Yu Jin (Curcumae Radix)

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.

Yù Jīn  ·  鬱金

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.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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