Herb Herbs that regulate Qi

Mi Pi Kang

Rice bran | 米皮糠

Oryza sativa

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Pungent, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Stomach, Large Intestine

Parts Used

The rice bran

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Mi Pi Kang

Traditional Actions

Descends the Rebellious Stomach Qi and improve appetite.
Remove Stagnation from the Intestines.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Mi Pi Kang belongs to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.

 

Furthermore Mi Pi Kang is Warm in nature. This means that Mi Pi Kang tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Mi Pi Kang can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Mi Pi Kang also tastes Pungent and 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. Pungent ingredients like Mi Pi Kang tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food. On the other hand Sweet ingredients 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 Mi Pi Kang is thought to target the Stomach and the Large intestine. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Large Intestine on the other hand receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces.

Common Applications

Nausea Beriberi Swallow difficulties Loss of appetite

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Mi Pi Kang

Traditional Preparation

When processing the rice, collect the rice bran and dry.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9-30g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Mi Pi Kang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Mi Pi Kang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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