Herb Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation

Lai Fu Zi

Radish seeds | 莱菔子

Raphanus sativus

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TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Pungent, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Lungs, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used

Dried ripe seeds

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Lai Fu Zi

Traditional Actions

Remove food stagnation
Transform Phlegm
Relieve wheezing
Descend Rebellious Qi

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lai Fu Zi belongs to the 'Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation' category. These herbs typically possess digestive and Food moving properties as they relate to the Stomach and Spleen. Some of these herbs are high in digestive enzymes and have varying specific abilities to help with the digestion of food.

 

Furthermore Lai Fu Zi is Neutral in nature. This means that Lai Fu Zi typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Lai Fu Zi means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Lai Fu Zi also tastes Pungent and 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. Pungent ingredients like Lai Fu Zi tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend 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 Lai Fu Zi is thought to target the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. The Spleen on the other hand assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.

Common Applications

Phlegm Abdominal pain Abdominal bloating Constipation Acid reflux Whooping cough Coughing Cough with abundant phlegm Food stagnation Tight chest Diarrhea Tenesmus

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Lai Fu Zi

Capsules consisting of Radish seeds are safe in treating hypertension grade I and II with no adverse reaction.1

Sources:

1. Yu XD, Zhou WQ, Cui L. ( 2003). Hypotensive action of luohuo capsule and its effect on plasma adrenal medullin and tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. , 23(9):668-72.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Lai Fu Zi

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities, wash and dry. Crush before use.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

6 - 12 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Lai Fu Zi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Lai Fu Zi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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