Semen Phaseoli Calcarati Aduki Bean, Phaseolus
Materia Medica Data
- Temperature
- Neutral
- Nature & Flavour
- Sweet, Sour, Neutral
- Channels Entered
- HT, SI
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Semen Phaseoli Calcarati
- Chinese
- 赤小豆
- Tone Marks
- chì xiăo dòu
- Translation
- Dark Red Little Bean
Chinese Herb Actions
- Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling For edema, ascites, abdominal swelling and fullness, urinary difficulty and leg qi edema due to water accumulation. It regulates the water circulation of the body.
- Clears Damp Heat and Relieves Jaundice For mild jaundice due to accumulation of damp heat.
- Disperses Blood Stagnation, Reduces Swelling and Toxins, Drains Pus For Erysipelas, carbuncles, furuncles, sores, lesions and toxic swellings. It will drain pus, reduces swelling and enhance recovery.
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 10-30 grams in decoction. It can be used internally or topically 12
- 9-30 grams in decoction 13
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- It leaches the yin and yang fluids
- Do not use in Yin Deficiency cases or those without dampness
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- Overdose can lead to miscarriage. Allergic reactions are reported including pruritis, flushing, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, and urticaria
Western / Biomedical Research
Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research
Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.
- 7 mumps patients were treated topically with chi xiao dou, water, egg white, or honey resulting in positive responses
Ha Er Bing Zhong Yi, 1965:9;32 - 52 patients with swelling, bruises, strains or sprains, were given a 24 hour topical plaster of chi xiao dou and water with good results after 1 or 2 doses.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 1985; 10;630 - 20 patients with insufficient lactation were given 240 grams Chi Xiao Dou twice daily for 3-5 days with good results.
Chi Jiao Yi Shi Za Zhi, 1975; 12;593
Chinese Herb Notes
- The 3 beans; Chi Xiao Dou, Lu Dou and Hei Dou all promote urination, eliminate edema, resolve toxicity and treat skin lesions. Chi Xiao Dou due to its unique sour taste has a strong ability to promote urination and drain edema but will dry people out if consumed long term.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
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