Zhi Zi-Gardenia Fruit-Fructus Gardeniae

Zhi Zi, known as Gardenia fruit, is a widely used heat-clearing and fire-draining herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is valued for its ability to clear heat from all three burners, calm irritability, cool the blood, and reduce swelling. Zhi Zi is commonly prescribed for conditions such as high fever, restlessness, inflammation, jaundice, nosebleeds, and red, swollen skin conditions.

Functions & Benefits

Clears Heat and Drains Fire
Used for high fever, restlessness, and irritability caused by excessive internal heat.

Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding
Effective for nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by heat in the blood.

Reduces Swelling and Clears Damp-Heat
Helps treat jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, and damp-heat in the liver and stomach.

Relieves Swelling and Pain
Used for boils, abscesses, and painful swelling, particularly when related to internal heat accumulation.

Indications
Individuals experiencing fever, irritability, or restlessness due to internal heat
People suffering from nosebleeds, blood in the urine, or excessive menstrual flow
Patients with jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, or digestive heat conditions
Those with skin infections, boils, or red swollen sores caused by heat

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow coating (indicating internal heat or damp-heat)
Pulse: Rapid and forceful (suggesting excessive heat)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Zhi Zi
Excess Heat and Fire in the Body – High fever, restlessness, inflammation
Heat in the Blood – Bleeding disorders, nosebleeds, blood in urine
Damp-Heat Accumulation – Jaundice, gallbladder issues, bloating
Heat-Toxin Swelling – Boils, abscesses, painful skin eruptions

Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with cold conditions or weak digestion.
Avoid in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency with diarrhea.
Use with caution in pregnancy and those with low blood pressure.

Conclusion
Zhi Zi is a powerful heat-clearing and fire-draining herb in TCM, widely used to cool the body, calm irritability, reduce swelling, and treat heat-related conditions. Its strong detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable remedy for fevers, inflammation, jaundice, bleeding disorders, and skin infections.