Black Morning Glory Seed Whole

Black Morning Glory Seed Whole (Pharbitis nil) is the dried mature seed traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) under the name Qiān Niú Zǐ (牵牛子). This herb is known for its strong ability to drain water, expel parasites, reduce accumulation, and unblock the bowels, making it a potent remedy for conditions involving water retention, abdominal distension, and intestinal stagnation. Its nature is considered bitter, acrid, and cold, with a forceful downward-directing action.

In TCM, Qian Niu Zi enters the Lung, Kidney, and Large Intestine channels, where it helps promote urination, reduce edema, expel phlegm, and strongly purge accumulations. It is traditionally used for ascites, swelling, constipation due to excess, phlegm accumulation, and parasitic infections, particularly when stagnation and fluid retention are prominent. Its action is decisive and is typically reserved for excess patterns rather than deficiency.

Black Morning Glory Seed is also historically used to dispel phlegm and reduce chest congestion, supporting the downward movement of Lung qi when obstruction is present. Due to its potency, it is rarely used alone and is generally combined with harmonizing herbs to moderate its intensity.

Modern phytochemical analysis shows that Pharbitis nil seeds contain resin glycosides, alkaloids, and purgative compounds with documented laxative, diuretic, antiparasitic, and expectorant effects. These constituents explain its traditional role as a strong draining and purging herb.

Each batch of Black Morning Glory Seed Whole (Pharbitis nil) is carefully cleaned and dried to preserve its dark, hard seeds and concentrated medicinal properties. When prepared appropriately, it is traditionally used to drain excess fluid, relieve accumulation, expel parasites, and reduce swelling caused by stagnation and dampness.