Summary of Medicinal Herbs
A B C D E F G H J K L M N P Q R S T W X Y Z
| Ai Ye | Artemisiae Argyii Folium | Stop Bleeding | acrid, bitter | warm | KD, LV, SP | 3-9g | Warms the Womb and stops bleeding: for prolonged menstrual bleeding and uterine bleeding due to cold from deficiency. Because it calms the fetus it is used for restless fetus, lower abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding, as in threatened miscarriage. Also used for infertility due to cold Womb. Disperses cold and alleviates pain: for cold abdominal pain, especially menstrual pain. Eliminates dampness and stops itching: decocted and applied as an external wash for a variety of skin problems marked by dampness and itching. |
| Ba Dou | Crotoni Fructus | Harsh Expellants | acrid | hot | LI, LU, ST | 0.1-0.3g | Warmly unblocks and vigorously purges: for severe cold accumulation in the interior leading to constipation and abdominal fullness, distention, and pain. Drives out water and reduces edema: for ascites. At present used for ascites due to end-stage schistosomiasis. Breaks up clogged phlegm and improves the condition of the throat: for phlegm clogging the throat and causing difficult breathing, wheezing, and severe fullness and distention in the chest and diaphragm. Also for phlegm veiling the sensory orifices. Promotes the healing of abscesses and ulcers: used topically for abscesses that have supporated but not yet ulcerated, to accelerate the ulcerating process. Also for severe ulcers. |
| Ba Ji Tian | Morindae Officinalis Radix | Tonify the Yang | acrid, sweet | slightly warm | KD | 6-15g | Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the yang: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as impotence, male or female infertility, premature ejaculation, urinary frequency, incontinence of urine, irregular menstruation, cold and painful lower abdomen, and a weak and sore back. Disperses wind-dampness and strengthens the sinews and bones: for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction with underlying Kidney deficiency with tight musculature of the lower back and legs, joint pain, and difficulty moving. |
| Bai Bu | Stemonae Radix | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | bitter, sweet | slightly warm | LU | 3-9g | Moistens the Lungs and stops cough: for both acute and chronic cough. Especially useful for cough from deficiency, including yin deficiency. Expels parasites and kills lice: apply topically as either a tincture or a decoction for head or body lice or fleas. Also used as a wash for bacterial vaginosis and as a nightly retained enema for pinworm. |
| Bai Dou Kou | Amomi Fructus Rotundus | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid, aromatic | warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-6g | Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness, and strengthens the Stomach: for dampness obstructing the middle burner as well as damp-warmth. Symptoms include a stifling sensation in the chest, fullness in the epigastrium, lack of appetite, and very greasy tongue coating. Warms the middle burner and causes rebellious qi to descend: for vomiting due to cold from deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach, Stomach cold, cold-dampness, or food stagnation. |
| Bai Fan | Alumen | External Application | astringent, sour | cold | LI, LU, LV, SP | 1-3g | |
| Bai Guo | Ginkgo Semen | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, bitter, sweet | neutral | KD, LU | 4.5-9g | Preserves the Lungs and arrests wheezing: for wheezing with coughing. Especially useful for chronic coughs or those with copious sputum. Eliminates dampness, stops discharge, and contains the urine: for vaginal discharge and turbid urine. Used both in cases of deficiency and damp-heat. |
| Bai He | Lilii Bulbus | Tonify the Yin | slightly bitter, sweet | slightly cold | HT, LU | 9-30g | Moistens the Lungs, clears heat, and stops coughs: for dry Lung or Lung-heat coughs and sore throat. Especially useful when a chronic cough due to Lung heat has injured the yin. Clears the Heart and calms the spirit: for such symptoms as intractable low-grade fever, insomnia, restlessness, and irritability in the aftermath of a febrile disease. Also for palpitations brought on by insufficiency of qi and yin. |
| Bai Hua She She Cao | Hedyotis Diffusae Herba | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter, sweet | cold | LI, LV, SI, ST | 15-30g | Clears heat, strongly resolves fire toxicity, and reduces abscesses: for intestinal abscess, toxic sores, ulcerations, and swellings. Also for snakebite and, recently, for a variety of cancers. Clears heat and facilitates resolution of dampness by promoting urination: for hot painful urinary dribbling and damp-heat jaundice. |
| Bai Ji | Bletillae Rhizoma | Stop Bleeding | bitter, sweet | cool | LU, LV, ST | 3-15g | Restrains leakage of blood and stops bleeding: mainly for bleeding from the LU and ST, which includes vomiting blood, coughing of blood, and nosebleed. Also for bleeding associated with traumatic injury, usually applied locally. Reduces swelling and generates flesh: applied topically for sores, ulcers, and chapped skin. It can be used whether or not the sore has ulcerated, as it reduces the swelling of sores and helps accelerate the healing of ulcers. Especially useful for chronic, nonhealing ulcers. |
| Bai Jiang Can | Bombyx Batryticatus | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | acrid, salty | neutral | LU, LV | 3-9g | Extinguishes wind and stops spasms and convulsions: for childhood convulsions or facial paralysis. Also used for seizures from either internal stirring of Liver wind or wind-phlegm-heat, especially the latter. Dispels wind, disperses wind-heat, and stops itching and pain: for headache, red eyes, and sore, swollen throat, as well as itching skin lesions such as wind rash, from either externally-contracted wind-heat or Liver wind. Also used for loss of voice. Transforms phlegm, softens what is hard, and dissipates nodules: for phlegm-heat scrofula and other phlegm nodules. Expels wind and stops itching: for itching skin lesions such as wind rash. |
| Bai Jiang Cao | Patriniae Herba | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | LI, LV, ST | 6-15g | |
| Bai Jie Zi | Sinapis Semen | Warm & Transform Phlegm-Cold | acrid | warm | LU | 3-9g | Warms the Lungs, regulates the qi, and expels phlegm: for coughing of copious and thin sputum, chest distention, and pain due to the accumulation of cold-phlegm, especially in chronic disorders. Promotes movement of the qi, disperses clumps, unblocks the collaterals, and stops pain: for phlegm- dampness obstructing the channels and collaterals, yin flat abscesses and spreading sores and phlegm nodules such as scrofula. |
| Bai Mao Gen | Imperatae Rhizoma | Stop Bleeding | sweet | cold | LU, SI, ST, UB | 9-30g | Cools the blood and stops bleeding: for the chaotic movement of hot blood with such symptoms as nosebleed, vomiting blood, coughing of blood, and blood in the urine. Clears heat and promotes urination: for hot painful urinary dribbling and other heat patterns with edema and urinary difficulty. Clears heat from the Stomach and Lungs: for nausea and thirst due to Stomach heat, or wheezing due to Lung heat. |
| Bai Qian | Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma | Warm & Transform Phlegm-Cold | acrid, sweet | slightly warm | LU | 3-9g | Redirects the qi downward, dispels phlegm, and stops cough: for cough with copious sputum and gurgling in the throat. This is a very important herb for Lung qi blockage and stagnation. It is used for disorders of excess with copious sputum that is difficult to expectorate, as well as wheezing. |
| Bai Shao | Paeoniae Radix Alba | Tonify the Blood | bitter, sour | slightly cold | LV, SP | 6-15g | Nourishes the blood and regulates the menses: for blood deficiency with such symptoms as menstrual dysfunction, vaginal discharge, and uterine bleeding accompanied by a pale, lusterless complexion, and dull, lusterless nails. This herb is very commonly used in the treatment of women’s disorders. Calms and curbs the Liver yang and alleviates pain: for such symptoms as flank, chest, or abdominal pain from either constrained Liver qi or disharmony between the Liver and Spleen. In general, this herb is used to ‘soften and comfort’ the Liver, stop painful spasms in the abdomen, stop cramping pain or spasms in the hands and feet, and alleviate abdominal pain associated with dysenteric disorders. It is also used for headache and dizziness due to ascendant Liver yang. Preserves the yin and adjusts the nutritive and protective levels: for spontaneous sweating, vaginal discharge and spermatorrhea, as well as exterior wind-cold from deficiency patterns with continuous sweating that does not resolve the problem. |
| Bai Tou Weng | Pulsatillae Radix | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter | cold | LI, ST | 6-15g | Clears heat and resolves toxicity: especially effective for cooling blood and alleviating dysenteric disorders. |
| Bai Wei | Cynanchi Atrati Radix | Clear Heat from Deficiency | bitter, salty | cold | KD, LU, ST | 3-12g | Clears heat and cools the blood: for heat entering the nutritive or blood levels, yin deficient fever, persistent summertime fever in children, postpartum fever, and lingering fever as the sequela of a warm heat pathogen disease that injures the blood or yin. Most commonly used for post partum fever and during the recovery stage from a febrile disease. Cools the blood and promotes urination: for hot or painful bloody urinary dribbling, especially before or after giving birth. Resolves toxicity and treats sores: for toxic sores, swollen and painful throat, and snakebite. For these purposes, it can be taken internally or applied topically. This action is not particularly strong. |
