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Cura x Cura

Song Zi Ren松子仁

Pini Semen · Pine Nut · Korean Pine Kernel

Downward-Draining Herbs 泻下药《开宝本草》

Overview

The oily kernel of the Korean pine, a food as much as a medicine, and the mildest member of the moistening-laxative group. Sweet and warm, it lubricates the intestines for the dry constipation of old age, convalescence and the postpartum period — situations where a true purgative would do harm — and moistens the Lung for a dry, unproductive cough.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Warm

Channels

Lung · Liver · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

5–10 g in decoction
松子仁Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Moistens the intestines, frees the stoolDry constipation where fluids or blood are depleted rather than heat bound — the elderly, the convalescent, the recently delivered.
  • Moistens the Lung, stops coughA dry cough with little or no sputum arising from Lung dryness.
  • The gentlest of the three moistening seedsSet against its two companions in this section: Yu Li Ren 郁李仁 moves the stool most forcefully, Huo Ma Ren 火麻仁 sits between, and Song Zi Ren is the least draining and the most nourishing.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Song Zi Ren

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Dry constipation in the elderly, the weak, or after illness or childbirth
    - Dry cough with scanty sputum from Lung dryness
    - Dryness of skin and hair accompanying fluid depletion

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

ConstipationDry coughConvalescence

Contraindications

Cautions

Rich in oil and therefore stool-loosening: unsuitable in loose stools, in Spleen deficiency with damp, and where phlegm is copious. Pine nuts are a recognised food allergen, and occasionally cause a harmless but persistent metallic taste that clears over some days. Not a toxic herb, but the oil turns rancid readily — store it cool and discard any batch that smells sharp.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — a food-grade seed; practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华本草》.
    3. 《中药大辞典》.

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.