Prunus humilis, Dwarf Cherry seed, Yu Li Ren 郁李仁

Bush Cherry Pit
Yu Li Ren (TCM)

Prunus japonica
Curtis’s Botanical Magazine (1909)

Botanical name:

Prunus humilis, P. japonica, P. pedunculata, P. triloba, P. salicina, P. simonii
Greater and Lesser types are known on the market

Parts used:

Seed

Temperature & Taste:

Neutral, moist. Sweet, Bitter, Pungent

Clasification:

E. Laxative, Purgatives & Cathartics

Uses:

1. Moistens the Bowels:
-Constipation with abdominal distension; dry-type Constipation
-Food stagnation with obstruction

2. Promotes Urine:
-Edema
-Leg swelling with Oliguria

Dose:

Decoction: 6–9 grams, crush before decocting

Preparation:

Dry-Fried: kernel is dry-fried until yellowish and aromatic. This lessens the oil, diminishes the purgative effect and is preferred by some practitioners for Edema. As it is milder in effect it is preferred for patients who are weak.

Main Combinations:

1. Constipation:
i. chronic, Prunus humilis Yu Li Ren with Cannabis seed (Huo Ma Ren), Almond kernel (Xing Ren)
ii. excess, Prunus humilis Yu Li Ren with Almond kernel (Xing Ren), Rhubarb
2. Edema:
i. with abdominal distention, and urinary retention, Prunus humilis Yu Li Ren with Job’s Tears (Yi Yi Ren), Poria (Fu Ling)