Sterculia nobilis Smith
Aliases：Luó Huàng Zǐ (Luohuang Seed); Píng Pó Guǒ (Pingpo Fruit); Qī Jiě Guǒ (Seventh Sister Fruit); Jiǔ Céng Pí (Nine-Layered Skin); Pān ān Guǒ (Pan'an Fruit); Fù Guì Zǐ (Noble Fortune Seed); Hóng Pí Guǒ (Red-Skinned Fruit).
Fèng Yǎn Guǒ (Phoenix Eye Fruit) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the seed of Sterculia nobilis Smith, a plant of the Sterculiaceae family. It is named “Phoenix Eye Fruit” because when the ripe fruit splits open, its appearance closely resembles the eye of a phoenix.
Efficacy & Actions
Harmonizes the stomach and aids digestion; detoxifies and kills parasites.
Indications
Used for vomiting and regurgitation, abdominal pain due to intestinal parasites, hernia pain, and scalp sores in children (childhood scalp infections / tinea capitis).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Fengyan Fruit (Nobilis Sterculia Seed) is relatively limited. It is currently known to have certain anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) effects, particularly against roundworms.
Ingredients
Currently, publicly available research on its specific chemical constituents is limited. It is known that its seed kernels are rich in starch and other nutrients.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 6–8 seeds; or ground into powder. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, calcined to preserve its property, ground into powder, and mixed for application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with spleen deficiency and loose stools.
Selected Formulas
For Vomiting and Regurgitation: Take seven seeds of Luó Huàng Zǐ (Fèng Yǎn Guǒ, i.e., Sterculia nobilis), and calcine them while preserving their original property. Grind into powder and take one fangcun bi (an ancient measuring spoon, approximately 2–3g) with wine daily. For Abdominal Pain Due to Roundworms: Take seven seeds each of Luó Huàng Zǐ (Fèng Yǎn Guǒ) and Qiān Niú Zǐ (Pharbitis Seed, Pharbitis nil or P. purpurea). Decoct in water and take orally. For Hernia Pain: Take seven seeds of Luó Huàng Zǐ (Fèng Yǎn Guǒ), decoct in wine, and take orally.
Daily Consumption
After being boiled or stir-fried, the kernels of the Fengyan fruit (Nobilis Sterculia Seed) have a sweet and fragrant taste, similar to chestnuts, and can be used as a seasonal ingredient. They can be shelled and cooked together with various kinds of meat, which is beneficial for nourishing the stomach and cleansing the intestines. They can also be used in soups or made into sweet desserts (sugar water / tong sui).
Medicinal Parts
Seed.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
