Mi Jiu
Oryza sativa L.
โฏ TCM Properties
Invigorates Blood and Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals; Propels the force of medicinal substances; Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold; Invigorates Blood and Moves Qi; Drains Dampness; Disperses Wind
Botanical Description
Mi Jiu is Chinese rice wine, a traditional fermented beverage produced from steamed glutinous or non-glutinous rice (Oryza sativa) inoculated with qu โ a starter cake carrying mixed cultures of Aspergillus oryzae, Rhizopus species and yeasts (chiefly Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The qu's moulds first saccharify the starch to fermentable sugars, which the yeasts then convert to ethanol in a simultaneous saccharification-fermentation process lasting from several days to several months depending on style. The resulting liquid is a clear to pale amber, slightly viscous wine of about 14-20% alcohol by volume, with a sweet-aromatic, mildly sour flavour and a characteristic fruity-koji bouquet. Pharmacopoeial Mi Jiu is unflavoured and unfortified, drawn off the lees and used as a warming carminative and as a solvent or vehicle in processing other medicinal substances.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mi Jiu (rice wine, medicinal rice wine) is considered in classical Chinese medicine to be a warming, acrid substance that promotes Blood circulation, disperses cold, and carries other herbal substances to their intended destinations in the body. It is described as the "guide of a hundred herbs" and appears as a processing medium and co-ingredient in countless classical formulas. Medicinally, it addresses cold-type pain from Blood stagnation and dispels Wind-Cold-Damp, and is a standard solvent for preparing medicinal herb wines and tinctures.
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.