The source is from the seed of Biota Orientalis (L.) Endl, family Cupressaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Shandong, Henan, and Hebei, etc., collected after autumn and dried in the shade after the spermoderm is got rid of. The herbal seed is broken when it is used.
Medicinal Properties:
Sweet in flavor, mild in nature, and attributive to the heart, kidney and large intestine meridians.
Actions:
Nourish the heart and tranquilize the mind, moisten the intestine and relax the bowels.
Application
It is indicated for deficiency of heart-qi or insufficiency of heart-yin, and failure of the heart being nourished manifested as vexation, insomnia, convulsion and epilepsy; it is usually combined with Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae ), Wuweizi ( Fructus Schisandrae ), and Fuling (Poria), etc. ; for that companied with night sweating, it is combined with Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Muli ( Concha Ostreae ) and Wuweizi ( Fructus Schisandrae) such as Baiziren Wan (Pill).
It is used for constipation due to dryness of intestine, especially for that due to yin-deficiency and insufficiency of the blood since Baiziren (Semen Biotae ) is moistening and excessively only in property. It is usually combined with Huomaren (Fructus Cannabis) and Yuliren (Semen Pruni), such as Wuren Wan (Pill).
Usage and Dosage:
3 - 9 g is used in decoction for oral use.
Notes:
It is used with caution in cases with loose stool and excessive sputum.
