Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Radix Semiaquilegiae |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 天葵子 · Tian Kui Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried tuberous root of Semiaquilegia adoxoides (DC.) Makino.(Ranunculaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter, Acrid; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Stomach |
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What Is Tian Kui Zi?
Tian Kui Zi (Semiaquilegia Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Guizhou, Hunan.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter, Acrid; Cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Stomach
Tian Kui Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Radix Semiaquilegiae
Botanical Origin
The dried tuberous root of Semiaquilegia adoxoides (DC.) Makino.(Ranunculaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Guizhou, Hunan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large, with white xylum on fractured surface.
Macroscopic Features
Irregular short column, fusiform, or lump-like shape, slightly curved, some have 2~3 short branches, 1~3cm long, 0.5~1cm diameter. Externally dark brown to grayish-black, irregular wrinkles and rootlet or rootlet scars; apex often has remnants of stem and leaf, externally covered in numerous layers of sheath-like scales; middle is often enlarged. Relatively soft texture, easily broken, fractured surface has off-white cortex, yellowish-white or yellowish-brown xylem with a slightly radial pattern. faint odor, sweet, slightly bitter and acrid taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter, Acrid; ColdLiverStomach
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and remove toxin, disperses swelling and dissipate binds. Apply to swelling abscess, deep-rooted boil and sore, acute mastitis, scrofula, bite wound of insect, worm or snake.
How Tian Kui Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Tian Kui Zi is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Tian Kui Zi are traditionally used for:
FeverSore Throat
Classical Formulas Containing Tian Kui Zi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tian Kui Zi? Are Zi Hua Di Ding, Pu Gong Ying and Xia Ku Cao the same?
Official Tian Kui Zi (天葵子) is the dried root tuber of Semiaquilegia adoxoides. The pharmacopoeial name is Semiaquilegiae Radix; it is also called purple-backed semiaquilegia. Zi Hua Di Ding is bitter-acrid and cold: clears heat, resolves toxin, cools Blood and disperses swelling; the whole plant is used. Pu Gong Ying is bitter-sweet and cold: clears heat, resolves toxin, disperses swelling, dissipates nodes and promotes urination to free strangury. Xia Ku Cao is acrid-bitter and cold: clears the Liver, drains fire, brightens the eyes, dissipates nodes and disperses swelling; the fruit spike is used. Write Tian Kui Zi. Use caution in Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Tian Kui Zi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Tian Kui Zi is sweet, bitter and cold, enters the Liver and Stomach channels, and acts to clear heat, resolve toxin, disperse swelling and dissipate nodes. It is used for abscesses and boils, breast abscess, scrofula and venomous snake or insect bites. Sweet-bitter and cold, it suits heat-toxin sores and scrofula—not Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold or clear copious urine used alone.
Does Tian Kui Zi need special processing? Can Zi Hua Di Ding replace it?
Dig in early summer, wash, dry and remove rootlets. Tokyo violet cools Blood and disperses swelling, and the whole plant is used in a larger dose; it cannot replace the root tuber for dissipating nodes by equal weight. Commercial tiankui tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Tian Kui Zi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Tian Kui Zi.
Read the Tian Kui 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.
