Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Mai Ya 麦芽
Fructus Germinatus Hordei Vulgaris Barley Sprout, Malt
✓ CALE Exam ✓ National Exam
Materia Medica Data
- Category
- Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
- Temperature
- Neutral
- Nature & Flavour
- Sweet, Neutral
- Channels Entered
- LIV, SP, ST
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- 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 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)
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Do not use large dose in mothers who wish to continue lactating
- Do not use in cases without Food Stagnation
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- None Noted
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
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt