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Zhi Zi (梔子), the fruit of gardenia, drains fire and relieves the restlessness and stifling sensation in the chest that comes with heat, clears damp-heat (jaundice) and cools the blood to stop bleeding.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Gardenia jasminoides (Fructus Gardeniae)
Common English Name
Gardenia fruit
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Heart, Lung, Stomach, San Jiao
Actions & Functions
- Drains fire and relieves irritability and restlessness
- Clears heat and resolves damp-heat (jaundice)
- Cools the blood and stops bleeding
- Reduces swelling (topically for trauma)
Indications
Febrile irritability and insomnia with a stifling chest; damp-heat jaundice and painful urination; and bleeding from heat such as nosebleed or blood in the urine.
Dosage
6-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Dan Dou Chi (Zhi Zi Chi Tang) for irritability; with Yin Chen Hao for damp-heat jaundice.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in loose stools from Spleen deficiency.