Chinese Chive Seed (Jiu Zi)

韭子
Chinese chive seed (Jiuzi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Allii tuberosi

Botanical Name: Allium tuberosum Rottl.

Common Name: Chinese leek, Chinese chive seed

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Jingji Zhi

Part Used: The seeds are collected in autumn, and then dried in the sun or fried.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To tonify the liver and kidneys;
2. To strengthen yang and control the essence

Indications:
1. Deficiency of kidney yang manifested as impotence and cold pain in the lower back and knees. Chinese chive seed (Jiuzi) is used with Cistanche (Roucongrong) and Morinda root (Bajitian).

2. Frequent urination or leukorrhea due to deficient kidneys. Chinese chive seed (Jiuzi) is used with Psoralea fruit (Buguzhi), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Bitter cardamom (Yizhiren).

Dosage: 5-10 g (for decoction or pills)

Cautions & Contraindications: The herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency of yin with excessive fire.