intestine channels, and acts to clear heat and brighten the eyes, moisten the intestines and free the stool. It is used for red painful eyes, photophobia with excessive tearing, headache and dizziness, dim vision, and constipation. Sweet-bitter-salty and slightly cold, it suits Liver-heat red eyes—not Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold, or loose stool.
How do you choose raw versus stir-fried seed? Can abalone shell replace it?
Raw seed is stronger for moistening the intestines. Stir-frying leans to brightening the eyes. Abalone shell leans to calming the Liver and subduing yang; it cannot replace moistening the intestines by equal weight. Commercial cassia-seed tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Jue Ming Zi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Jue Ming Zi.
Read the Jue Ming Zi Guide →
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.
