Herbs- General Introduction
Violet Song
• Properties of Herbs
– 4 Nature (temperature)
– 5 Flavor
• Acrid: Disperse (Bo He), Move (qi: Xiang Fu,
Blood, Chuan Xiong)
• Sweet: Tonify (Ren Shen), Relieve (Yi Tang),
Harmonize ( Da Zao)
• Sour (acerbity) : astringent (Wu Mei)
• Bitter: Purge (Huang Lian, Xing Ren, Da Huang),
Dry ( Cang Zhu)
• Salty: Soften (Kun Bu), Purge (Mang Xiao)
• Bland: diuresis (Fu Ling)
– Tendency: texture, nature
– Channel tropism
– Toxicity
• Compatibilities
– 7 basic compatibilities
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Dan Xing: A | B
Xiang Xu: Aeff↑+ Beff↑
Xiang Shi: A eff↑ + B
Xiang Wei: A tox↓+ B
Xiang Sha: B + Atox↓
Xiang Wu: A eff↓ + B
Xiang Fan: A tox↑ + B
– 18 Incompatibilities
• Gan Cao: Gan Sui, Da Ji, Yuan Hua, Hai Zao
• WU Tou/ Fu Zi: Bei Mu, Gua Lou, Ban Xia, Bai
Lian, Bai Ji
• Li Lu: 5 Shen (xuan shen, dang shen, etc.), 2 Shao
Yao, Xi Xin
– 19 Antagonisms
• Ding Xiang+ Yu Jin
• Rou Gui+ Chi Shi Zhi
– Pregnancy forbidden
• This is a high risk group. The board loves to test you
on this. No blood movers – except Dan Shen. That’s
ok.
• Dosage
Know this! Esp Gui Zhi and Bai Shao (1:1).
• Administration
– Morning
– Before meals (tonify)
– After meals (digestive)
– Before sleep
– Certain time
– Frequent taking (emergency rescue type, for
pts who are vomiting – freq small doses)
Herbs-Release Exterior
• Acrid, LU, UB
• Release exterior syndrome
– Disperse LU
– Diuresis (promote urination)
– Vents rashes
• Caution
– Stop when syndrome is controlled
– Not suitable for people with poor body constitution –
combine with tonification herbs
– Short time decoction (contain aromatic/volatile oils –
long term decoction will decrease effectiveness)
• Section 1 Herbs-Release Exterior Wind-C
(14)
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Ma Huang, Gui Zhi, Zi Su Ye, Fang Feng,
Jing Jie, Bai Zhi, Qiang Huo
• Section 2 Herbs-Release Exterior Wind-H
(11)
– Bo He, Niu Bang Zi, Sang Ye, Ju Hua, Ge
Gen, Chai Hu
Section 1 Herbs-Release Ext W-C
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Ma Huang, Gui Zhi
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Common: Both + sweat/-exterior.
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Ma huang stronger to +sweat, calm wheeze, +urination. Better for edema, wheezing than Gui zhi.
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Gui Zhi is milder to + sweat, but warm/dredge channels, can warm yang to elim edema (2nd/assist function), opens chest bi and
yang, good for –WCD bi in upper part of body.
Zi Su Ye, Sheng Jiang
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Both –WC, harmonize/reg MJ, are antidote for poisoning from fish
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Zi su ye also regulates Qi (gas/bloating – zi su gen better), calms the fetus. Made into a tea for a.m. sickness.
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Sheng Jiang: warm MJ to stop vomit (#1 herb for vomit), warm LU to stop cough
Jing Jie, Fang Feng
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Common: release exterior, either for WH or WC, both very mild
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Jing Jie: vent rash/-itch, stop gyno bleeding (tan) b/c jing jie goes upward
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Fang feng: tx dampness to stop pain/convulsion.
Qiang Huo, Gao Ben
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Common: -WC, -HA d/t WD
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Qiang Huo: Taiyang HA
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Gao Ben: Jueyin HA (goes to LV ch)
Xi Xin, Bai Zhi, Xin Yi Hua, Cang Er Zi
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Common: all open the nose, stop pain (esp sinus)
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Xi Xin: strongest to stop pain, most aromatic, strongest, harshest. Warms LU to resolve water retention (Xiao Qing Long Tang)
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Bai Zhi: Yangming/frontal HA, astringes dampness in upper nose/lower vagina
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Xin Yi Hua: nothing special. Just treats the nose.
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Cang Er Zi: slightly toxic – must use chao/stir-fried version for safety. Will be 1-2 processing questions like this on board. Also
dries dampness. Often paired with Xin Yi Hua.
Xiang Ru, Ma Huang
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Common: release WC, +urine/-edema
Xiang Ru: used in Summertime.
Ma Huang: stops wheezing
FYI: harvest it in August just so you know. Very good for asthma/wheezing.
Section 2 Herbs-Release Ext W-H
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Bo He, Niu Bang Zi, Chan Tui
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Common: expel WH, vent rashes
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Bo He: refreshes mind, +throat (cools burning), soothes LV qi.
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Niu Bang Zi: -WH and –heat toxins, + throat (sore throat), eliminates sores
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Chan Tui: brighten eyes, expels W to stop convulsions (and for night crying), tx hoarse voice
Sang Ye, Ju Hua
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Ge Gen, Chai Hu, Sheng Ma
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Common: expel WH, calm LV, brighten eyes
Sang Ye: stronger to –WH, clr LU heat, moisten dryness. Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang – severe case of warm dryness. Cool blood and stop bleeding
Ju Hua: stronger calm LV than Sang Ye, clear heat toxin
Common: release WH, lift yang,
Ge Gen: (weakest to lift yang) pain/rigidity of upper back/neck, moistens BFs to stop thirst, vents rashes.
Chai Hu: (middle strength to lift yang) treats Shaoyang disease/syndrome, lifts yang, soothes LV
Sheng Ma: (strongest to lift yang) clears heat toxins, vents rashes.
Man Jing Zi
Releases WH, clears head, stops HA.
Dan Dou Chi
Releases exterior, treats restlessness. Often combined with zhi zi for restlessness. This is a soy product – beware of allergic issues.
Herbs- Clear Heat
• Clear interior Heat
• Caution
– Cold or cool in nature and can destroy Middle
Jiao (esp MJ yang qi): be careful with loose
stools with SP deficiency
– Stop taking them when syndrome is controlled
• Section 1 Herbs- Drain Fire (10)
– Shi Gao, Zhi Mu, Zhi Zi, Xia Ku Cao
• Section 2 Herbs- Clear Heat and Cool
Blood (6)
– Sheng Di Huang, Xuan Shen, Mu Dan Pi, Chi
Shao
• Section 3 Herbs- Clear Heat and Dry
Damp (6)
– Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Huang Bai
• Section 4 Herbs- Clear Heat and Relive
Toxicity (22)
– Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Ban Lan Gen, Pu
Gong Ying, Yu Xing Cao, She Gan, Bai Tou
Weng
• Section 5 Herbs- Clear Deficient Heat (5)
– Qing Hao, Di Gu Pi
• Section 6 Herbs- Clear Summer Heat (3)
Section 1 Herbs- Drain Fire
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Shi Gao, Zhi Mu (LU, ST excess h)
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Tian Hua Fen, Lu Gen (for LU)
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Common: clear heat, + BF’s, - cough, - pus
Tian Hua Fen: stronger to + BFs
Lu Gen: milder to + BFs, stops vomiting, + urination
Zhi Zi, Dan Zhu Ye (urine)
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Common: clr ht/drain fire, both elim restlessness (d/t excess heat/high fever), stop thirst.
Shi Gao: shu shi gao is cooked and is most common for plasters, sheng shi gao has water in it and clears excess heat. Very strong.
Zhi Mu: nourishes yin and LU, nourishes ST to +BF’s. Tx dryness constipation.
Common: clear heat, elim restlessness, +BF’s, + urination
Zhi Zi: drains thru all 3 jiao, -DH, cool blood, -toxicity.
Dan Zhu Ye: stronger + urination
Xia Ku Cao, Jue Ming Zi (LV heat)
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Common: clear Lv fire, brighten eyes.
Xia Ku Cao: Dissipate nodules d/t ph/fire. Lower blood pressure.
