Witnessed by: TCM
Pseudostellaria (Pseudostellaria heterophylla), of the Caryophyllaceae family. Low tuberous perennial of shaded woodland margins; native range: eastern and central China. Globally recognized as tai zi shen (太子参) in Chinese, and prince ginseng, false starwort in English. The part used is tuberous root. Small pale spindle-shaped tuber, sweetish and faintly starchy, with a soft rather than forceful strengthening quality.
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.
PSEUDOSTELLARIA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- pseudostellaria
- Scientific name
- Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Form
- Part used
- tuberous root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Spleen · Lung
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- strengthens the Spleen, tonifies the qi, generates fluids, moistens the Lung
Cautions
- Contraindications
- mild and well tolerated; of little use where a strong warming tonic is required
- Toxicity
- none of note at customary dose
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