yu li ren

郁李仁·Semen Pruni

Bush Cherrt Pit

About yu li ren

Yu Li Ren (郁李仁) is the kernel of the Chinese dwarf cherry, recorded as Semen Pruni. It is acrid, bitter and sweet in flavour and neutral in temperature, entering the Spleen and both Intestine channels. The catalogue files it among the moist laxatives.

Names

Pinyin	yu li ren
Chinese	郁李仁
Latin Name	Semen Pruni
English Name	Bush Cherrt Pit·Bush Cherry Pit·Chinese dwarf cherry seed
Japanese	ikurinin
Korean	ukriin

Classification

Category: Moist Laxative
Channels: Large Intestine, Spleen, Small Intestine
Flavour: Acrid, Sweet, Bitter
Temperature: Neutral
Part used: Pit
Family: Rosaceae
Species: Prunus Humilis|Prunus Japonica|Prunus pedunculata
Tags: Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels

Constipation from stagnant Qi in the Intestines, including dry stools with abdominal distension; unlike other moist laxatives it also moves Qi

Promotes urination and reduces edema

Edema where urination is difficult and the bowels are constipated
Leg Qi

Combinations

huo ma ren + xing ren + bai zi ren
Dry Intestines or Qi Deficiency with chronic constipation
yi yi ren + chi fu ling + hua shi
Edema accompanied by urinary retention, constipation and abdominal distention
huo ma ren
Constipation with stools that are dry and hard

Dosage

Age	Raw	Granule	Tincture	Concentrate	Frequency
Any 3-12g crush before decocting; Tincture: 2-4ml	3-12 g	—	2-4 ml	—	—

Cautions

pregnancy Avoid in pregnancy
contraindication Yin deficiency or exhausted fluids, where a downward-draining purgative does harm
caution The kernel contains amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside
caution Look-alike seeds from the same genus are sold in its place and differ in their purgative and cyanogenic content; use verified material

Interactions

Drug interactions

Other laxatives, or wherever fluid and electrolyte balance is a concern: take care, as a precaution based on its purgative action