Jue Ming Zi: Moisten intestine
Section 2 Herbs- Clear Heat and
Cool Blood
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Sheng Di, Xuan Shen
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Mu Dan Pi, Chi Shao
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Both clear heat/cool blood, both nourish yin, both moisten intestines
Sheng Di: More nourishing than Xuan Shen. Promotes BF’s, stops blood heat type bleeding. More cloying than Xuan Shen.
Xuan Shen: Dissipates nodules, clears heat toxins.
Both from very similar botanical flowers – both leaves are tri-leaves. Both clear heat/cool blood. Both move blood, remove blood stasis.
Mu Dan Pi: better to cool blood than Chi Shao. Specialty 1: for eliminating deficient heat. Specialty 2: Good to treat internal abscesses (intestinal
abscesses/appendicitis)
Chi Shao: better to stop pain. Lots of trauma medicines have this in it. Specialty 1: clears Liver Fire. Specialty 2: for external abscesses.
Zi Cao
Clears heat, cools blood, detoxifies, vents rashes (like diaper rashes, used externally, but dyes the skin or clothes a purplish red. Use
calendula cream – works better, doesn’t stain). Can cause damage to the Liver internally taken.
Shui Niu Jiao
Clears heat, cools blood, detoxifies. Used for the Xue stage of heat damaged disease.
Section 3 Herbs- Clear Heat and
Dry Damp
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Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Huang Bai
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Common: Clear heat/dry damp, detoxify.
Huang Qin: UJ. Calms fetus. LU and LI fire.
Huang Lian: MJ. Strongest for heat toxins. HT and ST fire.
Huang Bai: LJ. Yin xu with fire. Xu fire.
Long Dan Cao, Ku Shen
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Common: Clear heat, dry damp.
Long Dan Cao: Enters LV channel. Clears LV fire (excess heat/damp heat in LV).
Ku Shen: Enters HT channel. Kill insects/stop itching – used in external washes a lot. Promotes urination.
Section 4 Herbs- Clear Heat and
Relive Toxicity
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Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao
Often paired – couplet herbs
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Pu Gong Ying, Zi Hua Di Ding, Ye Ju Hua, Yu Xing Cao, Bai Jiang Cao, Hong Teng
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Common: Clears heat toxins, expel WH (control this function by cooking short time – if you cook longer 15 + minutes, are no longer aromatic,
but become clear heat toxin herbs and treat acne.
Jin Yin Hua: Stronger clear heat toxins than lian qiao. Clears summer heat. (Catch them before they flower and make tea to eliminate summer
heat.)
Lian Qiao: treats sores/carbuncles/skin issues, +urination,
Common: clear heat toxins
Pu Gong Ying: Breast abscesses. +urination, -dampness.
Zi Hua Di Ding: Skin issues/abscesses.
Ye Ju Hua: Calms Liver.
Yu Xing Cao: Lung abscesses. The fresher the better – smells like grass or stinky fish when you get it at MT Market. Also +urination.
Bai Jiang Cao: Intestinal, Lung, Liver abscesses. Also specialty fnx: -blood stasis, -pain. Commonly used post-partum with blood yu 
abdominal pain.
Hong Teng/Da Xue Teng: Intestinal abscess. Moves blood, -pain.
Da Qing Ye, Ban Lan Gen, Qing Dai
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Common: from same plant (isatis/woad) – clear heat toxins, cool blood, benefit throat
Da Qing Ye: cool blood, eliminate heat related purpura.
Ban Lan Gen: specialty is to benefit throat
Qing Dai: good to clear LV, calm convulsions. LV fire invading LU and coughing with blood.
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She Gan, Shan Dou Gen, Ma Bo
Throat group – sore throat heat clearing toxins.
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Bai Tou Weng, Ya Dan Zi
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Common: clear heat to calm sore throat
She gan: also elim phlegm
Shan dou gen: stronger to stop pain. This is a spray for very sore red throat. Very cold. Don’t use it alone, don’t use for kids most of the time.
Ma bo: stops bleeding also. Sore throat + spitting blood or see deep red spots on the back of the throat. This is a fungus/mushroom. Might be
allergy problems in some patients.
Common: dysentery or diarrhea group. Clear heat, cool blood, stops dysentery.
Bai Tou Weng: 1st choice herb for dysentery due to amoebic dysentery.
Ya Dan Zi: toxic. Can kill insects, treats malaria, eliminates warts.
Ya dan zi extract in China used for gastric cancers – fight fire with fire concept.
Chuan Xin Lian
Clears heat toxins, dries dampness, clears LU, stops cough. Mostly respiratory stuff. LU heat.
Bai Xian Pi
Clears heat toxins, dries dampness, expels wind, stops itcing (often in an external wash for itching, eczema, etc.)
Ban Bian Lian
Clears heat toxins, +urination. Used in oncology, esp for LV cancer.
Bai Hua She She Cao
Cancers – esp for digestive system types.
Tu Fu Ling
Essential herb for syphilis (from “tu fooling around.”) Also, clear heat toxins, dry damp. Can be used for mercury poisoning too.
Section 5 Herbs- Clear Deficient
Heat
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Qing Hao, Di Gu Pi, Bai Wei
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Yin Chai Hu, Hu Huang Lian
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Common: clear xu heat, cool blood
Qing hao: clears LV heat, clears summer heat, treats malaria. Extract is “qing hao su.” Used in Africa for drug resistant malaria.
Di gu pi: Clears LU, stop cough (in Xie Bai San for this). Promotes BF’s, stops cough + bleeding. Bark of the root of gou qi zi. Gou
qi zi nourishes yin, this herb clears the assoc’d xu heat.
Bai wei: + urination
Common: clear xu heat, eliminate/treat malnutritional xu heat.
Yin Chai Hu:
Hu Huang Lian: clear damp het
Di Gu Pi, *Mu Dan Pi
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Common: clear xu heat, cool blood. And no, these aren’t from the same grouping.
Di Gu Pi: clears LU and stop cough.
Mu Dan Pi: move blood, stop pain.
Herbs- Downward Draining
• Purge downward to treat Interior excessive
syndrome
• Caution
– Easily damage vital qi, be careful with children, old
patients and weak body constitution patients
– Stop when syndrome controlled
– Pregnancy caution or forbidden
– Section 3: toxic and strong/harsh
– Section1, 3: Need an empty stomach to take
• Section 1 Herbs- Purgatives (3)
– Da Huang , Mang Xiao
• Section 2 Herbs- Laxatives (2)
– Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren
• Section 3 Herbs- Harsh Expellants (4)
– Gan Sui, Qian Niu Zi, Ba Dou
Section 1 Herbs- Purgatives
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Da Huang, Mang Xiao
Paired in use often. NCCAOM likes to test you on paired herbs!
– Common: Purge downward, clear heat
– Da Huang: much stronger than mang xiao. Has other special fx: 1) can eliminate
dampness and tx jaundice (combined with yin chen hao and zhi zi for this), 2)
move blood (use jiu liquor processed), 3) stops bleeding (tan form).
Note: one of the commonly tested single herbs! you should know it can treat
burns. Powdered and topical. This is a board question about treating burns.
Da huang shouldn’t be taken during breast feeding b/c goes thru breast milk
– Mang Xiao: strongly softens. Externally can reduce/draw back lactation
•
Fan Xie Ye
– Not as strong as da huang, but can purge down, promote urination and eliminate
distention.
– Da huang and fan xie ye: let px know they *will* have abdominal pain (b/c of
strong peristalsis).
Section 2 Herbs- Laxatives
• Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren
– Both moisten dryness and + defectation
– Huo ma ren
– Yu li ren = + urination, - edema.
Section 3 Herbs- Harsh Expellants
• Gan Sui, Da Ji (Jing Da Ji, Hong Da Ji), Yuan
Hua
– Common: All 3 partially drive out water.
– Incompatibilities: don’t mix these with Gan Cao. The higher dose of gan cao, the
more toxic gan sui is. Use da zao as the harmonizer
• Ba Dou
– This is the only one that is hot. All other purgatives are cold in nature.
– Has to be processed to get the oil out so it isn’t toxic.
