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Sickle Senna Seed

결명자 (決明子) · Senna tora (L.) Roxb.
Liver-clearing, eye-brightening herb Neutral (some sources: slightly cold) Salty, bitter Liver, Kidney, Large Intestine
NatureNeutral (some sources: slightly cold)
TasteSalty, bitter
MeridiansLiver, Kidney, Large Intestine
Part usedSeed
FamilyFabaceae
CategoryLiver-clearing, eye-brightening herb
Find by concern: Red eyesHeadacheNosebleed

Overview

Sickle senna seed's very name means "decides brightness" — a direct promise about eyesight the Donguibogam takes seriously, recording an old alternate name, "eye-restoring seed," and even a folk practice of stuffing pillows with it to treat headache while sleeping.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性平一云微寒, 味醎苦, 無毒. 主靑盲, 及眼赤痛, 淚出淫膚, 赤白膜. 助肝氣益精水, 治頭痛鼻衄, 療脣口靑.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral (some say slightly cold), its taste salty and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats blue-blindness, red painful eyes, tearing that spreads onto the skin, and red and white film over the eye. It aids liver qi and boosts essence-fluid, treats headache and nosebleed, and heals blue-tinged lips and mouth.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Clears liver heat
  • Brightens the eyes
  • Relieves headache
  • Boosts essence-fluid

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Red, painful, or watery eyes
  • Blurred or dim vision
  • Headache
  • Nosebleed

Traditional preparation

Lightly stir-fried; also brewed as a tea (gyeolmyeongja-cha).

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Traditionally lightly stir-fried before use; not suited to those with loose stool, as it has a mild laxative tendency in larger amounts. Consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions

What does the name "gyeolmyeongja" mean?

Literally "the seed that decides brightness" — a direct reference to eyesight. The Donguibogam preserves an old alternate name, "eye-restoring seed," reflecting the same reputation.

Did people really use it in pillows?

Yes — the Donguibogam records that stuffing a pillow with the seeds was believed to treat headache and brighten the eyes during sleep.

Sources