Feather Cockscomb Seed

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

• Clears Liver fire and improves vision - Qing Xiang Zi is classically used for red, swollen, painful eyes and visual disturbance caused by excess heat in the Liver channel.
• Dispels wind-heat from the eyes - it is especially valued when superficial ocular inflammation, headache, and photophobia accompany wind-heat or Liver fire patterns.
• Directs hyperactive Liver yang downward - traditional use extends to headache and hypertension patterns associated with rising Liver fire.

Secondary Actions

• Qing Xiang Zi is strongest for excess heat eye disorders and is less appropriate than Jue Ming Zi when constipation, yin deficiency, or deficiency-type visual problems are central.
• Traditional sources note that it can dilate the pupils, which is part of why it is used cautiously in certain eye-pressure conditions.

Classic Formulas

• Eye-fire combinations often pair Qing Xiang Zi with Ju Hua, Long Dan Cao, or Huang Qin for red painful eyes.
• Vision-support formulas may combine it with Mi Meng Hua, Mu Zei, or Jue Ming Zi when blurred vision and superficial visual obstruction are present.
• Liver-fire hypertension and headache patterns may combine Qing Xiang Zi with Xia Ku Cao, Gou Teng, or Shi Jue Ming.

Classical References

• American Dragon and related TCM sources emphasize Qing Xiang Zi's best effect on excess Liver fire with red inflamed eyes.
• Traditional notes distinguish it from Jue Ming Zi by stressing its stronger fire-draining action and narrower suitability for excess conditions.
• Use is cautious in glaucoma or dilated-pupil states because of its documented pupil-dilating tendency in traditional literature.