Chinese Dwarf Cherry Seed Classic Formulas

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Moistens dryness and unblocks the bowels - Yu Li Ren is a seed-based moist laxative used for constipation from intestinal dryness, Qi stagnation, or weakness after febrile illness, childbirth, or age-related fluid depletion.
Descends accumulation more actively than gentler nourishing seeds - compared with purely moistening foods, Yu Li Ren has a more definite downward-moving action and is especially used when dry stool is accompanied by abdominal fullness or sluggish movement in the intestines.
Promotes urination and reduces edema - older materia medica also uses it when water retention, leg edema, or difficult urination overlap with bowel dryness and lower-burner obstruction.
Relieves leg-Qi-type lower-body congestion - traditional indications include heaviness, swelling, and obstructed downward movement in the lower extremities where stool and fluid stagnation coexist.

Wu Ren Wan (五仁丸) - classic moistening formula for dry constipation in which Yu Li Ren joins other oily kernels to lubricate the intestines while moving constrained stool.
Yu Li Ren with Huo Ma Ren (郁李仁配火麻仁) - common seed pairing when constipation reflects combined dryness, weakness, and mild Qi stagnation rather than intense heat.
Lower-burner dampness and edema formulas using Yu Li Ren with Ze Xie or Fu Ling - traditional pattern-based combinations when stool binding and water retention occur together.

Sacred Lotus and Yin Yang House both describe Yu Li Ren as acrid, bitter, sweet, and neutral, entering the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Spleen channels, with actions of stimulating the intestines and promoting urination.
Traditional category teaching places Yu Li Ren among the moist laxatives and emphasizes its suitability for constipation in weaker constitutions, especially when a lubricating seed is preferable to a harsh purgative.
The classic preparation note is to crush the seeds before use so their oily constituents can better reach the decoction.