Dendrobium officinale (Shi Hu)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · TCM tonic · Yin nourishment · Gastric protection

A precious TCM orchid herb used to nourish stomach and kidney yin, generate fluids, and clear heat. Contains polysaccharides with demonstrated gastroprotective and immunomodulatory effects in animal studies. Traditionally one of the nine immortal herbs of TCM. Wild specimens are endangered and CITES-listed. Modern cultivation has made it more accessible. Almost no clinical trial data.

Dose: 6–12 g/day fresh stems or 500–1,000 mg/day dried extract; traditionally simmered as a decoction