Kochia Fruit
Kochia Fruit (Di Fu Zi): A Cooling Herb for Damp-Heat, Itching, and Urination
Introduction
Kochia fruit, known as Di Fu Zi (地肤子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a cooling, bitter herb valued for its ability to clear damp-heat, stop itching, and promote urination. It is especially effective for skin disorders such as eczema, pruritus, and scabies, as well as for urinary discomfort caused by damp-heat in the lower burner. Its dual action on the skin and urinary system makes it a versatile herb for clearing heat and dampness.
What Is Kochia Fruit?
Di Fu Zi is the dried fruit of Kochia scoparia (also known as Bassia scoparia). In TCM, it is classified as bitter and cold, and it enters the Bladder meridian. It is prized for alleviating itching and damp-heat conditions on the skin while also draining dampness through urination.
Health Benefits of Kochia Fruit
Clears damp-heat and relieves itching – Used for eczema, hives, scabies, and other skin conditions caused by damp-heat.
Promotes urination and alleviates painful urination – Helpful for burning, scanty, or difficult urination due to damp-heat in the Bladder.
Soothes vaginal itching and discharge – Commonly included in formulas for damp-heat gynecological conditions.
Cools and purifies the skin – Beneficial in cases of red, inflamed, or oozing skin lesions.
How to Use Kochia Fruit
As a decoction – Commonly simmered for internal use to treat urinary and damp-heat conditions.
In external washes – Decoctions or powders can be applied externally for eczema, itching, or scabies.
In formulas – Combined with Ku Shen, Bai Xian Pi, or Huang Bai to enhance skin-clearing effects, or with Che Qian Zi and Hua Shi for urinary complaints.
Where to Buy Kochia Fruit
Available in TCM herbal dispensaries – Usually sold as dried, small, round, brownish seeds.
Online herbal suppliers – Found in bulk form or included in prepared skin and urinary formulas.
Look for: clean, dry seeds that are uniform in size, free of impurities, and well stored to prevent dampness.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Kochia fruit is generally safe when used appropriately. Overuse may cause loose stools or coldness in the stomach due to its cooling nature. It should be avoided in cases of Spleen deficiency with diarrhea or in patients without signs of damp-heat.
Conclusion
Kochia fruit (Di Fu Zi) is a cooling herb that clears damp-heat, relieves itching, and promotes urination. Particularly effective for eczema, skin irritation, and urinary discomfort, it is a gentle yet powerful herb that works on both the skin and the urinary tract to drain dampness and heat.
FAQ
Can Kochia fruit help with eczema? – Yes, it is widely used to relieve itching and redness caused by damp-heat skin conditions.
Is it safe for long-term use? – It is best for short-term use targeting specific damp-heat conditions.
Can it be applied externally? – Yes, decoctions or washes made from Kochia fruit are commonly used to relieve itching and skin discomfort.