Fruits and seedsPurgativeCannabis Semen

Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed)

火麻仁 · Huo Ma Ren

Purgative herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Moistens the intestine, frees stools.

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Quick Facts

Latin NameCannabis Semen
Chinese Name & Pinyin火麻仁 · Huo Ma Ren
Medicinal PartFruits and seeds
Efficacy CategoryPurgative
Botanical OriginThe dried mature fruit of Cannabis sativa L.(Moraceae)
Nature & FlavourSweet; Neutral
Channels EnteredSpleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

What Is Huo Ma Ren?

Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Jilin, Sichuan, Gansu, Yunnan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.

Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Neutral
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Huo Ma Ren: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Cannabis Semen

Botanical Origin

The dried mature fruit of Cannabis sativa L.(Moraceae)

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Jilin, Sichuan, Gansu, Yunnan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material has large, full kernel.

Macroscopic Features

Oval-round shape, 4~5.5mm long, 2.5~4mm diameter. Externally grayish-green or grayish-yellow, with slightly thin white or brown net-like lines, ridges on the two edges, apex is slightly pointed; base has one round stem scar. Fruit skin is thin and brittle, easily broken. Seed coat is green, with 2 cotyledons, milky-white, oily. faint odor, mild taste.

Traditional TCM Properties

Sweet; NeutralSpleenStomachLarge Intestine

Traditional Functions

Moistens the intestine, frees stools. Apply to body fluid deficiency due to hematopenia, constipation induced by dryness of the intestine.

How Huo Ma Ren Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Huo Ma Ren is classified among the Purgative herbs. It appears in 3 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Huo Ma Ren are traditionally used for:

ConstipationPalpitationsFatigue & Low EnergyInsomnia

Classical Formulas Containing Huo Ma Ren

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huo Ma Ren? Are Bai Zi Ren, Yu Li Ren and cannabis flower the same?
Official Huo Ma Ren (火麻仁) is the dried ripe fruit of Cannabis sativa. The pharmacopoeial name is Cannabis Semen, also called Ma Zi Ren. The medicine is the seed, not the flower or leaf. Bai Zi Ren is sweet and neutral: nourishes the Heart, calms the spirit, moistens the intestines and frees the stool. Yu Li Ren is acrid-bitter-sweet and neutral: moistens the intestines, frees the stool, promotes urination and reduces swelling. Write Huo Ma Ren. Use caution in Spleen-vacuity loose stool.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Huo Ma Ren?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Huo Ma Ren is sweet and neutral, enters the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels, and acts to moisten the intestines and free the stool. It is used for Blood vacuity and fluid depletion with intestinal dryness and constipation. Sweet, neutral and moistening, it suits fluid-depleted intestinal dryness—not Spleen-vacuity loose stool or yang-vacuity slippery diarrhea.
How do you choose raw versus dry-fried Huo Ma Ren? Can Bai Zi Ren replace it?
Raw seed moistens the intestines more strongly. Dry-frying reduces the oil and is relatively better when the Spleen tends to be weak. Crush it for decoction. Arborvitae seed also calms the Heart; it cannot replace simple intestinal moistening by equal weight. Commercial hemp-seed oil is not equal-weight pieces.
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Learn More About Huo Ma Ren

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Huo Ma Ren.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

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