Description

DESCRIPTION
Broad ovoid or elongated-elliptical, 4~8 mm long, 3~6 mm wide. Externally milky white, smooth, occasionally with yellowish-brown testa. One end obtusely rounded, the other end relatively broad and slightly dented with 1 pale brown dotted hilum. Dorsal surface rounded and protruding; ventral surface having 1 relatively broad and deep longitudinal furrow. Texture hard, fracture white and starchy. Odour, slight; taste, slightly sweet.

ACTION
To invigorate the spleen function and promote diuresis, to alleviate arthritis, to arrest diarrhea, to remove heat and facilitate the drainage of pus.
INDICATIONS
Edema, oliguria; arthritis with contracture of joints; diarrhea due to diminished function of the spleen; lung abscess, appendicitis; verruca plana.

REFERENTIAL ADVICE

1. Inducing diuresis and removing dampness

In treating dysuria, edema, beriberi, etc., the drug can be used with Radix Stephamiae Tetrandrae, Rhizoma Atractylodis, Semen Pruni, etc.

2. Removing dampness to treat arthralgia

In treating arthralgia due to damp-heat, the drug is often used with Rhizoma Atractylodis, Caulis Lonicerae, Cortex Phellodendri, etc.

3. Evacuating pus to treat abscess

In treating pulmonary abscess and periappendicular abscess, the drug can be used with Semen Persicae, Cortex Moutan Radicis, Rhizoma Phragmitis, etc. for the former, and Semen persicae, Cortex Moutan Radicis, Caulis Sargentodoxae, Flos Lonicerae, etc. for the later.

4. Invigorating the spleen to arrest diarrhea

In treating diarrhea due to dampness formed as a result of deficiency of the spleen, the drug is often used with Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Poria, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, etc. In treating leukorrhea due to excess of dampness, with Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Semen Euryales, etc.

TIPS

This is a common food item in Chia and Japan and contains 17 percent protein; the drug tonifies Yang-energy; a liquor fermented from the seeds is effective in relieving rheumatic pains.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Unless used under instructions by a licensed herbalist.