Bai Zi Ren - Arbor-Vitae Seed

TCM Materia Medica

Bai Zi Ren TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "bai zi ren" which in english is "arbor-vitae seed", is categorized within the "herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, kidney and large intestine channels and exhibits neutral (ping) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 6-18g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Nourishes heart blood, calms the spirit - irritability, insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations.
  • Moisten the intestines from blood/yin deficiency - constipation (elderly, post-partum women).
  • Nightsweats due to yin deficiency.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, bai zi ren is generally included in the following 2 formulas:

ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)

A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementiā€¦

ViewTian Wang Bu Xin Wan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)

Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, flushing or sensation of heat in the palms due to deficiency heat. Insomnia, poor memory, poor focus and concentration due to yin deficienā€¦

As noted above, bai zi ren is within the herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... useful for palpitations with anxiety and insomnia due to heart blood or liver yin deficiency. these herbs are generally mild and with very few side effects. )".

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