Use of nonglutinous japonica rice (Jing Mi) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Extract the kernels from the seeds
Dosage: 9 - 15 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Replenishes Qi and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Eliminates thirst. Stops diarrhea.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which nonglutinous japonica rice may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Polydipsia Cholera Diarrhea Vomiting Irritability Dysentery
Common TCM formulas in which nonglutinous japonica rice (Jing Mi) are used*
Mai Men Dong Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Formula key actions: Nourishes the Stomach. Generates Body Fluids. Directs Rebellious Qi downward.
Conditions targeted*: Lung atrophyLaryngitis and others
Jing Mi is an assistant ingredient in Mai Men Dong Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Mai Men Dong Tang, Jing Mi work closely with the king and deputy herbs to tonify the Stomach Qi and generate Body Fluids.
Bai Hu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Formula key actions: Clears Qi-level Heat. Drains Stomach Fire. Generates fluids. Alleviates thirst.
Conditions targeted*: MeningitisScarlet fever and others
Jing Mi is an envoy ingredient in Bai Hu Tang. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
In Bai Hu Tang, Jing Mi benefits the Stomach and protect the Fluids. It also helps prevent the extremely Cold properties of the other ingredients from injuring the Middle Burner.
Key TCM concepts behind nonglutinous japonica rice (Jing Mi)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nonglutinous japonica rice are plants that belong to the 'Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Qi tonics are typically sweet and they tend to enter the Spleen and Lungs because these Organs are most involved with the production of Qi.
Furthermore nonglutinous japonica rice are plants that are Neutral in nature. This means that nonglutinous japonica rice typically don't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of nonglutinous japonica rice means that you don't have to worry about that!
Nonglutinous japonica rice also taste Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like nonglutinous japonica rice tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such nonglutinous japonica rice are thought to target the Spleen and the Stomach. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.
Use of nonglutinous japonica rice (Jing Mi) as food
Nonglutinous japonica rice are also eaten as food.