Celosiae Semen
Aliases：Yě Jī Guàn Huā (literally "Wild Cockscomb Flower"), Yě Jī Guàn Huā Zǐ (literally "Wild Cockscomb Flower Seed"), Gǒu Wěi Huā (literally "Dog Tail Flower"), Gǒu Wěi Xiàn (literally "Dog Tail Amaranth"), Cǎo Jué Míng (literally "Grass Cassia" — an alternative name referring to its similar use to Cassia seed), Niú Wěi Bā Huā Zǐ (literally "Ox Tail Flower Seed"), Gǒu Wěi Bā Zǐ (literally "Dog Tail Seed"), Jī Guàn Huā Zǐ (literally "Cockscomb Flower Seed"), Láng Wěi Huā (literally "Wolf Tail Flower"), and Dà Wěi Jī Guàn Huā (literally "Large‑Tailed Cockscomb Flower"), etc. (These are all alternative names for Qīngxiāng Zǐ, i.e., Celosiae Semen / Feather Cockscomb Seed.)
Qīngxiāng Zǐ (Celosiae Semen) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried mature seed of Celosia argentea L., a plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. It grows on slopes, roadsides, and in dry, sunny areas of plains. It was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Liver‑fire, improves vision, and removes corneal opacities.
Indications
Liver‑heat red eyes: Used for red, swollen and painful eyes caused by Liver‑fire flaring upward. Corneal opacities: Used for corneal opacities and blurred vision. Liver‑fire vertigo: Used for dizziness and vertigo caused by hyperactive Liver‑fire.
Modern Pharmacology
Hepatoprotective effect: Celosiae Semen has hepatoprotective effects. Triterpenoid saponins such as celosian A and celosian B can inhibit NF‑κB expression, reduce inflammatory responses, and protect against liver injury. Antitumor effect: Celosian saponins and cyclic peptides (such as celogentin) have antitumor activity. Other effects: Modern research has also found antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects.
Ingredients
Triterpenoid saponins: Celosian I, celosian II, celosian H, celosian I, celosian J, celosian A, celosian B, celosian C, celosian D, etc. Cyclic peptides: Celogentin A, B, C, etc. Amino acids: Contains various amino acids. Fatty acids: Palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, etc. Flavonoids, phenols, organic acids, steroids, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g; or prepare as pills or powders. For topical application: an appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied with a suitable base; or crushed and the juice instilled into the nostrils.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with glaucoma: This herb has a mydriatic (pupil‑dilating) effect. Contraindicated in patients with dilated pupils. Contraindicated or use with caution in patients with Liver‑Kidney deficiency. Use with caution in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Use with caution during pregnancy. Should not be used alone in Liver deficiency eye diseases. It should be used under the guidance of TCM syndrome differentiation and should not be used blindly.
Selected Formulas
For red, swollen, painful eyes, corneal opacity, and blurred vision due to liver fire flaring upward (Zhengzhi Zhunsheng, Qingxiang Wan) Take Qingxiangzi (Celosia argentea seed) together with Juemingzi (Cassia seed), Chongweizi (Leonurus seed), and Lingyangjiao (Antelope horn). Make into pills and take. For blurred vision due to liver deficiency with blood heat (Yizong Jinjian, Qingxiang Wan) Take Qingxiangzi with Shengdihuang (Rehmannia root), Xuanshen (Scrophularia root), and Cheqianzi (Plantago seed). Make into pills and take. For liver-kidney deficiency with dry and blurred vision (Yizong Jinjian, Lüfeng Huanjing Wan) Take Qingxiangzi with Tusizi (Cuscuta seed), Roucongrong (Cistanche), and Shanyao (Chinese yam). Make into pills and take. For headache, dizziness, and irritability with insomnia due to liver yang transforming into fire (empirical formula) Take Qingxiangzi together with Shijueming (Haliotis shell), Zhizi (Gardenia fruit), and Xiakucao (Prunella spike). Decoct in water and drink. For wind-heat with tearing eyes (Quanzhou Bencao) Take 5 qian of Qingxiangzi and stew with chicken liver. Consume.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried mature seed of Celosia argentea L., a plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place.
