Fructus Kochiae Scopariae Broom Cypress, Kochia Fruit
Materia Medica Data
- Temperature
- Cold
- Nature & Flavour
- Sweet, Bitter, Cold
- Channels Entered
- BL
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Fructus Kochiae Scopariae
- Chinese
- 地肤子
- Tone Marks
- dì fū zĭ
- Translation
- Earth Skin Seeds
Chinese Herb Actions
- Clear Damp Heat and Promote Urination For dysuria with burning scanty dark urine due to damp heat
- Expel Damp and Stop Itching For itching disorders including eczema, scabies, and urticaria due to dampness on the skin or damp heat on the genitals
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 10-15 grams in decoction 12
- 9-15 grams in decoction 13
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- None Noted
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- Rare reports of allergic reaction after oral application result in urticaria, pruritis, and vesicles on the mouth and lips.
Western / Biomedical Research
Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research
Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.
- Di Fu Zi inhited growth of dermatophytes and pathogenic fungi in vitro.
Yun Nan Zhong Yao Zhi, 1990; 244. - Momordin Ic and oleanolic acid from Kochiae Fructus reduce carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):177-83. - Susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis to herbs.
Am J Chin Med. ;33(2):191-6. - Studies on Kochiae Fructus. V. Antipruritic effects of oleanolic acid glycosides and the structure-requirement.
Biol Pharm Bull. 1998 Nov;21(11):1231-3. - Studies on kochiae fructus. IV. Anti-allergic effects of 70% ethanol extract and its component, momordin Ic from dried fruits of Kochia scoparia L.
Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Nov;20(11):1165-70. - Studies on kochiae fructus. III. Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects of 70% ethanol extract and its component, momordin Ic from dried fruits of Kochia scoparia L.
Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Oct;20(10):1086-91. - Studies on Kochiae Fructus. I. Antipruritogenic effect of 70% ethanol extract from kochiae fructus and its active component
Yakugaku Zasshi. 1997 Apr;117(4):193-201.
Chinese Herb Notes
- Di Fu Zi is very similar to Ku Shen since both clear Damp Heat, Expel Wind, relieve itching and promote urination but Ku Shen clears damp heat better since it is bitter cold. Di Fu Zi is better at Expelling Wind and Damp and relieving itching.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
- https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
- https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
- https://amzn.to/42aMz73
- https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt



