Mu Zei (木贼) — Rough Horsetail
Mu Zei is the classical Chinese herb for eye complaints from Wind-Heat — red, watery, itchy eyes, pterygium (conjunctival growth) and superficial corneal opacity. Its ability to disperse superficial Wind in the eye channel makes it a specific for ocular Wind-Heat conditions.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Mu Zei (木贼) — Rough Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) — is a Chinese herb in the Release the Exterior (Wind-Heat) 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 | Mu Zei |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 木贼 |
| Latin name | Equisetum hyemale |
| English name | Rough Horsetail |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet, bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver |
| Category | Release the Exterior (Wind-Heat) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Disperses Wind-Heat
- Brightens the eyes and removes visual obstruction
- Stops bleeding (mild)
Indications
- Red, itchy, watery eyes from Wind-Heat
- Pterygium and corneal opacity
- Superficial corneal ulceration (adjunct)
- Haemorrhoids with mild bleeding
4. Dosage
3–9g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce dose in Qi and Blood deficiency
- Not for interior organic eye disease without ophthalmology review
6. Key formulas
Mu Zei 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 Mu Zei 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.
