This product is the mature seed of the deciduous shrubs of the Rosaceae family, namely the dwarf cherry (Prunus humilis Bge.) and the Japanese bush cherry (Prunus japonica Thunb.). It is distributed throughout the country, mainly produced in Hebei, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and other regions. The fruits are harvested when they mature in autumn. The flesh is removed, the shell is taken off to obtain the kernel, and then it is dried. It is used raw or peeled and crushed for use.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Acrid, bitter and sweet, neutral. Act on large intestine and small intestine meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements, unblock water and disperse edema.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for intestinal dryness and constipation. This herb has a bitter and pungent taste, is rich in oils, and functions to moisten the intestines to relieve constipation, similar to Hemp Seed but stronger. It also helps to move qi stagnation in the large intestine, making it commonly used for large intestine qi stagnation and intestinal dryness with constipation. It is often combined with Platycladi Seed, Bitter Apricot Seed, and peach kernels, as in Five-Kernel Pill.
2. Used for edema, abdominal distension, and beriberi with swelling. This herb can unblock water and disperse edema, and can be used with White Mulberry Root-Bark, Rice Bean, and other edema-alleviating diuretics.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Benjing: "Mainly treats ascites swelling, swelling of the face and limbs, promotes urination and water passage."
2. "Yongyao Faxiang": "Specifically treats large intestine qi stagnation, dry and obstructed."
3. Bencao Gangmu: "Yu Li is sweet, bitter, and moist, its nature is descending, thus it can lower qi and promote water flow."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 6-12g.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Use with caution during pregnancy.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains amygdalin glycosides, fatty oils, volatile organic acids, crude proteins, cellulose, starch, oleic acid, saponins, phytosterols, and vitamin B1. It has a lubricating laxative effect and exhibits significant blood pressure-lowering effects in experimental animals (dogs).