Qing Xiang Zi青葙子
Celosiae Semen · Celosia Seed · Feather Cockscomb Seed
Overview
The small black seeds of feather cockscomb, an eye herb above all. Bitter and slightly cold, it enters the Liver alone and drains fire up and out of the eyes — red, painfully swollen, light-sensitive eyes and superficial visual obstruction are its territory — and it also settles the headache and dizziness of ascendant Liver yang. One restriction sets it apart from other eye herbs: it widens the pupil, so it is not given where intraocular pressure may be raised.
Nature & Flavor
Bitter · Slightly coldChannels
Liver · SpleenTypical Dosage
10–15 g in decoctionActions
2 core actions
- Drains Liver fire, brightens the eyesRed, swollen, painful eyes with photophobia and tearing; blurring and superficial visual obstruction from Liver heat.
- Calms ascendant Liver yangHeadache, dizziness and irritability where Liver yang rises with heat.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Qing Xiang Zi
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Red, swollen, light-sensitive eyes with tearing
- Blurred vision and superficial obstruction from Liver fire
- Headache and dizziness of ascendant Liver yang
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
It dilates the pupil, so it is contraindicated in glaucoma and in anyone with raised or unstable intraocular pressure. Bitter and cold: not for eye complaints arising from Liver and Kidney deficiency, and not for Spleen-deficient loose stools.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- 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.