What is the alternative name for the Chinese herb He Zi?
Feb 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the Chinese herb *He Zi* (诃子) has alternative names including *He Li Le* (诃黎勒), *Sui Feng Zi* (随风子), *He Li* (诃黎), and *He Li* (诃梨). *He Zi* is the dried mature fruit of the plant species *Terminalia chebula* Retz. or *Terminalia chebula* Retz. var. *tomentella* Kurt., belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine that functions to astringe the lungs and relieve cough, tighten the intestines to stop diarrhea, and soothe the throat to improve voice. It is primarily used in the treatment of prolonged cough with loss of voice, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, rectal bleeding, and prolapse of the rectum.
Generally, the alternative names for the traditional Chinese herb He Zi (Terminalia chebula) include He Li Le, Sui Feng Zi, He Li, and He Li, among others. A detailed analysis is as follows:
He Zi is the dried mature fruit of the plant species Terminalia chebula or its variety Terminalia chebula var. tomentella, both belonging to the Combretaceae family. It is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, known for its functions of astringing the lungs to relieve cough, tightening the intestines to stop diarrhea, and benefiting the throat to improve voice. It is primarily used to treat symptoms such as chronic cough with loss of voice, prolonged diarrhea or dysentery, rectal bleeding, and prolapse of the rectum. Additionally, He Zi has antibacterial properties and can inhibit various bacteria, such as Shigella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, it should be noted that excessive or long-term consumption of He Zi is not advisable, and certain populations, such as pregnant women and infants, should avoid its use.
Long-term and excessive use of He Zi may weaken the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, abdominal distension, and reduced appetite. Moreover, it may increase the metabolic burden on the liver and kidneys, particularly in patients with impaired liver or kidney function, for whom this herb should be used with caution.
He Zi is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with multiple functions and benefits. If needed, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified physician.