Herbs- Warm Interior and
Expel Cold
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Warm Interior cold syndrome
Acrid, warm or hot, SP, ST, K, H (LU, LIV)
Only 8 herbs in category
– Fu Zi, Gan Jiang, Rou Gui, Wu Zhu Yu
Fu Zi and Gan Jiang
– Both rescue prolapsing yang, disperse cold, stop pain.
– Fu zi: toxic. Reduce by cooking long time. Warms upper/heart yang,
middle/spleen yang, lower/kidney yang. Warms whole body like a nuclear bomb.
– Gan jiang: warms spleen yang (cold epi pain, vom/diarrhea) and lung (cold in
lung, wheezing and cough). Doesn’t touch kidney. Warming aspect more stable
in the areas targeted.
– Fu zi walks, gan jiang stays. Refers to how they warm. Without gan jiang fu zi is
not hot…need that lasting heat from gan jiang.
•Fu Zi, Rou Gui
•Both tonify Yang, expel cold, stop pain
•Fu Zi better to rescue prolapsing yang
•Rou Gui warms channels (esp for cold blocking channels)
•Rou Gui, *Gui Zhi
•Rou Gui – focus on interior, guides fire back to origin/vital gate.
•Gui Zhi – focus on exterior
•Wu Zhu Yu
•Slightly toxic. Goes to LV, ST, KI. Goes to Jueyin, treats cold liver type pain (hernia)
and headaches at the vertex. (Compared to gao ben, this is internally induced cold
where gao ben is external cold.) Good for tx pt with Yangming st cold type vomiting.
Treats early morning/cocks crow diarrhea related to Kidney yang xu.
•Toxic side fx: n/v, dizziness. Drink it cool temperature and rest afterwards for 30-45
min
•Ding Xiang, Xiao Hui Xiang (fennel), Hua Jiao (sichuan pepper), Gao Liang Jiang
•All warm MJ, disperse cold.
•Ding Xiang – descends vomiting d/t xu cold. Warms KI to treat yang xu impotence.
•Xiao Hui Xiang – reg qi, used for lower lateral ab pain d/t cold coagulation
•Hua Jiao or Shu Jiao – kill parasites, tx toothache.
•Gao Liang Jiang – warms MJ, tx stomach cold.
Herbs-Drain Dampness
• Dredge water passage, drain dampness
• Edema, urination difficulty, jaundice, large
amount of leucorrhea, eczema, etc
• Sweet, bland or bitter; Neutral temp
usually
• UB, SP, SI
• Promote urination, drain dampness,
eliminate jaundice
• Section 1 Promote Urination and Relieve Edema
(7)
– Fu Ling (Fu Ling Pi, Fu Shen), Ze Xie, Yi Yi Ren
• Section 2 Promote Urination and Relieve PUD
(12)
– Che Qian Zi (Cao)
• Section 3 Drain Damp and Relieve Jaundice (3)
– Yin Chen Hao, Jin Qian Cao, Hu Zhang
Section 1 Promote Urination and Relieve Edema
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Fu Ling, Yi Yi Ren
– Common: + urination, - dampness, strengthen SP
– Fu Ling: stronger to + urination. Neutral– can use for any temp. Calms shen. This
herb grows around the pine tree roots, wrapping the root. The exterior part is fu
ling pi – dark grey color. When peeled there’s a brownish layer – chi fu ling. The
interior part is the white colored fu ling. The very center right around the tree root
is fu shen. The closer to the exterior you go the more it will promote urination,
drain damp. The closer to the center the more you calm shen.
Note: not water soluble. You need to grind it into small pieces before decocting.
– Yi yi ren: slightly cold/cool. Clears heat. H20 ret with heat. Eliminates pus – like
acne type pus or internal organ abscess like appendicitis. Chao yi yi ren (stir fried)
•
Fu Ling, Zhu Ling, Ze Xie
– All bland, promote urination, elim dampness.
– Fu ling:see above
– Zhu ling: +urination. Floats on water, light in texture. Looks like pig poop…no
seriously!
– Ze Xie: Good for heat type b/c is cold in nature, esp for lower jiao d/h. “Which
herb promotes urination but doesn’t damage Ki yin?” this is a board question.
Section 2 Promote Urination and
Relieve PUD
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Che Qian Zi, Hua Shi
– Common: cold. + urination, - Lin syndrome.
– Che qian zi: elim dampness/stop diarrhea by dragging excess water from
intestine into bladder. Clears liver, brightens eyes. Clear Lung, stop cough (esp
LU heat). Lowers BP.
– Hua shi: special fnx: 1) clear summer heat , 2) elim dampness and promote
healing process externally.
•
Mu Tong, Tong Cao, Deng Xin Cao
– Common: + urination, tx d/h PUD
– Mu tong: - heart, + lactation. Chuan mu tong is ok, guan mu tong is toxic and
causes ki failure.
– Tong cao: Max dose: 6 grams.
– Deng xin cao: also clrs heart, elim restlessness.
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Jin Qian Cao, Hai Jin Sha, Shi Wei
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Use with caution! Moves stones around and can get stuck in the gut.
Jin qian cao – clears all kinds of stones both GB and BL, clears heat sx
Hai jin sha – gb and urine stones
Shi wei – cool blood/stop bleeding.
Di Fu Zi, Bian Xu, Qu Mai, Bi Xie
Frequently compared. Know the specialties.
– Common: clr DH, tx PUD
– Di fu zi: expel wind, stop itching. Common for w/d type of chronic itching. Internal or
exter
– Bian Xu: pruritis, vaginal stuff
– Qu Mai: Specialty: move blood. Also dredge channels
– Bi Xie: treats cloudy lin or gao lin. Expels wind/damp
Section 3 Drain Damp and Relive Jaundice
• Yin Chen Hao, Jin Qian Cao
– Clr heat, reduce damp, elim dampness
– Yin chen hao: this is the yao yao (essential
herb) for jaundice.
– Jin Qian cao: yao yao for stones, also used
for snakebite (external use).
Herbs- Expel Wind- Dampness
• Treats Wind-Dampness Bi Syndrome
Wind, damp, cold or heat. Don’t focus on one aspect, so aren’t as strong
and must be combined with other herbs to strengthen function. Focus is
arthritis pain.
• Acrid, bitter, Liv, K
• Cautions
– Combine with blood, qi moving herbs
– Chronic Bi syndrome: add Liv, K tonics, bone
and sinew strengthening herbs
• Section 1 Relieve Cold Wind Dampness (7)
– Du Huo, Mu Gua, Qi She (Bai Hua She)
• Section 2 Relieve Heat Wind Dampness (7)
– Qin Jiao, Han Fang Ji, Sang Zhi
• Section 3 Strengthen Tendons & Bones (5)
– Sang Ji Sheng
Section 1 Relieve Cold Wind Dampness
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Du Huo, *Qiang Huo
– Common: well, not the category! Until the Tang dynasty didn’t separate these 2.
Expel W/D, disperse W/C, stop pain
– Du Huo: milder in strength. Know: interior, lower, shaoyin (headache rel to hidden
wind)
– Qiang Huo: more drastic/strong. Know: exterior, upper, taiyang (headache in
occiput area and upper back).
•
Wei Ling Xian, Hai Feng Teng
– Expel W/D, dredge channels.
– Wei ling xian: strong, fast. Wei = strong, ling=magic, xian=fairy. Numbness and
spasms in extremities due to w/c/d. Special fnx: fish bone (stuck) – large dose like
over 30 g)
– Hai feng teng: milder. Moves blood. Good for block ch due to traumatic injury
•
Qi She, Wu Shao She
– Common
– Qi she (aka bai hua she): expel wind, dredge channels, calm convulsions and
fright.
•
Mu Gua
– Helps expel wind, -pain. Has strong elim damp fnx, but not drying. Good to treat
stomach type spasms causing vomiting. Promotes body fluids but not greasy.
Sometimes translated as Chinese papaya, but not the same as you get in groc
store.
Section 2 Relieve Heat Wind Dampness
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Qin Jiao, Han Fang Ji
– Both cold in nature, dredge channels
– Qin jiao – also tx deficient heat/steaming bones. Bones may feel soft, lack of
strength, usually weak. Eliminates jaundice
– Fang ji: good for lower jiao damp heat.
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Sang Zhi, SI Gua Luo
– Expel wind/dredge channels.
– Sang zhi – from mulberry tree. Good for heat bi in upper extremities.
