Herb Herbs that drain Dampness

Yue Ju

Lingonberry | 越橘

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Bitter, Pungent, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Gallbladder, Stomach, Kidneys, Large Intestine

Parts Used

Dry leaves and fruits

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Yue Ju

Traditional Actions

Drain Dampness and facilitates urination.
Detoxifies and clears Heat.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yue Ju belongs to the 'Herbs that drain Dampness' category. These herbs are typically diuretics, meaning that they promotes the increased production of urine in order to remove Dampness that has accumulated in the body. According to TCM Dampness accumulates first in the lower limbs, causing edema and impaired movement. From there, if unchecked, it can move upward and impair digestion and eventually the respiratory system.

 

Furthermore Yue Ju is Warm in nature. This means that Yue Ju 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 Yue Ju can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Yue Ju also tastes Bitter, 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. Bitter ingredients like Yue Ju tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend 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. Lastly 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 Yue Ju is thought to target the Gallbladder, the Stomach, the Kidney and the Large intestine. Similar to modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. 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. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Large Intestine receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces.

Common Applications

Urethritis Vaginitis Enteritis Dysentery

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Yue Ju

Traditional Preparation

Collects leaves and fruits and dry.

Recommended Dosage

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

3 to 9 g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yue Ju

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, Yue Ju may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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