She Chuang Zi (Cnidium Fruit)
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Upper Grade
【Common Usage Level】
C
【Botanical Origin】
The dried, mature fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., family Apiaceae.
【Characteristics】
The cremocarp is a small, oblong shape, composed of two mericarps, about 2-4 mm long and 1-2 mm in diameter. The outer surface is grayish-yellow, smooth, and hairless. One end has a small fruit stalk, while the other end has two outwardly curved linear stylopods. The mericarp is semi-circular, slightly raised on the dorsal side, with five prominent ridges. The commissural surface is flat, with two brownish, slightly raised longitudinal lines (5 ridges on the back, 2 lines on the commissure). The pericarp is fragile, the seeds are small and grayish-brown, oily, with a turpentine-like aroma, and a pungent, cool, and tongue-numbing taste.
【Identification】
Essentials of Materia Medica: “It is found everywhere, with those from Yangzhou and Xiangzhou being the best.”
The best quality has plump grains, is grayish-yellow in color, and has a strong aroma.
【Category】
Fruits