– Si gua lou is the loufa. Eliminates phlegm and dissipates nodules.
•
Xi Xian Cao
– Expels w/d, dredge channels, lowers BP, clear heat toxins
Section 3 Strengthen Tendons & Bones
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Sang Ji Sheng, Wu Jia Pi
– Expel w/d, tonify LV/KI, strengthen bone and tendon
– Sang ji sheng – more tonifying. Often used for miscarriage, infertility. Calm fetus!
– Wu jia pi – used for herbal liquor. Tonify LV/KI, expel w/c/d. Tingling, rigid joints
w/o flexibility.
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Qian Nian Jian
– Focus on strengthen bones/tendons. Doesn’t dredge/open channels.
Herbs- Aromatic transform Damp
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Resolve dampness, awaken SP. Spleen isn’t deficient, just tired due to
dampness which blocks it.
Acrid, warm, SP, ST
Cautions
– Short decoction
– Be careful of damage qi, yin.
8 herbs
– Cang Zhu, Hou Po, Huo Xiang
•
Cang Zhu, Hou Po
– Both dry damp etc.
– Cang Zhu: tonify SP (connect this with bai zhu when memorizing – were mixed in
olden days. Expels w/d. Spec fnx: night blindness.
– Hou Po: goes downward, so contra for preggers. Move qi (used more for this),
eliminate food stagnation, calm wheezing,
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Huo Xiang, Pei Lan
– Commonly coupled to resolve damp, tx summer heat
– Huo xiang: stronger. Release exterior, stop vomiting
– Pei lan: milder. Spec fnx: treat greasiness/tastelessness d/t damp heat in spleen.
Profuse saliva.
•
Huo Xiang, *Xiang Ru
– Both tx dampness, elim summer heat.
– Xiang Ru: stronger to release exterior
– Huo Xiang: stronger for interior dampness resolution.
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Sha Ren, Bai Dou Kou, Cao Dou Kou
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All 3 warm MJ, move qi
Sha ren: calm fetus. Stop vomiting. Stop diarrhea by strengthen SP.
Bai Dou Kou: Stop vomiting. Eliminate turbidity. Mildest to dry damp.
Cao Dou Kou: strongest of the 3. Dry dampness (not resolve dampness).
Herbs- Resolve Phlegm
• Herbs resolve phlegm, relieve cough or asthma
• Acrid, bitter, go to LU
• Compatibility –combine with other herbs like exterior
release or interior heat/cold herbs. Phlegm can also
cause epilepsy/shen disturbance and can be combined
with these.
• Section 1 Herbs- Resolve Phlegm-C (7)
– Ban Xia, Jie Geng
• Section 2 Herbs- Resolve Phlegm-H (15)
– Zhe Bei Mu, Chuan Bei Mu, Gua Lou
• Section 3 Herbs- Relieve Cough &
Wheezing (9)
– Sang Bai Pi, Ting Li Zi, Xing Ren, Su ZI
Section 1 Herbs- Resolve Phlegm-C
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•
•
•
•
Ban Xia, Tian Nan Xing
– Both are toxic, irritating to mucus (esp digestive) linings. Raw form will burn these tissues.
– Ban xia: internally dry damp, resolve phlegm. Externally dissipate nodules. Yao yao for treating phlegm. Good to stop
vomiting, often combined with sheng jiang for this which also reduces toxicity.
– Tian nan xing: treats tough deep old phlegm causing blockage/nodules. (example: epilepsy – hard to treat, old phlegm
patterns) Good for wind phlegm (stroke). Can use cow bile to cool it off during processing so it can treat ph/h.
Tian Nan Xing, Bai Fu Zi
– Both are toxic, both dry damp/resolve phlegm, extinguish wind.
– Tian nan xing: see above.
– Bai fu zi: also tx snake bite.
Bai Jie Zi, Jie Geng
– Both resolve phlegm.
– Bai jie zi: warm herb, treats phlegm from LU as well as invisible phlegm in the channels/ membranes.
– Jie geng: commonly used to open LU qi. Benefit throat. Guides upward.
Xuan Fu Hua, *Dai Zhe Shi
– Often paired together to descend qi, stop vomiting.
– Xuan fu hua eliminates phlegm. This is the yao yao for stomach qi rebellion of all kinds. The only downward moving flower.
– Dai zhi shi: subdue liver yang, cool blood, stop bleeding
Bai Qian, Qian Hu (P-H)
– Both descend LU qi, resolve phlegm, commonly used for cough + phl.
– Bai qian: warm
– Qian hu: slightly cold. Disperses wind heat.
Section 2 Herbs- Resolve Phlegm-H
•
Gua Lou, Gua Lou Ke, Gua Lou Ren
–
–
–
–
•
Chuan Bei Mu, Zhe Bei Mu
–
–
–
•
Both clear heat, resolve phlegm and dissipate nodules
Chuan bei mu is better for moistening the lung (like for nonproductive cough)
Zhe bei mu is stronger to clear heat toxins.
Kun Bu, Hai Zao
–
–
–
•
All move qi, open chest, resolve phlegm including dissipate nodules. Moistens intestines, promotes defecation.
Gua lou pi is good for opening the chest – good for tightness with qi blockage. Good for chest bi syndrome too.
Gua lou ren moistens the intestines well.
Tian hua fen (root) clears heat, promotes body fluids.
Both are seaweed plants. Kun bu is nori. Both resolve phlegm, dissipate nodues, + urination/- edema.
Kun bu is the stronger of the 2 to dissipate nodules/resolve phlegm.
Hai zao
Hai Ge Ke, Hai Fu Shi
–
–
Both clear phlegm heat, dissip nodules,
Hai ge ke: after being carbonized will control acid. This is tru for many shells. Can be ground into powder, mixed with qing
dai for a hard to cough out sticky phlegm. Can loosen phlegm so pt can cough it out.
Section 3 Herbs- Relieve Cough & Wheezing
•
•
•
•
•
•
Xing Ren, (zi) Su Zi
– Stop cough, calm wheeze. Both are seeds. Both moisten intestines/promote defecation
– Xing ren is the bitter apricot. Yao yao for cough/wheeze. Pretty neutral herb – good for heat or cold.
– Su zi is the seed of zi su ye – from same botanical as peppermint. Warm in nature. Descends the excess of qi.
Xing Ren, *Tao Ren
– Not from same category. Both are nuts, moist intestine/+defecation, stop cough/wheeze
– Tao ren is mostly about moving blood, but also treats wheeze/cough. Can be used in asthma meds for this reason.
Sang Bai Pi, Ting Li Zi
– Purge lung to stop wheezing. +urination/-edema. Function to flush ph is strong, esp profuse phlegm. Resolving profuse
phlegm is too slow – flush it out!
– Ting li zi is stronger to get rid of phlegm. Use when px has COPD with lots of phlegm congesting chest, can’t breathe lying
down.
Bai Bu, Zi Wan, Kuan Dong Hua
– These 3 stop cough and often used together.
– Bai bu moistens LU to stop cough. Also kills insects (lice), used externally also for trich and pruritis in genital area. Often
used for pets to get rid of skin bugs.
– Zi wan has stronger resolve phlegm function.
– Kuan dong hua
Pi Pa Ye clrs ph/h and stops cough. Grows all over the place in Austin. Descends st qi to tx vomiting rel to heat. This is loquat.
Bai Guo is the gingko fruit. Astringes lung to calm wheezing. Often combined with ma huang to tx wheezing. Also for leukorrhea.
Herbs-Regulate Qi
• Regulate qi movement to treat qi stagnation
and qi adverse flowing
• Acrid, bitter, aromatic; warm; SP, ST, LIV, LU
– SP ST qi stagnation: Regulate qi and to strengthen Sp.
– LIV qi stagnation: Sooth Liv to relieve depress
Distention in chest/breast, irreg menses, hernia pain
– LU qi stagnation: Move qi to widen chest
Chest oppression/pain, causes LU qi rebelling cough and/or
wheeze.
– And remove food stagnation, dry dampness
Food stagnation and damp go together.
•
(13) Herbs
•
Chen Pi, Zhi Shi/Zhi Ke, Mu Xiang, Xiang Fu
– Chen Pi, Qing Pi
• Both relieve food stagnation, focus on mj in chest/epigastrium.
