Yi Zhi Ren - Black Cardamon

TCM Materia Medica

Yi Zhi Ren TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "yi zhi ren" which in english is "black cardamon", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yang" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and spleen channels and exhibits acrid and warm (wen) 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: 3-9g

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

  • Warms the kidneys, retains essence, holds urine - spermatorrhea, frequent and copious urine, urinary incontinence, dribbling urine.
  • Warms the spleen, stops diarrhea - cold spleen or stomach patterns with diarrhea, cold abdominal pain, excess salivation, thick/bad taste in the mouth.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, yi zhi ren is generally included in the following 3 formulas:

ViewBi Xie Fen Qing Yin Wan (Dioscorea Formula To Separate The Clear)

Generally for painful urination issues (gao lin) that arises from kidney yang deficiency. With related kidney yang deficiency pattern - chronic urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, vaginal thrush. …

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/dementi…

ViewSuo Quan Wan (Shut The Sluice Pills)

Frequent, clear and prolonged urination with difficulty restraining - along with other kidney deficiency signs. Bedwetting in children in many cases, not necessarily just from deficiency.  

As noted above, yi zhi ren is within the herbs that tonify yang functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

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