Tian Men Dong
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr.
โฏ TCM Properties
Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness; Clears Lung Heat and Generates Fluids; Clears Lung Heat and Drains Lung Fire; Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels; Nourishes Kidney Yin
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. (Asparagaceae) is a herbaceous to semi-woody perennial native to China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, with slender twining or scrambling stems up to 1-2 m bearing curved spines and fascicles of needle-like cladodes (modified stem segments) that function as leaves. The true leaves are reduced to scales. From a fibrous crown it produces numerous fleshy spindle-shaped tuberous roots 4-10 cm long with translucent yellowish flesh. These tubers are dug in autumn or winter, scalded, peeled, and sun-dried. In TCM, Tian Men Dong is sweet and bitter in flavor and very cold in nature, entering the Lung and Kidney channels; it nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, clears Lung heat, and generates fluids, especially for dry cough and thirst.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Tian Men Dong (asparagus tuber) is a cold, bitter-sweet herb that deeply nourishes Kidney and Lung Yin and clears deficiency Heat. It is used for the Yin deficiency patterns of dry cough with scanty phlegm or blood-streaked sputum, dry throat and mouth, thirst, and bone-steaming fever. Its deep Yin-nourishing action on the Kidney makes it suitable for the most severe cases of Kidney and Lung Yin depletion, where both the root and the branch of deficiency heat require simultaneous nourishment and cooling.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.