Auricularia (Black Wood Ear)

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

• Cools Blood and stops bleeding — used for hemorrhoids, hematuria, uterine bleeding, and other mild bleeding patterns where an edible hemostatic is appropriate
• Nourishes Blood and gently dispels Blood stasis — commonly used in postpartum or traumatic recovery when deficiency and mild stasis coexist
• Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels — addresses dry constipation, especially in the elderly or after illness

Secondary Actions

• Food-medicine support for vascular circulation — often incorporated into soups and stir-fries rather than used as a strong standalone decoction herb
• Provides gentle fluid and Yin support through diet therapy while remaining light enough for long-term culinary use

Classical References

• IMPORT NOTE: The source XLSX imported this entry as 'aruicularia' and the stub English name as 'Aruicularia'. The correct botanical spelling is Auricularia auricula-judae; the slug is retained unchanged for source continuity.
• FOOD-MEDICINE NOTE: Hei Mu Er (黑木耳, black wood ear) is not a root herb but the fruiting body of an edible fungus; it is widely used in Chinese diet therapy for Blood nourishment, gentle Blood movement, and bowel moistening.
• Materia medica and later food-therapy traditions distinguish Hei Mu Er from Bai Mu Er/Yin Er (white wood ear): the black fungus is used more for Blood and bowel indications, while the white fungus is used more for Lung and Stomach Yin nourishment.