Shi Di柿蒂
Kaki Calyx · Persimmon Calyx
Overview
The dried calyx left on top of a persimmon, and one of the most narrowly focused herbs in the materia medica: it directs rebellious Stomach qi downward and stops hiccup. Bitter, astringent and neutral in temperature, it fits hiccup of either cold or hot origin because the partners decide the direction — with Ding Xiang and Sheng Jiang for a cold Stomach, with Zhu Ru and Huang Lian when heat is driving the reflux. Its neutrality and mildness make it easy to add to a formula that is already treating the underlying pattern.
Nature & Flavor
Bitter, astringent · NeutralChannels
StomachTypical Dosage
4.5–9 g in decoctionActions
2 core actions
- Directs rebellious qi downward, stops hiccupPersistent hiccup and belching, whether the underlying pattern is cold or hot; the reference herb for hiccup, and the core of Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang.
- Harmonises the StomachNausea, retching and fullness after eating where Stomach qi is rising instead of descending.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Shi Di
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Persistent hiccup, from cold or from heat
- Belching and retching with Stomach qi rising
- Post-prandial fullness with reflux-type discomfort
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
A gentle herb with few restrictions, but a narrow one: it addresses the symptom, not the cause, so it is used inside a formula that treats the underlying pattern. Hiccup that persists for more than a couple of days, or that comes with weight loss, vomiting or swallowing difficulty, needs a medical assessment before being managed as a simple qi-rebellion pattern.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific pregnancy restriction — practitioner judgment applies.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
3. 《中华本草》.
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.