Limonite
- Chinese
- 禹余粮
- Pinyin
- Yu Yu Liang
- Latin
- Limonitum
Known in TCM as Yu Yu Liang (禹余粮), this sweet and astringent, neutral herb enters the Stomach and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it astringes the intestines and arrests chronic diarrhea - Yu Yu Liang is one of the classic mineral binders for unremitting diarrhea and dysentery from deficiency and intestinal slipping, most often applied for diarrhea, dysentery, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Modern research has identified Hydrated among its active constituents.
Part used: Limonite
Also Known As
Latin: Limonitum | Pinyin: Yu Yu Liang | Chinese: 禹余粮
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, astringent
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Stomach, Large Intestine
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Astringes the intestines and arrests chronic diarrhea - Yu Yu Liang is one of the classic mineral binders for unremitting diarrhea and dysentery from deficiency and intestinal slipping.
- Stops bleeding - older indications include blood in the stool, uterine bleeding, and other lower-body bleeding patterns where containment rather than dispersal is needed.
- Stops leucorrhea - it is also used for chronic discharge when weakness of the lower burner allows persistent leakage.
Secondary Actions
- Yu Yu Liang sits very close to Chi Shi Zhi in function and is often taught through that pairing rather than as a broad stand-alone mineral.
- This record represents the canonical pharmacopoeial name. The adjacent `limonite` slug preserves the alias track `Yu Liang Shi` for the same medicinal lineage.
Classic Formulas
- Chi Shi Zhi Yu Yu Liang Tang - the defining classical formula for unresolved chronic diarrhea after mistaken purgation or intestinal weakness.
- Yu Yu Liang with Chi Shi Zhi - the standard pair for chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and prolapsing lower-burner leakage.
- Yu Yu Liang with astringent hemostatics - traditional logic for persistent uterine bleeding or leucorrhea when the pattern is one of failure to secure.
Classical References
- Traditional materia medica describe Yu Yu Liang as sweet, astringent, and neutral, entering the Stomach and Large Intestine to bind leakage, stop bleeding, and arrest discharge.
- The herb is reserved for chronic slippery conditions, not for acute excess disorders that still need clearing or venting.
- This page keeps the canonical `Yu Yu Liang` naming layer explicit so the library can preserve both the main name and the imported alias without pretending they are different herbs.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Hydrated iron-oxide mineral matrix - the defining limonite material behind Yu Yu Liang
- Goethite-, lepidocrocite-, and related iron-bearing fractions - common constituents of medicinal limonite sourcing
- Variable trace-mineral content - an important quality-control issue in heavy mineral medicinals
Studied Effects
- Specific modern pharmacology on Yu Yu Liang as a TCM hemostatic and antidiarrheal mineral remains sparse, so the monograph stays intentionally conservative.
- A 1998 mineral-drug identification study found that special egg-type and general limonitum shared similar major components but differed in properties, elemental contents, and infrared features, highlighting the need for authenticated sourcing (PMID 11601308).
- A 2021 experimental limonite-supplement study in diabetic and obese mice reported improved glucose handling and microbiome remodeling, but this should be read as modern limonite-material research rather than direct validation of classical Yu Yu Liang indications (PMID 34276223).
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Acute infectious or damp-heat diarrhea that still requires clearing
- Constipation or marked intestinal dryness
- Pregnancy without qualified practitioner supervision
Cautions
- Persistent rectal bleeding, uterine bleeding, or chronic diarrhea still requires standard medical evaluation rather than mineral-herb self-treatment.
- Because Yu Yu Liang is a heavy mineral material with variable trace content, medicinal-grade authentication and processing matter.
- Modern research remains too thin to justify expanding the herb beyond its traditional leakage-stopping scope.
- MSK page not found - drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database
Conditions
- Diarrhea Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Dysentery Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Leucorrhea Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Limonite used for?
Limonite is traditionally used to Astringes the intestines and arrests chronic diarrhea - Yu Yu Liang is one of the classic mineral binders for unremitting diarrhea and dysentery from deficiency and intestinal slipping., Stops bleeding - older indications include blood in the stool, uterine bleeding, and other lower-body bleeding patterns where containment rather than dispersal is needed., Stops leucorrhea - it is also used for chronic discharge when weakness of the lower burner allows persistent leakage.. Research has investigated its effects on: Specific modern pharmacology on Yu Yu Liang as a TCM hemostatic and antidiarrheal mineral remains sparse, so the monograph stays intentionally conservative.; A 1998 mineral-drug identification study found that special egg-type and general limonitum shared similar major components but differed in properties, elemental contents, and infrared features, highlighting the need for authenticated sourcing (PMID 11601308)..
What are other names for Limonite?
Limonite is also known as Yu Liang Shi, Tai Yi Yu Liang, Limonite. In TCM: 禹余粮 (Yu Yu Liang); Limonitum.
Is Limonite safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Limonite during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Limonite?
Limonite should not be used in: Acute infectious or damp-heat diarrhea that still requires clearing; Constipation or marked intestinal dryness; Pregnancy without qualified practitioner supervision. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.