Chi Xiao Dou (Aduki Bean, Phaseolus)

Herb 6 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:

HT, SI

Properties:

Sweet, Sour, Neutral

Latin:

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 Contraindications & Cautions

• It leaches the yin and yang fluids
• Do not use in Yin Deficiency cases or those without dampness

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• Overdose can lead to miscarriage. Allergic reactions are reported including pruritis, flushing, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, and urticaria
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 10-30 grams in decoction. It can be used internally or topically ¹²
• 9-30 grams in decoction ¹³

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.

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

• 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

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Gua Di San (Melon Pedicle Powder)
  Category: Formulas that Induce Vomiting to Discharge Phlegm
• Xuan Bi Tang (Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness