Yu Li Ren - 鬱李仁 - Semen Pruni

Pharmaceutical Latin:	Semen Pruni
Common English:	Bush Cherry Pit

Properties

Taste	Temperature	Entering Meridians	Dosage
Acrid Bitter Sweet	Neutral	Large Intestine Small Intestine Spleen	3-12g crush before decocting Tincture: 2-4ml

Actions

Indications/Syndromes

Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels

Constipation due to Qi Stagnation in the Intestines

Promotes urination and reduces edema

Edema with difficult urination and constipation

Leg Qi

CONTRAINDICATIONS

INCOMPATIBILITIES

Sm. Cannabis Huo Ma Ren Sm. Armeniacae Xing Ren Sm. Platycladi Bai Zi Ren	Sm. Coicis Yi Yi Ren Poria Rubra Chi Fu Ling Talcum Hua Shi	Sm. Cannabis Huo Ma Ren
Chronic constipation due to Dry Intestines or Qi Deficiency.	Edema with abdominal distention, constipation, and urinary retention.	Constipation with dry, hard stools.

According to one source, this herb descends Qi.
In southern China it serves as a folk remedy for stubborn insomnia following a fright. For this use, decoct the seeds in yellow wine for 10 minutes, strain, and add them to the appropriate prescription.
Its most common use is constipation from Qi Blockage and Dryness, though it can also treat edema with swelling and distention of the abdomen and limbs.
Dry-frying is the preferred form.
It is frequently paired with Sm. Cannabis Huo Ma Ren, which moistens Dryness and harmonizes the Middle Jiao, while Yu Li Ren moistens Dryness and regulates bowel movements. Yu Li Ren is the more powerful.
This herb resembles Sm Cannabis Sativa Huo Ma Ren, but Huo Ma Ren is gentler and nourishing and treats Deficiency conditions, whereas Yu Li Ren is stronger, promotes urination, treats edema and is used for Excess disorders.
Dry-fried Bush Cherry Pit Chao Yu Li Ren contains less oil and so is less laxative. It is generally given for edema but is also suitable for weak or deficient patients and postpartum women.