Chinese Magnolia Vine Fruit

Posted 2018/3/20

UWEI zi (Chinese magnolia vine fruit), literally five flavor seeds, is so named as it has sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty flavors. According to the TCM theory of five flavors benefiting different organs, the fruit is believed to have all-round benefits and is often prescribed for reinforcement.

According to legend, it was a gift sent by a magpie (a bird symbolizing luck in Chinese) to save a miserable boy's life at Changbaishan Mountain, in today's Jilin Province.

The boy was an orphan who worked for a mean ministry councilor. He was very badly treated, eating pigwash, wearing tatty clothes and frequently beaten.


Gradually, his health got worse and he could not even walk. Rather than giving treatment, the councilor abandoned him near the woods.

The exhausted boy fell asleep. A magpie came and scattered a few seeds around him. When he awoke, he was surprised to see small trees bearing dark red fruits. To relieve his hunger, the boy ate some of the fruits which had sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty flavors. He later found himself refreshed and without any pain.

The seeds of the magic trees gradually covered the foot of Changbaishan Mountain and it is said that people suffering any discomfort will be cured if they eat the fruit.

Wuwei zi is a "warm" herb that benefits the lungs and kidneys by reinforcing energy. It helps promote necessary body fluids but relieves over-sweating due to insufficient energy. It is helpful in relieving long-term diarrhea and improve sight. It is often prescribed to relieve coughing and asthma. It is also said to be good for the male reproductive system.


Prescriptions: 

Wuwei zi tea: Pour boiling water over 5-10g wuwei zi. Add rock sugar to sweeten. Drink often.

Wuwei zi tea can help relieve high blood pressure and prevent related problems. 

Erzi (two zi) wine: Clean and dry 100g tusi zi (Chinese dodder seed) and 50g wuwei zi. Soak them in 100ml low white spirit. Seal and keep them for 10 days before drinking. Drink 15ml twice a day.

The wine can help relieve menopausal syndrome due to insufficient yang energy, sleeplessness, frequent urination and decreased sexual desire.

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