Japanese Bush-Cherry Seed (Yu Li Ren)

郁李仁
Bush-cherry seed (Yuliren)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen pruni

Botanical Name: 1. Prunus japonica Thunb.; 2. Prunus humilis Bge.; 3. Prunus tomentosa Thunb.

Common Name: Bush-cherry seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The ripe seeds from the fruit are gathered in autumn and dried in the sun. The seeds are then ground in a mortar and pestle.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and neutral

Meridians: Small and large intestines

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To lubricate intestines and move feces;
2. To promote urination and reduce edema

Indications:
1. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Bush-cherry seed (Yuliren) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren), Peach seed (Taoren) and Arborvitae seed (Baiziren) in the formula Wuren Wan.

2. Edema. Bush-cherry seed (Yuliren) is used with Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Phaseolus seed (Chixiaodou) and Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen) in the formula Yuliren Tang.

Dosage: 5-12 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with depletion of body fluids, or during pregnancy.