Tiān Mén Dōng (天门冬) — Asparagus tuber / Chinese asparagus root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Tiān Mén Dōng (天门冬) — Asparagus cochinchinensis — is known in English as Asparagus tuber / Chinese asparagus root. It belongs to the category of Yin tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Tiān Mén Dōng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Nourishes Kidney and Lung Yin — the most important herb for deficiency of both Lung and Kidney Yin
2. Clears Heat from deficiency — Empty Fire from Yin deficiency
3. Moistens Dryness and generates Body Fluids
4. Descends Fire — particularly Lung Fire from below

Indications

1. Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency — dry cough, thirst, night sweats and afternoon fever
2. Pulmonary tuberculosis-type patterns — chronic consumptive cough with Blood
3. Constipation from Yin deficiency and dry Intestines
4. Diabetes with severe thirst (Xiao Ke — wasting and thirsting disorder)
5. Dry throat, hoarse voice and loss of voice from Yin deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Tiān Mén Dōng

Tiān Mén Dōng appears in the following key formulas:

• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Asparagus cochinchinensis (Tian Men Dong) is the most powerful Yin-tonifying herb for simultaneous Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency and is significantly colder and stronger than the related Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong). Key bioactive constituents include steroidal saponins (asparanin A, B, C), asparagine, polysaccharides and flavonoids. Research confirms significant immunomodulatory effects (natural killer cell enhancement), anti-tumour properties (relevant to lung cancer where the Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency pattern is common), antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory activity and anti-ageing properties. The combination Tian Men Dong + Mai Men Dong + Sheng Di Huang (Er Dong San or Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan components) forms the core Yin and fluid-generating prescription.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in Spleen deficiency with Damp — the very cold, heavy nature will severely damage Spleen Yang and worsen loose stools and Damp accumulation. Avoid in patients with poor digestion, loose stools and bloating. Avoid in Wind-Cold cough.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Tiān Mén Dōng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Menopausal symptoms, Insomnia, Low AMH level. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.