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Yu Jin (鬱金), the tuber of Curcuma, invigorates the blood and moves qi to relieve pain, clears heat and cools the blood, clears the Heart and opens the orifices (for phlegm-heat misting the mind), and clears damp-heat to relieve jaundice.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Curcuma wenyujin (Radix Curcumae)
Common English Name
Curcuma tuber
Taste
Acrid, bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver, Gall Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Invigorates the blood and moves qi; relieves pain
- Clears heat and cools the blood (bleeding from heat)
- Clears the Heart and opens the orifices (phlegm-heat)
- Benefits the Gall Bladder and resolves jaundice
Indications
Qi and blood stagnation with chest, hypochondriac and abdominal pain; bleeding from heat; mental disturbance and seizures from phlegm-heat; and damp-heat jaundice.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Shi Chang Pu for phlegm-heat misting the Heart; with Yin Chen Hao for jaundice.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in pregnancy. Classically incompatible with Ding Xiang.