Cassia Seed (Jue Ming Zi)

Chinese Bulk Herbs – Cassia Seed (Jue Ming Zi)

Cassia Seed or Jue Ming Zi is used to for constipation, decreasing bad cholesterol, high blood pressure, bacterial infections, and reduce fevers.

It’s also used externally for bacterial infections on the skin. The leaves and seeds are used to treat leprosy. If can be used for fevers caused by teething babies or adults as a leaf decoction. Mix one part leaves to 10-part liquid.

Clinical Use (Chinese):
Jue Ming Zi is used for conjunctival congestion with swelling and pain and improves vision, light sensitivity, and itchiness due to Liver Heat or Wind-Heat in the Liver. For constipation due to the accumulation of Heat or Dryness in the Intestine, Jue Ming Zi is used either decocted in water or ground into a powder. It may also be applied in case of headaches and eye problems associated with liver dysfunction.

Latin Name:
Cassia obtusifolia
Senna obtusifolia

Chinese Name:
Jue Ming Zi

Common Names:
Prapanna, Cassia, Takara, chakramarda, and chakunda, Chinese senna, American sicklepod, sicklepod, gyeolmyeongja, ketsumeishi, sickle-pod senna, arsenic weed, foetid cassia, wild senna, coffee weed, blunt-leaved senna

Parts Used:
Roots, seeds, and leaves.

Properties:
Sweet and bitter in flavor, slightly cold in property, acts on the Liver and Large Intestine channels.

Cautions:
Cassia seeds are not recommended to people suffering from lethargy or diarrhea. They should not be mixed with cannabis seed either.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts please consult an acupuncturist or herbal practitioner trained in the use of Chinese herbs or refer to more in-depth reference materials. Chinese herbal remedies are meant to improve health and function, not act as a substitute for medical care.