Huǒ Má Rén (火麻仁), known in English as Hemp seed (Cannabis sativa (seed)), is a neutral, sweet Chinese herb from the Drain downward category. It enters the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels. Its main action: moistens intestines, unblocks bowels (moist-laxative).
| Pinyin | Huǒ Má Rén (Huo Ma Ren) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 火麻仁 |
| English | Hemp seed |
| Botanical name | Cannabis sativa (seed) |
| Category | Drain downward |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels | Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine |
| Dosage | 9–15g |
| Cautions | Diarrhoea; no intestinal dryness |
Actions
- Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels (moist-laxative)
- Nourishes Yin
Indications
- Constipation from intestinal dryness — elderly, post-partum, febrile disease, or Blood/Yin deficiency
How to remember Huǒ Má Rén
Drain downward herbs are mostly cool or cold and bitter, and most enter the Large Intestine and Stomach channels.
- You can work these out
- Stomach channel: like most Drain downward herbs
- Large Intestine channel: from its action “Moistens intestines”
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: unusual for Drain downward herbs (most are cool or cold)
- Sweet: unusual for Drain downward herbs (most are bitter)
- Spleen channel: nothing in its group or its actions points to it
Formulas containing Huǒ Má Rén
Other Drain downward herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Huǒ Má Rén?
Huǒ Má Rén is neutral and sweet.
Which channels does Huǒ Má Rén enter?
Huǒ Má Rén enters the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels.
What are the actions of Huǒ Má Rén?
Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels (moist-laxative); Nourishes Yin.
What is Huǒ Má Rén used for?
Constipation from intestinal dryness — elderly, post-partum, febrile disease, or Blood/Yin deficiency.
Which formulas contain Huǒ Má Rén?
Dà Dìng Fēng Zhū, Má Zǐ Rén Wán and Zhì Gān Cǎo Tāng.
Practise Huǒ Má 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.