Witnessed by: TCM
Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile), of the Orchidaceae family. Epiphytic orchid with jointed canes; native range: epiphytic on trees and cliffs across southern China and the Himalaya. Globally recognized as shi hu (石斛) in Chinese. The part used is stem. Golden jointed cane, glossy and firm, sweet and bland with a light mucilage.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
DENDROBIUM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- dendrobium
- Scientific name
- Dendrobium nobile Lindl.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Form
- Part used
- stem
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bland
Temperature
- TCM
- cool (slightly cold)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Stomach · Kidney · Lung
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- nourishes yin, generates fluids, clears heat, benefits the Stomach, strengthens the lower back and knees, brightens the eyes
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in early-stage dampness and in excess conditions without yin deficiency
- Toxicity
- none of note
- Sourcing status
- cites-ii
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