Jīng Mǐ (粳米), known in English as Rice (non-glutinous) (Oryza sativa), is a neutral, sweet Chinese herb from the Tonify qi category. It enters the Spleen and Stomach channels. Its main action: tonifies qi, strengthens Spleen and Stomach.
| Pinyin | Jīng Mǐ (Jing Mi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 粳米 |
| English | Rice (non-glutinous) |
| Botanical name | Oryza sativa |
| Category | Tonify qi |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels | Spleen, Stomach |
| Dosage | 15–30g |
| Cautions | No significant cautions at standard doses |
Actions
- Tonifies qi, strengthens Spleen and Stomach
- Relieves irritability and thirst
Indications
- Spleen and Stomach deficiency
- Irritability and thirst after febrile disease
- Protects the Stomach alongside Shi Gao in Bai Hu Tang
How to remember Jīng Mǐ
Tonify qi herbs are mostly sweet, and most enter the Spleen, Lung and Stomach channels.
- You can work these out
- Sweet: like most Tonify qi herbs
- Spleen and Stomach channels: from its action “strengthens Spleen and Stomach”
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: Tonify qi herbs vary in nature
Formulas containing Jīng Mǐ
Other Tonify qi herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Jīng Mǐ?
Jīng Mǐ is neutral and sweet.
Which channels does Jīng Mǐ enter?
Jīng Mǐ enters the Spleen and Stomach channels.
What are the actions of Jīng Mǐ?
Tonifies qi, strengthens Spleen and Stomach; Relieves irritability and thirst.
What is Jīng Mǐ used for?
Spleen and Stomach deficiency; irritability and thirst after febrile disease; protects the Stomach alongside Shi Gao in Bai Hu Tang.
Which formulas contain Jīng Mǐ?
Bái Hǔ Tāng and Xiè Bái Sǎn.
Practise Jīng Mǐ 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.