Platycladi Semen
Aliases：Bǎi Shí (Arborvitae Fruit); Bǎi Zǐ (Arborvitae Seed); Bǎi Rén (Arborvitae Kernel); Cè Bǎi Zǐ (Oriental Arborvitae Seed); Ké Bǎi Zǐ (Shelled Arborvitae Seed).
Bǎi Zǐ Rén (Platycladi Semen) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried ripe seed kernel of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, a plant of the Cupressaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Nourishes the heart and calms the mind; moistens the intestines and relieves constipation; stops sweating.
Indications
Used for yin-blood deficiency, restlessness with insomnia, palpitations, intestinal dryness with constipation, and night sweats due to yin deficiency. It is also used for forgetfulness, weak constitution with spontaneous sweating, and spermatorrhea, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Improvement of Learning and Memory: The ethanol extract of Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) improves passive avoidance learning in mice with basal forebrain lesions, and ameliorates memory retrieval impairment and memory extinction enhancement. Sedative and Calming Effects: Bai Zi Ren prolongs pentobarbital-induced sleep time in mice, exhibiting central nervous system depressant effects. Laxative Effect: Rich in fatty oils, Bai Zi Ren lubricates the intestines and promotes bowel movements. Antihypertensive Effect: Bai Zi Ren has certain blood pressure-lowering potential; it should be used with caution in patients with hypotension. Other Effects: Contains various nutrients and has tonic and strengthening properties.
Ingredients
Fatty Oils: The main component, containing cedarwood oil, borneol esters, etc. Volatile Oils: Small amounts. Saponins: Small amounts. Phytosterols. Vitamin A: Small amounts. Proteins: Small amounts.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–15g (generally recommended as 3–10g or 10–15g). For patients with loose stools, it should be prepared as a powder (oil-expelled) or used in pills or powder. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed for external application, or fresh herb mashed for application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with loose stools and excessive phlegm. Not suitable for patients with diarrhea due to intestinal slipperiness: As Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) is rich in oils, it should not be used in patients with diarrhea. Not suitable for patients with excessive phlegm in the chest region. Contraindicated in patients with excessive phlegm, floating lung qi, severe diarrhea, or stomach deficiency with nausea. Incompatible with chrysanthemum, Rumex (sheep's foot), various minerals, and flour: Should not be used together with chrysanthemum, Rumex, and other such substances. Use with caution in patients with hypotension: Bai Zi Ren has certain blood pressure-lowering effects. Pregnant women and individuals with allergies should use it under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For Palpitations, Restlessness with Insomnia, Dizziness, and Forgetfulness Due to Heart Yin Deficiency and Heart Blood Depletion (Bai Zi Ren Wan, from Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang) Take Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) combined with Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Schisandra Fruit (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ), White Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), and other herbs. Prepare as pills and take orally. For Palpitations, Restlessness with Insomnia, Dizziness, and Forgetfulness Due to Heart Yin Deficiency and Heart Blood Depletion (Yang Xin Tang, from Jiao Zhu Fu Ren Liang Fang) Take Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) combined with Sour Jujube Seed (Suān Zǎo Rén), Angelica Root (Dāng Guī), Poria with Hostwood (Fú Shén), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. For Palpitations, Restlessness, Light Sleep, Nocturnal Emission, and Forgetfulness Due to Disharmony Between the Heart and Kidney (Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan, from Ti Ren Hui Bian) Take Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) combined with Ophiopogon Root (Mài Dōng), Rehmannia Root (Shú Dì Huáng), Acorus Calamus (Shí Chāng Pú), and other herbs. Prepare as pills and take orally. For Intestinal Dryness with Constipation Due to Yin-Blood Deficiency, Especially in the Elderly and Postpartum Women (Wu Ren Wan, from Shi Yi De Xiao Fang) Take Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) combined with Prunus Seed (Yù Lǐ Rén), Pine Nut (Sōng Zǐ Rén), Apricot Kernel (Xìng Rén), and other herbs. Prepare as pills and take orally.
Daily Consumption
Bai Zi Ren Congee: Cook Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) together with polished rice to make a congee. It helps nourish the heart, calm the mind, and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation. It is suitable for restlessness with insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness, excessive dreaming due to heart blood deficiency, as well as habitual constipation and senile constipation. Bai Zi Ren Tea: Bai Zi Ren can be decocted together with Sour Jujube Seed (Suān Zǎo Rén) and Lily Bulb (Bǎi Hé) and drunk as a tea. It helps improve insomnia and excessive dreaming. Bai Zi Ren and Pig Heart Soup: Stew Bai Zi Ren together with pig heart, lean pork, and Chinese yam (Shān Yào) in a soup. It helps nourish the heart and calm the mind.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe kernel.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place. The storage temperature should be kept below 30°C, with a relative humidity of 60–70%, and the safe moisture content of the product should be below 8%. This product is susceptible to insect infestation, and may develop mold or become rancid (oil oxidation) if exposed to moisture. Small quantities may be sealed together with talcum powder and alum to prevent oil oxidation and mold growth.
