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Knowledge baseHerbs

Yu Yu Liang禹餘糧

LimonitumLimonite

Also known asClay Ironstone

Category
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Nature
cool
Taste
sweet, astringent
Channels entered
Large Intestine, Stomach
Secondary channels
Liver
Dosage
9–21 g

Actions & indications

Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhea
  • Chronic diarrhea or dysentery disorders
  • Instability of the Lower Jiao with diarrhea to the point of incontinence
  • Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiencies diarrhea especially in the elderly
Restrains leakage of Body Fluids and inhibits and stops bleeding
  • Incessant vaginal discharge
  • Unrelenting uterine bleeding

Contraindications

  • Contraindicated in Excess patterns.
  • Contraindicated in marrow Deficiency.
  • Contraindicated in Blood Dryness
  • Use cautiously in pregnancy.

Interactions

Take this herb at least two hours apart from other medications, to prevent it from binding them into an insoluble, indigestible mass.

Combinations

  • Chronic diarrhea, dysenteric disorders, or incontinence from Large Intestine Qi Deficiency; incessant uterine bleeding without clots.

  • Chronic diarrhea from Spleen Deficiency, or in elderly patients.

    • Gan Jiang

    Unremitting vaginal discharge.

  • Lower Jiao Yang Deficiency with profuse clear discharge and a feeling of Cold in the perineum.

  • Persistent uterine bleeding.

  • Diarrhea from Middle Jiao Deficiency.

Notes

  • This herb is generally used for prolonged, unremitting diarrhea that may progress to prolapse, blood in the stool, bleeding dysenteric disorders, and incessant uterine bleeding or vaginal discharge.
  • It also anchors and secures, calming the Spirit.
  • Historically it has been used for accidental poisoning, binding the toxic substance into an insoluble, indigestible mass that is then passed in the stool.
  • Yu Yu Liang, Per. Papaveris Ying Su Ke, and Halloysitum Rubrum Chi Shi Zhi each bind the Intestines, arrest diarrhea, and stabilize to stop incessant uterine bleeding, and are often used together to reinforce these effects. Yu Yu Liang, heavier than Chi Shi Zhi, astringes the lower Jiao without tonifying or supporting the Stomach; Chi Shi Zhi, sweet and warm, boosts Qi, generates flesh, and regulates the Middle, making it more fitting for sores that resist healing due to Qi Deficiency, and for diarrhea or uterine bleeding from a failure to hold securely. Ying Su Ke is light and slightly cold, entering the Qi level and preserving the Lungs.
  • Calcined Limonite Duan Yu Yu Liang has a stronger astringent action.

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