Cherokee rose (jin ying zi)

Rosa laevigata

Traditionally attributed effects: holds in the essence and curbs diarrhoea and frequent urination.

Safety notes

Not with acute heat. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Rose hip. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that stabilise and bind'. According to Chinese medicine the rose hips (jin ying zi) bind, for frequent urination, seminal emission and chronic diarrhoea. The rose came from China and became so naturalised in the southern US that it became the state flower of Georgia there.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sour, astringent, neutral
Meridians: bladder, kidney, large intestine

Attributed effects

For loss of semen, clear discharge and involuntary urination, and chronic diarrhoea from spleen deficiency.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 6–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. In the West rose hips are known as a tea rich in vitamin C.

Combinations

With euryale and cuscuta for loss of semen and discharge
With dang shen, bai zhu and Chinese yam for chronic diarrhoea

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction
Formulas: Jin suo gu jing wan

Sources

All herbs from Asia →