Dendrobii Caulis
Aliases：Du Lan、Qian Nian Zhu、Jin Sheng、Xuan Zhu、Lin Lan、Shi Zhu
Shihu (Dendrobium Stem), a Chinese medicinal, is the fresh or dried stem of cultivated plants of Dendrobium nobile Lindl., Dendrobium huoshanense C.Z. Tang et S.J. Cheng, Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl., or Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. (family Orchidaceae), as well as closely related species of the same genus.
Efficacy & Actions
Benefit the Stomach and generate fluids, nourish Yin and clear Heat.
Indications
Febrile disease with fluid damage, manifesting as dry mouth and vexing thirst; Stomach yin insufficiency, manifesting as poor appetite and dry heaves; persistent deficiency heat after illness; blurred vision; flaccidity and weakness of the sinews and bones.
Modern Pharmacology
Hypoglycemic: Lowers blood glucose and improves insulin resistance. Gastrointestinal protection: Promotes gastrointestinal motility and protects the gastric mucosa. Antitumor: Active constituents inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals and delays aging. Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune function. Other effects: Antibacterial, anti‑inflammatory, lipid‑lowering, vision protection, etc.
Ingredients
olysaccharides: Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP). Alkaloids: Dendrobine, dendramine, dendroxine, etc. Flavonoids: Various flavonoid compounds. Others: Phenanthrenes, bibenzyls, volatile oils, amino acids, trace elements, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 6–12 g of dried herb (or 15–30 g of fresh herb) in decoction. When used in a decoction, it should be decocted first or for a prolonged time. Dietary therapy: It may be steeped as tea, cooked in soups, or prepared as an extract (ointment).
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Those with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency cold, loose stools, and thick, greasy tongue coating. Pattern contraindications: Early‑stage febrile disease without fluid damage, and damp‑warm disease without dryness transformation. Precautions for use: Not suitable for early use in warm‑febrile diseases; should not be used together with atropine.
Selected Formulas
1. For febrile diseases with fluid depletion, irritability, thirst, dry tongue with dark coating Often combined with Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root), fresh Shengdihuang (Rehmannia root), and Maidong (Ophiopogon) – as in the “Clear Heat and Preserve Fluids” method from Shibing Lun (Treatise on Seasonal Diseases). 2. For epigastric pain, swollen gums, and oral ulcers due to stomach heat with yin deficiency Can be combined with Shengdihuang, Maidong, and Huangqin (Scutellaria) – herbs that clear heat and nourish yin. 3. For various patterns of kidney yin deficiency Blurred vision: Often combined with Gouqizi (Goji berry), Shudihuang (prepared Rehmannia), and Tusizi (Cuscuta seed) – as in Shihu Yeguang Wan (Dendrobium Night‑Brightening Pill) from Yuanji Qiwei. Flaccidity and weakness of sinews and bones: Often combined with Shudihuang, Shanzhuyu (Cornus fruit), Duzhong (Eucommia), and Niuxi (Achyranthes) – herbs that tonify the liver and kidney and strengthen sinews and bones. Bone‑steaming consumptive fever (kidney deficiency with fire hyperactivity): Should be combined with Shengdihuang, Gouqizi, Huangbai (Phellodendron), and Huhuanglian (Picrorhiza) – herbs that nourish kidney yin and reduce deficient heat.
Daily Consumption
1. Dendrobium and Ophiopogon Tea Ingredients: Dendrobium (Shihu) 6 g, Ophiopogon (Maidong) 6 g. Preparation: Steep in boiling water. Indications: Dry mouth, vexation, insomnia. 2. Dendrobium Lean Pork Soup Ingredients: Dendrobium (Shihu) 10 g, lean pork 150 g, honey dates 2 pieces. Preparation: Simmer for 1.5 hours. Indications: Deficiency fire rising after staying up late, dry throat.
Medicinal Parts
stem
Selection & Storage
Dried product: Store in a well‑ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture. Fresh product: Store in a cool, damp place, protected from freezing.