Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi) (Long conical shape, seed coat with kernel inside, slightly pointed tip and round base, soft, smooth and oily, turns yellowish-brown after long storage with oil seeping out)

Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi) with shell

【Naming】

Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Upper Class

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried mature seed kernel of the Cupressaceae plant, Biota orientalis (L.) Endl.

 【Characteristics】

It is long oval or long conical in shape, 3-7mm long and 1.5-3mm in diameter. Fresh products are light yellow or yellowish-white, but turn darker and yellowish-brown after prolonged storage, with oil exuding. The outer surface is often wrapped with a thin membranous inner seed coat, with a slightly pointed apex, a round triangular shape, and dark brown spots. The base is bluntly rounded and lighter in color. The cross-section is milky white to yellowish-white, with abundant endosperm, and 2 or more cotyledons, all containing abundant oil. It has a slight fragrance and a faint, oily taste. After being processed into frost (powdered form), it is yellow in color.

 【Processing】

1. Raw Bai Zi Ren 2. Bai Zi Shuang (Bai Zi Ren Frost)

 【Identification】

The best quality has full grains, yellowish-white color, and is oily without oiliness on the surface. Inferior quality is indicated by old yellowish color, oil leakage, or mold and insect damage.

 【Category】

Seeds