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Single Herbs

Terms in this set (289)

Gui Zhi, Cinnamomi
Disperse WC
Goes to the HT-->assist the HT in unblocking Yang Qi in the chest
Harmonize Ying & Wei
Stops pain in the neck and shoulders
CAUTION: Pregnancy
Zi Su Ye
Disperse WC
Calms fetus-->good for morning sickness
For seafood poisoning
Better in dried form
Jing Jie, Schizonepetae
Disperse WC
Used for BOTH WC or WH
Stops bleeding (charred form)
Fang Feng
Disperse WC
Used for BOTH WC or WH
Also used for W-C-D for Bi syndrome
Good for interior or exterior wind
Very good for stopping PAIN
Qiang Huo
Disperse WC
Tai Yang, occipital HA
Good for upper body pain
Expels W-C-D
Gao Ben
Disperse WC
Goes to DU channel
Jue Yin, vertex HA
Expels W-C-D
Bai Zhi, Angelicae Rx.
Disperse WC
Yang Ming, frontal HA
Expels pus
Opens nasal passages
Xin Yi Hua
Disperse WC
Good for nasal discharge
Acts like LI 20 and Bi Tong
Must be cooked in cheesecloth
Cang Er Zi
Disperse WC
TOXIC-->overdosage can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain
Expels W-C-D
Sheng Jiang
Disperse WC
Harmonizes Ying & Wei Qi
Reduces the toxicity of Ban Xia, Tian Nan Xing
Warms MJ, stops vomiting
For seafood poisoning
Sheng Jiang Pi
Diuretic form of Sheng Jiang
Xiang Ru (summer Ma Huang)
Disperse WC
Expels summer heat, transform damp
Promote urination
Cook short time for exterior disorder
Bo He, Menthae Hb.
Disperse WH
Clear eyes
Soothe LV Qi
Good for digestive issues
Benefits the throat
Add in the last 5 minutes
Niu Bang Zi
Disperse WH
Benefits throat-->is the best herb for sore throat
Moistens intestines
Should be ground
Chan Tui, Cicadae Peri.
Disperse WH
Stop itching
Benefits throat, benefits voice
Extinguish LV wind, stop spasm
Clear eyes
CAUTION in pregnancy
Sang Ye
Disperse WH
Clear eyes
Moisten dryness
Cool blood and stop bleeding
Ju Hua, Chrysanthemi Fl.
Disperse WH
Clear eyes
Good for HA, stress, and hypertension
Man Jing Zi
Disperse WH
Best herb in WH category for HEADACHES
Clear head
Expel Wind-Damp Bi
Clear eyes
Dan Dou Chi
Disperse WH
Is cold or warm
Eliminates irritability
Mu Zei
Disperse WH
Clear eyes, brighten eyes
Is neutral
Clear heat, stop bleeding
Can be used for prostate or urination issues
Chai Hu
Disperse WH
Goes to GB, LV, PC, SJ (Last 4 channels)
Resolves Shao Yang disorders and reduces fever
Soothes LV Qi
Raises clear Yang Qi
Sheng Ma
Disperse WH
Clears heat and detoxifies
Raises Yang Qi
Vents rashes
Ge Gen
Disperse WH
Good for diarrhea
Releases muscles
Nourishes fluids and alleviates thirst (Xiao Ke)
Treats hypertension
Raises Yang Qi
Vents rashes
Shi Gao, Gypsum Fibrosum
Clear and Purge Heat
VERY COLD
Clear LU heat
Clear blazing ST heat (for toothache)
Good for eczema, burns, and sores
Dosage: 15-60 grams
Crush, cook 30 minutes longer
Used with Zhi Mu
15-60 grams
What is the dosage for Shi Gao?
1. Shi Gao
2. Mang Xiao
3. Tian Men Dong
What are the 3 VERY COLD herbs?
1. Dan Zhu Ye
2. Mu Tong
3. Deng Xin Cao
What are the 3 herbs that go to the HT and SI?
