3Man Jing Zi - Shrub Chastetree Fruit - Fructus Viticis

Man Jing Zi (Vitex Fruit) is a cool, bitter, and acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for dispersing wind-heat, clearing the head and eyes, and relieving pain. It is derived from the fruit of Vitex trifolia and is valued for treating headaches, red or painful eyes, and dizziness caused by wind-heat or Liver heat. Man Jing Zi is also used for wind-damp bi syndrome affecting the limbs and joints, helping to alleviate stiffness and discomfort. Its dual ability to clear heat from the head and open the channels makes it a versatile herb for both acute wind-heat invasion and chronic wind-damp conditions.

Functions & Benefits

Disperses Wind-Heat and Clears the Head
Eases headaches, dizziness, and sinus discomfort caused by external wind-heat.

Clears the Eyes and Improves Vision
Reduces redness, swelling, and pain in the eyes from wind-heat or Liver heat.

Relieves Pain and Unblocks the Channels
Used for wind-damp-related joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Calms Mild Liver Yang Rising
Helps with tension headaches and light sensitivity linked to excess Liver Yang.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with headaches and eye discomfort from wind-heat.
✔ People with dizziness and sinus congestion from external pathogens.
✔ Those with joint stiffness or pain from wind-dampness.
✔ Patients with mild tension headaches from Liver Yang rising.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red edges with thin yellow coating, indicating wind-heat or Liver heat.
Pulse: Floating and slightly rapid, reflecting exterior wind-heat.

Related TCM Patterns
Wind-Heat Invasion – Causes headaches, red eyes, and sinus pressure.
Liver Heat – Produces eye redness, dizziness, and irritability.
Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome – Leads to joint pain and restricted movement.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Acute Headaches from Wind-Heat – Clears the head and relieves pain.
Eye Redness and Irritation – Reduces heat and wind affecting the eyes.
Joint Pain from Wind-Dampness – Unblocks channels and eases stiffness.
Mild Tension Headaches – Balances Liver Yang and improves comfort.

Common Herbal Formulas with Man Jing Zi
Often combined with Ju Hua and Bo He for wind-heat headaches, or with Qiang Huo and Du Huo for wind-damp bi syndrome.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of headache from blood deficiency or Kidney deficiency.
Not suitable for cold-type headaches without heat signs.
Use with caution in Yin deficiency with dryness.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Drink cooling teas with chrysanthemum or mint to help disperse wind-heat.
✔ Rest the eyes regularly to reduce strain and prevent heat build-up.
✔ Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and excessive screen time that aggravate Liver heat.
✔ Engage in light stretching to keep channels open and flexible.

Conclusion
Man Jing Zi (Vitex Fruit) is a cooling, wind-heat-dispersing herb in TCM that clears the head and eyes, relieves pain, and unblocks channels. It is especially useful for headaches, eye irritation, and joint stiffness caused by wind-heat or wind-damp patterns.