| Bai Xian Pi | Dicatmni Cortex | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter | cold | SP, ST | 4.5-9g | Clears heat, resolves fire toxicity, expels wind, and dries dampness: for wind-heat or damp-heat sores, carbuncles and rashes. These are characterized by much pus or leaking of a yellow fluid, moist skin, and pruritus. Aso used (only in combination) for damp-heat jaundice or painful obstruction. Clears damp-heat, stops itching: for vaginal pruritis with discharge. |
| Bai Zhi | Angelicae Dahuricae Radix | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Expels wind, eliminates dampness, unblocks the nasal passages, and alleviates pain: for patterns of externally contracted wind-cold, especially those with headache. Also for supraorbital pain, nasal congestion, and toothache. While primarily a warming herb, it can be used for any problem due to wind invading the yang brightness channels of the head. Reduces swelling and expels pus: for early stages of superficial sores and carbuncles. If the sore, ulcer, or carbuncle has not yet suppurated, this herb will help reduce the swelling. If pus has already formed or the sore has ulcerated, the herb can be used to help discharge the pus. Other uses: with Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gan Cao) for pain associated with ulcers. Expels dampness and alleviates discharge: usually for vaginal discharge due to cold-dampness in the lower burner, but with the appropriate herbs can also be used to treat vaginal discharge from damp-heat. |
| Bai Zhu | Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma | Tonify the Qi | bitter, sweet | warm | SP, ST | 6-15g | Tonifies the Spleen and augments the qi: for Spleen or Stomach deficiency with such symptoms as diarrhea, fatigue, sallow complexion, and lack of appetite. Dries dampness and promotes water metabolism: for accumulation of fluids affecting digestion as well as edema and reduce urination due to Spleen deficiency and its failure to transform and transport. Used as an auxiliary herb for damp painful obstruction. Stabilizes the exterior and stops sweating: for spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency. Can be used for other types of sweating when combined with appropriate herbs. Calms the fetus: for restless fetus disorder, especially when due to Spleen deficiency. Can be used for other types of this disorder when combined with appropriate herbs. |
| Bai Zi Ren | Platycodi Semen | Nourish Heart & Calm Spirit | sweet | neutral | HT, KD, LI | 3-9g | Nourishes the Heart and calms the spirit: for irritability, forgetfulness, and palpitations with anxiety due to Heart yin deficiency and insufficient blood. Also used for night terrors in children as a stand-alone herb in powder form. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels: for constipation in the elderly, debilitated, and postpartum women due to blood or yin deficiency. Also used for nightsweats due to yin deficiency. |
| Ban Lan Gen | Isatidis/Baphicacanthis Radix | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter | cold | HT, LU, ST | 9-15g | Clears heat, resolves toxicity, cools the blood and reduces swelling: for macular diseases from warm toxin, high fevers with headaches, massive-head febrile disorder, erysipelas, mumps, and a variety of significant viral diseases. |
| Bi Ba | Piperis Longi Fructus | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | hot | LI, ST | 1.5-4.5g | Warms the middle, disperses cold from the Stomach and Intestines, and alleviates pain: for cold congealing and leading to qi stagnation in the epigastrium and abdomen with such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, belching, acid regurgitation, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Applied as a powder for toothache, often with Hu Jiao. |
| Bi Xie | Dioscoriae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma | Drain Dampness | bitter | neutral | LV, ST, UB | 9-15g | Separates the pure from the turbid: for resolving turbid dampness in the lower burner manifested in cloudy urine (like rice porridge) or vaginal discharge. Can be used for problems due to either deficiency or damp-heat. Expels wind-dampness, relaxes the sinews, and unblocks the collaterals: for wind-dampness or damp-heat painful obstruction with lower back pain, numbness or stiffness of the lower extremities, or muscle aches. The effect is mild. Clears damp-heat from the skin: for damp-heat skin lesions such as eczema and pustular sores. |
| Bian Xu | Polygoni Avicularis Herba | Drain Dampness | bitter | slightly cold | UB | 9-15g | Clears damp-heat from the Bladder, promotes urination, and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for damp-heat painful urinary dribbling. Expels parasites and stops itching: for damp skin lesions with itching, including tinea, or for intestinal parasites such as tapeworm, hookworm, and pinworm. |
| Bie Jia | Trionycis Carapax | Tonify the Yin | salty | slightly cold | LV, SP | 9-30g | Nourishes the yin and anchors the yang: for yin deficiency with fever, steaming bone disorder, nightsweats, or consumption. Often used when there are also symptoms of internal stirring of Liver wind. Invigorates the blood, promotes menstruation, and dissipates nodules: for such symptoms as chest and flank accumulations causing pain and amenorrhea, as well as malarial disorders with palpable masses. Also for excessive menstruation due to hot blood. Heavily anchors and causes to descend, unblocks and facilitates the functions of the blood vessels: for problems in children due to internal clumping. |
| Bing Lang | Arecae Semen | Expel Parasites | acrid, bitter | warm | LI, ST | 6-15g | |
| Bing Pian | Borneolum | Aromatic Open Orifices | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | HT, LU, SP | 0.01-0.3g | |
| Bo He | Menthae Haplocalycis Herba | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, aromatic | cool | LU, LV | 3-6g | Releases the exterior and disperses wind-heat: for initial stages of wind-heat, with symptoms such as headache, fever, the absence of perspiration, dry mouth, and sore throat. Clears the head, brightens the eyes, and benefits the throat: for wind-heat in the upper body, with disorders of the throat and head, such as headache, sore throat, and red eyes. Vents rashes: used in the early stages of rashes to induce to come to the surface as a means of venting the wind and heat, thereby speeding recovery. Expels turbid filth: for problems such as summertime exposure to unclean qi leading to summerheat gastric disturbance, with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and a thick, greasy yellow tongue coating (Damp-heat in the Middle Jiao). Soothes and relieves Liver qi stagnation: relieves discomfort, distention, and pain in the chest and hypochondrium. |
| Bu Gu Zhi | Psoraleae Fructus | Tonify the Yang | acrid, bitter | very warm | KD, SP | 4.5-9g | Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the yang: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as impotence, premature ejaculation, enuresis, urinary frequency, cold and painful lower back, or weakness of the lower back and extremities. Also helps the Kidneys to grasp the qi in the treatment of wheezing. Tonifies and warms the Spleen yang and stops diarrhea: for diarrhea due to cold from deficiency of the Spleen, borborygmus, and abdominal pain. Most appropriate in those with both Spleen and Kidney deficiency. Used topically as a tincture for vitiligo. |
| Can Sha | Bomycis Faeces | Dispel Wind-Damp | acrid, sweet | warm | LV, SP, ST | 4.5-9g | Dispels wind and eliminates dampness: for painful obstruction or damp, itchy rashes due to wind-dampness. Harmonizes the Stomach and transforms turbid dampness: for internal obstruction from turbid dampness with such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain, borborygmus, and spasms of the calf muscles. |
| Cang Er Zi | Xanthii Fructus | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | bitter, sweet | warm | LU | 3-9g | Disperses wind and dampness and opens the nasal passages: for any nasal or sinus problem with a thick, viscous discharge and related headache. One of the main herbs for deep-source nasal congestion with headache, thick nasal discharge, and a loss of smell. Disperses wind and dispels dampness: for wind-damp painful obstruction or skin disorders with itching. Dispels exterior wind: as an auxiliary herb for exterior disorders with a splitting headache that radiates at the back of the neck. |
| Cang Zhu | Atractylodis Rhizoma | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid, bitter | warm | SP, ST | 3-9g | Strongly dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen: for dampness obstructing the middle burner and blocking the transportive and transformative functrions of the Spleen. Symptoms include reduced appetite, diarrhea, epigastric distention and pressure, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and a thick, greasy tongue coating. Induces sweating and dipels wind-dampness: for exterior conditions due to wind-cold-dampness as well as wind-dampness. Symptoms include chills, fever, headache, body aches, and nasal congestion. Clears dampness from the lower burner: for damp-heat pour downward (as in leg qi and some forms of atrophy disorders), vaginal discharge, and swollen, sore joints. Although this herb is warm, it is very effective for dying dampness; when combined with herbs that clear heat, it is used for damp-heat disorders. |
| Cao Dou Kou | Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid, aromatic | warm | SP, ST | 3-6g | Dries dampness and warms the middle: for cold-dampness of the Spleen and Stomach with fullness, distention and pain in the epigastrium and abdomen accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. |