Zhi Mu
Clear and purge heat
Good for excess and xu heat at the same time
Used with Shi Gao
Zhi Mu
Pair herb of Shi Gao:
Tian Hua Fen
Clear and purge heat
Used for Xiao Ke syndrome
Major herb for THIRST
CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy
Lu Gen
Clear and purge heat
Clear heat and promote urination
Generate fluids, moisten dryness
Used with Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye
Clear and purge heat
Clear heat, promote urination, and clear DH, esp. for SI channel
Goes to the HT and SI channels
Bland
Used with Lu Gen
Lu Gen
Pair herb of Dan Zhu Ye:
Zhi Zi
Clear and purge heat
Goes to HT, LU, ST, LV, SJ
Drains DH
Used for JAUNDICE
Cools blood and stops bleeding (charred)
Crush
Xia Ku Cao
Clear and purge heat
Clears Lv and eyes
Dissipates nodules
Treats hypertension
Used with Jue Ming Zi
Jue Ming Zi
Clear and purge heat
Clears LV and eyes
Moistens intestines
Treats hypertension, lower serum cholesterol, and prevents athersclerosis
Used with Xia Ku Cao
Xia Ku Cao
Pair herb of Jue Ming Zi:
Shui Niu Jiao
Clear blood heat
Clear heat-toxin
Clear heat, ARREST TREMORS
Can be used to replace Xi Jiao
30-120g (decoction), 6-15g (powder)
Sheng di Huang
Clear blood heat
Used for Xiao Ke syndrome
Cool the upward blazing of HT fire
Nourishes yin
Should be avoided with onions, garlic and radishes
Xuan Shen
Clear blood heat
Good for swollen throat
Dissipates nodules
Incompatible with Li Lu
Mu Dan Pi
Clear blood heat
Used for deficient heat WITHOUT sweating
Invigorates blood, dispels blood stasis
Zi Cao
Clear blood heat
Clears DH in the skin
Used in burn ointments
Huang Qin
Clear DH
Used for UJ issues (LU, GB, LI, ST)
Used for Shao Yang syndrome
Stops bleeding (charred)
Calms the fetus (for restless fetus due to heat)
Huang Lian
Clear DH
Used for MJ issues (HT, LI, LV, ST)
Clears HT fire
Clears heat, stops bleeding
Clears LV fire
Should NOT be taken with PORK
Huang Bai
Clear DH
Used for LJ issues (KD, UB)
Drains deficient KD fire
Long Dan Cao
Clear DH
Drain DH from the LV/GB
Good for issues in the genital area, STDs
Can be used as an anti-biotic, anti-viral
Ku Shen
Clear DH
Good for jaundice
Kills parasites (can be used in a bath)
Stops itching
Clears heat, promotes urination
Jin Yin Hua
Clear Toxic heat
Expels WH
Clears DH in LJ
Good for skin issues, rashes
Used for 4 stages of warm febrile disease
Dosage: 6-20grams (Small-->WH, Large-->TH)
Lian Qiao
Clear Toxic heat
Expels WH
Goes to the HT, LU, GB
Clears HT heat
Used for 4 stages of warm febrile disease
She Gan
Clear Toxic heat
Benefits the throat
Ban Lan Gen
Clear Toxic heat
Benefits the throat
Prevents epidemic
Cools the blood
Shan Dou Gen
Clear Toxic heat
Benefits the throat
Anti-cancer
Tu Fu Ling
Clear Toxic heat
Clears DH from the skin
Treats SYPHILLIS
Should NOT be taken with TEA
Pu Gong Ying
Clear Toxic heat
Used for breast issues-->mastitis and poor lactation
Promotes lactation
High in iron
Bai Jiang Cao
Clear Toxic heat
Used for intestinal abscess
He Ye
Clear Toxic heat
Goes to the HT
Clears summer heat
Stops bleeding, cool blood
Calms the spirit
Bai Tou Weng
Clear Toxic heat
Used for hot dysentery and bleeding
Qing Hao
Clear Deficient heat
Clear summer heat
Checks MALARIAL DISORDERS and relieves heat
Cools blood and stops bleeding
Must use fresh herb for malaria.
Do not subject to prolonged cooking
Di Gu Pi
Clear Deficient heat
Cools blood and reduces steaming due to KD yin deficient heat WITH SWEATING
Stops cough
Good for toothache
(Opposite of Mu Dan Pi)
Bai Wei
Clear Deficient heat
Da Huang
Purgative
Drains DH
Drains blood heat
Invigorates and moves blood stasis (wine-treated)
Clears TH
CONTRAINDICATED: Nursing mothers-->enters milk
CAUTION: Pregnancy or menstruation
Cooking for more than 10 minutes will reduce purgative effect
Mang Xiao
Purgative
VERY COLD
Moistens dryness and softens hardness (acts like Drain-O)
Clears heat
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy
Dissolve into strained decoction
Lu Hui, Aloe
Purgative
Kills parasites
Clears heat and cools the LV
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy
Huo Ma Ren, Cannabis Sm.
