Laxatives
Ya Ma Zi (Semen Lini)

Name
Ya Ma Zi (Semen Lini)
The Effect of 亚麻子
Property
Sweet, neutral; lung, liver and large intestine meridians entered.
Actions
Moisten dryness and relax the bowels, tonify blood and dispel wind.
Indications
Dry skin, intestinal dryness with constipation, pruritus, alopecia.
Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 9~15 g, or made into pill or powder. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded for applying or decocted for washing.
Cautions
It is contraindicated to pregnant women, dyspepsia and excessive diarrhea.
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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