Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Cnidii Fructus |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 蛇床子 · She Chuang Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Toxin-attacking |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss.(Apiaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter; Warm; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Kidney |
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What Is She Chuang Zi?
She Chuang Zi (Common Cnidium Fruit) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hebei, Guangxi, Zhejiang, Shandong.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Warm; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Kidney
She Chuang Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Cnidii Fructus
Botanical Origin
The dried mature fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss.(Apiaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hebei, Guangxi, Zhejiang, Shandong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is grayish-yellow, full, with potent aromatic odor and taste.
Macroscopic Features
Cremocarp fruits are tiny, oval shape, 2~4mm long, about 2mm diameter. Externally grayish-yellow or grayish-brown, apex has 2 styles that curl outward, base occasionally has thin stems. Back side of schizocarp has 5 thin raised longitudinal ridges; the sides that touch are smooth, with 2 brown slightly protuberant longitudinal crest lines. Exocarp is loose and brittle; seed is tiny, grayish-brown, and oily. Aromatic odor, acrid and cooling taste, numbing to the tongue.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter; Warm; Slightly toxicKidney
Traditional Functions
Dries dampness and dispels wind, kills parasites and stops itching, warms kidney yang.
How She Chuang Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, She Chuang Zi is classified among the Toxin-attacking 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.
