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Cura x Cura

Hei Zhi Ma黑芝麻

Sesami Semen Nigrum · Black Sesame Seed

Herbs that Tonify the Yin 补阴药《神农本草经》

Overview

Black sesame seed, sweet and neutral, a quiet food-grade tonic that fills Liver and Kidney essence and blood; being oily, it moistens as it supplements, so hair, skin and a dry bowel all benefit. Dry-fried it becomes fragrant, easier on the stomach and the usual form for daily use; raw it is the more moistening of the two and is preferred when the goal is to move a dry stool.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Neutral

Channels

Liver · Kidney · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

9–15 g in decoction
黑芝麻Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Supplements Liver and Kidney, fills essence and bloodDizziness, blurred vision and tinnitus of Liver-Kidney deficiency; premature greying and thinning hair.
  • Moistens dryness, frees the stoolDry, hard stool from blood and fluid deficiency, particularly in the elderly and after childbirth. The raw seed is more moistening.
  • Nourishes hair and skinDry skin and brittle hair — taken steadily as food therapy rather than as a short course.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Hei Zhi Ma

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Dizziness, blurred vision and tinnitus from Liver-Kidney deficiency
    - Premature greying, dry or thinning hair
    - Dry constipation in the elderly, after illness or after childbirth
    - Dry skin from blood and fluid deficiency

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

ConstipationHair thinningDry skinConvalescence

Contraindications

Cautions

Sesame is a major food allergen and our dispensary data flags it accordingly: anyone with a known sesame allergy must avoid this herb and any formula containing it, and should say so before anything is dispensed — reactions can be severe. It is also oily and slippery, so it is unsuitable with loose stool, Spleen-deficiency dampness or active diarrhea.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Generally compatible in food amounts — practitioner judgment applies, and the sesame allergy warning still stands

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.