Gardenia, Zhī Zi, 栀子, Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

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Health Benefits
For: Insomnia • Difficult urination • Nose bleed • Bloody stool • Bloody vomit • Bloody urine • Injury swelling • Sprains • Hypertension
Attributes: Antibiotic • Sedative • Hypotensive • Laxative • Anti-inflammatory • Antibacterial • Antipyretic
Products (online examples)

Dried Fruit

Zhi Zi Tan

Chao Zhi Zi

Dried Fruit

Powder

Liquid Extract

Capsules

Dried Fruit
Research (sample)
Articles:
Constituents: 
Gardenin • Crocin • D-mannitol • Gardenoside • Gardoside • Crocetin • Ursolic acid • β-sitosterol

Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit,
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Species
None noted
Growth
Gardeniae jasminoidis is in the USDA Plant Database.  Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:

USA: Gardeniae jasminoidis is not found in the wild.    USDA Zones: 6b-11. 

Native: China, Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos

Habitats: Valleys, fields, thickets, river banks, mountain slopes, 10m<elevation<1500m

Category: Clear Heat Drain Fire  ▶
English: Gardenia    Pinyin:  Zhi Zi      Pharmaceutical: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis  
Organs: Heart • Liver • Lung • Stomach • Triple Burner        Temperature: Cold  
Taste: Bitter        Toxicity: Overdose can lead to diarrhea  
Patterns: Damp heat • Blood heat • Jaundice • Vexation 
Actions:  Clear heat • Drain liver fire • Cool blood • Dry dampness • Resolve toxins • Stop bleeding • Reduce injury swelling
Key 2nd Actions: Promote Urination • Relieve Jaundice • Stop Bleeding • Lower Hypertension
Indications: Bleeding • Irritability • Swelling • Damp heat • Jaundice • Blood in urine • Blood in vomit • Nose bleed • Urinary Tract Infection • external swelling from blood stasis (topically powder + egg whites)
Contraindications: Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold • Loose stool • Poor appetite • Diarrhea
Typical Dosage: 6g to 9g; crushed before use          Guidelines
Parts Used: fruit  
Other:
Dui Yao
■ ZHI ZI/DAN DOU CHI: Dui Yao for insomnia, restlessness, irritability from heat trapped above the diaphragm. Burning urination and constrained heat[31] Wind Heat. Zhi Zi Chi Tang [35]. ■ ZHI ZI/SUAN ZAO REN - insomnia due to heat. [35]
Combine With Purpose
Dan Dou Chi ■ ZHI ZI/DAN DOU CHI: Dui Yao for insomnia, restlessness, irritability from heat trapped above the diaphragm. Burning urination and constrained heat[31] Wind Heat. Zhi Zi Chi Tang [35]. ■ ZHI ZI/SUAN ZAO REN - insomnia due to heat. [35][5]
Hua Shi Damp bladder heat.  Painful urination [5]
Yin Chen Hao + Da Huang Jaundice [5]
Mu Dan Pi Liver blood deficiency [5]
Ce Bai Ye + Sheng Di Huang Excess heat: nosebleeds, bloody vomit, hematemesis, epistaxis [3], [5]
Dan Dou Chi + Bo He Drain fire. Chest tightness, irritability from viral or bacterial infection [14]
Shi Gao + Zhi Mu + Da Qing Ye Drain fire.  High fever and irritability, incoherent speech, red tongue with yellow coat due to viral or bacterial infection [14]
Huang Lian + Chen Pi + Cang Zhu Drain fire. Vomiting from excessive stomach heat [14]
Huang Bai + Mu Tong + Che Qian Zi Lin syndrome, painful and frequent urination [14]
Bai Mao Gen nosebleed, blooding vomit, blooding urine [5]
Jiang Zi Excess heat: epigastric pain [3]
Da Huang Constipation [3]
Vinegar, Egg Whites, Water Mix with Zhi Zi powder for bruising, swelling, and pain from physical injuries [3], [14]
Xia Ku Cao + Ju Hua + Jue Ming Zi Excessive liver heat leading to red, irritated, and swollen eyes [14]
Huang Lian + Huang Bai + Bai Zhi + Chi Shao Swelling, infected sores, fever, and irritability [14]
Formulas with Zhi Zi
An Gong Niu Huang Wan • Ba Zheng San • Chai Hu Qing Gan Tang • Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San • Dang Gui Long Hui Wan • Fang Feng Tong Sheng San • Huang Lian Jie Du Tang • Jia Wei Xiao Yao San • Ke Xue Fang • Lian Po Yin • Liang Ge San • Long Dan Xie Gan Tang • Qing Fei Tang • Qing Re Zhi Beng Tang • Qing Wen Bai Du Yin • Sang Xing Tang • Shi Gao Tang • Shi Hui San • Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin • Xiao Ji Yin Zi • Xie Huang San • Xin Yi Qing Fei YinXuan Bi Tang • Yin Chen Hao Tang • Yue Ju Wan • Zhi Zi Bai Pi Tang • Zhi Zi Chi Tang • Zhi Zi Dou Chi Tang • Zhi Zi Gan Cao Chi Tang • Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang • Zhi Zi Sheng Jiang Chi Tang 
Variations for Zhi Zi

Raw Zhi Zi is best for draining fire.

Chao Zhi Zi (stir fried) is used for vexation, irritability.  It is less likely to have side effects of nausea or vomiting.

Zhi Zi Tan (Charred) is best to stop bleeding.

Shan Zhi Ke (shell) increase blood circulation and clears external heat.

Shan Zhi Ren (seed) clears internal heat.  Seeds with shell drains Lung fire. Seeds without shell are best for draining heart fire.

Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Potential Drug Interactions

Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs.  Examples below:

Herbs:

Pharma Drugs:Zhi Zi (fructus gardeniae) is a herb commonly used in traditional Eastern medicine. Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. There is a potential for interaction between Zhi Zi and barbiturates, as Zhi Zi may enhance the sedative effects of barbiturates. Zhi Zi may interact with phenobarbital, a medication from the class of barbiturates commonly used to treat seizures and other conditions. Zhi Zi may enhance the sedative effects of phenobarbital, leading to excessive drowsiness or other side effects.[35]

[5], [8]

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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