黑芝麻
Black sesame seed (Heizhima)
Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Sesami
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum nigrum L.
Common Name: Black sesame seed
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used: The ripe sesame seeds are gathered in autumn, then they are dried in the sun.
Natural Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral
Meridians: Liver and kidney
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To tonify the essence and blood.
2. To moisten the intestines and move feces.
Indications:
1. Deficient essence and blood manifested as dizziness, blurred vision and early graying of the hair. Black sesame seed (Heizhima) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sangye) in the formula Sang Ma Wan.
2. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Black sesame seed (Heizhima) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Cistanche (Roucongrong) and Arborvitae seed (Baiziren).
Dosage: 10-30 g (The herb is most effective when fried.)
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should not be used in cases with diarrhea.
