Huo Ma Ren

Naming

Huo Ma Ren (Semen Cannabis)——Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Herbal)

The Processing of Huo Ma Ren

Origin

The ripe fruit of Cannabis sativa L. of family Mulberry.

Location

All parts of China.

Harvest

Collected in autumn when ripening.

The actual smell and taste

Light smell and bland taste.

Best quality

Big granule and full kernel.

Processing

Smashed and unprocessed.

The Effect of Huo Ma Ren

Property

Sweet, mild; large intestine, spleen and stomach meridians entered.

Actions

Moisten intestines for relaxing bowels.

Indications

Constipation due to intestinal dryness

Because it is sweet, mild and moist in property, and rich in oil, it can moisten intestines for relaxing bowels, and has the combined effect of nourishing and tonifying as well. It is suitable for the old, puerpera, and the weak with insufficient blood and body fluid who suffer from constipation due to intestinal dryness. It works when either used singly or combined with other herbs of moistening intestines for relaxing bowels, such as Su Zi. For constipation due to fluid consumption accompanied with dryness-heat, it can be combined with heat-purging and bowels-relaxing, and qi-moving herbs, for instance, Da Huang and Hou Po, as in Ma Zi Ren Wan from Shang Han Lun.

Dosage and Administrations

Smash it and decoct 10~15 g. It is better to use it in pills, 2~3g each time.