Yu Jin (Turmeric Root Tuber)

Turmeric Root Tuber (yu jin, 路路通郁金), also known as Radix Curcumae, refers to the root tuber of Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling, longa L. or C. kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang, or C. phaeocaulis Val, which are perennial herbaceous plants that belong to the Zingiberaceae family. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yu Jin falls under the category of ‘Herbs that invigorate the blood’. Such herbs can stimulate the blood flow, and are used to aid blood circulation in cardiovascular conditions, menstrual irregularities, and to treat acute pains, tumours, cysts and hardened clots caused by blood stagnation.

Cold in nature, Yu Jin can help individuals with too much Heat in their body, such as those experiencing a yang excess or a yin deficiency, to restore a healthy yin-yang balance. Bitter and pungent, Yu Jin can cleanse the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. Also, Yu Jin can promote the circulations of qi and body fluids. In particular, Yu Jin targets the Heart, Liver and Lungs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Yu Jin has the following health benefits.

Yu Jin can activate blood, dispel stasis, alleviate pain, promote the movement of qi and soothe one’s Liver. With the above capabilities, Yu Jin can relieve depression, oxidative stress, treat chest and hypochondria pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, emergent pain in one’s chest and Heart, restlessness, chronic sores, sudden severe pain in one’s epigastrium and abdomen, and even white hair! This herb can also regulate menstruation, alleviate period cramps, relieve postpartum abdominal pain and amenorrhea. Yu Jin is especially suitable for the treatment of blood stasis with qi stagnation with stagnated Heat.

With the ability to clear one’s Heart and Pericardium and open the orifices, Yu Jin is indicated for Phlegm-Heat that is obstructing the Heart orifices, manifested as symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, seizures and mental derangement. This herb can be combined with other Heart-clearing and Phlegm-resolving herbs to enhance its effectiveness.

As Yu Jin can cool one’s blood and stop bleeding by descending adverse qi flow, it is frequently indicated for bleeding due to up flow of qi and fire such as haematemesis, epistaxis, hematuria and blood stranguria. Also, Yu Jin enters the Liver and gallbladder meridians with actions of soothing one’s Liver, promoting bile excretion, relieving jaundice and expelling stones. Thus, this herb can be used to relieve jaundice and gallbladder disorders such as gallstones as well.

The recommended daily dosage of Yu Jin is 5 – 12g, when used as a decoction. If you are consuming Yu Jin in its powdered form, the recommended dosage is 2 -5g. Yu Jin is also used in herbal prescriptions, soups and teas. Yu Jin can be consumed unprocessed or processed with vinegar.

You may find Yu Jin and its supplements in herbal stores and Asian specialty markets.

Yu Jin should not be used by individuals experiencing pregnancy or yin deficiency from blood loss. Those who are not experiencing any qi or blood stasis should avoid using this herb too.

Do not use Yu Jin with Flos Caryophylli (Ding Xiang) at the same time.

We strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Yu Jin to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Yu Jin:

• Herb name (Chinese): 郁金
• Herb name (Pin Yin): yù jīn
• Herb name (English):Tumeric Root Tuber
• Herb name (Botanical): Radix Curcumae
• Origin of species:Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling; Curcuma longa L.; Curcuma kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang; Curcuma phaeocaulis Val.
• Part(s) of herb used: Root Tuber
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Zhejiang, Guangxi, Sichuan
• Taste(s) & Properties: Pungent, bitter; Cold; Administrates the Liver, Gall Bladder and Heart Meridians
• Actions: Relieves pain due to poor body circulation; Helps to ease many kinds of bleeding symptoms; Relieves symptoms of jaundice and gallbladder stones; Eases mood swings

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