| Cao Guo | Tsaoko Fructus | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid | warm | SP. ST | 3-6g | Strongly dries dampness and disperses cold: for cold-dampness obstructing the Spleen and Stomach presenting with epigastric and abdominal distention, fullness, and pain together with vomiting and diarrhea and a very greasy tongue coating. Checks malarial disorders: for intermittent fever and chills associated with malarial disorders, especially when due to cold-dampness or turbid dampness. Dissolves stagnation and distention: for indigestion due to meat stagnation. Also for focal distention and nausea due to cold from deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. |
| Ce Bai Ye | Platycladi Cacumen | Stop Bleeding | astringent, bitter | slightly cold | LI, LU, LV | 6-15g | Cools the blood and stops bleeding: widely used for various bleeding disorders including vomiting blood, bleeding gums, coughing of blood, blood in the stool or urine, bloody dysenteric disorder, and uterine bleeding. Owing to its slightly cold nature, this herb is effectively used in treating patterns of hot blood, but itmay also be used with warming herbs for bleeding associated with cold patterns. Stops cough and expels phlegm: for LU heat patterns with cough and accumulation of phlegm. Especially important in cases of viscous, D2E sputum streaked with blood. Promotes healing of burns: used topically in powdered form for the early stages of burns over a small to moderate surface area. Also used for hair loss. |
| Chai Hu | Bupleuri Radix | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, bitter | cool | GB, LV, PC, SJ | 3-9g | Resolves lesser yang disorders and reduces fever: for alternating chills and fever accompanied by a bitter taste, flank pain, irritability, vomiting, and a stifling sensation in the chest. Also used as an auxiliary herb for heat from deficiency. (9g) Spreads Liver qi and relieves constraint: for constrained Liver qi: with such symptoms as dizziness, vertigo, chest and flank pain, emotional instability, or menstrual problems. (6g) Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen: for symptoms such as epigastric and flank pain, stifling sensation in the chest, abdominal bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Raises and lifts the yang qi, specifically the clear qi of the Stomach and Gallbladder: for prolapse, sensations of dragging downward, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, bleeding or exhaustion (all of these symptoms indicate an abnormal descent of qi). (3g) |
| Chan Tui | Cicadae Periostracum | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | salty, sweet | slightly cold | LU, LV | 3-9g | Disperses wind and clear heat: for patterns of externally-contracted wind-heat, especially with loss of voice and swollen, sore throat, as in Mullberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink (sang ju yin). Vents rashes: for early stage of measles with an incomplete expression due to Lung heat. Clears the eyes and removes superficial visual obstruction: for wind-heat eye problems such as red, painful, and swollen eyes, or blurry vision. Stops spasms and extinguishes wind: for childhood febrile diseases in which wind causes convulsions, spasms, delirium, or night terrors. Also used as an auxilliary substance in treating tetanus. |
| Che Qian Zi | Plantaginis Seman | Drain Dampness | sweet | cold | KD, LU, LV, UB | 9-15g | Promotes urination and clears damp-heat: for any type of edema or painful urinary dribbling due to damp-heat. Generally used for damp-heat pouring into the lower burner. Promotes urination to solidify the stool: for diarrhea associated with either damp-heat or damp-summerheat. Clears the eyes: for eye problems associated with either Liver and Kidney deficiency (e.g., dry eyes or diminished visual acuity), or heat in the Liver channel (e.g., red, painful, swollen eyes and sensitivity to light), depending on the other herbs with which it is combined. Expels phlegm and stops cough: for Lung heat-induced cough with yellow, copious sputum. |
| Chen Pi | Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium | Regulate the Qi | acrid, aromatic, bitter | warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Regulates the qi, adjusts the middle, and relieves the diaphragm: for Spleen or Stomach stagnant qi patterns with such symptoms as epigastric or abdominal distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea and vomiting. This herb promotes the movement of qi in general while specifically directing it downward. It is commonly used in treating many different types of nausea and vomiting. Dries dampness and transforms phlegm: an important herb for phlegm-damp coughs with a stifling sensation in the chest and/or diaphragm, and copious, viscous sputum. Also used for damp turbidity obstructing the middle with a stifling sensation in the chest, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, fatigue, loose stools, and a thick, greasy tongue coat. An important qi-level herb for both the Spleen and Lung channels, it is especially appropriate for disorders involving both channels. Helps prevent stagnation: used with tonifying herbs to prevent their cloying nature from causing stagnation. |
| Chen Xiang | Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum | Regulate the Qi | acrid, aromatic, bitter | warm | KD, SP, ST | 1-1.5g | Promotes the movement of qi and alleviates pain: for stagnant qi patterns with such symptoms such as distention, pain, or a feeling of pressure in the epigastric or abdominal region. Especially useful for problems due to cold from xu or blood stasis. Directs rebellious qi downward and regulates the middle: for rebellious qi wheezing of either the xu orexcess type, or vomiting, belching, or hiccup due cold from xu of the Stomach or Spleen. Aids the KDs in grasping the qi: for asthma and wheezing due to KD xu. |
| Chi Fu Ling | Poria Rubra | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | neutral | HT, KD, LU, SP | 9-15g | Similar to Fu Ling: drains heat and dampness. |
| Chi Shao | Paeoniae Radix Rubrum | Invigorate the Blood | bitter, sour | slightly cold | LV, SP | 6-15g | Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis: for dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, abdominal pain, and fixed abdominal masses. Also for swelling and pain associated with traumatic injury and early stages of abscesses and boils. Clears heat and cools the blood: for heat entering the blood level with fever, purple tongue, maculae, and bleeding due to the chaotic movement of hot blood. Also for gynecological problems associated with hot blood. |
| Chi Shi Zhi | Halloysitum Rubrum | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, sour, sweet | warm | LI, SP, ST | 9-18g | Binds up the Intestines and stops diarrhea: for chronic diarrhea due to cold from deficiency, or chronic dysenteric disorders with mucus and blood in the stool. Usually the diarrhea is chronic and is often accompanied by undigested food in the stool. Contains the blood and stops bleeding: for uterine bleeding, excessive menstruation, blood in the stool, and bleeding prolapsed rectum due to cold from deficiency of the lower burner. Also used topically for bleeding due to trauma. Promotes healing of wounds: used in ground form and applied topically for chronic nonhealing ulcers. Also used topically for wheeping damp sores as well as prolapsed rectum. |
| Chuan Bei Mu | Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | bitter, sweet | slightly cold | HT, LU | 3-9g | Clears heat and transforms phlegm: for many types of cough, cheifly chronic cough, cough with signs of fire due to yin deficiency, cough with slight sputum that is diffiucult to expectorate, or cough with blood-streaked sputum. It is most effective in treating cough accompanied by constrained qi, manifested in a reduced appetite and a stifing sensation in the chest and upper abdomen. Clears heat and dissipates nodules: for disorders in which phlegm-fire collects and produces nodules, sores, swellings, scrofula and lung or breast abscess. |
| Chuan Lian Zi | Toosendan Fructus | Regulate the Qi | bitter | cold | LI, LV, ST, UB | 4.5-9g | Dredges LV qi, releases constraint, stops pain, and conducts heat out from below: for a variety of symptoms from LV constraint, including pain in the chest and ribs, distention and pain from LV/ST disharmony, and bulging disorders. It is most useful for problems involving heat, but because it is very effective, it can also beused for cold conditions with the appropriate combination of herbs. Kills parasites and stops pain: for roundworms and tapeworms. Although this herb is not particularly effective in expelling parasites, it is able to alleviate pain and is therefore used for the abdominal pain associated with an accumulation of parasites. Also used topically in powder for dermatosis of the scalp. |
| Chuan Niu Xi | Cyathulae Radix | Invigorate the Blood | bitter, sweet | neutral | KD, LV | 4.5-9g | Invigorates the blood and unblocks the menses: for blood stasis leading to dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea, as well as for pain due to trauma. Expels wind, drains dampness: for wind-dampness, especially of the lower back, and atrophy and spasms of the lower extremities. Also for painful urinary dribbling. |
| Chuan Xin Lian | Andrographitis Herba | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter | cold | LI, LU, SI, ST | 6-15g | Clears heat and resolves fire toxicity: for a wide variety of heat disorders including heat in the Lungs, throat, and urinary tract. Also for fire toxin manifestations on the skin such as sores and carbuncles. In its fresh form, applied topically for snakebite. Clears heat, dries dampness, and stops diarrhea: for damp-heat dysenteric disorder, hot painful urinary dribbling, and eczema. For the latter, it is usually applied topically as an ointment. |
