What is the difference between Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu?

Both Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu are known as Shihu, and both are plants of the Dendrobium genus in the Orchidaceae family. Their medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine is also very similar, so how should we distinguish them? What are the differences between Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu?

1. The differences between Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu

First, Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu differ greatly in taste. Huangcao Shihu has more residue and relatively less gelatinous substance, and its taste is not as glutinous as that of Tiepi Shihu. Second, the cross-section diameter of Fengdou made from Tiepi Shihu is generally below 5mm, while Huangcao Shihu is larger in size, generally in small sections of about 1 cm. Third, Tiepi Shihu grows on semi-shaded, moist rocks in mountainous areas at altitudes of up to 1600 m, while Huangcao Shihu grows on tree trunks in mountain forests or on shaded, moist rocks at altitudes of 500-1500 m.

Because Huangcao Shihu does not have high environmental requirements, it can be harvested once a year, and artificially planted Huangcao Shihu has a very high yield per mu. Tiepi Shihu, however, has very high environmental requirements and generally cannot meet normal market demand. Even though artificial cultivation has been carried out in recent years, the yield of Tiepi Shihu that meets quality requirements is still very low. In addition, there is also a big difference in price between the two. The market price of Huangcao Shihu is generally around 50 yuan per jin, while the market price of high-quality Tiepi Shihu can reach over a thousand yuan.

2. Distribution and habits of Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu

Tiepi Shihu is distributed in mountainous areas of provinces including southwestern Anhui, eastern Zhejiang, western Fujian, northwestern Guangxi, Sichuan, and southeastern Yunnan in China. It mostly grows in cool, moist, well-ventilated environments and has very high requirements for its growing environment. In 1992, it was listed as an endangered plant in the China Plant Red Data Book. Huangcao Shihu is mainly distributed in Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, Tibet, and other places. Its surface is golden yellow or brownish yellow, with evenly thick longitudinal nodes bearing elliptical flower stalk scars and residual leaf sheaths. It mainly grows on tree trunks in mountain forests or on shaded, moist rocks. It has relatively low environmental requirements, and the scale of artificial planting is now already relatively large.

In traditional Chinese medicine, both Huangcao Shihu and Tiepi Shihu have effects such as promoting body fluid and nourishing the stomach, nourishing yin and clearing heat, moistening the lungs and benefiting the kidneys, and improving eyesight and strengthening the waist. However, when purchasing Shihu, it is best to follow a doctor's advice and not take it at will.