Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Dodder
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Chinese Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis), known as "Tu Si Zi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has historically been used for a range of conditions, primarily to support kidney and liver health, enhance fertility, and improve vision. Its application for insomnia is rooted in TCM theory, where insomnia may be attributed to imbalances in the kidney and liver, or to a deficiency of "jing" (essence). Chinese Dodder is sometimes included in herbal formulas aimed at nourishing yin, tonifying the kidneys, and calming the spirit, which are thought to indirectly improve sleep quality.
However, scientific research specifically evaluating Chinese Dodder for insomnia is extremely limited. Most modern pharmacological studies on Cuscuta chinensis focus on its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties, but do not directly address sleep disorders or insomnia. Therefore, while the herb’s use for insomnia is documented in TCM texts and supported by traditional rationale, there is little to no robust clinical or experimental evidence to validate its effectiveness for this purpose.
In summary, the use of Chinese Dodder for insomnia is primarily justified by tradition rather than scientific validation. Anyone considering its use should consult a qualified healthcare professional, especially given the lack of direct clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Dodder
Aging (prevention)Amenorrhea
Anemia
Backache
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hypertension
Infertility
Insomnia
Kidney Stones
Leukemia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Premature Ejaculation
Prostatitis
Sex Drive (low)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Tinnitus
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores