Yi Yi Ren refers to Coix Seed, which has the effects of promoting diuresis, resolving dampness, invigorating the spleen, stopping diarrhea, dispelling bi syndrome, draining pus, detoxifying, and dispersing masses. It is mainly used for edema, athlete's foot, difficult urination, spleen deficiency diarrhea, damp bi syndrome, lung abscess, intestinal abscess, and other conditions.
Pharmacological actions of Coix Seed:
1. Effects on the central nervous system: Coix Seed has sedative and analgesic effects.
2. Effects on respiratory function: Coix Seed oil (mainly composed of palmitic acid and its esters) has a slight stimulating effect on respiration in small doses, while in large doses, it has a central paralyzing effect, but significantly dilates pulmonary blood vessels.
3. Additionally, Coix Seed can induce ovulation, lower body temperature, inhibit pancreatic protease, exhibit antibacterial properties, inhibit polysynaptic reflexes, reduce blood sugar, lower blood calcium levels, and enhance immune function.
Contraindications of Coix Seed:
1. Coix Seed has the property of descending downward, promoting diuresis, and stopping diarrhea. Therefore, it should be avoided by those with yin deficiency, blood deficiency, or insufficient body fluids. Examples include those with postpartum blood deficiency, weak elderly individuals, those with dry stools resembling sheep dung due to intestinal dryness and constipation after dehydration caused by diarrhea.
2. Coix Seed has a cold nature, and its spleen-invigorating effect is achieved through resolving dampness. Therefore, it is not suitable for those with spleen deficiency without dampness.
3. Coix Seed has diuretic properties. Ancient materia medica texts contain records of its prohibition during pregnancy. Its mechanism of action requires further research, and clinical application should be cautious to prevent accidents.
4. It is not suitable for those with spermatorrhea or frequent urination accompanied by dry stool.
5. Use with caution in individuals with allergies.
If a patient wants to use Coix Seed as an adjuvant treatment, it should be done under the guidance of a professional physician. If they are already using other medications, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist beforehand to avoid drug interactions and affect the treatment outcome.