• Qing Pi breaks qi stagnation and is stronger on qi movement. Focus on MJ/LJ (breaking LV qi stag), dissipates
nodules to stop pain.
• Chen Pi – resolve damp/phlegm
– Zhi Shi, Zhi Ke
• Both move qi
• Zhi Ke – move qi, elim food stagnation
• Zhi Shi is the whole unripe fruit - strongest and ‘breaks’ qi stagnation all over the chest/ab. Also resolves phlegm.
Common for chest bi syndrome.
– Mu Xiang, Xiang Fu, Chen Xiang, Chuan Lian Zi, Wu Yao
• Common: Move qi, stop pain
• Xiang fu – neutral in property. “General of Qi Disease”. Commonly used in gyno for reg menses
• Chuan Lian zi – cold
• Wu yao – lower abdominal pain.
• Chen Xiang – grasps back qi from vital gate (like asthma)
• Mu xiang – focus on lower intestines, common for intestinal urgency with diarrhea (common to combine with huang
lian). When roasted, can stop diarrhea.
• Wu Yao - Warms kidney – enuresis, freq urination, etc. Very important for dog/cat problems. Treats the hundred
diseases for dogs/cats.
–
–
–
Xie Bai
Open the chest for chest bi. This is the head of a type of onion. Dredges yang qi and spreads yang qi.
This is the yao yao for chest bi.
Fo Shou
Gentle, good for weak body constitution. Soothes liver, resolves phlegm.
*Hou Po, Zhi Shi
•
•
–
Hou Po – strong on Qi moving, though is in resolve damp category. Can also dry dampness, has fnx to elim food
stagnaton.
Zhi Shi – break qi, resolve phlegm, chest/epi
Xiang Fu, *Chai Hu
•
•
•
Both soothe liver, reg menses
Xiang fu = neutral
Chai hu = cooler. Also has 1) lift yang, 2) ext wind heat
Herbs-Regulate Blood
• Section 1 Herbs-stop bleeding
– Stop bleeding and astringe (4)
• Bai Ji
– Stop bleeding and cool blood (6)
• Di Yu, Xiao Ji
– Stop bleeding and relieve blood stasis (3)
• San Qi, Qian Cao
– Stop bleeding and warm meridians (2)
• Ai Ye
1-1 Stop bleeding and astringe
•
Bai Ji, Xian He Cao, Zong Lu Tan, Ou Jie
–
–
–
–
Bai Ji: Slightly cold, strong and sticky functions. Good at promote flesh generation. Esp good for LU and ST injury.
Ulceration in the stomach for instance. Also good for burns and skin lesions/chapping due to cold/dry weather.
Xian He Cao: Neutral so works for hot/cold type bleeding. Also tx malaria, stops dysentery. Heals trichomonas
Zong Lu Tan: Charred herb. No special function.
Ou Jie: No special fnx, just stop bleed by astringe. Commonly used in ped’s for cough with blood. This is part of the lotus
root and is a food so good for kids.
1-2 Stop bleeding and cool blood
•
Da Ji, Xiao Ji
–
–
–
•
Di Yu, Huai Hua Mi
–
–
–
•
Common – blood in stools or hemorrhoids that bleed.
Di yu – this is the yao yao for burns.
Huai hua mi – also clears liver fire. Often fried a bit to make tea for red eyes due to liver heat. Can help promote
defecation.
Bai Mao Gen, Ce Bai Ye
–
–
–
•
Common – both to LV/HT, cool blood, stop bleeding, clear heat toxins. Blood in urine.
Da Ji – Stronger than xiao ji. Da ji is a bush.
Xiao Ji – this is a grass. Common for blood in the urine.
Common: lung related bleeding due to heat, cough with blood.
Bai mao gen: strong clr heat, promote body fluids. Also promotes urination.
Ce bai ye: Special fnx for treating burns, for hair loss. Both used externally.
Bai Mao Gen, *Lu Gen
–
–
–
Both clear heat, promo body fluids, promote urination,
Lu Gen: to qi level.
Bai Mao Gen: to blood level.
2-3 Invigorate blood and treat traumatic injuries
•
•
San Qi, Pu Huang
– San Qi
– Pu Huang – tan is for bleeding.
Qian Cao (or qian cao gen)
Cool blood, stop bleeding herb function when charred. Fresh will move blood.
3-4 Stop bleeding and warm
meridians
•
Pao Jiang, Ai Ye
Deficient cold induced bleeding.
– Pao Jiang: processed ginger. To strengthen warm/stop bleeding then
char. To warm MJ, uncharred.
– Ai Ye: fried or charred to tan will stop bleeding. Unprocessed will expel
cold, warm. This is moxa!
• Section 2 Herbs-Invigorate blood
– Dredge channels, promote blood circulation
– Acrid, bitter, H, Liv
– Cautions
• Pregnant contraindication
• Combine with qi moving herbs!!
– Invigorate blood and relieve pain (7)
• Chuan Xiong, Yu Jin, Yan Hu Suo
– Invigorate blood and regulate menses (8)
• Yi Mu Cao, Hong Hua, Tao Ren, Dan Shen, Niu Xi
– Invigorate blood and treat traumatic injuries (4)
– Invigorate blood and resolve masses (3)
2-1Invigorate blood and relieve pain
•
Chuan Xiong, Yan Hu Suo
Both move blood/qi to stop pain.
–
–
•
Yu Jin, Jiang Huang
Tricky b/c they share same botanical source: one is major root, one is 2nd root. Both move blood/qi to stop
pain
–
–
•
Yu jin: cold in nature. Clears heat, soothes liver, elim jaundice.
Jiang huang: warm in nature. Tumeric. Good for cold syndrome of blood yu, qi stagn. Good for dredging channels to stop
pain. Common use in traumatic injury. External for skin sores, swellig.
Ru Xiang, Mo Yao
Resins. Move blood, stop pain. Generate flesh. Often coupled together.
–
–
•
Chuan xiong: qi herb in the blood moving section. Reg mens, move blood stasis, reg qi. Yao Yao for tx headache except
for LV yang uprising headache! Don’t use it for that.
Yan hu suo: tx pain everywhere. Comes from opium family so if you have a px that is tested for drugs, you have to warn
them about this. Also good for dysmenorrhea, ab pain, heart pain/angina.
Ru Xiang (frankincense) move blood
Mo Yao (myrrh) breaks blood
Wu Ling Zhi, Pu Huang
Often paired for px with blood yu and bleeding. Fresh are stronger to move, fried are stronger to stop bleeding.
–
–
Wu Ling zhi – moves blood.
Pu Huang – stops bleeding.
2-2 Invigorate blood and regulate menses
•
Dan Shen , Yi Mu Cao
Move blood, -stasis, clear heat toxins
–
–
•
Tao Ren, Hong Hua, *Zang Hong Hua
all move blood, elim stasis. Tao ren/hong hua often paired – take ‘em out during menses.
–
–
–
•
Tao ren: neutral, can break blood stasis. Stops cough/wheezing, moistens intestines, promo defecation.
Hong hua: safflower flower. Dredge channels, stop pain. Cold type blood yu/stagnation.
Zang hong hua: expensive. Cool blood/ clear heat toxins. Good for bloody patches on skin. Calms shen. Expensive.
Niu Xi, Chuan Niu Xi
move blood, promo urination, guide fire/blood downward.
–
–
•
Dan Shen clears heart and elim restlesess. Good for blood stasis in the chest. Cool in nature. Widely used in gyno, all
others and is ok for pregs.
Yi Mu Cao – yao yao in gyno. Benefits the mother grass. +urination/-edema.
Niu xi/huai niu xi: ton LV/KI to strgth bone/sinew
Chuan niu xi: remove blood stasis,
Ji Xue Teng
Chicken blood vine. Move bld, ton blood. Gentle – ok for elderly. Relax tendons, dredge channels. Move and
tonify blood.
2-3 Invigorate blood and treat traumatic injuries
•
Zhe Chong, Shui Zhi
Break blood yu.
– Zhe chong – helps reconnection of broken blood vessels. Bone regeneration.
– Shui zhi – dredge channels. In bio med used for blood stasis problems.
