Jīn Yīng Zǐ (金樱子) — Cherokee Rose Fruit
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1. Overview
Jīn Yīng Zǐ (金樱子) — the fruit of Rosa laevigata, Cherokee rose — is a sour, astringent, neutral Chinese herb that astringes Kidney Essence and binds the Bladder and Intestines. It is paired classically with Qian Shi in the simple but effective formula Shui Lu Er Xian Dan. In modern practice it is used for spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation, leukorrhoea, urinary frequency, enuresis and chronic diarrhoea with Kidney Qi deficiency.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Jīn Yīng Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 金樱子 |
| Latin name | Fructus Rosae Laevigatae / Rosa laevigata |
| English name | Cherokee rose fruit |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sour, astringent, sweet |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Bladder, Large Intestine |
| Category | Stabilise and bind |
| Dosage | 6–18 g, decocted |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Stabilises the Kidney and astringes the Essence — for spermatorrhoea, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation and leukorrhoea with Kidney Qi deficiency.
- Binds the Bladder and reduces urination — for urinary frequency, nocturia and enuresis.
- Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhoea — for chronic loose stools and rectal prolapse with Qi deficiency.
4. Key formulas
- Shui Lu Er Xian Dan — pairs Jin Ying Zi with Qian Shi for Kidney astringency. The classical two-herb formulation.
- Commonly added to Kidney-tonifying formulas such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan for additional astringency.
5. Cautions
Contraindicated in patients with internal Heat or acute infection; the astringent action traps pathogens. Safe in pregnancy at therapeutic doses.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I use Jin Ying Zi in granule formulas for Kidney-leakage patterns including urinary urgency, frequency and chronic male-fertility patterns with Essence leakage. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
