Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit)

Official Yi Zhi Ren (益智仁) is the dried ripe fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla, shelled to the kernel. The pharmacopoeial name is Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus. Hainan and Guangdong lots are preferred. Yan Yi Zhi Ren is salt-fried: less acrid-dry, directed to the lower burner, leaning toward warming the Kidney, securing essence and reducing urine. Sha Ren (Amomum) is acrid-warm: transforms damp, opens the Stomach, warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea and calms the fetus—not Yi Zhi. Bu Gu Zhi is acrid-bitter-warm: tonifies Kidney Yang, secures essence, reduces urine and warms the Spleen to stop diarrhea—stronger at fortifying Yang. Write Yi Zhi Ren or Yan Yi Zhi Ren; crush before use. The name “increase wisdom” is not a nootropic health-product claim.

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Yi Zhi Ren is acrid and warm, enters the Spleen and Kidney channels, and acts to warm the Kidney, secure essence and reduce urine, and warm the Spleen, stop diarrhea and contain saliva. It is used for Kidney-vacuity enuresis, frequent urination, seminal emission and milky urine, Spleen-cold diarrhea, cold abdominal pain and copious drooling. Acrid-warm and astringent, it suits lower-origin deficient cold and Spleen cold with much saliva—not Yin vacuity with flaming fire or heat-type emission, spotting or discharge.

Copious drooling and Spleen-cold vomit-diarrhea more often use raw or clear-fried Yi Zhi Ren; enuresis, frequency and seminal emission more often use Yan Yi Zhi Ren. It must be crushed for decoction. Do not take it long as a single-herb “wisdom tea.”