•
*Wu Ling Zhi, Xue Jie, Su Mu
Move blood, elim stasis, stop pain.
– Wu ling zhi. Stop leaking, flooding
– Xue jie. Dragon blood.Stop bleeding, promo flesh generation. Strong on bone regeneration
also.
– Su mu. Dredges channels.
2-4 Invigorate blood and resolve masses
•
•
E Zhu, San Leng
Break blood, move qi, dissip nodules, stop pain. Commonly used for masses, tumor, cancer
related to bld yu.
– E zhu: break qi
– San leng: break blood stasis
Chuan Shan Jia, *Wang Bu Liu Xing
Move blood dredge channels, +lactation.
– Chuan shan jia – animal prod. Stronger moving fn
– Wang bu liu xing – ear seeds. Much milder of than others. Also + urinationhi
Herbs- Tonifying
• Tonify vital qi, strengthen body constitution,
enhance the ability of anti-disease
• Deficiency syndrome
–
–
–
–
Qi deficiency: SP, LU
Yang deficiency: K, SP, LU
Blood deficiency: H, LIV
Yin, deficiency: LU, ST, H, LIV & K
• Cautions
– Not suitable for excessive pathogenic factor, in case
keep enemy inside.
• Section 1 Herbs-tonify qi (11)
– Ren Shen, Dang Shen, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Gan
Cao
• Section 2 Herbs-tonify blood (6)
– Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, He Shou Wu, Bai Shao, E
Jiao
• Section 3 Herbs-tonify yang (20)
– Lu Rong, Yin Yang Huo, Du Zhong, Xu Duan, Rou
Cong Rong
• Section 4 Herbs-tonify yin (14)
– Bei Sha Shen, Mai Men Dong
Section 1 Herbs-tonify qi
Hong Shen is red ginseng – hottest. Ren shen is multi-fnx ginseng. By order of heat starting at hottest: hong shen, ren shen, dang
shen, xi yang shen, tai zi shen.
•
Ren Shen, Dang Shen
–
–
•
Ren Shen, Xi Yang Shen
–
•
–
–
Shan yao: tonify qi and yin of the lung, spleen, kidney. Lu = wheezing/cough, SP=diarrhea, KI=spermatorrhea/leukorrhea.
Bai Bian Dou: w/c attack in summer especially.
Wu Jia Shen (Ci Wu Jia) – Siberian ginseng
–
•
Gan cao: spec fnx zhi gan cao = tonify heart qi, stop palps/intermittent pulse. Helps relieve spasms (zhi). Unprocessed will clear heat toxins, stop
cough, elim phlegm. Overdose of gan cao = bloating, edema.
Da zao: nourish blood, calm shen.
Shan Yao, Bai Bian Dou
Tonify qi, strengthen spleen.
–
–
•
Huang qi – stronger qi tonify fnx than bai zhu. Can lift yang (bu zhong yi qi tang), promote venting of sores/generation of flesh. Commonly tested on
boards. Long term wound not healing can be treated with huang qi.
Bai zhu – dry dampness. Calm fetus.
*Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu
Gan Cao, Da Zao
Tonify MJ and harmonize.
–
•
Tai zi shen has the same fnx as xi yang shen, but milder and gentler. Good for non-severe qi or yin xu or for px that is very weak in constitution and
can’t stand too much tonification. Kids for instance.
Huang Qi, Bai Zhu
Tonify qi and promote urination. Consolidate exterior to stop sweating.
–
•
•
Xi yang shen is cool in nature. American ginseng. Tonify qi and nourish yin. Can tonify qi, clear fire, nourish yin.
Xi Yang Shen, Tai Zi Shen
–
•
Ren shen: tonify original qi, tonify all zangfu organ qi, promotes BF’s, calm shen (which is why some sleeping patents contain it), benefits
intelligence
Dang shen: nourishes blood. Tonifies LU and SP.
Tonify qi, str SP, tonify KI, calm shen.
Feng Mi (honey)
–
Tonfiy MJ, relieve spasm, moisten LU/LI to help with cough and constipation.
Section 2 Herbs-tonify blood
•
Dang Gui, SHu Di Huang, He Shou Wu, Bai Shao, E Jiao, Long Yan Rou
– Dang gui – reg mens, moist int, +BM.
•
Head: tonify. Tail: move blood.
–
–
•
Shu di huang: tonify essence, can be cloying
He shou wu: fnx totally changes with processing. Unprocessed = tx malaria. Processed = hair – steam it, process it with
soy, etc.
– Bai shao: nourish blood, astringe yin, calm liver, stop pain. Chao bai shao is stronger to nourish yin.
– E jiao: gelatin, good stop stop bleeding. All of the jiaos are. Tonifies blood, stop bleeding. Nourishes LU yin (i.e., yin xu dry
cough). Should be dissolved or melted in hot liquid.
– Long yan rou: HT, SP, Qi, Blood. Same fnx as gui pi tang!
*Sheng Di Huang, Shu Di Huang
–
–
–
•
From same plant, diff category. Both nourish yin, + fluids.
Sheng di huang clears heat
Shu di huang nourishes essence
*Chi Shao, Bai Shao
–
–
–
Both are peony root. They are not red flower/white flower, but b/c chi shao is dug out and dried. Bai shao is steamed so is harder texture and
serrated.
Chi shao: move blood
Bai shao: stop spasms, nourish LV
Section 3 Herbs-tonify yang
•
Lu Rong, Zi He Che
+Ki ess, +essence/blood
–
–
•
•
Rou Cong Rong, Suo Yang
Yin Yang Huo (Xian Ling Pi), Ba Ji Tian
–
–
–
•
Calm fetus grouping. Tonify bone, LV/KI, strengthen tendon.
Du zhong is stronger. Spec fnx: lower blood pressure.
Xu duan is better for traumatic injury.
Xu Duan, *GU Sui BU
–
–
•
The Eyes grouping. Strengthen KI yang, consolidate KI essence (spermatorrhea, profuse or night urine). Tonify liver, brighten eyes.
Tu si zi can also +SP, stop diarrhea
Sha yuan zi has stronger astrignet fnx. Same as sha yuan zhi li.
Du Zhong, Xu Duan
–
–
–
•
Bu gu: grasp qi to stop wheezing
Yi zhi ren: drooling
Tu Si Zi, Sha Yuan Zi
–
–
–
•
+KI yang and eliminate W/D. Usually for joints w/ Ki yang xu.
Yin yang huo strong
Ba ji tian milder
Bu Gu Zhi, Yi Zhi Ren
–
–
•
Lu rong: + original yang, strngthn bone/sinew, regulate 3 extraord channels. Can treat yin source.
Zi he che: kidney tonification, ki yang, LU and KI. Good for cough/wheeze d/t lu/ki xu.
Tonify KI, tx traumatic injury
Xu duan – calm fetus fnx.
Ge Jie, Dong Chong Xia Cao, Hu Tao Ren (He Tao Ren)
–
–
–
–
LU/KI group or cough/wheeze grop. Tonify both KI and LU to stop cough/wheeze.
Ge jie: yao yao for LU KI xu type cough/wheeze.
Dong chong xia cao: coughing blood. Also used for post severe disease for health regulation.
Hu tao ren is walnut. Also moistens intestines.
•
Xian Mao
•
Hai Ma
–
–
Tonify ki yang, expel cold/damp. Toxic, contra for pregs.
Fortify yang (good for male funx), good for move blood/traumatic injury. Can’t get it here.
Section 4 Herbs-tonify yin
•
•
Bei Sha Shen, Nan Sha Shen
Forget it. Don’t have it here. Good for lu/st yin
Mai Men Dong, Tian Dong
–
–
–
•
Shi Hu, Yu Zhu
–
–
–
•
•
Nourish LV/KI yin, brighten the eyes.
Gou qi zi moistens LU
Nu zhen zi clears xu heat
Sang Shen, Han Lian Cao
–
–
–
•
Heart lung grouping.
Bai he is better to moisten lung
Mai dong is better to clear heart.
Gou Qi Zi, Nu Zhen Zi
–
–
–
•
Nourish ST fluids.
Shi hu  kidney, can brighten the eyes. Commonly used for diabetes.
Yu zhu – exterior pathogen attack + yin xu
Huang Jing, Yu Zhu
Bai He, Mai Dong
–
–
–
•
Nourish LU yin, moist intestines.
