Chu Shi Zi

English: Paper Mulberry fruits

Chinese: 楮实子

Parts used: Fruits

TCM category: Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency

TCM nature: Cold

TCM taste(s): Sweet

Organ affinity: Kidney Liver

Scientific name: Fructus Broussonetiae

Other names: Broussonetia Fruit,

Use of Chu Shi Zi (paper mulberry fruits) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Harvest the fruit in the autumn when it matures, wash it clean, sun-dry it, and remove the grayish-white membranous persistent calyx and impurities

Dosage: 6-12g

Main actions according to TCM*: Nourishes the Kidney and Liver Yin, Augments the Kidney Qi, Clears the Liver and Brightens the eyes, Promote urination

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Chu Shi Zi may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Weak lower back Weak knees Dizziness Blurred vision Edema Bone-steaming tidal fever Night sweats Nocturnal emissions Eye obstructions Abdominal bloating Difficulty in urination

Contraindications*: Use caution for those with Spleen and Stomach Empty Cold

Common TCM formulas in which Chu Shi Zi is used*

Huan Shao Dan

Source date: 1170 AD

Number of ingredients: 15 herbs

Formula key actions: Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys. Nourishes Yin and Blood. Augments Qi . Tonifies Yang. Promotes Longevity.

Conditions targeted*: SpermatorrheaImpotence and others

Chu Shi Zi is a deputy ingredient in Huan Shao Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.

In Huan Shao Dan, Chu Shi Zi strengthens the Liver and Kidneys as well as fortifies the tendons and bones.

Read more about Huan Shao Dan

Key TCM concepts behind Chu Shi Zi's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chu Shi Zi belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Yin tonics have a heavy, moist nature. They either nourish the Kidneys and Liver or moisten the Lungs and Stomach. Extreme Yin Deficiency often translates into a 'burn-out', unfortunately more and more common among people today. It is worth mentioning that another great remedy against Yin Deficiency is a lot of rest and sleep; no herb will ever be able to replace this!

Furthermore Chu Shi Zi is Cold in nature. This means that Chu Shi Zi typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Chu Shi Zi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Chu Shi Zi also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Chu Shi Zi tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Chu Shi Zi is thought to target the Kidney and the Liver. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.