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Hemp seed for dry, hard stool 火麻仁润肠
Digestion 消化肠胃 traditional evidenceWhat the evidence says:
The rigorous RCT here is for 麻子仁丸 (MaZiRenWan), a SIX-herb formula, not for hemp seed on its own — and that formula contains 大黄 and 苦杏仁, which is why it is a practitioner prescription and not this. Hemp seed alone is a traditional bulk/oil laxative with limited independent evidence. Eaten as food it is safe; treat any benefit as unproven.
The rigorous RCT here is for 麻子仁丸 (MaZiRenWan), a SIX-herb formula, not for hemp seed on its own — and that formula contains 大黄 and 苦杏仁, which is why it is a practitioner prescription and not this. Hemp seed alone is a traditional bulk/oil laxative with limited independent evidence. Eaten as food it is safe; treat any benefit as unproven.
How to make it
Lightly toast 10–15 g shelled hemp seed, crush coarsely, and stir into congee or yoghurt once a day. Take with a full glass of water — the seed works by oil and bulk, and does nothing without fluid.
Why it works
Roughly 30% oil and high in fibre; the softening effect is mechanical (lubricant + bulk), not pharmacological. Pair with actual water intake and movement, which have better evidence than any seed.
Classical source
火麻仁 is 上品 in the Shennong Bencao Jing (as 麻蕡, the 麻子 clause) — 補中益氣，久服肥健不老.
Cautions: Very large amounts (60–120 g) have historically caused nausea and diarrhoea — stay near the 10–15 g range. Culinary hemp seed is legal and non-intoxicating. Constipation that is new, painful, or comes with blood or weight loss needs a doctor, not a seed.
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