Di Fu Zi (Broom Cypress, Kochia Fruit)

Herb 9 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:

BL

Properties:

Sweet, Bitter, Cold

Latin:

Fructus Kochiae Scopariae

Chinese:

地肤子

Tone Marks:

dì fū zĭ

Translation:

Earth Skin Seeds

Chinese Herb Actions

• Clear Damp Heat and Promote Urination
  For dysuria with burning scanty dark urine due to damp heat
• Expel Damp and Stop Itching
  For itching disorders including eczema, scabies, and urticaria due to dampness on the skin or damp heat on the genitals

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• None Noted

Herb-Drug Interactions

• Section not completed...

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• Rare reports of allergic reaction after oral application result in urticaria, pruritis, and vesicles on the mouth and lips.
• Section not completed...

Chinese Herb Dosage

• 10-15 grams in decoction ¹²
• 9-15 grams in decoction ¹³

Chinese Herb Notes

• Di Fu Zi is very similar to Ku Shen since both clear Damp Heat, Expel Wind, relieve itching and promote urination but Ku Shen clears damp heat better since it is bitter cold. Di Fu Zi is better at Expelling Wind and Damp and relieving itching.

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

• Di Fu Zi inhited growth of dermatophytes and pathogenic fungi in vitro.
  Yun Nan Zhong Yao Zhi, 1990; 244.
• Momordin Ic and oleanolic acid from Kochiae Fructus reduce carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
  J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):177-83.
• Susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis to herbs.
  Am J Chin Med. ;33(2):191-6.
• Studies on Kochiae Fructus. V. Antipruritic effects of oleanolic acid glycosides and the structure-requirement.
  Biol Pharm Bull. 1998 Nov;21(11):1231-3.
• Studies on kochiae fructus. IV. Anti-allergic effects of 70% ethanol extract and its component, momordin Ic from dried fruits of Kochia scoparia L.
  Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Nov;20(11):1165-70.
• Studies on kochiae fructus. III. Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects of 70% ethanol extract and its component, momordin Ic from dried fruits of Kochia scoparia L.
  Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Oct;20(10):1086-91.
• Studies on Kochiae Fructus. I. Antipruritogenic effect of 70% ethanol extract from kochiae fructus and its active component
  Yakugaku Zasshi. 1997 Apr;117(4):193-201.