Cherokee Rose Fruit
Cherokee Rose Fruit (Jin Ying Zi): A Sour Herb for Astringing Essence, Stopping Diarrhea, and Stabilizing the Lower Burner
Introduction
Cherokee rose fruit, known as Jin Ying Zi (金樱子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is sour and astringent, with neutral properties. It is valued for astringing the essence, securing urine, and stopping diarrhea. It is especially used for spermatorrhea, frequent urination, enuresis, and chronic diarrhea due to deficiency. Gentle yet effective, it is a stabilizing herb that strengthens weakness in the lower burner.
What Is Cherokee Rose Fruit?
Jin Ying Zi comes from the fruit of Rosa laevigata Michx., a climbing plant with white flowers also called Cherokee Rose. In TCM, the fruit is classified as sour, astringent, and neutral, entering the Kidney, Bladder, and Large Intestine meridians. Its ability to restrain leakage and secure essence makes it useful in deficiency patterns with uncontrolled discharge.
Health Benefits of Cherokee Rose Fruit
Astringes essence and secures urine – Treats spermatorrhea, enuresis, and frequent urination.
Stops diarrhea – Effective for chronic diarrhea and prolapse of the rectum.
Stabilizes the lower burner – Strengthens Kidney and Bladder functions when weak.
Supports reproductive health – Used traditionally to prevent premature ejaculation and strengthen essence.
How to Use Cherokee Rose Fruit
As decoction – Boiled and taken as tea for urinary or digestive issues.
Powdered form – Ground fruit may be mixed with water or honey.
In formulas – Commonly combined with herbs like Qian Shi, Lian Zi, or Shan Zhu Yu for stabilizing and astringing effects.
Where to Buy Cherokee Rose Fruit
TCM shops – Sold dried, whole, or sliced, often included in stabilizing formulas.
Herbal suppliers – Available online or in health stores specializing in Chinese herbs.
Look for: firm, reddish-brown dried fruits with a slightly sour taste.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Cherokee rose fruit is generally safe, but excessive use may overly astringe and hinder elimination. It should not be used for acute diarrhea caused by damp-heat or infections.
Conclusion
Cherokee rose fruit (Jin Ying Zi) is a sour, neutral herb in TCM that astringes essence, secures urine, and stops diarrhea. By stabilizing the lower burner, it strengthens weakness and prevents leakage, making it a valuable tonic for deficiency-related conditions.
FAQ
Can Cherokee rose fruit help with frequent urination? – Yes, it secures urine and strengthens Bladder function.
Is it good for diarrhea? – Yes, especially for chronic, deficiency-related diarrhea.
Can it be taken long-term? – Yes, in moderate amounts for deficiency patterns, but not for acute or excess conditions.