Dodder (cuscuta)
Synopsis of dodder
Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is a leafless, parasitic vine that attaches itself to host plants via specialized structures called haustoria, drawing nutrients and water directly from them. Found worldwide, with medicinal species including Cuscuta chinensis, Cuscuta reflexa, and Cuscuta europaea, dodder has long been used in Asian, Middle Eastern, and European herbal traditions. Despite its parasitic nature, dodder seeds are rich in flavonoids, lignans, alkaloids, and fatty acids, making them valuable in supporting reproductive, liver, kidney, and eye health.
Dodder is primarily used to:
- Support reproductive function, especially in men—enhancing libido, sperm count, and fertility
- Strengthen the kidneys and liver, acting as a tonic herb in cases of fatigue, aging, or weakness
- Improve vision, particularly when linked to liver or kidney deficiencies in traditional frameworks
- Modulate immune function and protect against oxidative stress
- Act as a mild adaptogen and restorative, particularly in conditions involving stress-related exhaustion
In modern herbal practice, Cuscuta chinensis (Tu Si Zi) is the most commonly used species, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is often prescribed as part of complex formulas for yang deficiency, infertility, and premature aging. It is typically used as a powder, decoction, or extract, and is considered safe when used within recommended doses.
Historical Use
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dodder seed (Tu Si Zi) has been used for over 2,000 years to:
- Tonify the kidney yang, which governs sexual vitality, fertility, and energy
- Stabilize the essence (jing) and secure urination, often used for issues like incontinence or frequent urination
- Improve vision, especially blurry vision or eye fatigue associated with liver-kidney imbalance
- Support pregnancy by calming a restless fetus or preventing miscarriage due to deficiency
Dodder seed is often combined with herbs like goji berry, rehmannia, eucommia, and schisandra in classic TCM tonics for longevity, reproductive strength, and essence preservation.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Cuscuta reflexa is known as amaravalli or akashabela, and is used to treat:
- Liver disorders and jaundice
- Alopecia (hair loss) and skin conditions
- Impotence and seminal weakness
It is considered a rejuvenative and cleansing herb, particularly for the reproductive and hepatic systems.
In European herbalism, dodder (Cuscuta europaea) was traditionally used for purging, liver cleansing, and regulating menstruation, though it is less commonly used today.
Modern herbalists still incorporate dodder in fertility, vitality, and liver support blends, especially when drawing from TCM or Ayurvedic traditions. While it is not a mainstream Western herb, its long history and biochemical richness support its ongoing use in tonic and adaptogenic formulations.
Dodder is used for these health conditions
Aging (prevention) (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bedwetting (Traditional)
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
dodder is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
