Hu Lu Ba胡芦巴
Semen Trigonellae · Fenugreek Seed
Overview
Fenugreek seed, bitter and warm, a small and narrowly focused herb for cold that has settled low in the body. It warms Kidney yang and drives cold out of the lower abdomen and the channels — cold hernial pain, a cold aching lower back, cramping periods that ease with a hot water bottle. It is also a common kitchen spice, which is worth knowing when estimating a patient's total intake.
Nature & Flavor
Bitter · WarmChannels
KidneyTypical Dosage
3–10 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Warms the Kidneys, assists yangCold, weak lower back and knees, frequent clear urination, impotence of Kidney-yang deficiency.
- Disperses cold, relieves painCold hernial pain and dragging lower-abdominal pain that eases with warmth.
- Warms the channelsCold cramping menstrual pain; cold, aching legs and feet.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Hu Lu Ba
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Cold, aching lower back and knees with frequent clear urination
- Cold hernial and lower-abdominal pain
- Cold, cramping menstrual pain
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Warm and drying: not for yin deficiency with heat signs, nor for damp-heat in the lower burner. Fenugreek is a legume and can provoke a reaction in people sensitive to legumes or peanuts — mention any such allergy before it is dispensed. Anyone taking diabetes medication should tell their physician they are using it, since fenugreek seed is also eaten in food quantities.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — fenugreek in medicinal amounts is traditionally used to stimulate the uterus
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
3. 《中华本草》.
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.