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Chi Xiao Dou赤小豆

Vignae Semen · Adzuki Bean · Rice Bean

Herbs that Drain Dampness 利水渗湿药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》

Overview

A food-grade legume that works as a gentle diuretic: sweet, sour and neutral, it seeps dampness downward, reduces swelling and helps discharge pus, and is mild enough to be cooked as congee over long courses. The medicinal seed is the slender rice bean, not the plump red bean of the kitchen — worth confirming with the dispensary.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, sour · Neutral

Channels

Heart · Small Intestine

Typical Dosage

9–30 g in decoction
赤小豆Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Promotes urination, reduces edemaPuffy legs and face, abdominal fullness with fluid, scanty urination; gentle enough for extended courses in food form.
  • Clears damp-heat, resolves jaundiceDamp-heat jaundice and damp-heat painful urination — the classical pairing is with Ma Huang and Lian Qiao.
  • Resolves toxicity, discharges pusSores, abscesses and intestinal abscess; also ground and applied as a paste.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Chi Xiao Dou

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Edema, fluid accumulation, scanty urination
    - Damp-heat jaundice
    - Damp-heat painful or burning urination
    - Sores and swellings, internally or topically

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

EdemaJaundiceUrinary tract infectionAbscess

Contraindications

Cautions

Draining by nature: sustained high doses can consume fluids and suit thin, dry, yin-deficient patients poorly. Confirm the species — the slender medicinal rice bean and the plump culinary red bean are often sold under the same Chinese name.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — ordinary food amounts are unremarkable; therapeutic doses at practitioner judgment

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.