Tian men dong is stronger. For kidney – good for diabetic type thirst.
Mai men dong also for stomach and heart. Good for stomach yin xu thirst, heart fire  insomnia.
Nourish KI
Sang shen nourishes blood, moist intestines.
Han Lian cao – clear heat, stop bleeding.
Gui Ban, Bie Jia
–
–
–
Two turtle shells. Both  LV, KI. Nourish yin, subdue yang (b/c they are shells), clr xu heat
Gui Ban nourishes yin
Bie jia – clears xu heat. dissipate nodules. Tx liver cancer/tumors.
Herbs- Relieve Food stagnation
•
•
•
Relieve food stagnation, promote digestion
Sweet, neutral, SP, ST
Food stagnation
BM affectation is based on whether there is dampness accumulation.
–
–
–
–
•
abdominal distention
acid regurgitation
Vomiting
irregular defecation
Cautions
– Combination
– After meals
– Know what type of food stagnation each herb is good for.
•
•
(6) Herbs
Shan Zha, Shen Qu
– Shan Zha
Meat stagnation, move blood/-stasis, modernly for high cholesterol.
Don’t use on an empty stomach/ulceration in the stomach b/c this can break down meats and will also call stomach
pain/acid reflux in these conditions.
Contraindications: Not for preggers. Causes uterine cntrx.
– Mai Ya
Barley. Best for grain type food stagnation (pizza, tortillas, breads, etc.) Also has special fnx to draw back lactation when it
is raw/unfried – use a large dosage (30-60g) to reduce lactation. You can use the stir fried type to treat more safely.
– Lai Fu Zi
Radish seeds. Doesn’t focus on a type of food stagnation, but is good to eliminate distention b/c it breaks qi blockage and
moves qi. Also helps to eliminate phlegm. Often combined with zi su zi and bai ji zi – 3 seed decoction. Profuse phlegm
accum in the LU. Should be fried a little to get rid of the stimulant oil in the seed.
Caution: reduces effectiveness of ginseng. Then again, can be used for ginseng overdose.
– Ji Nei Jin
Chicken gizzard. Golden yellow color. Commonly used for food stagnation, strengthen spleen. Special fx: get rid of stones
– gb or bl. Also stops spermatorrhea, night urination b/c is astringent. Contains a lot of amino acids. Process with hot sand
to fry it crispy or vinegar fried to help extraction of amino acids.
– Shen Qu
This is a whole bunch of fermented herbs: barley, grains/rice, tons more stuff. There’s also a version called jian qu which
has a release exterior. Common cold with poor appetite for instance. Good for fermented foods and beverages type of
food stagnation. Also used as a binder in pill making
– Gu Ya
Nothing special. Just tonify/strengthen SP, promote digestion.
Know the special fnx of these herbs.
Herbs- Expel Parasites
•
•
•
Bitter, SP, ST, LI
Not just herbs from this category.
Sour, acrid and bitter.
–
–
–
•
Sour quiets parasites
Acrid – eliminate parasites
Bitter – descend parasites
Cautions
– Take care – not on an empty stomach. Often combined with purgation herbs to trr parasites.
•
•
•
(7) Herbs
Shi Jun Zi, Ku Lian Gen Pi
– Shi jun zi more important. Both expel round worms. Break up the herb – these are the pills you use. 3
tiny black seeds for a 3 year old, etc. Fry it a bit, take with a porrige.Good for food stagnation
– Ku lian gen pi is toxic. Tx a lot of parasites – round, hook worms, etc. used eternally for tinea and other
skin diseases. Not that important of an herb.
Bin Lang, Nan Gua Zi
–
–
–
•
Common – good for tape worm.
Bing lang – Seeds of betel nut. tape worm - actually numbs them up, especially the head so that it releases it’s grasp and
falls away from it’s attachment. Also to eliminate food stagnation, move qi, promote urination. (Da fu pi is the husk of the
same herb and it moves qi, promotes urination.)
Nan gua zi – focuses on the medial and tail sections of the tape worm. Large dose of pumpkin seeds will treat
schistosomiasis from the Schistoma parasite which affects liver. Also moistens the intestine.
Guan Zhong
Used for tapeworms and roundworms. Also used for clear heat toxins and treats flu commonly. When you
carbonize it, cool blood stop bleeding.
Herbs- Stabilize and Bind
•
•
•
Astringe and stabilize
Treat the branch, not the root. Combine with tonifying herbs.
Sour, acerbity, LU, SP, K, LI
– LU: Stabilize exterior to stop sweating
– LU: Astringe LU to stop cough
– LI/SP: Bind LI to stop diarrhea (or profuse saliva)
– KI: Stabilize essence, leucorrhea and urine
Cautions
– For Biao treatment, so combined with tonify herbs
• Section 1 Exterior (3)
• Section 2 LU & LI (7)
– Wu Wei Zi, Wu Mei,
• Section 3 K (7)
– Shan Zhu Yu, Hai Piao Xiao
Section 1 Exterior
•
Ma Huang Gen, Fu Xiao Mai
–
–
–
Common: Stop sweating
Ma huang gen – nothing special. Just stop sweating
Fu xiao mai - + qi, - deficient heat. Also gluten issue related. This is a barley – soak in water and collect
those that float.
Section 2 LU & LI
•
Wu Wei Zi, Wu Mei
–
–
–
•
Wu Bei Zi, Ying Su Ke, He Zi
–
–
–
–
•
Common: Astringe LU, LI, + body fluids. Helps deal with cough (LU), and diarrhea (LI), gen fluids
Wu wei zi – gen fluids, calm shen, astringe sweating. Don’t use it for tea – doesn’t tase nice.
Wu mei – chinese plum. Often proc’d, smoked. When carbonized will astringe lower orifice bleeding (blood in
stools, vaginal). Calms parasites, esp round worm. Tastes good in tea.
Astringe lu to stop cough, astringe intestines to stop diarrhea. Not as sour as 1st 2, don’t promote body fluids.
Wu bei zi – stop sweating, bleeding, help recovery of the source.
Ying su ke – know it theoretically . Opium husk. Astringe LU, LI, stop pain. (Used to put it in hot pot as a
spice to get people addicted to it.)
He zi – benefit throat in addition to common. Good for hoarse voice.
Rou Dou Kou, Chi Shi Zhi
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Rou dou kou - don’t confuse bai dou kou or cao dou kou with rou dou kou. Rou do. Good to astringe
intestines, tx diarrhea. Moves MJ qi.
Chi shi zhi is like a mud. Deals with px with loose stools. Helps with oozing, hlps ctrl water.
Section 3 KI
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Shan Zhu Yu, Fu Pen Zi
– Shan zhu yu: to LV/KI to address spermatorrhea, urination. Very sour.
– Fu pen zi brightens eyes. Sang Piao Xiao, Hai Piao Xiao, Jin Ying Zi
Sang Piao Xiao, Hai Piao Xiao, Jin Ying Zi
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All astringe.
Sang piao xiao – strengthen and fortify KI. Infertility
Hai Piao Xiao – control acid in the stomach.
Jin Ying zi – can astringe diarrhea, heavy vag bleeding.
Lian Zi, Qian Shi
2 water lily type seeds/fruits
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Common: +SP to stop diarrhea, +KI to astringe essence
Lian zi – lotus seed. Stronger + SP fnx. Nourishes Ht to calm shen.
Qian shi – watery lily seed. Milder +SP, but elim’s dampness.
Herbs- Calm Spirit
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Heavily tested on the boards. Know each subtle differences, what used for.
H, Liv is the focus.
2 Kinds:
– Shells and stones: Anchor shen (excess cases)
Can injure MJ – tonify SP and protect MJ. Dose 1 hour before sleep.
– Plants: Nourish shen (deficiency cases)
Cautions
– Minerals can cause Middle injury, needs combination of tonify SP and ST herbs
– Take before sleep
• Section1 Anchor to calm Shen (4)
– Zhu Sha, Long Gu
• Section 2 Nourish to calm Shen (6)
– Suan Zao Ren
Section1 Anchor to calm Shen
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Zhu Sha, Ci Shi
– Common: Heavily anchor shen
– Zhu sha – toxic (mercury). Still used in China in small dosages with fu shen to enhance the effects.
