Mai Ya (Barley Sprout, Malt)

Herb 4 of 6 in Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation

Channels:

LIV, SP, ST

Properties:

Sweet, Neutral

Latin:

Fructus Germinatus Hordei Vulgaris

Chinese:

麦芽

Tone Marks:

mài yá

Chinese Herb Actions

• Reduces Food Stagnation, Strengthens Spleen and Stomach
  It promotes digestion of starches, rice, noodles, wheat, yams and potatoes along with poorly digested milk in infants. Treats Indigestion.
• Inhibits/Promotes Lactation
  Large doses will definitely inhibit lactation while a small dose will promote lactation
• Regulates/Smoothes Liver Qi
  Treats distension and oppression in the ribs, belching, loss of appetite, breast distension due to Liver Attacking Spleen

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use large dose in mothers who wish to continue lactating
• Do not use in cases without Food Stagnation

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None Noted
• Section not completed...

Chinese Herb Dosage

• 10-15 grams in decoction. 30-120 grams in large dose for lactation (Chen)
• 9-15 grams in decoction. 30-60 grams to restrain lactation (Bensky)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Expel Parasites
• Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
• Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Extinguish Internal Wind
• Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Immature Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distension)
  Category: Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation