Dendrobium stem
The stem of the dendrobium orchid, dried and rolled into tight spirals known as fung dau, sold loose or in gift tins. Extremely hard, it releases a faint grassy sweetness only after long boiling or double-boiling, contributing a clean, cooling undertone rather than bulk.
TCM properties
Nature · cooling Flavour · sweet Meridians · stomach、kidney
Traditional food therapy
In the tradition it is the herb for late nights and parched throats, used to nourish yin, clear heat, benefit the stomach and brighten the eyes; a standby for those who smoke, drink or burn the midnight oil.
Cautions: read first
- Take care in the early stage of a warm heat illness, or where damp heat has not yet turned dry
- Take care if your spleen and stomach run cold
- Do not take yin-nourishing tonics while you have a cold or fever
Preparation
楓斗, the tightly coiled dried form, is hard, so either soak it first or simply give it a long boil or double-boil.
Origin · Geo-authentic (道地) source
Huoshan, Anhui (Huoshan dendrobium) and Yunnan. AU sells both grocer-tier dried stem and premium-tier herba dendrobii grades
Availability in Australia
Herbal shops / specialists