Laxative
Moistens intestines
Nourishes yin
Good for postpartum and blood xu
Crush before cooking
Da Ji
Cathartic
TOXIC
Drains water downward and drives out congested fluids
Dosage: 1.5-3g
Is INCOMPATIBLE with Gan Cao
1. Da Ji
2. Hai Zao
2 Herbs that are incompatible with Gan Cao:
Fu Ling
Diuretic
Strengthens SP, harmonizes MJ
Transforms phlegm
Quiets heart, calms shen
Use up to 60g for facial edema
Fu Ling Pi
Diuretic form of Fu Ling
Fu Shen
Calm shen form of Fu Ling
Yi Yi Ren
Diuretic
Expels pus
Can be used for plantar warts
Zhu Ling
Diuretic
Goes to SP, KD, UB
Promotes urination
Ze Xie
Diuretic
Settles ministerial Fire in KD
Drain DH from LJ
Dong Gua Ren
Diuretic
Han Fang Ji
Diuretic
Alleviates pain
Is good for YANG edema
Yin Chen (Hao)
Diuretic
Principle herb for JAUNDICE
Acts like DU 9 for jaundice
Deng Xin Cao
Diuretic
Goes to HT, SI-->Drains HT via SI
Can use with moxa at SJ 20 for mumps
Used for pediatric sleep disorders
Mu Tong
Diuretic
Goes to HT, SI-->Drains HT via SI
Unblocks blood stasis-->good for pain
Promotes lactation
CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy
Dong Kui Zi
Diuretic
Benefits breasts, promotes lactation
Moistens intestines
Qu Mai
Diuretic
Bian Xu
Diuretic
Expels parasites
Stop itching
Shi Wei
Diuretic
Stop bleeding
Che Qian Zi, Plantaginis
Diuretic
Solidify stool for diarrhea
Clear the eyes
Wrap in porous bag
Hua Shi, Talcum
Diuretic
Clear summer heat
Absorb damp for eczema
Wrap in porous bag
Di Fu Zi
Diuretic
Stop itching
Bi Xie
Diuretic
Separate pure from turbid for Gao Lin
Expel WD
Clear DH
Du Huo
Dispel WD
Used to disperse W-C-D in lower back and legs, low back ache
Used for Shao Yin HA and toothache
Wei Ling Xian
Dispel WD
Soften and transform fish bones
Dosage: 15-30g for fish bone, 6-9g normal
Hai Tong Pi
Dispel WD
Used as a gargle for toothache due to dental cavities
Qin Jiao
Dispel WD
Sl. cold
Clear heat from deficiency
Mu Gua
Dispel WD
SOUR
Relax sinews for cramping pain, esp. in legs
Reduce food retention
CONTRAINDICATED: exterior conditions (sour herb), internal constrained heat
CAUTION: if taken to excess, can harm the teeth and bones
Sang Zhi
Dispel WD
Benefit joints, esp. for upper limbs
Also used for edema
Dosage: 9-15g (up to 30g)
Xi Xian Cao
Dispel WD
COLD
Used for hypertension
Bai Hua She
Dispel WD
TOXIC
Dispel wind from the skin, settle jitteriness/convulsions
Dosage: 3-9g(decoction), 1-1.5g(powder)
Wu Jia Pi
Dispel WD
Good for pain
Strengthen sinews and bones
Sang Ji Sheng
Dispel WD
Nourish blood, calm the womb
Treat hypertension
Good for cancer
Strengthen bones and sinews
Qian Hu
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Descend qi downward and expel phlegm
Release exterior wind
Counteracts Li Lu
Chuan Bei Mu
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Stops Cough-->DRY cough
Good for treating children
For yin xu cough with slight sputum that is difficult to expectorate
Dissipate nodules
Zhe Bei Mu
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Stops cough-->PRODUCTIVE cough
For acute LU heat pattern with productive, moist cough
Dissipate nodules
Dosage: 3-9g, 1-1.5g(powder)
Gua Lou Pi
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Good for hot, dry phlegm
(Husk of the fruit)
Gua Lou
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Moisten intestines
(Fruit)
Gua Lou Ren
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Moisten intestines
(Seed of the fruit)
Zhu Ru
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Used for GB fire harboring phlegm
Clear ST heat, stop vomiting
Chief herb in Wen Dan Tang & Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Hai Zao
Dissolve Hot Phlegm
Soften hardness for neck nodules
Used for pain associated with hernial disorder
Used for hypothyroidism
INCOMPATIBLE with Gan Cao
Tian Nan Xing
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
TOXIC
Disperse Wind-phlegm, stop spasms
Reduce swelling, alleviate pain
CONTRAINDICATED: pregnancy
Dosage: 4.5-9g(decoction), .3-1g(powder)
Dan Nan Xing
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
For tremor, seizures, or stroke due to phlegm-heat
(Tian Nan Xing processed with bile becomes this herb-->becomes cool)
Ban Xia
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
TOXIC
Descend rebellious ST Qi and stop vomiting
Major herb for vomiting
Clears phlegm
Dissipate nodule and reduce swelling
Incompatible with Wu Tou
Xuan Fu Hua
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
Directs LU Qi DOWNWARD (only 2 flowers that descend)
Used for vomiting, hiccup, and belching
Wrap in cheesecloth
Bai Qian
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
Directs LU Qi DOWNWARD
Good for phlegm in the throat
Bai Jie Zi
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
Dissipate nodule and reduce swelling
Don't decoct for a long period of time
Expel phlegm
Stop pain
Jie Geng
Dissolve Cold Phlegm
Open up and diffuse LU Qi
Benefit the throat, good for sore throat
Promote discharge of pus
Direct the effect of other herbs UPWARD
CONTRAINDICATED: Hemoptysis (coughing blood)
Xing Ren
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Sl. Toxic
Used for many types of cough (esp. for externally contracted dry cough)
Moisten intestines
Crush and add near the end
Zi Su Zi
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Transform phlegm
Moisten intestines
Usually ground before use
Zi Wan
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Good for cough
Kuan Dong Hua
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Descends LU Qi DOWNWARD (only 2 flowers that descend)
1. Kuan Dong Hua
2. Xuan Fu Hua
2 Flowers that DESCEND Qi (most flowers ascend)
Bai Bu
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Expel parasites and kill lice
Dosage: 3-9g, *30-60g (pinworm)
Pi Pa Ye
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Transform phlegm
Used for nausea, vomiting due to ST heat
Sang Bai Pi
Stop Cough and Wheezing
Cold
Promote urination and reduce edema
Used for hypertension
Huo Xiang
Aromatics for Damp
Used for traveler's diarrhea
Good for GI flu
Stops nausea and vomiting
Release the exterior, used for summer heat
Cook no more than 15 minutes
Cang Zhu
Aromatics for Damp
THE driest herb. Strongly dries damp
Improve vision, contains Vit. A
Release the exterior
INDUCE sweating (Bai Zhu inhibits sweating)
Hou Po, Magnoliae Cx.
