Hyoscyami Semen (Kidney-shaped, brownish-yellow, smooth and finely netted, sticky when exposed to water)

Hyoscyami Semen Top quality is on the upper right – becomes sticky when water is added; the lower one is fake and not sticky.

[Naming]

Hyoscyami Semen

 [Source]

Lower grade in the Classic of Herbal Medicine‧Hyoscyamus niger

 [Frequency of Use]

E

 [Botanical Origin]

The dried, ripe seeds of Hyoscyamus niger L. in the Solanaceae family.

 [Characteristics]

Slightly kidney-shaped or broadly oval, flattened on both sides, approximately 1mm in diameter. The surface is brownish-yellow or greyish-brown with fine, raised reticulations. The hilum is protruding. The cut surface is greyish-white, with endosperm and a curved embryo. Odorless, taste slightly pungent.
Northern Hyoscyami Semen seeds are kidney-shaped or oval, flattened, grayish-yellow, with dense reticulations, and pungent taste; while Southern Hyoscyami Semen are heart-shaped, reddish-brown, swell when exposed to water, and become sticky when water is added.

 [Identification]

《Universal Relief Prescriptions》: “Use Hyoscyamus seeds, also known as Hyoscyami Semen. The ones with good branches, flowers, fruits are preferred.”
Larger grains, full, and free of impurities are preferred.

 [Category]

Seeds