Chi Xiao Dou (Aduki Bean, Phaseolus)

Chi Xiao Dou (Aduki Bean, Phaseolus)

Herb 6 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Neutral Chi Xiao Dou (Semen Phaseoli Calcarati)
Channels:
HT, SI
Properties:
Sweet, Sour, Neutral
Latin:
Semen Phaseoli Calcarati
Chinese:
赤小豆
Tone Marks:
chì xiăo dòu
Translation:
Dark Red Little Bean
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Chinese Herb Actions

  • Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling
    For edema, ascites, abdominal swelling and fullness, urinary difficulty and leg qi edema due to water accumulation. It regulates the water circulation of the body.
  • Clears Damp Heat and Relieves Jaundice
    For mild jaundice due to accumulation of damp heat.
  • Disperses Blood Stagnation, Reduces Swelling and Toxins, Drains Pus
    For Erysipelas, carbuncles, furuncles, sores, lesions and toxic swellings. It will drain pus, reduces swelling and enhance recovery.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

  • It leaches the yin and yang fluids
  • Do not use in Yin Deficiency cases or those without dampness

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

  • Overdose can lead to miscarriage. Allergic reactions are reported including pruritis, flushing, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, and urticaria
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Chinese Herb Dosage

  • 10-30 grams in decoction. It can be used internally or topically 12
  • 9-30 grams in decoction 13

Chinese Herb Notes

  • The 3 beans; Chi Xiao Dou, Lu Dou and Hei Dou all promote urination, eliminate edema, resolve toxicity and treat skin lesions. Chi Xiao Dou due to its unique sour taste has a strong ability to promote urination and drain edema but will dry people out if consumed long term.

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

  • 7 mumps patients were treated topically with chi xiao dou, water, egg white, or honey resulting in positive responses
    Ha Er Bing Zhong Yi, 1965:9;32
  • 52 patients with swelling, bruises, strains or sprains, were given a 24 hour topical plaster of chi xiao dou and water with good results after 1 or 2 doses.
    Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 1985; 10;630
  • 20 patients with insufficient lactation were given 240 grams Chi Xiao Dou twice daily for 3-5 days with good results.
    Chi Jiao Yi Shi Za Zhi, 1975; 12;593

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

References Used

The TCM information presented here has been referenced from numerous sources; including teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the following books, as well as other sources. If you have benefited from this information, please consider supporting the authors and their works by purchasing the books below.

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