Cassia Seed (jue ming zi / Ming mu)

Another Tea I found at Uwajimaya’s today is Liver & More ingredients:

  • Cassia Seeds
  • Licorice
In The Way of Chinese Herbs, by Michael Tierra
page 346-347 he talks about Eyes: Ming Mu Shang Ching Pien (which is small pills)  The indications are for:
  • Red itching eyes
  • Tearing eyes
  • Conjunctivitis
  • vertigo
  • photophobia – light sensitivity
  • night blindness
Symptoms may include:
  • dry throat or mouth
  • fever
  • constipation
  • dark urine
  • fatigue
  • night sweats
AcupunctureToday.com says that Cassia Seeds are:
 In traditional Chinese medicine, cassia seeds are sweet, bitter and salty in flavor, slightly cold in nature, and are associated with the Liver, Kidney and Large Intestine meridians. Its main functions are to remove heat, improve eyesight, and relax the bowels. Traditionally, it is used to treat blurred vision and eyes that are bloodshot. Some practitioners employ cassia seed as a laxative to treat constipation. There is also evidence that it helps to reduce blood pressure. Cassia seed is often used as part of a larger formula, and is mixed with herbs such as lyceum, rehmannia and dioscorea.
AcupunctureToday.com says about Licorice:

work to protect liver cells and help digestive tract cells heal. Test tube studies have found that licorice flavonoids kill heliobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and stomach inflammation.

Today, licorice remains one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It addition to its use as a flavoring, licorice has traditionally been employed to sooth coughs and sore throats; coat the digestive and urinary tracts; and treat various conditions ranging from diabetes to tuberculosis.

Several studies have been conducted on deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL. Studies have found that DGL tablets are effective in treating ulcers of the stomach and small intestine; one preliminary study found DGL can inhibit the growth and spread of canker sores. Other clinical studies have used licorice extracts to treat eczema and herpes.

In Chinese, this is Ming mu or jue ming zi

San Ten, which is a reputable Chinese Herb manufacturer says about Ming Mu San:

Indication:
Eye disorders due to wind and heat; red swelling eyes, painful eyes, and congestion of eyes.

 

 Functions:

  • Clear heat
  • Dispel wind
  • Nourish blood
  • Benefit the eyes

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