Use of Shi Jun Zi (quisqualis 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: Collect the fruits, remove impurities and dry
Dosage: 6-12g
Main actions according to TCM*: Kills parasites. Improves children's digestion
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Shi Jun Zi may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Parasites Roundworm Childhood malnutrition Poor appetite Abdominal distention Abdominal pain Poor digestion
Contraindications*: Contraindicated for patients with diarrhea or weak Spleen due to Coldness.
Common TCM formulas in which Shi Jun Zi is used*
Fei Er Wan
Source date: 1156 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Formula key actions: Kills parasites. Reduces accumulation. Strengthens the Spleen. Clears Heat.
Conditions targeted*: AscariasisHookworm and others
Shi Jun Zi is a king ingredient in Fei Er Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Fei Er Wan, Shi Jun Zi has a strong effect on killing parasites.
Bu Dai Wan
Source date: Late Ming
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Formula key actions: Expels roundworms. Reduces nutritional impairment in children . Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach.
Conditions targeted*: AscariasisParasitic infestation and others
Shi Jun Zi is a king ingredient in Bu Dai Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Bu Dai Wan, Shi Jun Zi is sweet and warm. It is very effective in expelling roundworms and treating childhood nutritional impairment.
The combination of Aloe vera, Elm seed cake and Quisqualis fruit has a strong anti-parasitic effect and eliminate the parasites via the stool.
Key TCM concepts behind Shi Jun Zi's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shi Jun Zi belongs to the 'Herbs that expel parasites' category. Herbs in this category are used to treat roundworms, tapeworm, hookworm and other intestinal parasites. In most cases, these herbs should be combined with other herbs to assist their action such as 'Purgative herbs that drain downward' or Qi tonics. Typically these herbs should only be prescribed for a short period as they often have some level of toxicity.
Furthermore Shi Jun Zi is Warm in nature. This means that Shi Jun Zi tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Shi Jun Zi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Shi Jun 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 Shi Jun 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 Shi Jun Zi is thought to target the Spleen and the Stomach. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.