Asparagus Root
天门冬 · tiān mén dōng
Rebuilds deep moisture for dry cough and depleted energy
What it does
Tian men dong targets the Lung and Kidney to restore fluids depleted by heat or overwork, qualifying it as one of the coldest yin tonics. It moistens dry nonproductive cough, addresses the wasting and thirsting pattern, and treats constipation from intestinal dryness. In Tonify the Heart (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan), it builds the yin foundation beneath the formula's spirit-calming herbs.
Safety
- Contraindicated in diarrhea from deficiency or cold; very cold and moistening.
- Cold and slippery; avoid it with loose stools or a damp, weak digestion.
- Not for cough from exterior wind-cold; for dry nonproductive cough with yin deficiency signs only.
How to take it
Decoct 6–12g of dried asparagus root in 4 cups water for 30–40 minutes. Best used in formulas alongside warming or qi-tonifying herbs to prevent digestive impairment.
Best used in a yin-tonifying formula for dry cough, thirst, or depleted energy from overwork
Follow the product label for the formula containing tian men dong. Standalone preparations exist but are most effective in combination.
Look for it in Lung yin or kidney yin tonifying formula products
Where it comes from
Tian men dong translates as 'heavenly gate winter.' Li Shi-Zhen explained that the 'gate' character is a common simplification of an older character meaning 'lush,' fitting for this vigorous climbing vine, and that the name follows the pattern of its close relative mai men dong. It is recorded in the Divine Husbandman's Classic, the earliest comprehensive Chinese herbal text, and contains steroidal saponins and asparagine.