Mi Pi Kang
Oryza sativa L.
☯ TCM Properties
Strengthens the Spleen and Opens the Appetite; Descends Qi; Promotes Bowel Movement; Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
Botanical Description
Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae), Asian rice, is an annual cultivated grass 1-1.8 m tall with hollow culms, linear leaves, and terminal panicles bearing one-seeded grains enclosed by hard husks. Mi Pi Kang is the bran layer, the brown pericarp-and-aleurone fraction removed during milling of brown rice to produce white rice. The bran is rich in B-vitamins (especially thiamine), gamma-oryzanol, phytic acid, dietary fiber, and lipids. In traditional Chinese medicine, Mi Pi Kang is sweet, bland, and neutral, entering the spleen and stomach channels; it tonifies the spleen, harmonizes the middle burner, and supplements qi, used historically for beriberi (thiamine-deficiency edema) and chronic digestive weakness in patients depending on polished rice as a staple. It exemplifies the classical TCM use of food byproducts as medicines for nutritional disorders.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mi Pi Kang (rice bran) is a neutral, mild food-herb used in Chinese medicine primarily for its Spleen-strengthening and digestive-supporting properties. It addresses poor appetite, loose stools, and Spleen-Qi deficiency, and has been applied historically for certain nutrient-deficiency conditions. As a gentle food substance, it is commonly incorporated into dietary therapy for digestive complaints.
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.