Bush-cherry seed (Yuliren)
Pharmaceutical Name: Semen pruni
Botanical Name: 1. Prunus japonica Thunb.; 2. Prunus humilis Bge.; 3. Prunus tomentosaThunb.
Common Name: Bush-cherry seed
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: 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.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and neutral.
Meridians: Small and large intestines.
Functions: 1. To lubricate intestines and move feces; 2. To promote urination and reduce edema
Indications & Combinations:
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.
