"The Liver opens into the Eyes"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Mai Ya (Barley Sprout, Malt)

Herb 4 of 6 in Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation

Mai Ya (Fructus Germinatus Hordei Vulgaris)

Channels:
LIV, SP, ST

Properties:
Sweet, Neutral

Latin Name:
Fructus Germinatus Hordei Vulgaris

Actions

Reduces Food Stagnation, Strengthens Spleen and Stomach
It promotes digestion of starches, rice, noodles, wheat, yams and potatoes along with poorly digested milk in infants. Treats Indigestion.
Inhibits/Promotes Lactation
Large doses will definitely inhibit lactation while a small dose will promote lactation
Regulates/Smoothes Liver Qi
Treats distension and oppression in the ribs, belching, loss of appetite, breast distension due to Liver Attacking Spleen

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use large dose in mothers who wish to continue lactating
Do not use in cases without Food Stagnation

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

10-15 grams in decoction. 30-120 grams in large dose for lactation (Chen)
9-15 grams in decoction. 30-60 grams to restrain lactation (Bensky)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill)
Formulas that Expel Parasites
Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind Decoction)
Formulas that Extinguish Internal Wind
Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Immature Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distension)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.