This is authentic Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccariae Semen).

Wang Bu Liu Xing is a medicinal that is often confused in the marketplace. Two products are commonly sold as Wang Bu Liu Xing. Of these, the true medicinal is composed of small black seeds on their own (as seen above), while the substitute consists of a large fibrous husk with very small black seeds within it (below).

The substitute is a medicinal herb in its own right; it is known as Bi Li Guo (Fici Pumilae). Sweet and balanced in nature, it promotes lactation, disinhibits dampness, quickens the blood, and disperses swelling. Its properties are similar to Wang Bu Liu Xing, but it is not the official substance listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

To quote from Prof. Zhao Zhong-Zhen's authoritative text Easily Confused Chinese Medicines in Hong Kong: "Guangdong Wang Bu Liu Xing (Receptaculum Fici Pumilae) is customarily used as Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae) in some regions, and is listed in the Guangdong Zhong Yao Zhi. These two herbs are quite different and should be carefully distinguished during use. Further study is needed to characterize their chemical ingredients, clinical applications and processing methods."

In the U.S., the Cantonese substitute is far more prevalent than the authentic item.

In addition to its internal applications, Wang Bu Liu Xing is also applied to acupuncture points of the ear; in this use, it applies sustained local stimulation to specific points.