Fruits and seedsPurgativeSemen Pharbitidis
Qian Niu Zi (Pharbitis Seed)
牽牛子 · Qian Niu Zi
Purgative herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Drains water, frees stools, eliminates phlegm, clears fluid, kills worms, attacks stagnation.
Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Semen Pharbitidis |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 牽牛子 · Qian Niu Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Purgative |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature seed of Pharbitis nil (L.) Choisy.(Convolvulaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Cold; Toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Kidney, Large Intestine |
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What Is Qian Niu Zi?
Qian Niu Zi (Pharbitis Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Cold; Toxic
Channels Entered: Lung, Kidney, Large Intestine
Qian Niu Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Semen Pharbitidis
Botanical Origin
The dried mature seed of Pharbitis nil (L.) Choisy.(Convolvulaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material consists of full kernels.
Macroscopic Features
Three-edged shape, similar to an orange segment. Externally grayish-black (Black qianniuzi) or pale yellowish-white (White qianniuzi). Seed coat is firm and pliable, back surface has one longitudinal groove. Acrid and bitter taste, numbing to the tongue.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; Cold; ToxicLungKidneyLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Drains water, frees stools, eliminates phlegm, clears fluid, kills worms, attacks stagnation. Apply to edema and fullness, fecal and urinary stoppage, inverse qi and panting, worm stagnation and abdominal pain, ascariasis, taeniasis.
Classical Formulas Containing Qian Niu Zi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Qian Niu Zi? Are Hei Chou, Bai Chou and Gan Sui the same?
Official Qian Niu Zi (牵牛子) is the dried ripe seed of Pharbitis nil or Pharbitis purpurea. The pharmacopoeial name is Pharbitidis Semen. Dark-brown seeds are Hei Chou; pale yellowish-brown seeds are Bai Chou; the mix is Er Chou—actions are similar. Gan Sui is bitter-cold and toxic: drains water, expels retained fluid, disperses swelling and dissipates binds—fiercer. Write Qian Niu Zi and crush before use. Forbidden in pregnancy; do not combine with Croton or Croton frost.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Qian Niu Zi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Qian Niu Zi is bitter and cold; toxic, enters the Lung, Kidney and Large Intestine channels, and acts to drain water and unblock the bowels, disperse phlegm and scour retained fluid, kill worms and attack accumulation. It is used for edema with distention and fullness, blocked dual elimination, phlegm-fluid accumulation, rebellious qi wheezing and cough, and worm-accumulation abdominal pain. Bitter-cold and toxic, it is a fierce draining-water herb—excess water-fluid patterns, not qi-vacuity weakness or patterns without accumulation or water.
How do you choose raw versus fried Qian Niu Zi? Can morning-glory seeds be eaten as a snack?
Draining water, unblocking the bowels, dispersing phlegm and scouring retained fluid more often use the raw seed—fiercer and more toxic. Frying eases it slightly. Crush before use. Garden morning-glory seeds are not equal-weight pharmacopoeial pieces; do not eat them as a snack or self-dose as a draining tea.
Learn More About Qian Niu Zi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Qian Niu Zi.
Read the Qian Niu 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.
