Wang Bu Liu Xing (Cowherb Seed) (Small and round, 2mm in diameter, glossy brownish-black, textured, with a depressed longitudinal groove on one side)

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Cowherb Seed) (Stir-fried)

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Cowherb Seed) (Fruit of Ficus pumila) (Naimu – Wet Nurse) (The receptacle is enlarged into a pear shape, yellowish-brown, nearly truncated at the top, and gradually narrows at the bottom of the receptacle.)

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Cowherb Seed) (Root of Melastoma candidum) (Often cut into slices, the cross-section is yellowish-brown, the texture is scattered, the substance is light and hard)

【Naming】

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Cowherb Seed)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Upper Class

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried mature seeds of Vaccaria pyramidata Medi, family Caryophyllaceae.

 【Characteristics】

Nearly spherical, about 2 mm in diameter. The outer surface is glossy brownish-black, with dense granular protrusions. Under a magnifying glass, a groove runs across the protrusions. The hilum is nearly circular, white, and depressed, with a depressed groove on one side of the hilum; the endosperm is milky white. It tastes sweet at first and then bitter. When stir-fried, it pops into white, pearl-like rice flowers, which are very cute.

 【Identification】

The best quality are dry, black seeds that are uniform, substantial, plump, dark black, and free of mud, impurities, and fruit shells; yellow-red seeds are not substantial and are of lower quality.

 【Identification Terminology】

1. Naimu (Wet Nurse): The male receptacle of Ficus pumila as a medicinal material.

 【Chapter】

Seed Category