Aromatics for Damp
Used for bloating
Direct Qi downward, calm wheezing
Reduce phlegm
CAUTION: Pregnancy
Bai Dou Kou
Aromatics for Damp
Is aromatic and warm
Sha Ren
Aromatics for Damp
Used for diarrhea due to SP cold
Calm the fetus (for morning sickness)
Prevent stagnation from tonifying/cloying & sticky herbs (esp. for Shu di Huang)
Crush, add near the end
Cao Dou Kou
Aromatics for Damp
Add near the end
Cao Guo
Aromatics for Damp
Check malarial disorder
Shan Zha
Digestives
For meat and greasy foods
Move blood stasis
Stop diarrhea (charred)
Used for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and ELEVATED SERUM CHOLESTEROL (has protease and is acidic)
Mai Ya
Digestives
For starchy foods
Restrain lactation
Soothe LV Qi
Dosage: 30-60g-->inhibit lactation
Gu Ya
Digestives
For starchy foods
Strengthen SP/ST
Shen Qu
Digestives
For minerals
Added to pills containing heavy minerals to aid in digestion and absorption
Ji Nei Jin
Digestives
For various types of food retention
Secure the essence and stop enuresis (jing)
Transform stones-->urinary or biliary tract
Dosage: 1.5-3g powder
More effective taken in powdered form
Lai Fu Zi
Digestives
For fullness and distention
Used for bloating
Antagonizes Ren Shen (neutralizes it)
Must be crushed
Chen Pi
Regulate Qi
Regulate MJ
(Mature fruit, weaker)
Ju Hong
Regulate Qi
More drying and aromatic than Chen Pi, but less effective in harmonizing MJ
Qing Pi
Regulate Qi
Break up Qi stagnation
Dissipate clumps
Used for breast abscess due to Damp/phlegm
Soothes LV Qi
(Immature fruit, stronger)
Zhi Shi
Regulate Qi
Break up stagnation
Direct Qi DOWNWARD and move stool
Used to RAISE blood pressure
(Immature fruit, stronger)
Zhi Ke
Regulate Qi
Circulates Qi in the chest
(Mature fruit, weaker)
Da Fu Pi
Regulate Qi
Direct Qi downward
Promote urination and move damp
Xiang Fu
Regulate Qi
Regulate menstruation and alleviate pain
One the the BEST herbs for menstruation issues
Soothe LV Qi
Chuan Lian Zi
Regulate Qi
Sl. Toxic
Clear heat and dry damp
Kill parasites
Soothe LV Qi
Wu Yao
Regulate Qi
Expel cold and alleviate pain
Goes to the KD (is a black herb). Warms the KD
Used for frequent urination
Chen Xiang
Regulate Qi
Anchors LU Qi (is a heavy herb)
Direct rebellious Qi downward
Used for asthma and wheezing
Warm the KD
Dosage: 1-1.5g (powder)
Add near the end in decoction
Mu Xiang
Regulate Qi
Adjust and regulate stagnant Qi in the intestine and ST
Prevent stagnation
Add in last 5 minutes
Tan Xiang
Regulate Qi
Regulates HT
Regulates HT rate
Pu Huang, Typhae Pollen
Stop Bleeding
Astringe blood and stop bleeding
Promote urination
Wrap in cheesecloth
San Qi
Stop Bleeding
Used for traumatic pain
Best herb for TRAUMA
Stops bleeding AND moves blood
Qian Cao Gen
Stop Bleeding
Xian He Cao
Stop Bleeding
Used to alleviate diarrhea and for dysenteric disorders
Kill parasites-->trichomonas vaginitis and tapeworm
Bai Ji
Stop Bleeding
Generate flesh (topically)
Good for dry lips
Huai Hua Mi
Stop Bleeding
Used for hemorrhoids and hypertension
Paired with Di Yu
Di Yu
Stop Bleeding
Used for hemorrhoids and dysentery
Generate flesh (topically), also for burns
Paired with Huai Hua Mi
Di Yu and Huai Hua Mi
Pair herbs for hemorrhoids and dysentery
Ce Bai Ye
Stop Bleeding
Stop cough and expel phlegm
Used for bleeding and burns
Bai Mao Gen
Stop Bleeding
Used for all kinds of bleeding-->UJ & LJ
-Nosebleeds, bleeding of the mouth, bleeding of the anus, blood in the urine, etc.