Clears heart fire. Clears heat toxins (sore throat, mouth ulcers)
– Ci shi – nontoxic. Also subdues LV yang due to heavy texture. Ear and eye orifices
Zhu Sha, Hu Po
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Common: calm shen
Zhu sha – see above.
Hu po – amber, neutral can remove stasis, amenorrhea due to blood stagnation. More commonly used to + urination for
painful urination diseases, blood in urine. Don’t confuse with hou po.
Long Gu, * Mu Li
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Common – often combined as a pair. 3 basic fnx: Calm shen, subdue liver yang, astringent (moreso when carbonized).
Long gu – good to calm shen.
Mu li – good to subdue liver yang. Insomnia application. Wound oozing, won’t heal? Controls acid in the stomach. Salty,
dissipates nodules.
Section 2 Nourish to calm Shen
Know the subtle differences for those below!!
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Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren
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Both nourish HT to calm shen.
Suan zao ren – heart and liver and more liver blood xu. If px has wiry pulse, irritability use this. Can astringe sweating
(night or spontaneous + insomnia).
Bai zi ren – HT/KI disharmony. Moistens and tonifies both. Must have both involved, need essence xu – spermatorrhea,
night urination. Very moist seed. Can also tx constipation.
Yuan Zhi, He Huan Pi, Ye Jiao Teng
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All of them
Yuan zhi – insomnia due to HT and KI miscommunication – HT fire flaming + KI sx. Esp due to phlegm disturbance. Mi
yuan zhi which elim’s phlegm, tx cough.
He huan pi – same as he huan hua. Good for emotion, depression, irritability with insomnia. Antidepressive effect, ‘brings
the happy back.’ Moves blood. He huan hua is for qi movement by contrast.
Ye jiao teng – related to he shou wu in a way – nourishes blood. Insomnia with blood xu. Vine, so dredges channels (wind
damp bi syndrome).
Herbs- Subdue Liv Yang and
Extinguish Liv Wind
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Subdue Liver yang and extinguish wind to stop spasm or convulsion
Liv is the major organ for this grouping.
Cautions
– Excessive heat
– Liv lack of nourishment
– Insomnia
– Coma
• Section 1 Subdue Liver yang (5)
– Shi Jue Ming, Mu Li, Dai Zhe Shi
• Section 2 Extinguish Liver Wind (8)
– Ling Yang Jiao, Niu Huang, Gou Teng, Tian
Ma
Section 1 Subdue Liver yang*
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Shi Jue Ming, * Jue Ming Zi
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Mu Li, *Long Gu
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Good to descend the stomach qi based on subdue liver yang. Often for st qi upflowing/retching/belching.
Dai zhe shi
*Zhen Zhu, Zhen Zhu Mu
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See previous. Calm shen, subdue lv yang, astringe.
Long gu stronger for calm shen, mu li to subdue liver yang.
Often paired for certain usages.
Da Zhe Shi, *Xuan Fu Hua
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Clear liver, brighten eyes.
Shi jue ming – abalone shell. Calm liver/subdue yang thru heaviness. Tx vertigo d/t lv yang rising.
Jue ming zi – grass/plant. This is a Clear Heat/Purge Fire herb. Also a seed and moistens intestines.
Pearl and it’s mother. Both clear LV and brighten eyes.
Zhen zhu – pearl powder. Stronger settle shen function. Often used to benefit skin, generate new skin. Also
used in eye drops from eye overuse.
Zhen zhu mu – mother of pearl/shell. Stronger to subdue yang
Bai Ji Li, *Luo Bu Ma
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Both
Bai ji li/Ci ji li – board q’s about this. Calm LV, subdue yang, expel wind, brighten eyes (know this for sure),
stop pain. Also helps vent sores/carbuncles.
Luo bu ma – not commonly tested, but lowers BP. Clrs LV heat, lowers BP, diuresis. This is an Indian herb,
often used for pre-hypertension syndromes.
Section 2 Extinguish Liver Wind
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Ling Yang Jiao, Niu Huang
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Tian Ma, Gou Teng
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Often coupled together to ext wind, sub LV yang.
Tian ma – neutral temperature. Essential/yao yao for vertigo either hot or cold types. Also expels WD to tx Bi
syndrome (numb/tingle in extrems for example). Expensive herb.
Gou teng – slightly cold. Good for LV excess heat and wind. Common for HTN with headache d/t blood/heat
flowing upward to head.
Quan Xie, Wu Gong
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Both exting LV wind, clr heat toxins. Commonly used together. Clear HT/LV – high fever with LOC.
Ling yang jiao – yao yao for LV fire and wind.
Niu huang – cow gallbladder stones. Resolve phlegm, open orifices. LOC and coma d/t phlegm blocking
heart orifice. Commonly for ulceration in tongue b/c clrs heat from HT.
Both are insects. Insect fnx is stronger than plants. Ext wind/stop convulsion, dissipate nodules. Tumors,
masses, goiter, etc. Dredge channels, stop pain. Used in china for gout, arthritis. Very strong, but very harsh.
Will weaken stomach/digestion. Toxic. Strong to deal with tough diseases with blockage, wind. Facial
paralysis for example.
Quan xie
Wu gong
Di Long, Jiang Can
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Milder than the other 2 insects. Ext wind to stop convulsions.
Di long – KNOW EVERY FNX OF DI LONG! Often tested. Earth worm. Cold temp – clears heat, heat type bi.
Dredges channels and thus digs holes! Calms heat type wheezing. Promote urination, tx edema.
Jiang can – sick silkworm. Also good to resolve phlegm. Expel wind, stop pain/itching. Skin nodules – goiter,
phlegm accumulations.
Herbs- Open Orifices
• Aromatic, traveling, open orifices,
resuscitation
• Coma
– Collapse
– Closure
• Cold type
• Heat type
– Cautions
• Emergency use only
• Short cooking time
• Aromatic  pills, don’t need cooking. These are
rescue herbs. Retains aromatic properties.
• (4) Herbs
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She Xiang , Shi Chang PU
Open orifice, resuscitation
– She Xiang, Bing Pian
• Open orifice, resuscitation
• She xiang is the essential for opening orifices, hot or cold. Moves blood, dredges
channels. Reduces swelling and pain. Added for trauma formulas for this reason.
Promotes pass thru of lochia and dead fetus. Contra for preggers obviously – can’t even
smell it. Dosage is extremely small.
• Bing pian is to open orifices, cool temperature to treat heat closure. Clears heat toxins.
Helps eliminate swelling/pain. Cheaper than she xiang. Strongly opens orifices, not
suitable for preggers.
– Shi Chang Pu, * Yuan Zhi
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Common: opens orifices, expels phlegm, calms heart shen. Commonly combined for these purposes.
Shi chang pu: stronger elim phlegm, open orifices. Resolve damp/reg stomach.
Yuan zhi: weaker to eliminate phlegm, open orifices. Stronger to calm shen than shi chang pu.
Commonly used for HT/KI disharmony. Expels phlegm, tx cough.
Su He Xiang
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Yao yao for cold closure (this is warm opening herb). Stops cold pain.
Herbs- External Application
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(5) Herbs
Liu Huang – sulphur. Treats skin diseases. Tinea, pruritis, insects, etc. Warms kidney yang, but
not often used internally.
Xiong huang – toxic. Contains arsenic.
Ming Fan – clear heat toxins, kill insects. Externally used for eczema, pruritis. Internally, stops
bleeding, diarrhea.
She Chuang Zi – commonly used in this one. Dry damp, kill insects. Yin care has this in it.
Internally can tonify KI yang/expel cold.
Chan Su – extract from the toad’s gland behind the eye. Good to treat pain and for heart attack.
Strongly resuscitates. Also poisonous. Strong stimulation of mucosa.
Try to compare differences of herbs in same category, of same functions. Know differences in types of
preparation of a single herb (raw, dry fried, honey fried, etc.). Know the calm shen category and
that they are commonly used. Cases seemed pretty easy in the board q’s – lots of guideance here.
However if give stim of functions and you have to fill in the rest, that’s harder.
Dosages – only the special toxic herbs or herbs that need a large dosage for xxxx.
Focus on Dr. Zhou’s book and on TCMTests for singles.