Vigna umbellata, V. angularis, Phaseolus calcaratus  赤 小 豆  Chì xiǎo dòu   Rice bean, Red small bean   Family: Leguminosae  
V. angularis- Adzuki bean  
   
PART USED: Seed- harvested in Summer or Autumn when the seeds have ripened.
Nature: Neutral     FLAVOR: Slightly sour, sweet, pleasant   CHANNEL: Heart, Spleen, Small intestine.
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Diuretic- The nature of this herb is to move downward and relieve edema by causing the water or dampness to be drained from the body.[6]
1. Clear Heat, and promotes urination.[6]
2. Stimulates Blood circulation.[1] Harmonise Blood. Disperse Blood stasis, reduces swelling and reduces Fire toxicity.[6]
3. Detoxify and promote drainage of pus.[1,2,3] Heal swelling.[1] Counteract toxic effects.[4,5]
4. Clears Damp Heat.[6]
ACTIONS
INDICATIONS
1. Edema.[4]  Ascites. Dysuria. Wet beriberi.[4]. Diarrhea.[4] Jaundice.[4]  Edematous beriberi.[1] Dysentery.[1] Nephritis. Cirrhotic ascites.[4] Edema due to nephritis or malnutrition.[5] Abdominal swelling and fullness due to edema.[6] Dysuria and leg edema.[6] Obesity.
2. Skin infection (both oral and external use available). Carbuncle with swelling.[4,6] Sores and abscesses.[1,6] Mumps.[4]
3. Mild Damp Heat- Jaundice: Yellow body, no sweating, because Heat kept inside- and mild condition, high temperature.[5,6]
4. Discharge of blood from anus.[4]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Withered skin diseases.[2]
COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS: Decoction. Seeds (Red beans) 10-30 g.[3,6] 9-15 g.[1] External use; appropriate amount.[3]  Ripe dry seed  9-30 g.[2] Boil or powder.[2] 30-90 g.[5] Good qualtiy is round, full, and dark red.

Similar herbs
 There are many kinds of ordinary red beans that should be distinguish from small red beans under discussion. Ordinary red beans are round in shape whereas small red beans are long. Ordinary red beans have a neutral energy, bitter flavor, are normally used to promote energy circulation and mentrual flow, are are considered good for hernia, abdominal pain, and the suppresion of menstruation.[4]
DESCRIPTION: Annual herb. Stem; erect, attaining 75 cm in height showing noticeable long and stiff hairs. Leaves; alternate, trifoliate compound, long petioles, stupules slightly linear, attached to base, leaflets ovate or rhombic-ovate, wider below the central part, margins intact or shallowly 3-lobed, apexes acuminate or mucronate. Flowers; yellow, appearing in spring/summer. Legume; cylindrical. Seeds; ellipsoid, scarlet.
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
Research

Clinical report:
- For a treatment of cirrhotic ascites; Boil 1 pound of small red beans with a common carp (more than 500 g) in 2-3 litres of water until the beans break. Eat the beans and fish and drink the soup separately, daily or every other day until cured. Results of 2 cases treated showed increased urination and reduced abdominal size, with good spirits and no side effects.[4]
- A report on the treatment of mumps: Grind 50-70 small red beans into powder; mix it with warm water and egg white or honey to make a cream to apply to the affected region; cover it with a bandage. In general, swelling disappears with one treatment; all 7 cases treated showed good results.[4]