Bǎi Zǐ Rén (柏子仁), known in English as Arbor vitae seed (Biota orientalis (seed)), is a neutral, sweet Chinese herb from the Calm shen category. It enters the Heart, Kidney and Large Intestine channels. Its main action: nourishes Heart Yin, calms Shen.
| Pinyin | Bǎi Zǐ Rén (Bai Zi Ren) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 柏子仁 |
| English | Arbor vitae seed |
| Botanical name | Biota orientalis (seed) |
| Category | Calm shen |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels | Heart, Kidney, Large Intestine |
| Dosage | 9–18g |
| Cautions | Diarrhoea; Phlegm-Damp pattern |
Actions
- Nourishes Heart Yin, calms Shen
- Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels
Indications
- Heart Yin and Blood deficiency with palpitations, insomnia
- Constipation from dryness (elderly/post-partum)
How to remember Bǎi Zǐ Rén
Calm shen herbs are mostly sweet, and most enter the Heart, Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Sweet, Kidney channel: like most Calm shen herbs
- Heart channel: from its action “Nourishes Heart Yin”
- Large Intestine channel: from its action “Moistens intestines”
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: Calm shen herbs vary in nature
Formulas containing Bǎi Zǐ Rén
Other Calm shen herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Bǎi Zǐ Rén?
Bǎi Zǐ Rén is neutral and sweet.
Which channels does Bǎi Zǐ Rén enter?
Bǎi Zǐ Rén enters the Heart, Kidney and Large Intestine channels.
What are the actions of Bǎi Zǐ Rén?
Nourishes Heart Yin, calms Shen; Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels.
What is Bǎi Zǐ Rén used for?
Heart Yin and Blood deficiency with palpitations, insomnia; constipation from dryness (elderly/post-partum).
Which formulas contain Bǎi Zǐ Rén?
Tiān Wáng Bǔ Xīn Dān and Yǎng Xīn Tāng.
Practise Bǎi Zǐ Rén and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.