Vitex Fruit

Vitex Fruit (Man Jing Zi): A Bitter Herb for Dispelling Wind and Clearing Heat

Introduction

Vitex fruit, known as Man Jing Zi (蔓荆子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is bitter, acrid, and slightly cold. It is valued for dispelling wind-heat, clearing the head and eyes, and relieving pain. Man Jing Zi is especially used for headache, red eyes, dizziness, and wind-heat conditions affecting the upper body. Its dispersing yet gentle nature makes it important for eye and head-related disorders.

What Is Vitex Fruit?

Man Jing Zi comes from the dried fruit of Vitex trifolia, a shrub native to East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as bitter, acrid, and slightly cold, entering the Bladder, Liver, and Stomach meridians. Its qualities allow it to dispel wind-heat, brighten the eyes, and relieve pain from heat or excess in the upper body.

Health Benefits of Vitex Fruit

Dispels wind and clears heat – Relieves headache, dizziness, and fever due to wind-heat invasion.

Benefits the eyes – Effective for red, painful, or swollen eyes caused by wind-heat.

Relieves pain – Used for headache, toothache, and bi-syndrome affecting the upper body.

Unblocks channels – Assists with stiffness and numbness of limbs.

How to Use Vitex Fruit

Decoction – Commonly used for headache, dizziness, or red eyes.

Powder – Sometimes ground and taken in formulas for headache and eye conditions.

Where to Buy Vitex Fruit

TCM shops/herbal suppliers – Sold as dried small brownish fruits.

Online herbal retailers – Available as dried fruit, granules, or powder.

Look for: round, dark-brown fruits with a slightly aromatic and bitter taste.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Vitex fruit is generally safe when used properly. Overuse may cause stomach upset or dizziness. Avoid during pregnancy or in cases of blood or yin deficiency with dryness.

Conclusion

Vitex fruit (Man Jing Zi) is a bitter, slightly cold herb that dispels wind-heat, clears the head and eyes, and relieves pain. It is especially effective for headaches, red eyes, and dizziness caused by wind-heat conditions.

FAQ

Can it help with headaches? – Yes, especially wind-heat or excess-type headaches.

Is it good for red eyes? – Yes, it clears wind-heat affecting the eyes.

Can it relieve dizziness? – Yes, it helps when dizziness is due to heat or wind affecting the head.