| Chuan Xiong | Chuanxiong Rhizoma | Invigorate the Blood | acrid | warm | GB, LV, PC | 3-9g | Invigorates the blood and promotes the movement of qi: for any blood stasis pattern. This is an important herb in gynecology and is used for such problems as dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, difficult labor, or retained lochia. It is also indicated for patterns of stagnant qi and blood stasis with pain and soreness in the chest, flanks, and hypochondria. Expels wind and alleviates pain: a leading herb for any externally-contracted wind disorder characterized by headache, dizziness, or painful obstruction. Particularly useful for headaches. Also used for a variety of skin problems caused by wind. |
| Chun Pi | Ailanthi Cortex | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, bitter | cold | LI, ST | 6-9g | Clears heat, dries dampness, and binds up the Intestines: for chronic diarrhea or dysenteric disorders, especially those due to damp-heat. Particularly useful when there is blood in the stool. Also used for chronic vaginal discharge due to damp-heat. Kills parasites: for roundworms. Applied externally for pruritic dermatosis. |
| Ci Ji Li | Tribuli Fructus | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | acrid, bitter | neutral | LV | 6-15g | Calms the Liver and anchors the yang: for headache, vertigo, or dizziness from ascendant Liver yang. Dredges the Liver qi to smooth its flow while dispersing constraint and clumping: for pain and distension in the chest or flanks, irregular menstruation, or insufficient lactation from constrained Liver qi. Dispels wind-heat and brightens the eyes: for red, swollen, and painful eyes as well as increased tearing. Dispels wind and stops itching: for any kind of skin lesion with significant itching, such as hives. Also used for vitiligo, sometimes as a stand-along herb. |
| Ci Shi | Magnetitum | Anchor, Settle & Calm | acrid, salty | cold | KD, LV | 15-30g | Anchors and calms the spirit: for restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, or tremors, especially in patients with yin deficiency and ascendant yang. Particularly useful when Kidney deficiency leads to upward blazing of Liver fire that deranges and disturbs the Heart spirit. Also used for dizziness or vertigo in patients with similar patterns, or convulsions in children caused by shock. Nourishes the Kidneys, augments the Liver, and improves hearing and vision: for impaired hearing or deafness, tinnitus, or visual disturbances due to Liver and Kidney deficiency. Aids the Kidneys in grasping the qi: for chronic asthma due to failure of the Kidneys to grasp the qi. |
| Cong Bai | Allii Fistulosi Bulbus | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | warm | LU, ST | 3-9g | Releases the exterior and induces sweating: for externally contracted wind-cold, especially in the very early stages. Disperses cold and unblocks the yang: for either abdominal pain and distention or nasal congestion due to blockage of yang qi by cold. Resolves toxicity and disperses clumps: for sores and abscesses. For this purpose, the herb is applied externally as a poultice. |
| Da Fu Pi | Arecae Pericarpium | Regulate the Qi | acrid | slightly warm | LI, SI, SP, ST | 4.5-9g | Drives qi downward and eases the middle: for patterns of dampness or other processes obstructing themiddle and leading to qi stagnation with such signs as epigastric and abdominal distention, focal distention andva stifling sensation, and belching with acid regurgitation. Especially useful when these disorders areaccompanied by incomplete and irregular bowel movements. Promotes urination and reduces edema: for abdominal distention accompanied by edema, especially superficial edema, or the symptoms of food stagnation. Also used for damp leg qi. |
| Da Huang | Rhei Radix et Rhizoma | Purgatives | bitter | cold | HT, LI, LV, ST | 3-15g | Drains hear and purges accumulations: for high fever, profuse sweating, thirst, constipation, abdominal distension and pain, delirium, yellow tongue coating, and a full pulse. This presentation is referred to as either Intestinal heat excess or the yang brightness organ-stage of the six stages of disease. Drains fire: for fire from excess leading to intense fever, sore throat, hot, swollen, and painful eyes, or fire toxin sores due to heat excess obstructing the blood level. Particularly useful when these problems are accompanied by constipation. Clears heat, transforms dampness, and promotes urination: for damp-heat leading to such problems as edema, jaundice, painful urinary dribbling, as well as acute, hot dysenteric disorders. Drains heat from the blood: for blood in the stool either from bleeding hemorrhoids or heat accumulating in the Intestines. Also for chaotic movement of hot blood that overflows, manifested in vomiting blood or nosebleed accompanied by constipation. Can be powdered and administered orally for bleeding from the upper digestive tract. This is an important herb because it can stop bleeding without causing blood stasis. Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis: for amenorrhea, fixed abdominal masses, or fixed pain due to blood stasis. Also for blood stasis due to traumatic injury or Intestinal abscess. This is an important herb for treating both recent and long-term blood stasis as it can both eliminate static blood that is outside the vessels via the bowels, and clear the heat that often develops from stasis. It is used both internally and externally. Clears heat and reduces fire toxicity: used either topically or internally for burns or skin lesions due to heat. |
| Da Qing Ye | Isatidis Folium | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter, salty | very cold | HT, LU, ST | 9-15g | Clears heat and resolves fire toxicity: for any warm-heat pathogen disease or epidemic febrile outbreak. Especially for epidemic toxin or any severe febrile disease that affects people regardless of their constitution, such as severe contagious diseases. May be used for fire toxin anywhere in the body, especially in the throat or Lungs. Often used for mouth ulcers and throat painful obstruction. Cools the blood and dissipates maculae: for maculae or other skin eruptions due to heat in the blood. Ofteused in cases with intense fever, irritability, and changes in consciousness. Also used for vomiting of blood. |
| Da Suan | Alli Sativi Bulbus | Expel Parasites | acrid | warm | LI, LU, SP, ST | 4.5-9g | |
| Da Zao | Jujubae Fructus | Tonify the Qi | sweet | warm | SP, ST | 10-30g | Tonifies the Spleen and augments the qi: for weakness, shortness of breath, lassitude, reduced appetite, and loose stools due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency. Can be prepared in rice or millet congee for this purpose. Nourishes the blood and calms the spirit: for the wan appearance, irritability, and severe emotional lability associated with restless organ disorder. Moderates and harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs. |
| Dai Zhe Shi | Haematitum | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | bitter | cold | HT, LV, PC | 9-30g | Sedates and anchors the Liver yang and clears Liver fire: for ascendant Liver yang with such signs as dizziness, vertigo, headache, sensation of pressure around the eyes, or tinnitus. Strongly directs rebellious qi downward: for such symptoms as belching, vomiting, hiccough, and acute wheezing. Cools the blood and stops bleeding: for vomiting of blood and nosebleeds. While primarily used for bleeding due to hot blood, it can be used for bleeding due to cold from deficiency when combined with other appropriate herbs. Can be used by itself for this purpose. |
| Dan Dou Chi | Sojae Semen Preparatum | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | sweet, slightly bitter | cold or warm | LU, ST | 6-12g | Releases the exterior: for both hot and cold exterior disorders. Because of its mild character, it is also appropriate for treating patterns of yin deficiency with superimposed exterior disorders. Eliminates irritability: for irritability, restlessness, stifling sensation in the chest, and insomnia following a febrile disorder. |
| Dan Shen | Salviae Miltorrhixae Radix | Invigorate the Blood | bitter | slightly cold | HT, LV, PC | 6-15g | Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis: for a wide variety of blood stasis disorders in any part of the body. Most commonly used for problems affecting the lower abdomen, chest, or hypochondria. It is a very important herb in gynecology. Clears heat and soothes irritability: especially useful for restlessness, irritability, palpitations, and insomnia due to heat entering the nutritive level. Can also be used in patterns of Heart and Kidney yin deficiency. Cools the blood and reduces abscesses: as an adjunctive herb to treat sores or the early stages of breast abscess. Nourishes the blood and calms the spirit: for palpitations and insomnia due to either heat entering the nutritive and blood levels or insufficient Heart blood. |
| Dan Zhu Ye | Lophatheri Herba | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | bland, sweet | cold | HT, SI, ST | 6-9g | Clears heat and eliminates irritability: for heat patterns with irritability and thirst. Also used for mouth sores and swollen, painful gums due to heat in the Heart or Stomach channels. Promotes urination and clears damp heat: for rough, scanty, painful urination. Especially useful for heat in the Small Intestine channel with the above symptoms plus irritability and a dark red tip on the tongue. |
