Yin Tonics
Hei Zhi Ma (Semen Sesami Nigrum)
Name
Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame)
Nature and action
Sweet and neutral. It enters the liver, spleen and kidney meridians.
It tonifies the liver and kidney and moistens the five zang organs.
Indications
- Insufficiency of the liver and kidney
- Dry stool
- Paralysis
- Wandering arthritis
- Oligogalactia
- Weakness after illness
- Premature graying of the hair
Dosage and administration
Decoct 9~15 g, or make it into pills or powder. A proper dose is used for external application: pound it into a powder to apply to the affected area, or decoct it for washing.
Cautions
Contraindicated in cases of spleen deficiency with loose stool.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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