Witnessed by: TCM
Kochia (Kochia scoparia), of the Amaranthaceae family. Much-branched bushy annual turning red in autumn; native range: dry open ground and wastelands across China and Eurasia. Globally recognized as di fu zi (地肤子) in Chinese, and broom cypress fruit, summer cypress seed in English. The part used is fruit. Tiny flattened five-winged grey-green fruits, acrid and bitter with a cooling finish.
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.
KOCHIA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- kochia
- Scientific name
- Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
Form
- Part used
- fruit
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- cold
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears damp-heat, promotes urination, dispels wind, relieves itching
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in scanty urine from yin and fluid deficiency without damp-heat
- Toxicity
- none significant at customary dose
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