| Dang Gui | Angelicae Sinensis Radix | Tonify the Blood | acrid, sweet | warm | HT, LV, SP | 4.5-15g | Tonifies the blood and regulates the menses: for patterns of blood deficiency, especially when affecting the Heart and Liver, with such symptoms as a pallid, ashen complexion, lusterless nails, tinnitus, blurred vision, and palpitations. Also very commonly used for blood deficiency associated with such menstrual disorders as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. Invigorates and harmonizes the blood and disperses cold: an important herb for stopping pain due to blood stasis. Commonly used for abdominal pain, traumatic injury, and carbuncles due to blood stasis, especially when accompanied by cold from deficiency. This is an important herb in the postpartum period, and even during pregnancy if used with caution. Also used in the treatment of blood deficiency with chronic wind-damp painful obstruction. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels: for dry Intestines due to blood deficiency. Reduces swelling, expels pus, generates fluids, and alleviates pain: used in treating sores and abscesses where its ability to both tonify and invigorate the blood leads to improvement. Also used topically for this purpose. Treats coughs: Because this effect is weak, it is used as an adjunctive herb for this symptom. |
| Dang Shen | Codonopsis Radix | Tonify the Qi | sweet | neutral | LU, SP | 6-9g | Tonfies the middle burner and augments the qi: for lack of apetite, fatigue, tired limbs, diarrhea, vomiting, or any chronic illness with Spleen qi deficiency. Also for symptoms of prolapse of the uterus, stomach, or rectum due to collapsed Spleen qi. Tonifies the Lungs: for Lung deficiency with chronic cough and shortness of breath, or copious sputum due to Spleen qi deficiency. Also used with herbs that release the exterior or drain downward when the presentation included significant qi deficiency. In such cases, this herb supports the normal while the other herbs expel the pathogenic influences. |
| Deng Xin Xiao | Junci Medulla | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | slightly cold | HT, LU, SI | 1.5-4.5g | Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for hot painful urinary dribbling or other heat disorders with dark, scanty urine. Clears the Heart and directs fire downward: moves heat from the Heart channel downward into the Small Intestine channel where it is expelled through the urine. Commonly used in childhood sleep disorders accompanied by dark, scanty urine and irritability, especially at night. Can be used alone for this purpose. Also used in adults for insomnia or restless sleep due to lack of communication between the Heart and the Kidneys (i.e., excessive Heart fire with Kidney yin deficiency). Clears Lung Heat: for throat inflammation. |
| Di Fu Zi | Kochiae Fructus | Drain Dampness | bitter, sweet | cold | KD, UB | 9-15g | Clears damp-heat and promotes urination: for painful urinary dribbling due to damp-heat accumulating in he Bladder with such symptoms as dark, burning, and scanty urine. Expels dampness and stops itching: used both internally and topically for damp skin disorders and other dermatological problems where itching is a major symptom, such as eczema and scabies. Also for damp-heat in the external genitals. |
| Di Gu Pi | Lycii Cortex | Clear Heat from Deficiency | bland, sweet | cold | KD, LU, LV | 6-15g | Cools the blood and reduces steaming: This herb specifically drains Kidney fire, eliminates lurking heat, and clear heat from the bones. It is used for such symptoms as night sweats, steaming bone disorder with sweating, chronic low grade fever, irritability and thirst. Also for floating fire in the Kindey channel marked by toothache. Clears and drains Lung heat: for Lung heat cough or wheezing. |
| Di Long | Pheretima | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | salty | cold | LU, LV, SP, UB | 4.5-15g | Drains heat, settles convulsions, extinguishes wind, and stops spasms: for extremely high fever leading to changes in consciousness, incoherent speech, convulsions, and seizures. Can be used alone. Recently also used for schizophrenia of the hot-manic type. Clears heat and unblocks and promotes movement in the channels and collaterals: for swollen and painful joints with reduced range of motion. Most commonly used for hot painful obstruction, but can also be used for cold painful obstruction with the addition of other appropriate substances. Also used for hemiplegia due to lack of flow in the channels, such as the sequelae of wind-stroke. Clears heat and calms wheezing: for wheezing, especially due to Lung heat. Can be taken by itself for this purpose, either as a powder ingested directly (or in capsules) or the fresh product can be decocted with the addition of sugar to form a syrup. Clears heat and promotes urination: for hot painful urinary dribbling, and in severe cases, edema. Especially useful for problems associated with heat clumping in the Bladder with urinary difficulty or inability to urinate. Can be used by itself for this purpose. Also used recently for hypertension associated with ascendant Liver yang patterns. |
| Di Yu | Sanguisorbae Radix | Stop Bleeding | bitter, sour | slightly cold | LI, LV, ST | 9-15g | Cools the blood and stops bleeding: especially for bleeding in the lower burner due to damp-heat with such symptoms as blood in the stool, bleeding hemorrhoids, bloody dysenteric disorders, and excessive uterine bleeding. Also used for vomiting blood and nosebleed. Clears heat and generates flesh: applied topically for sores, ulcers, and injuries from burns. It both reduces the oozing by holding in the fluids, and promotes the generation of new flesh. |
| Ding Xiang | Caryophylli Flos | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | warm | KD, SP, ST | 1-g | Warms the middle burner and directs rebellious qi downward: for Stomach cold with vomiting, hiccough, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and for Spleen or Stomach cold from deficiency with lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Warms the Kidneys and aids the yang: for impotence or clear vaginal discharge due to yang deficiency of the Kidneys. This type of vaginal discharge is regarded as a manifestation of Womb cold from deficiency and is usually accompanied by weakness in the legs. |
| Dong Chong Xia Cao | Cordyceps | Tonify the Yang | sweet | warm | KD, LU | 3-9g | Augments the Kidneys and tonifies the yang: for impotence and sore and weak lower back and lower extremities associated with Kidney yang deficiency. Tonifies the Kidney yang, augments the Lung yin, transforms phlegm, and stops bleeding: for chronic coughs, wheezing form deficiency, or consumptive coughs with blood-streaked sputum. Because it tonifies both the yin and yang and is a very safe substance, it can be taken over a long period of time. |
| Dong Gua Zi | Benincasae Semen | Drain Dampness | sweet | cold | LI, LU, SI, ST | 9-15g | Clears heat, expels phlegm, and promotes the discharge of pus: for heat that has collected in the Lungs or Intestines, as in Lung heat, with expectoration of thick, yellow sputum. Also for damp-heat with phlegm obstruction in the upper or lower burner, as in Lung or Intestinal abscess. Clears heat and drains dampness: especially useful in the treatment of damp-heat vaginal discharge. |
| Du Huo | Angelicae Pubescentis Radix | Dispel Wind-Damp | acrid, bitter | warm | KD, LV, UB | 3-9g | Dispels wind-damp and alleviates pain: For wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, especially in the lower back and legs. Can be used in both acute and chronic conditions. Disperses wind-cold damp and releases the exterior: Treats exterior wind cold with dampness as well as wind-cold damp in the joints. Relieves shaoyin channel disorders: Treats disorders in the shaoyin chanel, particularly kidney channel headache and toothache. |
| Du Zhong | Eucommiae Cortex | Tonify the Yang | slightly acrid, sweet | warm | KD, LV | 9-15g | Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the sinews and bones: for Liver and Kidney deficiency with such symptoms as weak, sore, or painful lower back and knees, fatigue, and urinary frequency. Aids in the smooth flow of qi and blood: used to promote circulation, especially in those with weakness of the sinews and bones. Calms the fetus: for patterns of cold from deficiency of the Kidneys with bleeding during pregnancy. Also used to prevent miscarriage when the fetus is restless or agitated, and when a pregnant woman has significant back pain or presents with a deficient condition. Recently used for dizziness and lightheadedness (hypertension) from rising Liver yang. |
| E Jiao | Asini Corii Colla | Tonify the Blood | sweet | neutral | KD, LU, LV | 3-9g | Tonifies the Blood: for such symptoms as dizziness, sallow or pale complexion, and palpitations due to blood deficiency. Can be used as a stand-alone herb or melted in warm rice or millet wine. Nourishes the blood and stops bleeding: for any type of bleeding, but best for consumptive disorders with coughing of blood, blood in the stool, excessive menstrual bleeding, or uterine bleeding. Nourishes and moistens the yin: for yin deficiency with such symptoms as irritability and insomnia in the aftermath of a febrile disease. Also used for dry Lung cough due to yin deficiency or consumption. |
| E Zhu | Curcumae Rhizoma | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | warm | LV, SP | 3-9g | Breaks up blood stasis, promotes the movement of qi, and alleviates pain: for abdominal pain, dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, abdominal masses, and epigastric masses due to blood stasis. Dissolves accumulations and alleviates pain: for pain, distention, fullness, and constriction in the chest and abdomen due to food stagnation. Also for childhood nutritional impairment. |
| Fan Xie Ye | Sennae Folium | Purgatives | bitter, sweet | cold | LI | 1.5-3g | Drains downward and guides out stagnation: for constipation due to heat accumulation in the intestines. Can be used for both acute and chronic problems. Often used alone. |
| Fang Feng | Saposhnikoviae Radix | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, sweet | slightly warm | LV, SP, UB | 4.5-9g | Releases the exterior and expels wind: for headache, chills, and body aches due to externally-contracted wind- cold. Expels wind-dampness and alleviates pain: for exterior wind-damp painful obstruction, especially when wind dominates. Expels wind and relieves spasms: as an auxiliary herb to alleviate trembling of the hands and feet and tetany. Also for Intestinal wind due to imbalance between the Spleen and Liver manifested in recurrent, painful diarrhea with bright blood in the stool. Also for migraine headaches. |
