Shi Hu
Also known as: Dendrobium nobile, dendrobium stem.
Shi Hu stays in the library for full TCM coverage as a dryness-oriented, low-evidence support herb. It is clearly optional and sits below the core stack because the evidence base is mostly traditional framing.
Where this fits in the system
What it does
Shi Hu is used for the specific version of alcohol recovery that feels dry: parched mouth, overheated wakeups, and a sense that fluids are not landing cleanly. It is not a replacement for hydration or Tier 1 clearance support.
How it works
Where it fits
Shi Hu belongs in the long-tail TCM layer, not the main intervention layer. It appears in the protocol when the dominant complaint is dryness rather than raw toxicity, inflammation, or sleep rebound.
Buying guidance
Buy it as a tea-cut herb or prepared slices from a reputable TCM supplier. This is a pattern-matching herb, so clean sourcing matters more than fancy branding.
Deep science · Shi Hu — deep dive
Why it is Tier 4
The practical case for Shi Hu is traditional use plus plausible fluid-support framing, not modern hangover trials. Keep it if this pattern reliably matches your recovery; skip it if the core stack already handles the night.