Botanical atlas
Creeping Fig
Ficus pumila
In traditional Chinese medicine, creeping fig is known as bi li, and the fruiting vine has long been valued as a cooling, soothing plant, taken to ease joint aches and settle the digestion. In the mountain villages of Taiwan, the ripe fruit gave rise to a beloved folk tradition of its own: washing the tiny seeds by hand in water until they release a natural pectin that sets into a delicate, jade-clear jelly. Nursing mothers in parts of southern China traditionally turned to preparations of the fruit to help support their milk supply, a practice passed down through generations of home herbalists long before it was ever written into any formal text.
In tradition.
In traditional Chinese medicine, creeping fig is known as bi li, and the fruiting vine has long been valued as a cooling, soothing plant, taken to ease joint aches and settle the digestion. In the mountain villages of Taiwan, the ripe fruit gave rise to a beloved folk tradition of its own: washing the tiny seeds by hand in water until they release a natural pectin that sets into a delicate, jade-clear jelly. Nursing mothers in parts of southern China traditionally turned to preparations of the fruit to help support their milk supply, a practice passed down through generations of home herbalists long before it was ever written into any formal text.
Traditional preparations.
A traditional Taiwanese preparation in which the dried seeds are massaged by hand in water until the liquid turns cloudy and slowly sets into a soft, cooling jelly, traditionally eaten in small bowls during hot weather to soothe the stomach.
Tie 1 tablespoon of dried aiyu seeds in a clean muslin or cheesecloth pouch. Submerge the pouch in 500 ml of cool, filtered water and massage gently with your hands for 8 to 10 minutes, until the water turns slightly cloudy and sticky. Remove the pouch, then let the water rest undisturbed at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until it sets into a soft jelly.
Safety.
Creeping fig's milky latex can irritate skin and cause a rash if exposed to sun afterward. Only the mature fruit's seed gel is eaten, not the leaves or unripe fruit, and pregnant or nursing individuals should use caution since it has traditionally been linked to milk flow.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies creeping fig from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how creeping fig is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about Creeping FigHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.