Di Fu Zi (地肤子) — Kochia Fruit
Di Fu Zi is a specific Chinese herb for damp itchy skin conditions and Damp-Heat vaginitis. Its cool-drying action makes it useful in eczema, urticaria and other itchy Damp-Heat skin presentations.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Di Fu Zi (地肤子) — Kochia Fruit (Kochia scoparia (fruit)) — is a Chinese herb in the Drain Dampness 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 | Di Fu Zi |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 地肤子 |
| Latin name | Kochia scoparia (fruit) |
| English name | Kochia Fruit |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Bladder |
| Category | Drain Dampness |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Relieves itching (internal and external)
Indications
- Damp itchy skin lesions and eczema
- Vaginal itching with Damp-Heat
- Damp-Heat urinary problems
- External wash for damp itchy skin
4. Dosage
6–15g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin-deficient dry skin
- Not for weak elderly patients
6. Key formulas
Di Fu Zi 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 Di Fu Zi 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.
