Hei Zhi Ma - Black Sesame Seeds
TCM Materia Medica
Hei Zhi Ma TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "hei zhi ma" which in english is "black sesame seeds", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yin" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and liver 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: 10-30g (stir-fried for internal usage)
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Tonify the yin of the liver and kidney systems. Useful for vision disturbances (blurry vision), tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, premature graying of the hair.
- Nourish liver blood and clear liver wind - headaches, dizziness, numbness in the limbs.
- Moisten and lubricate the intestines - constipation.
Hei Zhi Ma has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid in patients with loose stools and/or diarrhea due to Spleen Qi Deficiency.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, hei zhi ma is generally included in the following 2 formulas:
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As noted above, hei zhi ma is within the herbs that tonify yin functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... yin tonics are generally sweet, cold, enriching and cloying. they are inappropriate for spleen or stomach deficiency, internal dampness or phlegm, abdominal distension, and/or diarrhea. general symptoms by system: lung yin defic…)".
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