Rice Bean

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Zhejiang.

Slightly cylindrical and flat. 5~7cm long, about 3mm diameter. Externally reddish-brown or purple-brown, smooth and lustrous; linear white hilum taken 2/3 of the whole, center indented to a longitudinal groove skewed to one end, back has one unobvious crest. Hard texture, difficult to break; peeled seed coat, two white cotyledons can be seen. faint odor; slightly bean-like flavor when chewed.

Superior medicinal material has full pieces that have a dark purple-red color.

Sweet, sour; neutral.

Disinhibits water, eliminates moisture, neutralizes blood, expels pus, disperses swelling, resolves toxin. Apply to edema, beriberi, jaundice, diarrhea, hematochezia, and swelling carbuncles.