Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Semen Raphani |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 萊菔子 · Lai Fu Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Digestant |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature seed of Raphanus sativus L.(Brassicaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Sweet; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Spleen, Stomach |
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What Is Lai Fu Zi?
Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Produced throughout China.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Sweet; Neutral
Channels Entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Lai Fu Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Semen Raphani
Botanical Origin
The dried mature seed of Raphanus sativus L.(Brassicaceae)
Production Regions
Produced throughout China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is full large, firm, reddish-brown.
Macroscopic Features
Semi-oval or elliptical, slightly flat, 2.5~4mm long, 2~3mm wide. Externally yellowish-brown, reddish-brown or grayish-brown, one end has dark brown round hilum, one side has numerous longitudinal grooves. Seed coat is thin and brittle, 2 cotyledons, yellowish-white, oily. Tasteless, slightly bitter, acrid.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Sweet; NeutralLungSpleenStomach
Traditional Functions
Digest food, resolves fullness, downbears qi, resolves phlegm. Apply to food stagnation, abdominal swelling and pain, constipation, accumulation and diarrhea, phlegm stasis and cough and panting.
Classical Formulas Containing Lai Fu Zi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lai Fu Zi? Are radish, Bai Jie Zi and Zi Su Zi the same?
Official Lai Fu Zi (莱菔子) is the dried mature seed of Raphanus sativus. The pharmacopoeial name is Raphani Semen. Kitchen radish is the root, edible but not the medicinal seed by equal weight. Bai Jie Zi is acrid-warm: warms the Lung, transforms phlegm, benefits qi and disperses binds. Zi Su Zi is acrid-warm: downbears qi, transforms phlegm, stops cough and wheezing, and moistens the intestines. Write Lai Fu Zi or fried Lai Fu Zi; crush before use. Use caution in qi vacuity without accumulation. Tradition holds it should not be combined with ginseng.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Lai Fu Zi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Lai Fu Zi is acrid, sweet and neutral, enters the Lung, Spleen and Stomach channels, and acts to reduce food stagnation and eliminate distention, downbear qi and transform phlegm. It is used for food stagnation, epigastric-abdominal distending pain, bound stool, accumulation diarrhea and dysentery, and phlegm congestion with wheezing and cough. Acrid-dispersing and downbearing, it suits food accumulation and phlegm congestion—not middle-qi weakness without food accumulation or phlegm stagnation.
How do you choose raw versus fried Lai Fu Zi?
Practice more often uses fried Lai Fu Zi: leans toward reducing food and eliminating distention, milder on the gut. Raw Lai Fu Zi leans toward downbearing qi and transforming phlegm, with stronger ejecting force; use caution if the gut is sensitive. Both should be crushed when used. Do not chew raw radish seed long-term as a tonic.
Learn More About Lai Fu Zi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Lai Fu Zi.
Read the Lai Fu 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.
