Dendrobium Stone-bushel Stem

Native to Southern China, Dendobium is found largely in mountain rainforests and lowlands and tends to grow on limestone moss covered outcroppings. Dendrobium is a genus of orchids in the Orchidaceae family. The genus name comes from the Greek words dendron, meaning "tree", and bios, meaning "life". Our Shi Hu essential oil is extracted from the Dendrobium Stone-bushel stem, and although very mild aromatically, what it lacks in fragrance it makes up for in utility, application and healing potential. 

In the Shen Nong Ben Cao (Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica) Shi Hu is given the status of an upper grade herb. It is said that Daoist Chinese monks would traditionally drink Shi Hu tea as a means of promoting and nurturing Jing and longevity and fostering stamina and immunity. Shi Hu with its cool, slightly sweet nature and its affinity for the Stomach and Kidney has a wide array of uses and benefits and is most renowned for its ability to generate fluids and to nourish Yin. Accordingly, it can be used quite effectively in addressing cases of severe thirst, parched, dry mouth and throat and fevers causing depletion and injury to the fluids. In addition to its benefits of clearing heat, generating fluids and addressing stomach ache and abdominal discomfort, Shi Hu is wonderful at nourishing Kidneys and Jing (essence) and thus can be used to address discomfort, soreness and weakness in the knees, tendons and lower back.

Dermatologically, Dendrobium stem can be quite beneficial in aiding those dealing with constant dry and rough skin.

TCM Category: Yin Tonifying Herbs

Channels Entered: Stomach, Kidneys

Major Chemical Components: bibenzyls, phenols, phenylpropanoids, linans,dendramine, dendroxine, dendrine.