| Fu Ling | Poria | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | neutral | HT, KD, LU, SP | 9-15g | Promotes urination and leaches out dampness: Used to treat symptoms such as urinary difficulty, diarrhea, edema due to stagnation of the fluids or dampness, and scanty urine from damp-heat. Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the middle jiao: In cases of spleen deficiency compounded by damp with symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and epigastric distention. Strengthens the spleen and transforms phlegm: Treats spleen deficiency with thin mucus in which phlegm is ascending to the chest and head causing palpitations, thick greasy tongue coat, dizziness, headache, and possibly extreme depression. Quiets the heart and calms the spirit: Indications include palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness from heart spleen dual vacuity or internal obstruction of turbid phlegm. |
| Fu Ling Pi | Poria Cutis | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | neutral | HT, KD, LU, SP | 15-30g | Similar to Fu Ling: more powerfully drains dampness and treats edema. |
| Fu Pen Zi | Rubi Fructus | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, sweet | neutral | KD, LV | 6-12g | Augments and stabilizes the Kidneys, binds the essence, and contains the urine: for urinary frequency or enuresis, impotence, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, or wet dreams due to Kidney yang deficiency. Assists the yang and improves the vision: for poor vision, soreness of the lower back, and impotence due to Liver and Kidney deficiency. |
| Fu Ping | Spirodelae Herba | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | cold | LU, UB | 3-9g | Induces sweating and releases the exterior: for patterns of exterior heat with head and body aches and an absence of sweating. This is one of the few cool, acrid herbs that is a strong diaphoretic. It is sometimes prescribed by itself for this purpose. Vents rashes and stops itching: hastens the full expression of measles or other rashes and therby accelerates resolution of the disease. Also used for wind rash. Promotes urination and reduces swelling: for hot superficial edema, primarily when it affects the upper body and is accompanied by urinary difficulty. |
| Fu Shen | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | neutral | HT, KD, LU, SP | 6-15g | Similar to Fu Ling: has a more spirit calming affect. | |
| Fu Xiao Mai | Tritici Fructus levis | Stabilize & Bind | sweet, slightly salty | cool | HT | 15-30g | Inhibits sweating: for many kinds of sweating from deficiency including spontaneous sweating from qi deficiency, and nightsweats from yin deficiency. |
| Gan Cao | Glycyrrhizae Radix | Tonify the Qi | sweet | neutral | all 12 channel | 1.5-9g | Tonifies the Spleen and augments the qi: commonly used for Spleen deficiency with shortness of breath, lassitude, and loosed stools. Also for qi or blood patterns with an irregular or intermittent pulse and/or palpitations. Moistens the Lungs and stops cough: for cough and wheezing. Because of its neutral properties, it can be used for either heat or cold in the Lungs and for either productive or nonproductive coughs. Moderates spasms and alleviates pain: for painful spasms of the abdomen or legs. Traditionally, this effect is only seen when combined with bai shao. Clears heat and resolves fire toxicity: used unprepared for carbuncles, sores, or sore throat due to fire toxin. For this purpose it can be taken internally or applied topically. Also used as an antidote for a variety of toxic substances, both internally and topically. Moderates and harmonizes the characteristics of other herbs: by virtue of its sweet, neutral, and moderating properties, this herb moderates hot and cold herbs. Because it is said to enter all 12 primary channels, it can lead and conduct other herbs into the channels. |
| Gan Jiang | Zingiberis Rhizoma | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | hot | HT, LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Warms the middle and expels cold: for warming the Spleen and Stomach both in conditions of excess due to externally-contracted cold, as well as cold from deficiency due to insufficiency of the yang qi. Also dispels wind and dampness that seep into the lower burner. Rescues devastated yang and expels interior cold: for devastated yang with such signs as a very weak pulse and cold limbs. Warms the Lungs and transforms thin mucus: because this herb warms the Spleen and dries dampness while simultaneously scattering cold in the Lungs, it is used for Lung cold with expectoration of thin, watery, or white sputum. Warms the channels and stops bleeding: for cold from deficiency that may present with hemorrhage of various types, especially uterine bleeding. It is used in treating hemorrhage only if the bleeding is chronic and pale in color, and is accompanied by cold limbs, ashen white face, and a soggy, thin pulse. For bleeding, Pao Jiang (prepared) is usually used. |
| Gan Sui | Kansui Radix | Harsh Expellants | bitter, sweet | cold | KD, LI, LU | 0.5-1.5g | Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus: for draining of severe accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdomen. Also for generalized edema, facial edema, and abdominal distension. This is a violent, cathartic herb that causes one to pass water anally. Drives out phlegm: for seizures from wind-phlegm or withdrawal-mania from recalcitrant phlegm congealing and clumping. Clears heat and reduces swelling: used topically for swollen, painful, nodular skin lesions due to damp heat. The herb is most appropriately used during the early stages of this disorder. Herbs that clear heat and resolve toxicity should be given orally at the same time. |
| Gao Ben | Ligustici Rhizoma | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | warm | DU, UB | 3-9g | Discharges exterior conditions and disperses cold: for externally-contracted wind-cold, and especially for headache and nasal congestion, as in Xin Yi San. By itself it is used for wind-cold lodged in the greater yang with headache involving the crown and vertex, or linked to the teeth and jaw. Dispels wind, overcomes dampness, and alleviates pain: for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction as well as acute lower back pain due to invasion of wind-cold, as it treats both ends of the Governing vessel. Also used for dampness affecting the digestive system. |
| Ge Gen | Puerariae Radix | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, sweet | cool | SP, ST | 9-21g | Discharges exterior conditions and releases the muscles: for exterior disorders lodged in the muscles manifesting in fever, headache, and stiff or thight upper back and neck. Relieves heat and generates fluids: for thirst due to Stomach heat. Especially appropriate in cases of externallly contracted heat. Vents and discharges measles: to hasten recovery from measles with incomplete expression of the rash. Relieves heat and generates fluids: for irritability and thirst from externally contracted heat or wasting and thirsting disease with internal heat. Raises the yang and stops diarrhea: for diarrhea or dysentric disorders due to heat. Can also be used for diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, when combined with appropriate herbs. Treats symptoms of hypertension: this herb has recently been used to treat the headache, dizziness, tinnitus, or paresthesias that can accompany hypertension. |
| Ge Jie | Gecko | Tonify the Yang | salty | neutral | LU, KD | 3-6g | Tonifies the Lung qi and assists the Kidney yang: for Kidney and Lung deficiency, when the Kidneys are unable to grasp the qi, manifesting as wheezing. Also used for consumptive cough or cough with blood-streaked sputum. Assists the Kidney yang and augments the essence and blood: for impotence, daybreak diarrhea, and urinary frequency from Kidney yang deficiency. |
| Gou Qi Zi | Lycii Fructus | Tonify the Blood | sweet | neutral | KD, LU, LV | 6-12g | Nourishes and tonifies the Liver and Kidneys: for yin and blood deficiency patterns with such symptoms as sore back and legs, low-grade abdominal pain, impotence, nocturnal emissions, wasting and thirsting disorder, and consumption. Because this herb is neither hot nor cold, it is commonly used in treating Liver and Kidney deficiency. Benefits the essence and brightens the eyes: for Liver and Kidney deficiency patterns where the essence and blood are unable to nourish the eyes. Manifestations include dizziness, blurred vision, and diminished visual acuity. Enriches the yin and moistens the Lungs: for consumptive cough and wasting and thirsting disorder. |
| Gou Teng | Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | sweet | slightly cold | LV, PC | 6-15g | Extinguishes wind and alleviates spasms: for patterns of Liver heat with internal stirring of Liver wind with such symptoms as tremors, seizures, and eclampsia. Drains Liver heat and pacifies Liver yang: for Liver fire and ascendant Liver yang patterns with such symptoms as headache, irritability, red eyes, and dizziness. Recently used for hypertension, especially of this type. Releases the exterior: for exterior wind-heat patterns with such symptoms as fever, headache, and red eyes. |
| Gu Sui Bu | Drynariae Rhizoma | Tonify the Yang | bitter | warm | KD, LV | 9-21g | Tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens bones: for such symptoms as weak low back and knees, diarrhea, tinnitus, diminished hearing, and loose, painful teeth and bleeding gums associated with Kidney deficiency. Promotes mending of the sinews and bones: for traumatic injuries such as falls, fractures, contusions, and sprains. Especially useful for ligamentous injuries and simple fractures. Stimulates the growth of hair: used topically as a tincture for alopecia. |
