Individual Herbs Notebook

Chi Xiao Dou

Pharmaceutical: Vigna angularis

Other names: Adzuki Bean / Rice Bean

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Sweet, sour and neutral

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart and Small Intestine
Divergent Channels: Small Intestine, Heart


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Promotes urination and reduces oedema
    Abdominal swelling and fullness due to oedema, urinary difficulty and leg Qi
  2. Clears Damp Heat
    Mild jaundice due to Damp-Heat
  3. Disperses Blood Stasis, reduces swelling and reduces Fire toxicity (dispels pus)
    Chuang Yung (sores, carbuncles, furuncles)

Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-30g in decoction.


Cautions: Although acting to drain Dampness, Adzuki beans have a high FODMAP score (George Eats, April 2024) suggesting that they are contraindicated in abdominal distention and swelling due to Spleen Dampness.


Appears in 6 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)