Yu Li Ren (郁李仁) — Japanese Bush Cherry Kernel
Yu Li Ren is a gentle Chinese moistening laxative for constipation from Yin-Blood dryness. Similar in use to Huo Ma Ren, it also promotes urination and is useful in elderly and post-partum constipation.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yu Li Ren (郁李仁) — Japanese Bush Cherry Kernel (Prunus japonica (kernel)) — is a Chinese herb in the Purgatives (moisten intestines) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Yu Li Ren |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 郁李仁 |
| Latin name | Prunus japonica (kernel) |
| English name | Japanese Bush Cherry Kernel |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter, sweet |
| Channels entered | Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen |
| Category | Purgatives (moisten intestines) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Moistens the intestines and moves stool
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
Indications
- Constipation from dryness (elderly, post-partum)
- Oedema
- Difficult urination
4. Dosage
3–9g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Contraindicated in pregnancy
- Not for empty-Cold constipation
- Reduce dose in weak patients
6. Key formulas
Yu Li Ren is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yu Li Ren where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
