Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit (Yi Zhi Ren): Memory, Urinary, and Digestive Support in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Alpinia oxyphylla fruit, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Yi Zhi Ren, is a time-honored herb used to strengthen Kidney Yang, stabilize the essence, and support both digestive and urinary health. Often used in formulas for memory decline, incontinence, and loose stools, Yi Zhi Ren is valued for its warming, astringent properties that help tonify the body without overstimulation. Modern studies are now exploring its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal benefits—offering a bridge between tradition and science in daily herbal wellness.
| Health Benefit | Why It Works (Scientific & TCM Perspective) | PubMed Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Supports Urinary Control | Scientific: Studies show Yi Zhi Ren may modulate bladder signaling and reduce overactivity. TCM: Warms the Kidneys and stabilizes leakage of urine and essence. |
PMC27402807 |
| Improves Memory and Cognitive Function | Scientific: Contains compounds shown to have neuroprotective effects and improve learning in animal models. TCM: Tonifies the Kidneys, which nourish the brain and support concentration. |
PMC32164157 |
| Regulates Digestive Function | Scientific: Exhibits gastroprotective activity and helps prevent diarrhea. TCM: Warms the Spleen and Stomach, aiding digestion and reducing loose stools. |
PMC32587065 |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Scientific: Flavonoids and essential oils in Yi Zhi Ren reduce inflammatory markers in tissue studies. TCM: Disperses cold and damp, which are common contributors to chronic inflammation. |
PMC29099725 |
| Helps with Excess Salivation | Scientific: Traditionally reported to reduce hypersalivation, though clinical data is limited. TCM: Astringes saliva and supports Kidney function to stabilize fluids. |
PMC18693215 |
Herbal Information on Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit in Bulk Cut Form
Common Name: Alpinia Fruit
Botanical Name: Fructus Alpiniae oxyphyllae
Channels/Meridians: Stomach, Spleen, Kidney
Other Names: Black cardamon seed, Bitter-seeded Cardamon, Sharp-Leaf Galangal Berry
Pin Yin Name: Yi Zhi Ren
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 grams - 1.1 pounds
Form: Cut
Dosage: Consult your healthcare professional for correct dosage.
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with Yin deficiency.
California Prop 65
Additional Information on Yi Zhi Ren
Yi Zhi Ren warms the spleen and tonifies the kidney. Harvesting occurs in summer and autumn when the fruit turns from green to red, which is dried in the sun or if needed at a low temperature.
Product Properties: Acrid Warm
Naturally Occurring Compounds: yakuchinone A volatile oil, cineole, terpene and sesquiterpenes
What Herbs Combine with Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit?
- Allspice and Yi Zhi Ren
- Astragalus Milk Vetch Seed and Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit
- Cang Zhu and Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit
- Ginger and Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit
- Pinella and Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
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- Citrus potpourri basket
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Reference:
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Yi-Zhi-Ren-Cid5095
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20723592
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117342381
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/6797030/
https://health.chinaabout.net/alpinia-oxyphylla-as-medicine-ben-cao-medical-book/
