Flaxseed Classic Formulas … Natural Herb Library

Primary Actions

Moistens dryness and relaxes the bowels - Ya Ma Zi is classically used for constipation from intestinal dryness, especially when the patient is depleted or dry rather than strongly excess.
Nourishes blood and softens wind-dry tissue - older use includes dry skin, itching, rough hair, and constitutional dryness that benefits from an oily seed rather than a harsh purgative.
Moistens the Lung - traditional use extends to dry cough and dryness of the chest or throat when internal lubrication is weak.

Ya Ma Zi with Huo Ma Ren and Yu Li Ren - bowel-lubricating pairing logic for dry constipation in older or depleted patients.
Ya Ma Zi with Dang Gui or Sang Shen - traditional strategy for blood-dry intestinal constipation with dry skin and weakness.
Ground Ya Ma Zi with oils or washes - older topical use for dry, cracked, or rough skin where emollient seed material is preferred over harsh irritants.

Traditional herbology describes Ya Ma Zi as sweet and neutral, entering the Lung, Liver, and Large Intestine to moisten dryness and relax the bowels.
Older teaching also credits the seed with nourishing blood and dispelling dryness-related wind, which helps explain its skin and hair references.
The herb is unsuitable when loose stools or weak digestion are already present because its oily moistening nature can worsen leakage.