Java brucea fruit (ya dan zi)

Brucea javanica

Traditionally attributed effects: was used for amoebic dysentery, malaria and externally for warts.

Safety notes

Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Not with a cold, weak spleen and stomach, during pregnancy or for young children; not for long periods. Malaria and amoebic dysentery are serious diseases that must be treated medically. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Toxic: do not use yourself.

Preparation

Fruit. Deliberately no dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool heat and detoxify'. The very bitter little fruits have long been used for amoebic dysentery and malaria and externally on warts. They are swallowed in capsules or wrapped in a longan fruit to spare the stomach. In Indonesia (buah makasar) they are also a folk remedy.

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: bitter, cold
Meridians: liver, large intestine

Attributed effects

The book describes use in chronic dysentery (also amoebic), alternating fever and chills in malaria and externally as a salve on warts and corns.

Preparation and amount

Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist. The book describes a cure in which the small fruits are taken in longan flesh, with a diet of roasted brown rice without sugar or fruit; we deliberately do not include this cure here.

Caution: Toxic: do not use yourself.

Sources

All herbs from Asia →