Tian Men Dong, also known as Asparagi Radix or Asparagus Tuber, is a sweet, bitter, and very cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, and clear deficiency heat. It is especially effective for Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat, night sweats, and steaming bone sensations. Tian Men Dong is a deeply cooling and moistening herb suited for chronic internal dryness and heat.
Functions & Benefits
Nourishes Lung Yin & Moistens Dryness
Tian Men Dong is used for chronic dry cough, dry throat, and hoarseness due to Lung Yin Deficiency. It helps restore moisture to the lungs and alleviates heat-related symptoms such as dry sputum and chest tightness, especially in long-term respiratory weakness.
Nourishes Kidney Yin & Clears Deficiency Heat
This herb strongly nourishes Kidney Yin and clears heat from Deficiency, making it suitable for symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, hot flashes, and lower back pain. It is used in menopausal syndrome, chronic fatigue, and recovery from febrile diseases with internal dryness.
Moistens the Intestines
Due to its moistening properties, Tian Men Dong helps relieve constipation caused by internal dryness, especially in the elderly or those with Yin Deficiency. It gently restores fluid to the intestines while supporting underlying Yin.
Generates Fluids & Supports Recovery
Tian Men Dong generates fluids and is used in patterns of fluid depletion with thirst, irritability, and wasting-and-thirst disorders. It is helpful in patients recovering from illness with signs of Yin and fluid exhaustion.
Indications
Dry cough, throat dryness, or hoarseness due to Lung Yin Deficiency
Night sweats, low-grade fever, or hot flashes from Kidney Yin Deficiency
Constipation due to dryness, especially in elderly or post-illness patients
Chronic thirst, dryness, or wasting disorders from fluid depletion
Yin-deficient conditions in the lungs, kidneys, or digestive tract
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red and dry with little or no coating, especially at the tip or root
Pulse: Thin and rapid, indicating Yin Deficiency with internal heat
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Tian Men Dong
Tian Men Dong treats Lung Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Deficiency Heat, Internal Dryness, and Wasting & Thirsting disorders. These patterns are characterized by dry cough, night sweats, heat signs, and Yin depletion.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for Spleen Deficiency with dampness or diarrhea
Avoid in cases of cold-type cough or phlegm-damp accumulation
May be too rich or cloying for patients with weak digestion
Use cautiously in patients with loose stools or poor appetite
Conclusion
Tian Men Dong is a potent, cooling Yin tonic that nourishes the Lungs and Kidneys, clears Deficiency heat, and moistens dryness in chronic internal conditions. It is especially useful for dry cough, night sweats, hot flashes, and constipation due to Yin Deficiency. Its cold and moist nature makes it ideal for cases of long-standing heat and fluid depletion.
