Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Pseudostellariae Radix |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 太子參 · Tai Zi Shen |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Tonifying |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried tuberous root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax et Hoffm. (Caryophyllaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Slightly bitter; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Spleen, Lung |
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What Is Tai Zi Shen?
Tai Zi Shen (Different Leaves Pseudostellaria) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the chines provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Slightly bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Spleen, Lung
Tai Zi Shen: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Pseudostellariae Radix
Botanical Origin
The dried tuberous root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax et Hoffm. (Caryophyllaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the chines provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is fat and moistened, yellowish-white, without rootlets.
Macroscopic Features
Thin and long fusiform or strip-like shape, about 2~6cm long, about 3~6mm diameter, externally yellowish-white, translucent, with longitudinal wrinkles and indented rootlet scars, root head is blunt round, often remains stem scars on the upper portion, lower portion gradually thin like rat tail. Brittle texture and easily broken, fractured surface is yellowish-white or off-white, directly sun-dried surface is white, powdery. faint odor, slightly sweet taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Slightly bitter; NeutralSpleenLung
Traditional Functions
Boosts qi and generates fluids. Apply to spleen-lung qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite, and thirst after febrile disease, milder than Ren Shen.
How Tai Zi Shen Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Tai Zi Shen is classified among the Tonifying herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tai Zi Shen? Are ginseng and codonopsis the same?
Official Tai Zi Shen (太子参) is the dried root tuber of Pseudostellaria heterophylla. The pharmacopoeial name is Pseudostellariae Radix. Ginseng is sweet, slightly bitter and slightly warm: greatly tonifies original qi. Codonopsis is sweet-neutral: tonifies the middle and benefits qi, strengthens the Spleen and benefits the Lung. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Tai Zi Shen. Excess pathogen is contraindicated.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Tai Zi Shen?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Tai Zi Shen is sweet, slightly bitter and neutral, enters the Spleen and Lung channels, and acts to benefit qi and strengthen the Spleen, generate fluid and moisten the Lung. It is used for Spleen vacuity with body fatigue, poor appetite, post-illness weakness, dual qi and yin insufficiency, spontaneous sweating with thirst, and dry Lung cough. Sweet, slightly bitter and neutral, it suits dual qi and yin vacuity—not excess pathogen, or damp-heat.
How do you choose raw versus stir-fried root? Can ginseng replace it?
Raw root is stronger for generating fluid. Stir-frying leans to strengthening the Spleen. Ginseng is stronger for greatly tonifying original qi; it cannot replace moistening the Lung by equal weight. Commercial pseudostellaria tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Tai Zi Shen
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Tai Zi Shen.
Read the Tai Zi Shen 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.
