Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Equiseti Hiemalis Herba |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 木賊 · Mu Zei |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Exterior-releasing |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The dried aerial portion of Equisetum hiemale L.(Equisetaceae) |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter; Neutral |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Lung, Liver |
|---|
What Is Mu Zei?
Mu Zei (Common Scouring Rush) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Hubei and the northeast.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver
Mu Zei: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Equiseti Hiemalis Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried aerial portion of Equisetum hiemale L.(Equisetaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Hubei and the northeast.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has long stem, green color, thick texture, not fallen from the joints.
Macroscopic Features
Stem is long tube-shaped, not branched. 40~60cm long, about 6mm diameter. Externally grayish-green or yellowish-green, with 18~30 thin longitudinal ridges, flat and straightly arranged, ridge has 2 rows of tiny and shiny verrucous protuberances, adheres to the hands when touched. Joints have scales growing together and forming leaf sheaths, base of leaf sheaths and nodal sheaths are black-brown, have 2 rings of relatively wide rings. Sheath back has 2 ridges and one shallow groove. Brittle texture, easily broken, hollow fractured surface. 20~30 small holes arranged in a ring, inside has white or pale green thin flesh. faint odor, slightly astringent taste, sandy texture when chewed.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter; NeutralLungLiver
Traditional Functions
Disperses wind-heat, brightens the eyes and removes nebula.
How Mu Zei Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Mu Zei is classified among the Exterior-releasing 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.