Clear heat
Ai Ye
Stop Bleeding
Warm womb and stop bleeding
Calm the fetus (if there is cold)
Disperse cold
Pao Jiang (charred ginger)
Stop Bleeding
Stop bleeding, esp. menstrual
Warm the channels
Chuan Xiong
Activate Blood
Goes to *PC, LV, GB
Used for various types of HA
Expel wind and stop pain, esp. for HA
Moves Qi within blood
Dosage: 1-1.5g
Yan Hu Suo
Activate Blood
For various types of pain-->stops pain
Is an analgesic herb-->good for the ST (aspirin is bad for the ST)
Dan Shen, Salviae Rx.
Activate Blood
Move blood and cool blood
Clear HT, Calm Shen
Dosage: *60g for vasculitis
Yu Jin
Activate Blood
Move blood, cool blood
Used for GB disorder-->jaundice, gall stone
Good for depression
Clear HT, open orifice
Chi Shao, Paeoniae R.
Activate Blood
Move blood, cool blood
Yi Mu Cao
Activate Blood
Regulate menses and promote urination
Clear heat and resolve toxicity
Paired with Ze Lan
Used for edema-->this herb is better for acute edema/nephritis
Ze Lan
Activate Blood
Regulate menses and promote urination
Used topically and internally for trauma
Paired with Yi Mu Cao
Used for edema-->this herb is better for postpartum/facial edema
Tao Ren
Activate Blood
Paired with Hong Hua for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis
Moisten intestines
Good for LJ issues
Crush
Hong Hua
Activate Blood
Paired with Tao Ren for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis
Harmonizes blood (Dosage .9-1.5g)
Good for UJ issues
Add near the end
Yi Mu Cao & Ze Lan
Pair herbs that invigorate blood, regulate menses, and promote urination
Tao Ren & Hong Hua
Pair herbs that invigorate blood, and treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis
.9-1.5grams
Dosage of Hong Hua to Harmonize Blood:
Mo Yao, Myrrha
Activate Blood
Promotes healing (topical)
Reduce swelling and generate flesh
Paired with Ru Xiang for pain due to trauma and W-C-D Bi syndrome (more blood level)
Ru Xiang
Activate Blood
Relax sinews, activate channels
Reduce swelling and generate flesh
Paired with Mo Yao for pain due to trauma and W-C-D Bi syndrome (more Qi level)
Mo Yao and Ru Xiang
Pair herbs that invigorate blood, and are used for pain due to trauma and W-C-D Bi syndrome
San Leng
Activate Blood
Pair with E Zhu to break up blood, remove accumulation and stop pain
E Zhu
Activate Blood
Pair with San Leng to break up blood, remove accumulation and stop pain
E Zhu & San Leng
Pair herbs that invigorate blood, break up blood, remove accumulation and stop pain
Huai Niu Xi
Activate Blood
More nourishing form of this herb
Induce DOWNWARD movement of blood
Good for knee pain
Clear DH in LJ
Strengthen muscle and bone
Chuan Niu Xi
Activate Blood
More moving form of this herb
Induce DOWNWARD movement of blood
Unblock menses
Wang Bu Liu Xing
Activate Blood
Unblock menses
Promote lactation
Reduce swellings-->for breast and testicles
Good for pain (used for ear seeds)
Jiang Huang
Activate Blood
Good for shoulder pain
Found in Juan Bi Tang
1. Chuan Xiong
2. Dan Shen
3. Chi Shao
What are the 3 herbs in the Activate Blood category that are NOT contraindicated in pregnancy?
Chuan Wu, Aconiti Rx.
Warm Interior
Hot, very toxic
Expel W-C-D, remove painful obstruction
Used for pain in the channels
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy
Boil for 30-60 minutes longer to make less toxic
Cao Wu, Aconiti Kusnezoffii
Warm Interior
Hot, very toxic
Expel W-C-C, remove painful obstruction
This is the wild version of this herb--is rarely used alone.
Used for pain in the channels
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy
Boil for 30-60 minutes longer to make less toxic
Fu Zi, Aconiti Rx. Lateral.
Warm Interior
Hot, toxic
This is the lateral part of this herb.
Warms the channels, stops pain
Guide the actions of other herbs into the 12 channels
Warm fire and assist yang
Focuses mostly on the KD
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy
Boil for 30-60 minutes longer to make less toxic
Gan Jiang
Warm Interior
Warm SP/ST and expel cold
Warm Lu, transform phlegm
Focuses on the SP
CAUTION: Pregnancy
Rou Gui, Cinnamomi Cx.
