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
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
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 functions
- Clears liver heat
- Brightens the eyes
- Relieves headache
- Boosts essence-fluid
Traditional applications
- Red, painful, or watery eyes
- Blurred or dim vision
- Headache
- Nosebleed
Traditional preparation
Decoction 8–16g, lightly stir-fried; also brewed as a tea (gyeolmyeongja-cha).
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.
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
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.