Description
Cassia Seed, Jué Míng Zǐ (决明子) – “vision-clearing seed” is a fundamental herb in TCM, renowned for its powerful “draining” and “clearing” actions. It is one of the most important herbs for treating conditions related to excessive “heat” and “fire” in the body, particularly from the Liver.
Slightly Cool in nature. Sweet, Bitter, Salty in taste. It enters the liver, kidney and large intestine meridians.
Its cold nature clears heat, its bitter flavour drains and purges, and its sweet and salty flavours help to moisten and soften hardness.
Cassia Seed’s actions are direct and potent, focusing on clearing heat from the Liver and promoting bowel movements.
Health Benefits : Clears liver heat, moistens the intestine and promotes bowel movements, detoxifies and protects liver, lowers cholesterol, reduces inflammation, improves vision, treat tired, dry, itchy, red eyes and headache, treat wind-heat symptoms.
Clears Liver Fire and Benefits the Eyes : The Liver meridian opens into the eyes. When Liver Fire flares upward, it affects the head and eyes. Cassia Seed is specific for treating :· Red, swollen, dry, painful, itchy, tired or blurry eyes
· Headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure or Liver Yang rising.
· Irritability
Moistens the Intestines and Promotes Bowel Movements : Its slightly cold and moist nature makes it an excellent mild laxative for treating constipation caused by “Intestinal Dryness” or “Heat in the Intestines.” It adds moisture to the stools to facilitate smooth passage.
Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang : By clearing the root cause of the hyperactivity (Liver Fire), it helps to calm rising Liver Yang, making it useful for hypertension and related headaches.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Eye Health : The primary modern use is for eye conditions. It is used for conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), blepharitis, and general eye strain from overuse of screens. It is a key ingredient in many “bright vision” formulas.
· Hypertension : Due to its Liver-calming and fire-clearing properties, it is commonly used in formulas or as a simple tea to help manage hypertension, especially when accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and irritability.
· Constipation : An effective and gentle remedy for habitual constipation in individuals with a robust constitution and heat signs. It is not suitable for constipation from deficiency or cold.
· Hyperlipidemia : Modern research has shown that Cassia Seed can help lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides, aligning with its TCM function of “draining” excess and turbidity from the body.
Common Usage and Preparation
It is commonly used as a tea. The seeds must be cracked or crushed to release their active properties.
Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
Cassia Seed Tea :
1. Take 5-10 grams of Cassia Seeds.
2. Lightly crush them in a mortar and pestle or with the back of a spoon to crack the hard shell.
3. Place the crushed seeds in a cup and pour 200-250ml of freshly boiled water over them.
4. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes.
5. The tea will have a dark, coffee-like colour and a slightly bitter, roasted aroma. It can be sweetened with honey if desired.
Classic Combinations :
· Cassia Seed + Chrysanthemum + Goji Berry : A classic eye-health formula. Cassia Seed and Chrysanthemum clear heat and cool the Liver, while Goji Berry nourishes the Liver and Kidney Yin to protect against the drying effects of the other two herbs.
· Cassia Seed + Hawthorn : Used for both hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Hawthorn helps to transform turbid dampness and reduce lipids.
· Cassia Seed + Honeysuckle + Mint : A strong formula for acute Wind-Heat patterns with severe red, painful eyes and headache.
Precautions
Cassia Seed is a draining herb, so its use requires specific caution.
· Spleen Deficiency with Diarrhoea : This is the most important contraindication. If you have a tendency toward loose stools, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, or fatigue (signs of Spleen Qi Deficiency), you should avoid Cassia Seed. Its draining and slightly cold nature will severely worsen these symptoms.
· Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) : Due to its blood pressure-lowering effects, individuals with low blood pressure should use it with caution.
· Pregnancy : Its laxative and moving properties make it unsuitable for use during pregnancy. It is best to consult a TCM practitioner before medicinal use. All herbs are not for infants.
· Long-Term Use : Because it drains and can potentially harm the Spleen’s digestive function, it is not generally recommended as a daily “tonic” tea for extended periods without proper TCM guidance. It is best used for acute conditions or in formulas that balance its nature.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication, consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
