Prunus japonica. P. humilis  郁 李 仁 Yù lǐ rén   Bush Cherry pit   Family: Rosaceae   
PART USED: Dry ripe seed- harvested when the fruit has ripened in Autumn.
Nature: Neutral   FLAVOR: Acrid, pungent, bitter, sweet, pleasant    CHANNEL: Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen
FUNCTIONS
 GROUP: Descending- Lubricating Laxatives
1. Laxative- Slightly stronger than Huo ma ren
2. Moisturise the intestines and unblock bowels.[4,5]  Slow down diarrhea. Expels flatus.[1] Supports energy.[1]
3. Promote urination, and relieve edema.[1,2,5]
4. Counteracts excessive moisture when used externally.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Constipation due to Qi stagnation in the Intestines.[5] Constipation due to stagnation of Large Intestine or dryness of intestine, habitual constipation.[1] Sluggish colon.[1]
2. Edema,[1] dysuria and beriberi. Scanty urine.[1,2] Dysuria.[4] Edema in the legs with difficult urination and constipation.[5]
PATENT COMBINATIONS
Constipation due to Dryness of the Intestines: Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels Wu ren wan- Five seeds combination.
COMBINATIONS
- Chronic constipation caused by either dry Intstines or Qi deficiency, with Cannabis sativa- Huo ma ren and Prunus armeniaca- Xing ren.[5]
- Edema accompanied by abdominal distention, constipation, and urinary retention, with Coix lachryma- Yi yi ren, Poria cocos- Fu ling and Talcum- Hua shi.[5]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy.[2,5] Yin deficiency, with depletion of fluids.[5]
PREPARATIONS: Decoction. Dry ripe seed 3-9 g.[1,2,5] Must be ground with a mortar and pestle before use.[5] Good quality is full, light yellow, and does not exude oil.
 6-12 g - Crushed before decocting.[4]
     
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Lipid- 60-75%, amygadin, vitamin B1, vitamin C.[1]
References
[1] Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica- Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble- Eastland
Press 1986 Seattle Washington ISBN 0-939616-15-7