Dodder Seed Semen (Tu Si Zi, Cuscutae)

This herb is the ripe seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. or C. japonica Choisy., annual parasitic herb of the family Convolvulaceae. It is collected in autumn when the seed is ripen, dried in the sun and used unprepared or boiled after removal of impurities.

The Time When Herbs Are Collected

The medicinal value of plants used in Chinese herbology depends on the season and the period of growth that the plant is collected in. This has a direct influence on the quality and efficacy of the herb. Therefore, it is extremely important that the plants are picked at a time when their potency is at its peak level. Different plants and different parts of the plants have different times that are ripe for picking.... 

What about Preparation of Herbs

Herbs should be processed before using or making into various forms. Because most Chinese herbs are used unprepared, besides general handling, quite a few should be specifically processed to meet demands for their clinical use. Preparation, a traditional Chinese pharmaceutical technology, was formed in a long history of practice with its complete theoretical system and strict technique....

How to Cook a Chinese Herbal Formula

As is the case with many aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, there are many ways to get results. When it comes to the steeping of raw herbs for medicinal teas, there are many methods that all serve to draw out the therapeutic qualities from the herbs. The following represents a few of the possible methods for cooking your Chinese herbal formula.