Zhi Zi, known as Gardenia fruit, is a widely used heat-clearing and fire-draining herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is valued for its ability to clear heat from all three burners, calm irritability, cool the blood, and reduce swelling. Zhi Zi is commonly prescribed for conditions such as high fever, restlessness, inflammation, jaundice, nosebleeds, and red, swollen skin conditions.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Heat and Drains FireUsed for high fever, restlessness, and irritability caused by excessive internal heat.
Cools the Blood and Stops BleedingEffective for nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by heat in the blood.
Reduces Swelling and Clears Damp-HeatHelps treat jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, and damp-heat in the liver and stomach.
Relieves Swelling and PainUsed for boils, abscesses, and painful swelling, particularly when related to internal heat accumulation.
IndicationsIndividuals experiencing fever, irritability, or restlessness due to internal heatPeople suffering from nosebleeds, blood in the urine, or excessive menstrual flowPatients with jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, or digestive heat conditionsThose with skin infections, boils, or red swollen sores caused by heat
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Red with yellow coating (indicating internal heat or damp-heat)Pulse: Rapid and forceful (suggesting excessive heat)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Zhi ZiExcess Heat and Fire in the Body – High fever, restlessness, inflammationHeat in the Blood – Bleeding disorders, nosebleeds, blood in urineDamp-Heat Accumulation – Jaundice, gallbladder issues, bloatingHeat-Toxin Swelling – Boils, abscesses, painful skin eruptions
Precautions & ContraindicationsNot suitable for individuals with cold conditions or weak digestion.Avoid in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency with diarrhea.Use with caution in pregnancy and those with low blood pressure.
ConclusionZhi Zi is a powerful heat-clearing and fire-draining herb in TCM, widely used to cool the body, calm irritability, reduce swelling, and treat heat-related conditions. Its strong detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable remedy for fevers, inflammation, jaundice, bleeding disorders, and skin infections.