| Gu Ya | Setariae Fructus Germinatus | Relieve Food Stagnation | sweet | warm | SP, ST | 9-15g | Reduces food stagnation and strengthens the Stomach: for poor digestion due to stagnation and accumulation of undigested starchy foods. Also for weak digestion and loss of appetite associated with Spleen deficiency. |
| Gua Lou | Trichosanthis Fructus | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | sweet | cool | LI, LU, ST | 9-21g | Clears heat and transforms phlegm-heat: for heat-induced coughs with sputum that is thick and difficult to expectorate. Can be ues as a stand-alone herb, especially in children. Unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules: for conditions in which qi accumulates in the chest leading to a stifling or distended sensation, constriction, pain, or pressure in the diaphragm. Reduces abscesses and dissipates nodules: primarily for abscesses involving the Lungs, Intestines or breast. |
| Gua Lou Pi | Trichosanthis Pericarpium | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | sweet | cold | LI, LU, ST | 6-12g | Clears the Lungs and transforms phlegm: for phlegm-heat in the chest or dry cough with difficult-to- expectorate sputum and dry throat due to wind-heat. Regulates the qi and expands the chest: painful obstruction, clumping in the chest, and the early stages of breast abscess. |
| Gua Lou Ren | Trichosanthis Semen | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | salty, sweet | cold | LI, LU, ST | 9-15g | Clears and transforms phlegm-heat cough: Both cools and moistens. Especially useful for cough with chest pain and thick, difficult-to-expectorate sputum. Expands the chest: for accumulation of phlegm in the chest leading to a stifling sensation, pain or diaphragmatic pressure. Moistens the Intestines: for dry constipation, especially when it appears in a pattern of Lung heat with dry mouth, thirst, and irritability. Promotes healing of sores: used adjunctively for breast abscess and swelling as well as sores that have not yet suppurated. |
| Gui Ban | Testudinis Plastrum | Tonify the Yin | salty, sweet | cold | HT, KD, LV | 15-45g | Nourishes the yin and anchors the yang: for yin deficiency with ascendant yang with such symptoms as fever, nightsweats, dizziness, tinnitus, and steaming bone disorder. Also for yin deficiency of the Liver and Kidneys that generates internal wind symptoms such as facial spasms and tremors of the hands and feet. Benefits the Kidneys and strengthens the bones: for Kidney yin deficiency with such symptoms as soreness of the lower back, weakness in the legs, retarded skeletal development in children, or failure of the fontanel to close. Nourishes the blood, enriches the yin, and stabilizes the Penetrating and Conception vessels: for red and/or white vaginal discharge or uterine bleeding. Cools the blood and stops uterine bleeding: for excessive menstruation or uterine bleeding caused by chaotic movement of hot blood. Nouishes the blood and tonifies the Heart: for Heart deficiency with anxiety, insomnia, and forgetfulness. Also for nonhealing sores and ulcerations. |
| Gui Zhi | Cinamomi Ramulus | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, sweet | warm | HT, LU, UB | 3-9g | Releases the exterior and assists the yang: for exterior wind cold regardless of whether it is relatively deficient or excessive. Warms and unblocks the channels and collaterals: for wind-cold painful obstruction. Warms the yang and transforms thin mucus: for lack of transformation due to yang deficiency characterized by edema with urinary dysfunction or dizziness and palpitations. Assists the Heart yang and unblocks the yang qi of the chest: for listless chest yang together with upward movement of phlegm and thin mucus and the loss of orderly descent of the Lung qi with shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations. Warms the channels, vessels, and collaterals: removes painful obstruction and warms the blood vessels to remove stagnation and regulate the menses. Treats irregular menses and dysmenorrhea. Warms the middle and directs turbid yin downward: for cold from deficiency of the middle burner. |
| Hai Piao Xiao | Sepiae Endoconcha | Stabilize & Bind | salty, astringent | slightly warm | KD, LV, ST | 6-12g | Restrains, holds in, and stops bleeding: for a wide variety of bleeding patterns, especially those from deficiency. Also used topically as a powder to stop bleeding from traumatic injury. Secures the essence and stops discharge: for nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, or vaginal discharge due to Kidney deficiency. It is so effective as stopping vaginal discharge that it is used for that purpose from a variety of causes. Controls acidity and alleviates pain: used to harmonize Stomach acidity where the symptoms are stomach or epigastric pain, distasteful belching, or acid regurgitation. Resolves dampness and promotes healing: used topically in powdered form for chronic, non-healing skin ulcers or damp rashes of long duration. |
| Hai Tong Pi | Erythrinae Cortex | Dispel Wind-Damp | acrid, bitter | neutral | KD, LV, SP | 6-15g | Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks the channels and collaterals: for wind-damp painful obstruction, especially where there is soreness and pain in the lower back and knees, or spasms of the extremities. This herb can be used for patterns of either hot or cold, depending on the other herbs with which it is combined. Promotes urination and reduces edema: for superficial edema due to dampness. Treat itching skin lesions: used topically for scabies and other skin lesions. Also used as a gargle for toothache due to dental caries. |
| Hai Zao | Sargassum | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | bitter, salty | cold | KD, LU, LV, ST | 6-15g | Reduces phlegm and softens areas of hardness: for neck nodules such as goiter and scrofula. Also used for bulging disorders, epecially those involving the scrotum and testicles. Promotes urination and reduces edema: an adjunctive herb for edema due to leg qi or floating edema. |
| Han Fang Ji | Stephaniae Tetrandae Radix | Drain Dampness | acrid, bitter | cold | KD, SP, UB | 4.5-9g | Promotes urination and reduces edema: for edema (especially in the lower body), damp leg qi, gurgling sounds in the intestines, abdominal distention, or ascites due to dampness accumulating in the lower burner. Expels wind-dampness and alleviates pain: for wind-damp-heat collecting in the channels with such symptoms as fever and red, swollen, hot, and painful joints. |
| He Huan Pi | Albiziae Cortex | Nourish Heart & Calm Spirit | sweet | neutral | HT, LV | 6-15g | Calms the spirit and relieves constraint: for bad temper, depression, insomnia, irritability, and poor memory due to constrained emotions. Harmonizes the blood, stops pain, and reconnects the sinews and bones: for pain and swelling due to trauma, including fractures. This function is very mild. Dissipates swellings and reduces abscesses: for the pain and swelling of abscesses, both external and internal. |
| He Ye | Nelumbinis Folium | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter, sweet | neutral | HT, LV, SP | 3-9g | Treats summerheat patterns: for fever, irritability, excessive sweating, scanty urine, and especially diarrhea due to summerheat. Raises and clears the yang of the Spleen: for diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, especially in the aftermath of summerheat. Stops bleeding: primarily for bleeding in the lower burner due to heat or stagnation, but also for vomiting blood. Generally used as an adjunctive herb. |
| He Zi | Chebulae Fructus | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, bitter, sour | neutral | LI, LU, ST | 3-9g | Binds up the Intestines and stops diarrhea: for chronic diarrhea and dysenteric disorders. Can be used for both hot and cold patterns, depending on the other herbs in the formula. Can also be used for Intestinal wind with blood in the stool. Contains the leakage of Lung qi, stops coughs, and improves the condition of the throat: for chronic cough, wheezing, and particularly for loss of voice. When combined with other herbs, can be used for cough due to phlegm-fire obstructing the Lungs. |
| Hei Zhi Ma | Sesami Semen Nigrum | Tonify the Yin | sweet | neutral | KD, LI, LV | 9-30g | Nourishes and fortifies the Liver and Kidneys: for yin deficiency of the Liver and Kidneys with such symptoms as blurred vision, tinnitus, and dizziness. Also used to help patients recover from severe illnesses and to increase the quantity of breast milk. Nourishes the blood and extinguishes wind: for headaches, dizziness, and numbness due to blood or yin deficiency. Particularly useful for dizziness that worsens with activity. Moistens and lubricates the Intestines: for constipation due to dry Intestines or blood deficiency. |
| Hong Hua | Carthami Flos | Invigorate the Blood | acrid | warm | HT, LV | 3-9g | Invigorates the blood, dispels stasis, and unblocks menstruation: for a wide variety of problems due to blood stasis. Because it is particularly effective in unblocking the menses, in women it is used for blood stasis patterns with amenorrhea, abdominal pain, postpartum dizziness, retained lochia, and abdominal masses. Other uses include trauma, nonsuppurative sores, carbuncles, and dark purplish erythema. Also for incomplete expression of the rash of measles or painful obstruction of the chest due to blood stasis. |
