Dendrobium – 1 lb (454 g)

Dendrobium, known in Chinese as 石斛 (Shíhú) and scientifically as Herba Dendrobii, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Dendrobium carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Dendrobium helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Dendrobium provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Dendrobium has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Dendrobium, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This herb is also known as Linlan, Dulan, Qiannianzhu, and Huangcao. It is the stem of Orchidaceae plants including Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe, Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. var. oculatum Hook., Dendrobium chrysanthum Well., Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl. (Tiepi Shihu), or Dendrobium nobile Lindl. (Jinchai Shihu). It is mainly produced in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and other regions. It can be harvested year-round. After removing impurities, it is briefly blanched in boiling water or softened by baking, then rubbed and dried in the sun until the leaf sheaths are clean. Tiepi Shihu is processed by cutting off some fine roots, then stir-frying while twisting into a spiral or spring shape, and dried; it is commonly called “Earring Shihu.”
[Properties] Sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature. Enters the stomach, lung, and kidney meridians.
[Actions] Generates fluids and nourishes the stomach, enriches yin and clears heat, moistens the lungs and benefits the kidneys.
[Applications]
1. Used for febrile diseases injuring fluids, dry mouth and thirst, lingering virtual heat; often used together with Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen), Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng Dihuang), Forsythia suspensa (Bilianqiao), etc. If both qi and yin are damaged with thirst, fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue, it is combined with Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), and Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudi), as in the formula Shihu Tang.
2. Used for stomach yin deficiency with internal virtual heat causing stomach discomfort, dull or burning pain, dry retching, tongue pale with little coating; clinically often combined with Bamboo shavings (Zhuru), Reed rhizome (Lugen), Loquat leaf (Pipaye), etc. If virtual heat is obvious with heat accumulation causing vomiting, it can be combined with Cortex Moutan (Danpi), Agastache rugosa (Huoxiang), as in Shihu Qingwei San.
3. Used for liver and kidney yin deficiency causing blurred vision; often combined with Lycium fruit (Gouqizi), Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Cassia seed (Juemingzi), as in Shihu Yeguang Wan; if liver and kidney yin deficiency is complicated by dampness causing night blindness, it can be combined with Atractylodes (Cangzhu) and Epimedium (Yinyanghuo), as in Shihu San.
4. Used for kidney yin deficiency with soreness and weakness of the lumbar region and knees, soft muscles and bones; often combined with Achyranthes bidentata (Huai Niuxi), Eucommia ulmoides (Duzhong), Dipsacus asper (Xuduan); if kidney deficiency with vigorous fire causing bone steaming and tidal fever, it can be combined with Phellodendron (Huangbai), Anemarrhena (Zhimu), Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng Dihuang), and Picrorhiza (Huhuanglian).
[Dosage and Administration] Oral administration: decoction 6–12 g, fresh herb 15–30 g; when used in formulas, it should be decocted first; when used alone, decocted longer; powdered 3–6 g; or used in pills, powders, or made into a paste. Fresh Shihu has strong heat-clearing and fluid-generating effects, suitable for febrile diseases injuring fluids; dried Shihu is suitable for stomach deficiency with heat injuring yin.
[Cautions] Contraindicated in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency cold.
[Modern Research]
1. Chemical constituents: This herb contains more than ten alkaloids including dendrobine, dendramine, dendroxine, dendrobine N-oxide, dendrobine-related alkaloids, 6-hydroxydendroxine, as well as mucilage and starch.
2. Pharmacological effects: Oral decoction of Shihu promotes gastric juice secretion aiding digestion, enhances intestinal peristalsis facilitating defecation; however, excessive doses may cause intestinal muscle paralysis. Dendrobine has mild antipyretic and analgesic effects similar to phenacetin but weaker. Polysaccharides from Shihu can restore immune function in mice and have anti-aging and cataract-delaying effects.
3. Clinical reports: Chronic pharyngitis—using Shihu, Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuanshen), Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen), and Cynanchum atratum (Zaoxiu), each 10 g, decocted; the decoction purified with distilled water and administered by ultrasonic nebulizer inhalation to the pharynx. A total of 172 cases treated, with 62 cases markedly effective and 87 cases improved. [Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1992, (3):31]