Herb

Jin Ying Gen

Root of Cherokee Rose · 金樱根

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sour (酸 suān), Astringent (涩 sè), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Kidneys, Large Intestine, Urinary Bladder

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Jin Ying Gen is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Jin Ying Gen addresses this pattern

Jin Ying Gen's sour-astringent nature enters the Kidney channel and directly stabilises the Essence Gate (精关 jīng guān), preventing the leakage of seminal fluid and urine. Its neutral temperature makes it suitable for Kidney Qi not Firm patterns regardless of cold or heat signs, as long as pure Deficiency is present.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Nocturnal Emission

Frequent involuntary ejaculation

Spermatorrhea

Sperm leakage without erection

Frequent Urination

Urinary frequency especially at night

Enuresis

Bedwetting in children or adults

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Jin Ying Gen is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Chronic Prostatitis

Stabilises sperm and reduces urinary urgency and frequency

Enuresis

Astringes the bladder to prevent involuntary urination

Uterine Prolapse

Helps hold the uterus in place when Qi fails to lift it

Rectal Prolapse

Supports the astringing of relaxed anal tissue

Chronic Diarrhea

Binds the intestines and stops watery, long-term loose stools

Menorrhagia

Controls heavy uterine bleeding by astringing the miscroscopic blood vessels in the uterus

Leukorrhea

Dries and astringes excessive vaginal discharge

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sour (酸 suān), Astringent (涩 sè), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Kidneys Large Intestine Urinary Bladder

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Jin Ying Gen — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

6–15 g (dried herb)

Maximum dosage

Up to 30 g in decoction; higher doses may cause constipation and should only be used under professional supervision.

Dosage notes

For mild astringent actions (e.g., urinary frequency, mild leucorrhea), 6–9 g daily is sufficient. For more severe conditions such as chronic diarrhea, organ prolapse, or bleeding disorders, the dose may be increased to 15–30 g. Long-term use of high doses is not recommended due to the risk of constipation.

Preparation

Standard decoction. For external use, the fresh root can be pounded into a paste and applied topically, or a decoction can be used for washing.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Jin Ying Gen does

Processing method

Dry-fry the clean, sliced root in a wok over medium heat until the surface turns yellowish-brown and a subtle aroma is released.

How it changes properties

Stir-frying enhances the herb's astringent and hemostatic properties while moderating its potential to cause constipation. It shifts the focus from general astringency toward stronger binding actions needed for bleeding and chronic diarrheal conditions.

When to use this form

Preferred for conditions such as chronic dysentery, persistent uterine bleeding (beng lou), or when stronger astringency is required. The stir-fried form is also commonly used in external applications for wounds and bleeding.

Identity & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Jin Ying Gen

According to some provincial herbal standards (e.g., Hunan), the official source of Jin Ying Gen may also include the roots of Rosa cymosa Tratt. and Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis Rehd. et Wils. Roots of non-medicinal Rosa species can be present as adulterants; thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC fingerprinting are recommended to confirm identity.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Jin Ying Gen

Non-toxic

Although classified as non-toxic in classical texts, the herb's strong astringent property may cause constipation if taken in large doses or for prolonged periods. It is not advisable to combine with strong purgatives. Used in accordance with proper diagnosis and dosage, it is considered safe.

Contraindications

Situations where Jin Ying Gen should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Pregnancy — the herb is considered contraindicated, and some herbal preparations containing Jin Ying Gen are explicitly labeled as contraindicated for pregnant women.

Caution

Damp-heat diarrhea, dysentery, or urinary difficulty — the herb's astringent nature may trap pathogenic factors, worsening the condition.

Caution

Constipation or excess heat patterns — may aggravate constipation due to its binding effect.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated. The herb is listed as contraindicated in pregnancy due to its astringent and potentially stimulating effects on the uterus. Some finished herbal products containing Jin Ying Gen explicitly carry a pregnancy contraindication label.

