Chì Xiǎo Dòu (赤小豆) — Adzuki Bean
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chì Xiǎo Dòu (赤小豆) — Vigna umbellata — is known in English as Adzuki bean. It belongs to the category of herbs that drain Dampness and promote urination in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Chì Xiǎo Dòu as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Chì Xiǎo Dòu |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 赤小豆 |
| Latin name | Vigna umbellata |
| English name | Adzuki bean |
| Nature | Neutral to slightly cool |
| Flavour | Sweet, sour |
| Channels entered | Heart, Small Intestine |
| Category | Expel dampness |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
- Resolves toxicity and disperses swellings and sores
- Helps resolve Damp-Heat jaundice
Indications
- Oedema, particularly of the legs, and abdominal fullness with scanty urine
- Damp swelling with a sensation of heaviness
- Damp-Heat jaundice
- Abscesses, boils and inflamed sores, used internally and topically
4. Key formulas containing Chì Xiǎo Dòu
Chì Xiǎo Dòu is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Adzuki bean is high in soluble fibre, saponins and polyphenols, and preclinical work has examined mild diuretic and antioxidant activity. It is widely used as a food as well as a herb, and in TCM is selected for Damp accumulation with oedema rather than as a general supplement.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Chì Xiǎo Dòu in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Prolonged use of high doses can be drying and is avoided in Yin deficiency with fluid depletion. Oedema may signal significant kidney, liver or heart disease, so new or worsening swelling must be medically assessed; herbs are adjunctive only.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for oedema arising purely from Yang deficiency and Cold without Damp-Heat, where warming the Yang takes priority over draining.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Chì Xiǎo Dòu at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Chì Xiǎo Dòu as part of tailored herbal formulas for Damp accumulation and oedema and fluid retention, always alongside appropriate conventional medical care.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
