Source Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit is the dried ripe fruit ofPsoralea corylifolia L. (Fam. Leguminosae).
Producing Areas Sichuan, Anhui, Henan, Shaanxi, etc.
Properties Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Channels Kidney, Spleen
Action
- Tonifies the kidneys, strengthens yang, consolidatesjing (sperm), and holds the urine
For yang andjing deficiency with symptoms such as spermatorrhoea, impotence, incontinence, premature ejaculation, urinary frequency, cold and/or pain in the lower back, and cold in the extremities or scrotum. - Warms the spleen yang
For spleen deficiency with symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, poor appetite, borborygmus, and abdominal pain.
Usage and Dosage
6 – 15g is used in decoction for oral use, or in pills or powder. Soaked in spirit for external use.
Notes Use with caution in patient with hyperactivity of fire due to deficiency of yin, or constipation.
It is kidney-shaped, slightly flat, 3 – 5mm long, 2 – 4mm wide and about 1mm thick. The coating is thin, and makes direct contact with the sarcotesta (the outermost covering). It is black, black brown or grey brown in colour with subtle netted wrinkles. Sometimes there is green membrane (old calyx) attached. There is only one seed wrapped by the coating, yellow brown and glossy. The umbilicus is located on one end of the concave side, like a bulging spot. It is hard with yellowish white and oily cotyledons. The flavour is bitter and pungent. It is slightly fragrant.
Storage
Keep in a well-ventilated and dry place. Protect it from mould and moths.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Buguzhi is black, big and full-grained.
Pig Kidneys Steamed with Scurfpea
Effects
This dish is recommended for those who are suffering from pain in the lower back, loss of libido and impotence. It nourishes the kidneys and strengthens yang, and relieves pain in the waist region.
Ingredients
Scurfpea fruit 15g, pig kidneys 2, ginger 10g, onions 10g, salt 10g.
Preparation
- Heat the scurfpea until dry, and pound to a fine powder. Wash the kidneys, slice into halves and remove the white glands. Slice the ginger and the onions.
- Place the powdered scurfpea inside the kidneys and place in a steamer with the other ingredients. Steam over a strong fire for 40 minutes.
Walnut and Scurfpea Drink
Effects
Reinforcesqi and nourishes the kidneys. It can aid in recovery from coughing and shortness of breath associated with deficiency of the liver and kidneys.
Ingredients
Walnut kernels 15g, scurfpea fruit 15g, amomum fruit 1g.
Preparation
- Boil the walnuts and scurfpea for half an hour.
- Add the amomum fruit and cook for a further 20 minutes.