Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 益智 · Yi Zhi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Tonifying |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq.(Zingiberaceae). Harvested between summer and autumn when the fruit turns from green to red, sun-dried or dried in lower temperature. |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Spleen, Kidney |
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What Is Yi Zhi?
Yi Zhi (Sharpleaf Galangal Fruit) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Inner Mongolia.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Warm
Channels Entered: Spleen, Kidney
Yi Zhi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus
Botanical Origin
The dried mature fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq.(Zingiberaceae). Harvested between summer and autumn when the fruit turns from green to red, sun-dried or dried in lower temperature.
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Inner Mongolia.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large, full, with potent aroma.
Macroscopic Features
Oval shape, slightly pointed ends, 1.2~2cm long, 1~1.3cm diameter. Externally brown or grayish-brown, with 13~20 longitudinal uneven raised crest lines, apex has remnants of perianth, base often has remnants of fruit stem. Exocarp is thin and slightly pliable, tightly adhered to seed, seeds are clustered, separated into 3 lobes by a membrane in the middle, each lobe has 6~11 seeds. Seed is irregular flat round shape, with slightly blunt crests, about 3mm diameter, externally grayish-brown or grayish-yellow, externally covered in a membranous aril; hard texture, white endosperm. Distinctive aromatic odor, acrid and slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; WarmSpleenKidney
Traditional Functions
Warms the kidney and secures essence and reduces urination, and warms the spleen, stops diarrhea and controls saliva.
How Yi Zhi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Yi Zhi is classified among the Tonifying 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.