Breastfeeding

Safety during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Use only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Children

Jin Ying Gen is traditionally used in children for enuresis (bedwetting), often in simple folk recipes such as cooking 30 g of fresh root with an egg. Doses should be reduced for children and adjusted by a practitioner. Due to its astringent nature, avoid use in children with habitual constipation.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Jin Ying Gen

Because of its astringent properties, Jin Ying Gen may reduce the effect of purgative or laxative drugs (e.g., senna, rhubarb, castor oil). If used concurrently with such medications, it may delay or weaken their action.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Jin Ying Gen

Avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods during treatment, as they may aggravate damp-heat or digestive weakness. Do not combine with strong laxatives.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Jin Ying Gen source plant

Jin Ying Gen is the root or root bark of Rosa laevigata Michx., a perennial climbing evergreen shrub reaching up to 5 m. Stems are spineless but bear hooked prickles and bristles. Leaves are odd-pinnately compound with leathery leaflets, usually 3 (rarely 5), elliptic-ovate to lanceolate-ovate, 2.5–7 cm long and 1.5–4.5 cm wide, with serrulate margins and a glossy surface. Flowers are solitary, terminal, white, 5–9 cm across, with five sepals and five petals; numerous stamens and carpels. The fruit (rose hip) is obovoid, 2–4 cm, purple-brown, densely covered in bristles. The plant thrives at elevations of 100–1600 m in sunny hillsides, field edges, and streamside thickets.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Jin Ying Gen is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Year-round, but the preferred period is from August to February.

Primary growing regions

Widely distributed in central and southern China: Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan.

Quality indicators

Good quality Jin Ying Gen root is cut into short segments or oblique slices about 1 cm thick, 1–3.5 cm in diameter. The outer surface is dark brownish-red to reddish-brown with fine longitudinal striations; the cork layer is slightly loose and can be peeled off in flakes. The cut surface is brown with distinct radiating texture. The texture is firm and hard, difficult to break. There should be no unusual odor, and the taste is slightly astringent and sweet. Avoid pieces that are worm-eaten, mouldy, or overly woody.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Jin Ying Gen and its therapeutic uses

《日华子本草》
治寸白虫，金樱根，锉，二两，入糯米三十粒。水二升，煎五合，空心服，须臾泻下；又，金樱根皮，炒，止泻血及崩中带下。
Treats tapeworm (cun bai chong): file Jin Ying Gen, two liang, add thirty grains of glutinous rice, two sheng of water, decoct to five he, take on an empty stomach, and it will shortly cause purgation. Also, the stir-fried bark of Jin Ying Gen stops diarrhea with blood and flooding with vaginal discharge.
《本草纲目》
止滑痢，煎醋服化骨哽。
Stops chronic dysentery. Decocted with vinegar and taken orally, it dissolves bones stuck in the throat.
《分类草药性》
治一切红崩白带，月经不调，并治遗精。
Treats all red flooding and white vaginal discharge, irregular menstruation, and also treats seminal emission.
《江西民间草药验方》
涩精气，敛喘咳。
Astringes essence and Qi, restrains cough and panting.

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Jin Ying Gen's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

The medicinal use of Jin Ying Gen (root of the Cherokee rose) was first recorded in the Rihua Zibencao (日华子本草). The name 金樱 (jīn yīng, “golden cherry”) refers to the bright orange-red fruit of Rosa laevigata, and 根 (gēn) specifically indicates the root. In addition to classical Chinese medicine, the herb is widely used among southern Chinese ethnic minorities (Tujia, Miao, Dong, Yao, Zhuang) for gynecological, urinary, and rheumatic disorders. In modern times, it has become a key ingredient in popular patent medicines such as 三金片 (Sanjin Pian) and 妇科千金片 (Fuke Qianjin Pian), reflecting its enduring clinical value.

Modern Research

A published study investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Jin Ying Gen

1

Efficacy analysis of Sanjin tablets combined with levofloxacin in the treatment of acute pyelonephritis (Clinical trial, 2018)

Yang J, Ma BM, Qiu X. Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice, 2018, 22(21): 121-123.

In this randomized controlled trial, 92 patients with acute pyelonephritis received either levofloxacin alone or levofloxacin plus Sanjin tablets (a patent medicine containing Jin Ying Gen). The combination group showed significantly faster resolution of systemic symptoms, local signs, and urinary tract irritation, a higher total effective rate (95.65% vs 82.61%), and a lower recurrence rate (6.52% vs 21.74%) after 6-month follow-up, with no significant increase in adverse reactions.

DOI

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.