Witnessed by: TCM
Shi hu (Dendrobium officinale), of the Orchidaceae family. Small epiphytic orchid with slender jointed canes clinging to rock and bark by fleshy roots; native range: epiphytic on cliff faces and tree trunks in the mountains of southern and south-western China. Globally recognized as shi hu (石斛) · tie pi shi hu (鐵皮石斛) in Chinese, and iron-skin dendrobium, noble dendrobium in English. The part used is stem (the cane). Slender green-to-yellow jointed canes with a fine iron-grey sheath, tough and fibrous; the taste sweet and bland with a thick slippery mucilage that fills the mouth on chewing.
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.
SHI HU
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- shi hu
- Scientific name
- Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Form
- Part used
- stem (the cane)
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 Stomach yin, generates fluids, clears deficiency heat, moistens dryness, benefits the Kidney and brightens the eyes
Cautions
- Contraindications
- damp conditions and early-stage exterior disease, where its moistening richness confines the pathogen; excess patterns without yin deficiency
- Toxicity
- none of note
- Sourcing status
- cites-ii
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