Jing Mi
Oryza sativa L.
โฏ TCM Properties
Tonifies the Middle and Augments Qi; Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Middle; Eliminates Irritability and Relieves Thirst; Stops Dysentery; Generates Fluids; Protects the Stomach
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Oryza sativa, Asian rice or Jing Mi, is an annual cereal grass in the Poaceae family, domesticated in the Yangtze River basin and now the staple grain for over half the world's population. Cultivated plants grow 60-180 cm tall with hollow jointed culms, linear flat leaves with prominent ligules, and terminal panicles 20-40 cm long bearing spikelets that each produce a single grain. The caryopsis (hulled and polished as white rice, or partially polished as brown rice) is the medicinal and culinary product. Jing Mi specifically refers to non-glutinous polished rice. Cultivation requires flooded paddies or wet upland fields.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Jing Mi (polished white rice, japonica rice) is a neutral, sweet grain-food used as a tonic in Chinese medicine. It supplements the middle burner, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, generates Body Fluids to relieve thirst, and stops mild forms of diarrhea from Spleen deficiency. As the most staple of all foods in Chinese culture, its medicinal role reflects the TCM principle that food is medicine โ providing nourishment and Spleen support through everyday dietary use. It also appears as a culinary medium in many herbal porridge recipes.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.