Laxatives
Yu Li Ren: Chinese Herb Guide
Naming
Yu Li Ren(Semen Pruni)——Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Herbal)
The Processing of Yu Li Ren
Origin
The seeds of the deciduous shrub Prunus humilis Bge., P. japonica Ipedurzculata Maxim of family Rosaceae.
Location
Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Liaoning provinces, etc.
Harvest
Collected in summer and autumn.
The actual smell and taste
Light smell and slightly bitter taste.
Best quality
Yellowish white with full kenel, well-arranged without broken bits and oily seeping.
Processing
Peeled before pounded into pieces.
The Effect of Yu Li Ren
Property
Bitter, pungent, mild; large intestine, spleen and small intestine meridians entered.
Actions
Moisten intestines for relaxing bowels, induce diuresis to alleviate edema.
Indications
A. Constipation due to intestinal dryness
It has the action of moistening intestines for relaxing bowels which is similar but better than that of Huo Ma Ren, and removing qi stagnation in large intestine as well. For constipation due to intestinal dryness and abdominal distention due to qi stagnation, it is often combined with intestine-moistening and bowels-relaxing herbs, such as Huo Ma Ren, Bai Zi Ren and Xing Ren, as in Wu Ren Wan from Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (Effective Formulae Handed Down for Generations).
B. Edema
It can induce diuresis to alleviate edema. For edema and difficulty in micturition, it is often combined with herbs for inducing diuresis to alleviate edema such as Sang Bai Pi and Chi Xiao Dou, as in Yu Li Ren Tang from Sheng Ji Zong Lu.
Dosage and Administrations
Smash it and decoct 6~12 g.
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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