Jin Ying Zi (Rosehips)

The Ancient Herb for Modern Core Strength: Energy, Bladder, and Vital Essence

Jin Ying Zi (Fructus Rosae Laevigatae), known as rosehips, is a sour, astringent herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to stabilize and bind the essence, stop leakage (such as frequent urination or spermatorrhea), and support digestive and reproductive health. It's a powerhouse for bladder control, core energy, and kidney yin balance.

Quick Summary Box

The Forgotten Fruit That Strengthens Your Core

Jin Ying Zi may be the unsung hero of core strength in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Unlike common rosehips used for vitamin C, this variety—Rosa laevigata—is prized for its power to hold things in: essence, urine, energy. It’s a favorite for supporting urinary strength, chronic diarrhea, helps to maintain bladder control, and reproductive essence loss. When your foundation is leaking (literally or energetically), Jin Ying Zi seals it like a master builder restoring your root.

TCM Benefits and Theory

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jin Ying Zi:

• Stabilizes the Kidney Essence (Jing)

• Prevents supporting urinary strength (frequent urination, enuresis)

• Stops chronic diarrhea and loose stools

• Strengthens the spleen and kidney qi

• Often used for spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, or nocturnal emissions

Pairs beautifully with Shan Zhu Yu, Tu Si Zi, and Qian Shi in Kidney-Yin securing formulas.

Scientific Research: What It Offers

While TCM has used Jin Ying Zi for millennia, modern research is catching up:

• Antioxidant support: Rosehip polyphenols protect against oxidative stress

• Anti-aging effects: Supports collagen formation and elasticity

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation markers linked to joint pain and gut imbalance

• Digestive protection: Helps stabilize gut lining and reduce irritation

 How to Use Jin Ying Zi

Best taken as part of a binding formula when symptoms include loss of fluids, energy, or qi.

Recipe: Core-Strength Tonic Porridge

Ingredients:

• 10g Jin Ying Zi (crushed)

• 8g Qian Shi (Euryale Seeds)

• 6g Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)

• 6g Lotus seed

• 1 cup rice or millet

Instructions: Soak herbs overnight. Simmer with grain in 5 cups of water until soft and porridge-like (30–40 minutes). Take warm in the morning for essence and energy support.

Comparison Grid Of Herbs Similar To Jin Ying Zi 

Is Jin Ying Zi the same as rosehips in vitamin C supplements? No. This is Rosa laevigata, used for its astringent, qi-securing properties—not primarily as a vitamin source.

Can it be used for children with bedwetting? Yes, under professional guidance—it’s often part of safe pediatric TCM formulas.

How fast does it work? Stabilizing herbs may take several days to a few weeks to show full effects, depending on the formula and body constitution.

Is it drying? Not typically, but if you have dry constipation or yin deficiency, combine with moistening herbs.

Among the many astringent herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jin Ying Zi stands out for its unique role in core energy preservation—especially when compared to others like Shan Zhu Yu or Wu Wei Zi. While some herbs nourish or move energy, this one holds it in—making it a staple in Chinese herbal formulas for bladder health, reproductive strength, and energy leaks.

⚠️ Cautions

• Not suitable during acute urinary tract infections

• Avoid in early-stage diarrhea from external cold

• Use with caution if you have dryness or yin deficiency without other balancing herbs

References

Antioxidant Properties

Title: Polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of Rosa laevigata fruit

• Findings: Rosa laevigata fruit contains significant antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress.

• PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29393404/

2. Anti-Aging & Skin Health Support

Title: Oral administration of Rosa laevigata fruit extract improves collagen synthesis and skin elasticity in UVB-exposed mice

• Findings: Rosehip extract promoted skin repair and anti-aging effects through collagen regeneration.

• PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22331997/

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Title: Anti-inflammatory effects of Rosa laevigata Michx. on LPS-stimulated macrophages

• Findings: Demonstrated inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting use for gut, bladder, and systemic inflammation.

• PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26523659/

4. Gastrointestinal Protection

Title: Protective effect of Rosa laevigata extract against intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage

• Findings: Reduced gut lining damage and improved intestinal barrier integrity in colitis models.

• PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27656807/

5. Astringent and Stabilizing Action (Traditional Use Reference)

Title: A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Rosa laevigata

• Findings: Describes traditional TCM uses including stabilization of essence, bladder control, and reproductive leakage.

• PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22520186/

Buy Jin Ying Zi at 1st Chinese Herbs

• High-quality, lab-tested rosehips

• GMP-certified sourcing

• Available in bulk herb, capsule, or powder forms

• Used in Kidney, Bladder, and Jing-strengthening formulas

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