Loss of Access to Tu Su Zi

5 replies [Last post]

Fri, 2009-12-04 12:13

laurachr

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Gan Cao Harvester

Joined: 2009-10-18

Points: 400

Loss of Access to Tu Su Zi

I have just learned that the USDA will no longer allow the importation of cuscuta, dodder seed, tu si zi, in any form. A USDA representative came to my office to see if I had any in my pharmacy. Apparently they have been allowing the importation of it in cake form for a while, rather than the loose seed. But soon we will not have it. This is because it is considered an invasive species of plant and will be very destructive to our plant balance if it gets loose. I knew that dodder was an invasive species so wasn't completely surprised.

We will still be able to get it in powder form. As of yesterday, May Way had NONE of the crude herb in stock. Wow.

Does anyone have any comments on this?

Your rating: None

Fri, 2009-12-04 13:13

Nargauzius

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Gan Cao Harvester

Joined: 2008-02-21

Points: 200

parasitic noxious weeds

Yes, it's a pretty destructive and parasitic plant (dodder and cuscuta are the same thing).

Here's the formula for plant matter verus seed matter.

To make a decoction, 20 grams of plant preparation is boiled in 200 ml water for 20 minutes, and then taken 1 table-spoon, three times a day. To make an extract, 8-10 grams is soaked in one cup of hot water for two hours, then filtered and drunken all at once as tea. To make a decoction from the seeds, 5-6 grams is soaked in one cup of hot water for one hour and taken 1 table-spoon, three times a day.

I'm shocked however that the USDA does anything to inspect herbal pharmacies!

I know I have to dead-head my buddleia because they're afraid the seeds will wash into the sewer and take over if I let it go to seed, but I'm still going to grow it to use, just carefully.

Fri, 2009-12-04 13:21

manncaro

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Gan Cao Harvester

Joined: 2008-03-30

Points: 50

Tu Su Zi (Dodder Seed)

On the Web, I found a 2006 USDA report about Japanese Dodder being an invasive, parasitic plant, damaging to food crops as well as trees and bushes. Some users have planted the seeds to grow a supply for of dodder for themselves.

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/noxweedinfo/pdfs/jdodder_summary.pdf

and, from 2001

http://www.invasive.org/eastern/other/DicCusCjO01.pdf

Fri, 2009-12-04 13:51

Webdoktor

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Great Scholar

Joined: 2006-11-24

Points: 40865

Tu Si Zi: check out this link

Only prohibited in the whole seed form due to it is a "weed parasite" (?)
apparently invading the US (at least California). Here are more details :

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:n0Q_dIZvPS0J:www.a...

Webdoktor `a patient is healed when the body is set right or the story is heard to the end`

Fri, 2009-12-04 14:04

Webdoktor

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Great Scholar

Joined: 2006-11-24

Points: 40865

that info is from 2006...

The info in the document / link above is from 2006,...is this really what is going on in the current scenario?

Webdoktor `a patient is healed when the body is set right or the story is heard to the end`

Mon, 2009-12-14 15:23

FrankRobbins

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Gan Cao Harvester

Joined: 2009-12-14

Points: 50

Tu Su Zi ban

Hi Lisa,

I produce a program called TCM Today and am always looking for news stories. This one sounds like it needs to get more exposure. I would like to ask you some questions. What would be the best way for me to contact you or you can email me at tcmtodaytv@gmail.com. I am under deadline to produce my story so if you can get back to me soon I would appreciate it. Thank you.

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Loss of Access to Tu Su Zi