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Yu Li Ren郁李仁

Pruni Semen · Bush Cherry Seed

Downward-Draining Herbs 泻下药《神农本草经》

Overview

An oily seed that moistens the intestines with rather more push than Huo Ma Ren: it also moves qi in the bowel, so it suits constipation that comes with distention and a bloated abdomen rather than simple dryness. A second, less familiar action drains water, and it is used in edema with scanty urination. Dry-fried it is gentler and easier on a weak digestion.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter, sweet · Neutral

Channels

Spleen · Large Intestine · Small Intestine

Typical Dosage

6–12 g in decoction
郁李仁Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Moistens the intestines, unblocks the stoolDry, hard stool with abdominal distention — after childbirth, in the elderly, or in the wake of a febrile illness.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingEdema of the face and legs with scanty urination and a full, heavy abdomen.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Yu Li Ren

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Constipation with dry hard stool and abdominal distention
    - Postpartum and age-related dryness of the bowel
    - Edema of the face and legs with scanty urination

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

ConstipationEdemaPostpartum constipation

Contraindications

Cautions

Stronger and more moving than the other moistening seeds: not for people with a weak constitution, chronic loose stools, or fluid depletion without any accompanying stagnation. Crush the seeds before decocting or the oil stays locked in.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — it drains downward, and the Pharmacopoeia flags it for caution.

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.