Hemp Seed (Huo Ma Ren)

火麻仁

Hemp seed (Huomaren)

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Cannabis

Botanical Name: Cannabis sativa L.

Common Name: Cannabis seed, Hemp seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The ripe seeds are gathered in autumn, cleaned and dried in the sun. This herb must be ground in a mortar and pestle before use.

Natural Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral

Meridians: Spleen and large intestine

Therapeutic Effects:
To lubricate intestines and move feces

Indications:
1. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Hemp seed (Huomaren) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang) and Apricot seed (Xingren) in the formula Yixue Runchang Wan.

2. Constipation with hemorrhoids due to dryness and heat in the large intestine. Hemp seed (Huomaren) is used with Rhubarb (Dahuang) and Magnolia bark (Houpo) in the formula Maziren Wan.

Dosage: 10-30 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with diarrhea.