Warm Interior
Disperse deep cold, warm the channels, stop pain
Lead fire back to the source
Warm fire and assist yang
Warms HT, KD, LV, SP
Focuses on the HT
CAUTION: Pregnancy
Dosage: 1.5-4.5g(decoction), 1-2g(powder)
Add near the end
Hua Jiao
Warm Interior
Sl. Toxic
Kill parasites and alleviate abdominal pain
Wu Zhu Yu
Warm Interior
Sl. Toxic
Warm MJ, stop pain, stop diarrhea and expel C-D
Good for vertex HA due to cold
Warms the LV and soothes LV Qi
Xiao Hui Xiang
Warm Interior
Good digestive herb
Ding Xiang
Warm Interior
Warm KD and aid yang
Good for cold in the tip of the penis
Gao Liang Jiang
Warm Interior
Warm MJ and stop pain
Good digestive herb
Bi Ba
Warm Interior
Warm MJ, stop pain
Used for HA and nasal congestion
Used for toothache (topically)
Hu Jiao
Warm Interior
Warm MJ, stop pain
Primarily a digestive herb
Crush
Ren Shen, Ginseng Rx.
Qi Tonic
Tonifies LU/SP
Strongly tonifies Yuan Qi
Stop thirst and generate fluids
Benefits HT Qi and calm shen
CONTRAINDICATED: LV Yang rising, hypertension
Antagonizes: Wu Ling Zhi
Abstain from tea and turnips
Cook separately
Dang Shen, Codonopsis Rx.
Qi Tonic
Used for exterior wind and interior Qi deficiency
Tonifies LU/SP
Use 2-3x dosage of Ren Shen
Huang Qi, Astragali Rx.
Qi Tonic
Stabilize exterior, stop sweating
Raise Yang Qi
Tonify Wei Qi
Discharge pus, generate flesh
Used for Xiao Ke syndrome
Bai Zhu
Qi Tonic
Stabilize exterior, stop sweating
Strengthen SP and dry damp
Calm the fetus (SP xu type)
(Cang Zhu induces sweating, this herb stops sweating)
Bai Bian Dou
Qi Tonic
Clear summer heat
Treat food poisoning
Shan Yao
Qi Tonic
Goes to the KD, LU, SP
Great Qi & Yin tonic
Very safe herb
Stabilize and bind the KD
Used for Xiao Ke syndrome
Dosage: 9-30g, (60-240g alone)
Da Zao, Jujubae Fr.
Qi Tonic
Sweet
Nourish the blood and calm shen
Harmonize characteristics of other herbs
CONTRAINDICATED: Excess damp conditions, food stagnation, damp/phlegm disorders (because it is sweet)
Gan Cao
Qi Tonic
Goes to all 12 channels, esp. (HT, LU, SP, ST)
Soothe spasm and stop pain
Harmonize characteristics of other herbs
Moisten LU, stop cough
Zhi Gan Cao
Qi Tonic
More warm than Gan Cao
Better for MJ
Used for irregular heartbeat
Yi Tang, Maltosum
Qi Tonic
Tonify MJ, stop pain
Used for abdominal pain due to deficient cold
Moisten LU, stop cough
Dissolve into strained decoction
Feng Mi, Mel
Qi Tonic
Moisten the intestine
Good for MJ
Moisten LU, stop cough
CONTRAINDICATED: Conditions with phlegm heat (better for dry cough)
Geng Mi
Qi Tonic
Protect MJ
Stop thirst, generate fluids
Stop diarrhea and dysentery
Shu Di Huang
Blood Tonic
Nourish yin, nourish blood (very sticky herb)
Tonify essence
Used for Xiao Ke syndrome
Dosage: 9-30g
Dang Gui
Blood Tonic
Goes to HT, LV, SP (blood organs)
Regulate menses
Moisten intestines, move stool
1. Head: Tonify
2. Body: Tonify >Activate
3. Tail: Activate
Parts of Dang Gui and what they do:
Bai Shao, Paeoniae Rx. Alba
Blood Tonic
Sl. Cold
Regulate menses
Calm and curb LV yang and alleviate pain
Preserve the Yin and adjust the Nutritive and Protective levels (ying & wei)
Acts like LV 3
E Jiao, Asini Corii Colla
Blood Tonic
Nourish blood and stop bleeding
Nourish and moisten the Yin (dry LU cough)
Sticky herb-->very strong blood tonic
Dissolve in strained decoction
Gou Qi Zi, Lycii Fr.
