Torreyae Semen
Aliases：Bǐ Zǐ (literally "That Seed"), Fěi Shí (literally "Torreya Fruit"), Bǎn Zǐ (literally "That Seed" — variant), Yù Shān Guǒ (literally "Jade Mountain Fruit"), Chì Guǒ (literally "Red Fruit"), Yù Fěi (literally "Jade Torreya"), Xiāng Fěi (literally "Fragrant Torreya"), and Yě Shān Zǐ (literally "Wild Cedar Seed"). (These are all alternative names for Fěi Zǐ, i.e., Torreya Seed / Torreyae Semen.)
Fěi Zǐ (Torreya Seed) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried mature seed of Torreya grandis Fort. ex Lindl., a plant belonging to the family Taxaceae. It was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Kills parasites and resolves food stagnation, moistens the intestines and relieves constipation, moistens the lungs and relieves cough.
Indications
Abdominal pain due to intestinal parasites: Used for hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworm infections. Constipation due to intestinal dryness. Cough due to lung dryness. Infantile malnutrition (gan accumulation).
Modern Pharmacology
Anthelmintic effect: Torreya Seed contains active components that expel tapeworms in cats. The extract is toxic to pig roundworms, earthworms, and leeches in vitro. A 5% decoction can kill schistosome cercariae within 2 hours. Torreya seed oil has hookworm-expelling effects. Lipid regulation and antioxidant effects: The fatty oil of Torreya seed has positive significance for regulating blood lipids and preventing atherosclerosis. Torreya kernels contain high levels of total phenols and condensed tannins. Uterine contraction effect: The alkaloids contained in Japanese Torreya seeds can cause uterine contraction and have been used in folk medicine for abortion. Other effects: Exhibits antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects.
Ingredients
Fatty oil: Content approximately 54.3%, with unsaturated fatty acids accounting for up to 74.88%. The main components in the oil are linoleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. Other components: Contains gliadin, sterols, oxalic acid, glucose, polysaccharides, volatile oils, tannins, etc. Nutritional composition (per 100 g): Moisture 6.4 g, protein 10 g, fat 44.1 g, carbohydrate 29.8 g, crude fiber 6.8 g, ash 2.9 g. Calcium 71 mg, phosphorus 275 mg, iron 3.6 mg.
Usage & Dosage
For decoction: 10–15 g, used raw with the shell intact, crushed before decocting. For chewing: stir-fried and shelled, 15 g each time. May also be made into pills or powders.
Contraindications
Not suitable for those with loose stools. Contraindicated in patients with lung‑heat cough. Should not be consumed in excess: Due to its sweet and moistening nature, excessive consumption may cause loose stools. Should not be consumed with mung beans. Use with caution in those with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Daily consumption should not exceed 10 pieces.
Selected Formulas
For intestinal parasitism (roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, tapeworm, etc.) (empirical formula) Take 30g of Torreya seed (chopped), 30g of Shijunzi (Quisqualis indica, finely cut), and 30g of garlic (finely cut). Decoct in water, strain, and take 3 times daily before meals on an empty stomach. For tapeworm infestation (empirical formula) Take 7 Torreya seeds daily for 7 consecutive days. For hookworm disease (empirical formula) Take 20g of raw Torreya seed, chop it, add an appropriate amount of water, decoct, strain, and drink the liquid on an empty stomach once daily for 2-3 days. For constipation due to intestinal dryness (empirical formula) Take Torreya seed together with Dama ren (hemp seed), Yuli ren (Prunus japonica seed), and Gualou ren (Trichosanthes seed). Decoct in water and drink. For dry cough due to lung dryness (empirical formula) Take Torreya seed together with Chuanbeimu (Fritillaria cirrhosa), Gualou ren, roasted Sangye (mulberry leaf), and Shashen (Glehnia root). Decoct in water and drink. For sudden hematemesis (empirical formula) Take Torreya seed, grind into powder. Take 3 qian each time with plain boiled water, three times daily.
Daily Consumption
Direct consumption: Stir‑fry until cooked, shell, and eat as a snack. Torreya and Lily Congee: Use 10 g of Torreya kernels, 10 g of Lily bulb, 50 g of polished round‑grained rice, and a small amount of rock sugar. Shell and slightly crush the Torreya kernels, then cook together with Lily and rice into congee. Take warm. It has the effects of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, and nourishing Yin to relieve dryness. Torreya and Black Sesame Congee: Use 10 g of Torreya kernels, 10 g of black sesame seeds, and 50 g of polished round‑grained rice. Cook together into congee. It has the effect of moistening the intestines and relieving constipation. Torreya Stewed Chicken: Shell the Torreya seeds and stew with chicken. Spiced Salt Torreya: Stir‑fry and consume. It can be used to treat hookworm disease. Torreya Vegetarian Soup: Use 50 g of Torreya kernels and 100 g of rice. Cook into a thick soup. It has the effect of strengthening the Spleen and supplementing Qi.
Medicinal Parts
Mature seeds.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
