Bǎi Zǐ Rén (柏子仁) — Biota Seed
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Bǎi Zǐ Rén (柏子仁) — Platycladus orientalis seed — is one of the most important herbs for nourishing the Heart and calming the Shen. It belongs to the category of Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Shen. Unlike heavier mineral-based sedatives, Bai Zi Ren is a moistening, oil-rich seed that gently nourishes Heart Yin and Blood. It is widely used for insomnia, anxiety, palpitations and constipation in Blood-deficient or Yin-deficient patients.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bǎi Zǐ Rén |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 柏子仁 |
| Latin name | Platycladus orientalis (formerly Biota orientalis) |
| English name | Biota seed / oriental arborvitae seed |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Heart, Kidney, Large Intestine |
| Category | Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Shen |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes the Heart and calms the Shen
- Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels
- Stops sweating from Yin and Blood deficiency
Indications
- Insomnia, restlessness, anxiety and palpitations from Heart Blood and Yin deficiency
- Poor memory and difficulty concentrating
- Constipation in elderly, postpartum or Blood-deficient patients
- Night sweats from Yin deficiency
4. Key formulas containing Bǎi Zǐ Rén
- Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan — Heart Yin and Blood deficiency with insomnia and palpitations
- Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan — Heart Blood deficiency with insomnia
5. Incompatibilities
Bǎi Zǐ Rén (柏子仁) Biota Seed is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions
Use with caution in patients with diarrhoea or thick Phlegm — the oil-rich seed is moistening. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Pattern contraindications
Mineral-based Shen-calming herbs (Long Gu, Mu Li, Zhen Zhu Mu) are decocted long and used short-term to avoid Spleen Qi depletion. Seed-based Shen-calmers (Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren) are gentler and suitable for longer use.
Modern drug interactions
May have additive effect with benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics, alcohol and other CNS depressants — tell your GP if you take sleep medication or sedatives. Mineral herbs taken close to oral medication can impair absorption — separate by 2 hours.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Bai Zi Ren within tailored formulas for insomnia, anxiety and Blood-deficient constipation. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available.
Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
