Torreya, Fei Zi 榧子Chinese Nutmeg Yew, Chinese TorreyaFe Zi (TCM) |
|
Torreya grandisRevue horticole, serié 4 (1879)
Torreya grandis(Photo by VoDeTan2) (Wikimedia)
Torreya grandis seed(Photo by VoDeTan2) (Wikimedia)
Botanical name:
Torreya grandis (syn. T. nucifera)
Parts used:
Seed collected when ripe in Autumn, remove shell (testa) and break into pieces.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral, moist. Sweet
Classification:
S. Worm & Parasites
Uses:
1. Kills Worms:
–Tapeworm, Roundworm, Hookworm, Pinworms
-malnutrition, abdominal pain in children from Worms
-Constipation associated with Worms
2. Moistens the Intestines:
-Constipation, especially with Hemorrhoids
-“treats 5 types of Hemorrhoids”
3. Stops Cough:
-Cough associated with dry Lungs
4. Benefits Qi and Blood:
-“eliminates Malnutrition”
-“strengthens Muscles and Bones”
Dose:
1. The seeds are crushed before decoction.
Decoction: 15–30 grams
Dry-fried Seed in Decoction: 9–15 grams when dry-fried
Comment:
The seeds are edible and have long been regarded as highly nutritious. They are also pressed to extract their oil which has been widely used.
Preparation:
Dry-Fried Torreya Fei Zi:
Sand is heated in a Wok, the seeds are added and stirred until they turn dark yellow and pop. The sand is sifted and the seeds kept for use. This is more warming and strengthens the Spleen, helping to digest Food Stagnation and is especially used for Childhood Nutrional Impairment.
Main Combinations:
1. Worms:
i. in general, with Quisqualis Shi Jun Zi, Garlic (Da Suan)
i. Tapeworms, with Betel nut (Bing Lang)
ii. Hookworms, with Stemona Bai Bu
iii. Roundworms, with Quisqualis Shi Jun Zi
iv. Pinworms, with Knotgrass (Bian Xu)
2. Dry Cough, with Glehnia Bei Sha Shen, Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong, Almond (Xing Ren), Licorice
3. Constipation from dryness, with Cannabis seed (Huo Ma Ren), Sesame seed (Hei Zhi Ma), Dang Gui
Cautions:
1. Not used if there is loose Stool
2. Not for Cough from Heat
3. Not used during Pregnancy
4. Not used with Mung bean