Carpesium Seed Whole (Carpesium Abrotanoides)

Carpesium Seed Whole (Carpesium abrotanoides) is the dried ripe seed of a traditional herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) under the name Hè Shī Zǐ (鹤虱子). Known since classical times for its expelling, dispersing, and digestive-regulating properties, this aromatic seed is traditionally used to eliminate parasites, ease abdominal discomfort, move qi, and reduce food stagnation. Its nature is bitter, pungent, and slightly warm, giving it a penetrating and resolving action suited to conditions marked by accumulation, obstruction, or digestive irregularity.

In TCM, He Shi Zi enters the Spleen and Stomach channels, where it helps regulate digestion, reduce fullness, alleviate bloating, and expel parasitic accumulation that may cause discomfort, irregular stools, or poor appetite. Historically, it is used for parasite-induced abdominal pain, food stagnation, emaciation from chronic digestive disruption, and distention, especially in cases involving qi blockage or stagnation from improper diet. Its warm, dispersing quality helps restore smooth qi flow in the middle burner while addressing the root obstruction.

In folk herbal practice, Carpesium Seed is often decocted with harmonizing herbs to ease abdominal tension, sluggish digestion, or discomfort caused by cold-damp obstruction. It has also been used externally in powders and washes for certain skin irritations linked to parasitic or microbial presence.

Modern studies show that Carpesium abrotanoides seeds contain sesquiterpene lactones, essential oils, and antimicrobial compounds with antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-regulating effects. These bioactive elements support its classical use as an herb that clears small parasites, reduces gut inflammation, and helps reestablish comfortable digestion.

Each batch of Carpesium Seed Whole (Carpesium abrotanoides) is carefully dried and cleaned to preserve its aromatic, warming, slightly bitter nature. When decocted, it produces a strong, herbaceous, warming infusion traditionally used to regulate digestion, dispel parasites, relieve abdominal discomfort, and restore smooth qi movement in the digestive system.