Rice Bean (Chi Xiao Dou) Classic Formulas … Natural Herb Library

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Promotes urination and reduces edema ... Chi Xiao Dou is a classic food-medicine bean for swelling, water retention, and dampness that is still accessible enough for dietetic use.
Clears heat and resolves toxic swelling ... traditional use includes sores, abscesses, and carbuncle-type lesions, often in soups or paired formulas rather than harsh isolated dosing.
Helps drain damp-heat and support jaundice recovery ... the bean's gentle draining nature explains its long history in food-style medicinal combinations.

Li Yu Chi Xiao Dou Tang ... classical carp and red-bean soup for edema, ascites, and water retention patterns.
Chi Xiao Dou Dang Gui San ... traditional intestinal-abscess and swelling context in which the bean is paired for drainage and discharge of pus.
Food-therapy pairings with Yi Yi Ren or Dong Gua Pi ... gentle damp-draining strategy for swelling and summer-damp burden.

Traditional materia medica describes Chi Xiao Dou as a sweet-sour, neutral bean that promotes urination, reduces swelling, and resolves sores.
Its long-standing use in soups and medicinal foods helps explain why it bridges ordinary diet and formal herbal therapy.