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Source: Tài Píng Shèng Huì Fāng 太平圣惠方

Ingredients

• Qiān niú mò (牵牛末 Pharbitidis Semen Pulveratum, powdered morning glory [seed]) 1g
• Jīng mǐ (粳米 Oryzae Semen, non-glutinous rice) 30–60g
• Shēng jiāng (生姜 Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, fresh ginger) 2 slices

Actions: Drains water, disperses swelling, frees stool, and precipitates qì.

Indications: Water swelling and drum distension, inhibited urination, constipation, leg qì (jiǎo qì) swelling, and Roundworm disease in children.

Method: Add the ground morning glory seed and fresh ginger to the ready-made gruel and cook for a short while.

Rationale: Qiān niú zǐ seed is cold in nature and bitter and acrid in flavor. It drains water, precipitates qì (restores normal downward movement of qì), and kills worms. The smallest quantities can cause diarrhea, and for this reason, it is called a potent precipitating agent. This property of Qiān niú zǐ seed was discovered over millennium ago. Modern research shows that it contains a resinous substance that when attacked by bile and intestinal juices release,牵牛子素XX which stimulates peristalsis and secretions. In addition, it stimulates kidney function, thus helping the passage of urine. Qiān niú zǐ has a mild toxicity that counsels against its use by patients suffering from stomach qì vacuity. For this reason, it should be used in small quantities at first. If used in excessive quantities, it can cause bloody urine, and discharge of mucus with the stool, and acute abdominal pain. It is contraindicated in pregnancy.

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