Ci Ji Li (刺蒺藜) — Tribulus / Puncturevine
Ci Ji Li — Tribulus fruit — is the classical Chinese herb for Liver-Wind and Liver Yang rising with headache, dizziness, itchy eyes and skin. Familiar in Western herbal medicine for testosterone support (a claim not always borne out by evidence), its actual TCM role is Wind-clearing and Liver-anchoring.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Ci Ji Li (刺蒺藜) — Tribulus / Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris (fruit)) — is a Chinese herb in the Extinguish Wind and Anchor Liver Yang category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Ci Ji Li |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 刺蒺藜 |
| Latin name | Tribulus terrestris (fruit) |
| English name | Tribulus / Puncturevine |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Category | Extinguish Wind and Anchor Liver Yang |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Calms the Liver and anchors Yang
- Expels Wind and relieves itching
- Regulates Liver Qi and brightens the eyes
Indications
- Liver Yang headache with dizziness
- Red itchy eyes
- Pruritic skin conditions with Wind-type itch
- PMS with breast tenderness
- Insufficient lactation (Liver Qi stagnation)
4. Dosage
6–9g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in pregnancy
- Contraindicated in Blood or Qi deficiency without tonics
6. Key formulas
Ci Ji Li is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Ci Ji Li where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