Blood Tonic
Neutral
Benefit the essence and brighten the eyes
Enrich the Yin and moisten the LU
Good herb for jing
Sang Shen
Blood Tonic
Cold
Nourish the Yin and generate fluids
Moisten intestines
Very mild herb, but a good yin and blood tonic
Long Yan Rou, Longan Arillus
Blood Tonic
Goes to HT, SP
Tonify HT and SP, nourish blood, and calm the spirit (as in Gui Pi Tang)
Lu Rong
Yang Tonic
Warm, goes to KD, LV
Regulate Chong, Ren, strengthen Dai
Tonify Du and augment essence and blood
Strengthen bone and sinews
Tonify Qi and blood
Dosage: 1-2g(powder), 3-4.5g(decoction)
Lu Jiao Jiao
Yang Tonic
Leftovers of Lu Rong-->less expensive
Used in Zuo Gui Wan & You Gui Wan
Rou Cong Rong
Yang Tonic
Moisten intestines
Augment blood and essence
(Endangered species)
Suo Yang
Yang Tonic
Moisten intestines
Augment blood and essence
Hu Tao Ren, Walnut
Yang Tonic
Moisten intestines
Warm the LU and help KD to grasp Qi
Good tonic for the brain
Yin Yang Huo
Yang Tonic
Tonify the Yin/Yang, increase libido
Paired with with Xian Mao for premature ovarian decline
Xian Mao
Yang Tonic
Hot, Toxic
Used for infertility from either cold womb or cold essence
Paired with Yin Yang Huo for premature ovarian decline
Xian Mao & Yin Yang Huo
Pair Yang Tonic herbs that are used for premature ovarian decline:
Ba Ji Tian
Yang Tonic
Strengthen sinews and bones
Good for fertility
Bu Gu Zhi
Yang Tonic
Very warm
Warm SP/KD yang and stop diarrhea
Used topically for vitiligo
Yi Zhi Ren
Yang Tonic
Warm SP/KD yang and stop diarrhea
Control SALIVATION
Crush
Gou Ji
Yang Tonic
Strengthen sinews and bones
Expel WD
Stabilize KD
Gu Sui Bu
Yang Tonic
Strengthen sinews and bones-->good for broken bones
Used for traumatic injury
Xu Duan
Yang Tonic
Strengthen sinews and bones-->best herb for broken bones
Activate blood, stop pain, and generate flesh
Used for traumatic injury
Calm the fetus
Du Zhong
Yang Tonic
Strengthen sinews and bones
Used for hypertension
Treats low back pain
Calm the fetus
Tu Si Zi
Yang Tonic
Neutral
Secure essence and reserve the urine
Improve vision
STOP DIARRHEA (even though it's a seed)
Calm the fetus
Sha Yuan Zi
Yang Tonic
Secures essence
Brightens eyes, improves vision
Used in Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan
Bai He, Lilli Bulbus
Yin Tonic
Goes to HT, LU
Good for tonifying HT yin
Used for mental/emotional type issues
Calm shen, clear HT
Tian Men Dong
Yin Tonic
VERY COLD
Moisten intestines
Can create diarrhea without other warming herbs because it is so cold
Nourish KD and generate fluids
Mai Men Dong
Yin Tonic
Tonifies ST yin, HT yin, and LU yin
Moisten intestines
Clear HT, eliminate irritability
Sha Shen
Yin Tonic
Tonify LU & ST yin
Moisten dry/itchy skin
Shi Hu
Yin Tonic
Brighten vision-->Best herb for the eyes
Improve vision
Nu Zhen Zi
Yin Tonic
Clear heat from deficiency
Improve vision
Makes hair darker
Tonify LV & KD yin
Hei Zhi Ma
Yin Tonic
Nourish blood and extinguish wind
Moisten intestine
Increase lactation
Darkens hair
Gui Ban
Yin Tonic
Benefit KD and strengthen bones
NOURISH Blood/Yin
Nourish blood and tonify HT
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy (so heavy)
Dosage: 15-45g
Crush, cook 30 minutes longer
Bie Jia
Yin Tonic
MOVE Blood, promote menses
Dissipate nodules
Disperse clumping
CONTRAINDICATED: Pregnancy (so heavy)
Dosage: 9-30g
Crush, cook 30 minutes longer
Shan Zhu Yu
Astringent
Stabilize menses and stop bleeding
Stop excessive sweating
Antagonizes: Jie Geng, Fang Feng, Fang Ji
Jin Ying Zi
Astringent
Bind up intestine and stop diarrhea
Hai Piao Xiao
Astringent
Neutralize ST acid
Antagonize: Fu Zi, Bai Ji
Fu Pen Zi
Astringent
Restrain urine
Assist yang and improve vision (antioxidants)
Qian Shi
Astringent
Tonify SP, stop diarrhea
Lian Zi, Lotus Seed
Astringent
Tonify SP, stop diarrhea
Nourish HT
Calm HT shen
Wu Wei Zi
Astringent
Lower LV enzyme levels
Generate fluids
Stop diarrhea
Inhibit sweat
Used to improve hepatitis conditions
Astringe essence
Calm HT shen
Bai Guo, Ginkgo Sm.
Astringent
Good for cough
Aids memory
Remove husk, crush seed
Wu Mei, Mume Fr.
