Kutani Seed is one of the most common Chinese herbal medicines. It is toxic, so extra caution should be taken when consuming it. Let's take a look at its specific medicinal uses and taboos with the help of the following information.
Physical Characteristics of Kutani Seed
Dried seeds, flat and slightly kidney-shaped; seeds located at both ends of the fruit are round on one side and flat on the other side;
Seeds located in the middle of the fruit are flat on both sides; about 4 cm long and 3 cm thick.
The surface is reddish-brown to blackish-brown, shiny, or with a grayish-white film. The umbilical point is located in the middle waist depression.
Two cotyledons, thick and horny, easily longitudinally split; irregular protrusions around the umbilical point make the cotyledons longitudinally split unevenly.
Slightly aromatic, tasteless at first and then with a tingling sensation. The preferred seeds are reddish-brown in color, large, and free from insect damage.
Medicinal Uses of Kutani Seed
1. Treatment of worm sores, scabies, and tinea: Kutani seed, peppercorn, bitter sophora root, chenopodium, coptis, rhizome of Paris polyphylla. Grind them together, mix with fragrant oil, and apply topically. (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica)
2. Relief of pain caused by qi and blood stagnation: Grind Kutani seed into powder, take three to five minutes each time, and drink with boiling water. (Guizhou Folk Medicine)
3. Treatment of infantile malnutrition: Kutani seed (calcined and preserved) five minutes. Steam and eat with chicken liver or grind into water for consumption. (Guizhou Folk Medicine)
4. Relief of hand and foot pain: Two liang of Kutani seed. Boil in water and drink. (Hunan Chinese Materia Medica)
5. Relief of joint pain: Two liang of fresh Kutani seed, two liang of fresh maple pear, one liang each of mountain pepper, star anise, guafu wood, wu jia pi, and shi song, five qian of niu xi, two qian of tian qi, and one pig's foot as an adjuvant. Stew in water and take in two doses. (Jiangxi "Herbal Manual")
6. Treatment of physical weakness and night sweats: Three liang of fresh Kutani seed. Boil in water and drink with two eggs. (Jiangxi "Herbal Manual")
Precautions for Using Kutani Seed
Due to its high toxicity, it is often used externally, and oral administration should be cautious.
Symptoms of poisoning: vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, rapid breathing, confusion, and initial excitement followed by paralysis of the nervous system.
Rescue methods: gastric lavage, administration of lubricating protective agents, and fluid replacement therapy can be considered in the early stage for symptomatic treatment.
However, Yunnan Simao has used 2-3 qian of this herb's root, mashed and juiced, taken orally to treat acute gastroenteritis, with satisfactory results. It can be tried under strict observation if conditions permit.
