Tài Zǐ Shēn (太子参), known in English as Prince ginseng (Pseudostellaria heterophylla), is a neutral, sweet and slightly bitter Chinese herb from the Tonify qi category. It enters the Spleen and Lung channels. Its main action: tonifies qi, nourishes Yin and generates fluids (gentler and more moistening than Dang Shen).
| Pinyin | Tài Zǐ Shēn (Tai Zi Shen) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 太子参 |
| English | Prince ginseng |
| Botanical name | Pseudostellaria heterophylla |
| Category | Tonify qi |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet, Slightly bitter |
| Channels | Spleen, Lung |
| Dosage | 9–30g |
| Cautions | No qi or Yin deficiency |
Actions
- Tonifies qi, nourishes Yin and generates fluids (gentler and more moistening than Dang Shen)
Indications
- Spleen and Lung qi and Yin deficiency: fatigue, dry mouth
- Chronic illness recovery
- Suitable for children
How to remember Tài Zǐ Shēn
Tonify qi herbs are mostly sweet, and most enter the Spleen, Lung and Stomach channels.
- You can work these out
- Sweet: like most Tonify qi herbs
- Spleen and Lung channels: from its use for “Spleen and Lung qi and Yin deficiency: fatigue, dry mouth”
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: Tonify qi herbs vary in nature
- Slightly bitter: unusual for Tonify qi herbs (most are sweet)
Other Tonify qi herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Tài Zǐ Shēn?
Tài Zǐ Shēn is neutral and sweet and slightly bitter.
Which channels does Tài Zǐ Shēn enter?
Tài Zǐ Shēn enters the Spleen and Lung channels.
What are the actions of Tài Zǐ Shēn?
Tonifies qi, nourishes Yin and generates fluids (gentler and more moistening than Dang Shen).
What is Tài Zǐ Shēn used for?
Spleen and Lung qi and Yin deficiency: fatigue, dry mouth; chronic illness recovery; suitable for children.
Practise Tài Zǐ Shēn and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.