Properties: Sweet, neutral-warm
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Lung, Large Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Strengthens the Spleen and Lung
Hypothyroidism due to high selenium content
Frequent colds, low immunity, persistent low grade inflammation
- Improves fertility
Low sperm count or motility, female infertility
Suggested Daily Dosage: Eaten as food. As little as one nut provides the RDI of selenium.
Cautions: Avoid with nut allergy.
Notable Constituents:
- Selenium
Mineral important in many free radicals detoxifying enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. It is also important in regulating T3 production in the thyroid and spermatogenesis. Brazil nuts have an average of 96 mcg per nut and sometimes up to 400 mcg, more than the RDI (55) making even a single brazil nut per day sufficient to meet dietary recommendations.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
