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Di Fu Zi地肤子

Kochiae Fructus · Kochia Fruit · Broom Cypress Fruit

Herbs that Drain Dampness 利水渗湿药《神农本草经》

Overview

The small fruit of broom cypress, working in two directions at once: it drains damp-heat downward through the urine, and disperses wind at the surface to stop itching. That combination makes it one of the most reached-for herbs in damp, weeping, itchy skin conditions, taken internally and decocted again as an external wash.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Cold

Channels

Kidney · Bladder

Typical Dosage

9–15 g in decoction
地肤子Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Clears heat and drains dampDamp-heat in the lower burner with burning, difficult urination, and damp-heat vaginal discharge.
  • Dispels wind and stops itchingEczema, urticaria, damp weeping rashes and genital itching — a lead herb for itch of the damp-heat type.
  • Used as an external washThe decoction is applied as a wash or soak for itchy, damp skin lesions alongside internal treatment.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Di Fu Zi

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Eczema, urticaria and itchy damp skin lesions
    - Genital or anal itching with damp-heat
    - Painful, burning, scanty urination
    - Damp-heat vaginal discharge

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

EczemaUrticariaPruritusUrinary tract infectionVaginitis

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold and draining: not appropriate without genuine damp-heat, and not for Spleen deficiency with loose stools or for copious clear urination. Discontinue and consult the practitioner if a skin reaction appears where the wash was applied.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — it is cold and promotes urination.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.