Cannabis Fructus
Aliases：Má Zǐ (Hemp Seed); Má Zǐ Rén (Hemp Kernel); Má Rén (Hemp Kernel); Dà Má Rén (Hemp Seed); Huǒ Má Zǐ (Fiery Hemp Seed); Xiàn Má Zǐ (Thread Hemp Seed).
Huǒ Má Rén (Hemp Seed) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried ripe fruit of Cannabis sativa L., a plant of the Moraceae family. It is a commonly used moistening laxative in clinical practice and is also listed as a “medicinal and edible” substance by the National Health Commission of China.
Efficacy & Actions
Moistens the intestines and relieves constipation.
Indications
Primarily used for intestinal dryness with constipation due to blood deficiency and fluid depletion. It is especially suitable for the elderly, postpartum women, and those with weak constitution and insufficient body fluids.
Modern Pharmacology
Regulation of intestinal function: It can be used to treat functional constipation, with its mechanism possibly related to the regulation of intestinal microenvironment, neurotransmitters, and other factors. Cardiovascular protection: It exhibits effects on regulating blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Neuroprotection: It has protective effects on the nervous system and may be beneficial for Alzheimer‘s disease. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Antitumor effect: It exhibits certain antitumor effects. Others: It also exhibits analgesic, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory effects, among others.
Ingredients
Fatty Acids: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid. Proteins. Lignanamides. Alkaloids. Flavonoids. Cannabinoids.
Usage & Dosage
Not suitable for patients with spleen deficiency and loose stools, or yang deficiency with watery diarrhea. Should not be used together with Oyster Shell (Mǔ Lì), Cynanchum atratum (Bái Wēi), or Poria (Fú Líng). Should not be used together with anticholinergic drugs such as atropine.
Contraindications
Not suitable for patients with spleen deficiency and loose stools, or yang deficiency with watery diarrhea. Should not be used together with Oyster Shell (Mǔ Lì), Cynanchum atratum (Bái Wēi), or Poria (Fú Líng). Should not be used together with anticholinergic drugs such as atropine.
Selected Formulas
Classical Formula: Maziren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill) Source: Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage) Ingredients: Hemp Seed (Huǒ Má Rén), Peony Root (Sháo Yào), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhǐ Shí), Rhubarb (Dà Huáng), Magnolia Bark (Hòu Pò), Apricot Kernel (Xìng Rén) Indications: Used to treat the pattern of “Spleen Constraint” (Pí Yuē), which refers to constipation due to stomach heat and intestinal dryness.
Daily Consumption
Hemp Seed Congee Preparation: Take 10–15 grams of hemp seeds (Huǒ Má Rén), grind them into a powder, and cook together with polished round-grained rice (jīng mǐ) to make a congee. Efficacy: Moistens the intestines, relieves constipation, and nourishes body fluids.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe fruit.
Selection & Storage
Should be stored in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from heat and insects.