Astringent
Expel roundworm
He Zi
Astringent
Improve condition of the throat
Chi Shi Zhi
Astringent
Contains blood and stop bleeding
Stop diarrhea
Antagonize: Da Huang
Counteract: Yuan Hua, Huang Qin
Rou Dou Kou
Astringent
Warm MJ, stop pain
Stop diarrhea
Found in Si Shen Wan
Chun Pi
Astringent
Kill parasites
Clear heat, dry damp
Stop bleeding
Found in Gu Jing Wan (for stop bleeding function)
Fu Xiao Mai
Astringent
Goes to HT
Inhibit sweating (fluid of the HT)
Lian Xu
Astringent
Stamen of the lotus
Long Gu, Fossillia Ossis Mastodi
Anchor & Calm Shen
Calm LV yang
Used for chronic non-healing sores
Paired with Mu Li to prevent leakage of fluids (more yang)
Counteracts: Shi Gao
Should not be mixed with fish
Crush, cook 20-30 minutes longer
Mu Li, Osteae Concha
Anchor & Calm Shen
Calm LV yang
Soften hardness and dissipate nodules
Absorb ST acidity and stop pain
Paired with Long Gu to prevent leakage of fluids (more yin)
Crush, cook 20-30 minutes longer
Ci Shi, Magnetitum
Anchor & Calm Shen
Calm LV Yang
Tonify KD/LV (impaired hearing and vision)
Good for tinnitus
Antagonizes: Mu Dan Pi
Zhen Zhu, Margarita
Anchor & Calm Shen
Sedate HT
Good for skin/acne
Insomnia
Dosage: .3-1g
Used in pill or powder form
Suan Zao Ren
Nourish & Calm Shen
Sour
Nourish LV blood-->good for insomnia
Astringe sweating-->good for DAY sweating
Is a sedative so should be taken at night
Crush
Bai Zi Ren
Nourish & Calm Shen
Moisten intestines and move stools
Used for yin deficient NIGHT sweats
Antagonizes: Ju Hua
Yuan Zhi
Nourish & Calm Shen
Expel phlegm and open orifices (HT)
Used in Gui Pi Tang
Ye Jiao Teng
Nourish & Calm Shen
Nourish blood and unblock channels
Alleviate itching
Niu Huang
Aromatic Open Orifice
Clear HT, open orifices, awaken spirit and expel phlegm
Clear LV, relieve toxicity, extinguish wind, stop tremor
Dosage: .2-.5g(pill or powder)
Tian Ma
Extinguish LV Wind
Control spasms and tremors
Very important herb for internal LV wind-->can be caused by heat or cold
One of the king herbs for Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Gou Teng
Extinguish LV Wind
Control spasms and tremors
Pacify LV yang
One of the king herbs for Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Don't cook more than 20 minutes
Shi Jue Ming
Extinguish LV Wind
Improve eyes, brighten eyes
Used for increased gastric acidity and topically for trauma
Crush, cook 60 minutes longer
Bai Ji Li
Extinguish LV Wind
Brighten the eyes
Dispel Wind, stop itching
Dai Zhe Shi, Haematitum
Extinguish LV Wind
Cool blood and stop bleeding
Good for blood issues
Lowers BP
Di Long
Extinguish LV Wind
Clear heat and unblock channels & collaterals
Calm wheezing
Promote urination
Used for hypertension
Bing Lang
Expel Parasites
Kill wide variety of intestinal parasites-->esp. tapeworm
She Chuang Zi
External Use
Dry Damp & kill parasites
Stop itching (topically
1. Ge Gen
2. Sheng Ma
3. Chai Hu
4. Huang Qi
5. He Ye
What are the 5 herbs that raise clear Yang Qi?
1. Wu Wei Zi
2. Fu Xiao Mai
3. Mu Li
What are the 3 herbs that stop sweating?
Zhi Mu & Huang Bai
Which two herbs are added to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan more heat conditions? They enrich yin and clear deficiency heat
Bai Mao Gen
Paired with Lu Gen to clear heat and promote urination:
Xuan Shen
Paired with Mu Li to soften nodules:
1. Chen Pi
2. Mu Xiang
3. Sha Ren
What are the 3 herbs that prevent stagnation from tonifying/cloying herbs?
Raise Qi, prolapse, clinically chronic diarrhea
What are Chai Hu & Sheng Ma pair herbs for?
Shao yang--temporal headaches also
What are Chai Hu & Huang Qin pair herbs for?
Harmonize the interior
What are Gui Zhi & Bai Shao pair herbs for?
Clear heat and irritability (Wen Bing, Qi level)
What are Zhi Zi and Dan Dou Chi pair herbs for?
Hypochondriac pain, clear heat, eliminate damp, move qi, quicken blood, stop pain
What are Chuan Lian Zi & Yan Hu Suo pair herbs for?
Activate blood and generate tissue, stop pain
What are Ru Xiang & Mo Yao pair herbs for?
Activate blood and clear blood masses
What are San Leng & E Zhu pair herbs for?
Soften nodules
What are Xuan Shen and Mu Li pair herbs for?
Calm the fetus with Sp Qi xu
What are Huang Qin and Bai Zhu pair herbs for?
Regulate menses and move qi, resolve depression, dispel stasis
What are Yi Mu Cao & Xiang Fu pair herbs for?
Muscle spasms
What are Bai Shao & Gan Cao pair herbs for?
Clear heat and stop cough and pain
What are Jie Geng and Gan Cao pair herbs for?
Guiding herbs for the upper back, shoulders, and pain below the waist. Also the two king herbs in Ren Shen Bai Du San
What are Qiang Huo & Du Huo pair herbs for?
Treat dysentery
What are Mu Xiang and Huang Lian pair herbs for?
Malaria--like PC 5
What are Qing Hao & Cao Guo pair herbs for?
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