Yu Furong
Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Yu Furong, this intriguing substance is valued for its unique properties. Let's dive into what makes it a noteworthy ingredient.
Energetic Nature and Flavor: Yu Furong is characterized by a sweet taste and a cold energetic nature.
Meridian Tropism: It is believed to primarily influence the Heart, Liver, and Gallbladder meridians, aligning with its calming and cooling effects.
Medicinal Part: Yu Furong is the solidified sap exudate from the succulent stems of the Cactaceae plant Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. var. dillenii (Ker-Gawl.) Benson and Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers.
Physical Characteristics: This solidified sap forms round or irregularly shaped clumps. It feels hard and slightly lustrous, resembling raw pine resin or peach gum. Its color ranges from yellowish-white to milky white, occasionally with brownish-yellow tints. When broken, it appears slightly translucent and often contains impurities. It has no particular aroma. When heated over fire, its texture softens but it doesn't easily melt. The best quality Yu Furong is solidified, dry, bright yellow, brittle, and free from soil contamination.
How to Use & Dosage for Yu Furong
Internal Application: For internal use, it can be decocted (boiled as a tea) in doses of 3-9 grams, or incorporated into pills and powders.
External Application: For external use, an appropriate amount is crushed and applied as a poultice.
Preparation: Before use, impurities and ash are meticulously removed.
Key Functions & Main Indications of Yu Furong
Key Functions: Yu Furong works to Clear Heat and Cool Blood, while also Nourishing the Heart and Calming the Spirit.
Main Indications: It is traditionally used for conditions such as hemorrhoidal bleeding, bloody stools, boils and carbuncles, burns, palpitations, and acute infantile convulsions. The "clearing heat" property is particularly relevant for inflammatory conditions and bleeding. (PMID: 29775310)
Traditional Formulations with Yu Furong
1. For Acute Infantile Convulsions: Yu Furong is pounded into a fine paste and applied to the navel area. (From "Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine Journal," 1960). This suggests a topical, calming effect on acute conditions.
2. For Wasting Disease due to Blood Deficiency in Women: 30g each of Yu Furong, Yidianxue (One Spot of Blood), Luxiancao (Pyrola Herb), and Lanbuzheng (Indigo Woad Root) are steamed with a chicken egg and consumed. (From "Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine Journal," 1960). This combination points to a nourishing and fortifying action. The wound-healing properties of related plants in the Opuntia family might also contribute to its traditional uses for external and internal bleeding. (PMID: 27909360)
Important Precautions for Yu Furong
Yu Furong is contraindicated in cases of Deficiency-Cold conditions and chronic infantile convulsions.
As stated in the 1960 edition of "Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine Journal": "It is contraindicated in Yang Deficiency, cold conditions, and chronic infantile convulsions." Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner before using Yu Furong, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Self-treating with herbal remedies can be risky.
Historical Insights on Yu Furong
1. From "Botanical Names and Facts Illustrated": "Treats intestinal hemorrhoids with bloody discharge." This early reference highlights its use for bleeding, aligning with its "cool blood" function. (PMID: 25154332)
2. From "Categorized Herbal Properties": "Strengthens the Heart and supplements Qi." This indicates its benefit for vital energy and cardiovascular support.
3. From "Collection of Commonly Used Folk Herbs": "Supplements Middle Qi and treats palpitations." This reinforces its calming and energy-supporting effects.
References
[Review of biological activities of Opuntia ficus-indica, a closely related species] PMID: 29775310
[Topical Opuntia ficus-indica extract for wound healing] PMID: 27909360
[Ethnomedicinal uses of Opuntia species] PMID: 25154332
Quick Health Check & Action Plan
3-Second Self-Test: If you often feel a sense of internal heat, minor skin irritations, or unexplained agitation...
30-Second Self-Help: Then take three deep, slow breaths and immediately try to find a quiet space for 30 seconds of mindful relaxation. Consider incorporating more cooling foods (like cucumber or watermelon) into your diet and consult a TCM practitioner to understand your body's unique balance and whether Yu Furong or other herbs might be right for you.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