| Hou Po | Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid, bitter | warm | LI, LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Promotes the movement of qi in the middle burner and resolves stagnation: for qi stagnation affecting the Spleen and Stomach, and in cases of food stagnation, with such symptoms as chest and/or abdominal distension and fullness. This is an important herb for reducing and eliminating distension and fullness and can be used whenever these symptoms occur due to qi stagnation. Promotes the movement of qi downward, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm: for dampness or phlegm obstructing the middle burner affecting the qi dynamic. Symptoms include distension, fullness, nausea, and diarrhea. The tongue coating is usually turbid and greasy. Directs qi downward, reduces phlegm, and calms wheezing: for cough and wheezing from phlegm clogging the Lungs. |
| Hu Jiao | Piperis Fructus | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | hot | LI, ST | 1.5-3g | Warms the middle and disperses cold: for Stomach cold with such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. |
| Hu Lu Ba | Trigonellae Semen | Tonify the Yang | bitter | warm | KD | 4.5-9g | Warms the Kidneys, disperses dampness and cold, and alleviates pain: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency accompanied by accumulation of cold or stagnant qi. Manifestations include abdominal or flank distension and pain or bulging disorders. Also used for cold-damp leg qi. |
| Hu Po | Succinum | Anchor, Settle & Calm | sweet | neutral | HT, LV, UB | 1.5-3g | Arrests tremors and palpitations and calms the spirit: for palpitations with anxiety, excessive dreams, insomnia, forgetfulness, anxiety, and seizures due to disturbance of the spirit. Also used for childhood convulsions and seizures. Invigorates the blood, dissipates stasis, and unblocks the menses: for amenorrhea or pain associated with palpable fixed masses due to blood stasis. Can be used alone for this purpose. Also recently used in treating coronary artery disease. Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for urinary retention or painful urinary dribbling, especially with bloody urine. Reduces swelling and promotes healing: topically applied for sores, carbuncles, and ulcerations of the skin. Also for swelling and pain in the area of the scrotum or vulva. |
| Hua Jiao | Zanthoxyli Pericarpium | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | hot | KD, SP, ST | 3-6g | Warms the middle burner, disperses cold, and alleviates pain: for Spleen or Stomach cold from deficiency with such symptoms as cold and pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea. Kills parasites and alleviates abdominal pain: used as an auxiliary herb for abdominal pain due to roundworms. |
| Hua Shi | Talcum | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | cold | ST, UB | 9-15g | Clears heat and facilitates the resolution of dampness: an important substance in treating hot painful urinary dribbling or any condition with dark, painful, burning, and scanty urine. Also used for damp-heat generated diarrhea. Because it expels damp-heat through urine, it is used adjunctively for heat in the qi level with dampness manifested in unremitting fevers, a heavy feeling in the body, thirst, and a yellow tongue coating. Clears summerheat and facilitates the resolution of dampness: for summerheat disorder with fever, urinary difficulty, irritability, and thirst. Absorbs dampness: applied topically for damp skin lesions including eczema, damp sores, and prickly heat. |
| Huai Mi | Sophorae Flos Immaturus | Stop Bleeding | bitter | cool | LI, LV | 4.5-9g | Cools the blood and stops bleeding: for damp-heat patterns of the LI when bleeding is present. Especially important for bleeding hemorrhoids and bloody dysenteric disorders. Also used or coughing of blood,nosebleed, or uterine bleeding. Cools the LV: for red eyes, headache, and dizziness due to LV heat. Can be taken as a daily beverage for this purpose. |
| Huang Bai | Phellodendri Cortex | Clear Heat, Dry Damp | bitter | cold | KD, UB | 3-12g | Drains damp heat, particularly from the lower burner: thick, yellow vaginal discharge, foul-smelling diarrhea, or dysenteric disorder. Also for damp-heat pouring downward or hot leg qi with such symptoms as red, swollen, and painful knees, legs, or feet. Also for damp heat jaundice. Drains kidney fire: for ascending kidney fire with signs of yin deficiency such as steaming bone disorder, night sweats, afternoon fevers and sweating, sometimes accompanied by nocturnal emissions and spermatorrhea. Drains fire and resolves toxicity: for fire toxin-generated sores and damp lesions of the skin. |
| Huang Jing | Polygonati Rhizoma | Tonify the Qi | sweet | neutral | KD, LU, SP | 9-15g | Tonifies the Spleen and augments the qi: for overexertion that injures the Spleen with shortness of breath and reduced appetite. Tonifies the middle burner qi and alleviates pain: for abdominal pain due to cold from deficiency of the middle burner accompanied by excessive salivation, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a deep, slow pulse. Moistens the Lungs and stops coughs: for dry, nonproductive coughs with labored, slow breathing, and a weak voice due to Lung deficiency. |
| Huang Lian | Coptidis Rhizoma | Clear Heat, Dry Damp | bitter | cold | HT, LI, LV, ST | 1.5-9g | Clears heat and drains dampness: for damp-heat in the stomach or intestines with diarrhea or dysenteric disorder. Also for vomiting or acid regurgitation from stomach heat. Drains fire and resolves fire toxicity: for heat with blazing fire with such symptoms as high fever, irritability, disorientation, delirium, red tongue, and a rapid full pulse. Also for heat from excess with toxicity with such symptoms as painful red eyes and sore throat, and for boils, carbuncles, and abscesses. Clears heat and stops bleeding: for nosebleed, or blood in the urine, stool, or vomit due to chaotic movement of hot blood. Clears heat topically: used for red and painful eyes and ulcerations of the tongue and mouth. |
| Huang Qi | Astragali Radix | Tonify the Qi | sweet | slightly warm | LU, SP | 9-15g | Tonifies the Spleen and raises the yang: for Spleen deficiency presenting with lack of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Used for a wide variety of problems related to Spleen qi deficiency including qi failing to contain the blood, sinking and collapse of the middle qi, Lung and Spleen qi deficiency, insufficiency of both qi and blood, and fever from qi deficiency. Augments the protective qi and stabilizes the exterior: for deficiency with spontaneous sweating, as the herb stabilizes the protective qi. It also tonifies the Lungs and is used for frequent colds or shortness of breath. Depending on the particular combination of herbs, it may be used for excessive sweating associated with qi, yang, or yin deficiency. Its action in stabilizing the exterior may be used to produce a therapeutic sweat when diaphoretics do not work. Promotes urination and reduces edema: for edema from deficiency marked by superficial edema and reduced urination. Can be used as a stand-alone herb for this problem. Promotes the discharge of pus and generates flesh: for chronic ulcerations and sores due to deficiency that either have trouble forming pus or have formed pus but are not draining or healing well. In appropriate circumstances, for wasting and thirsting disorder, numbness of the limbs, paralysis, and painful obstruction. |
| Huang Qin | Scutellariae Radix | Clear Heat, Dry Damp | bitter | cold | GB, LI, LU, ST | 3-9g | Clears heat and dries dampness: a major herb for damp heat in the stomach or intestines which manifests as diarrhea or dysenteric disorder; damp-warmth which presents with fever, stifling sensation in the chest, and thirst with inability to drink; or for damp heat in the lower burner with painful urinary dribbling. An auxiliary herb for damp-heat jaundice. Clear heat and resolves toxicity, especially in the upper burner: for heat patterns with high fever, irritability, thirst, cough, expectoration of thick, yellow sputum, or hot sores and swellings. Can be applied topically for the latter. Clears heat and stops bleeding: for internal heat from excess causing the blood to move chaotically. Symptoms include vomiting or coughing of blood, nosebleed, and blood in the stool. Clears heat and calms the fetus: pacifies the womb when the fetus is restless or kicking excessively due to heat. Sedates ascendant liver yang: for symptoms such as headache, irritability, red eyes, flushed face, and bitter taste. |
| Huo Ma Ren | Cannabis Semen | Moist Laxatives | sweet | neutral | LI, SP, ST | 9-15g | Nourishes and moistens the Intestines: for constipation in the elderly, in the aftermath of a febrile disease, postpartum, and in cases of blood deficiency. Nourishes the yin: mildly tonifies the yin and primarily used in cases of yin deficiency with constipation. Clears heat and promotes healing of sores: as an auxiliary herb for sores and ulcerations, taken orally or applied topically. |
| Huo Xiang | Pogostemonis/ Agastaches Herba | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid | slightly warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Aromatically transforms dampness, releases the exterior and dispels summerheat: for dampness obstructing the middle burner as well as summerheat-dampness and damp-warmth. Harmonizes the middle burner and stops vomiting: most commonly used in cases of nausea or vomiting due to dampness obstructing the middle burner. Can also be used for other types of vomiting, and for morning sickness, when combined with appropriate herbs. Treats dermatosis: for dermatosis affecting either the hands or feet. |
| Ji Nei Jin | Gigeriae Galli Endothelium Corneum | Relieve Food Stagnation | sweet | neutral | SI, SP, ST, UB | 3-9g | Strongly reduces food stagnation and improves the Spleen’s transportive function: for various types of foodstagnation. Used alone for mild cases, usually dry-fried and powdered. Also important in the treatment ofchildhood nutritional impairment. Secures the essence and stops enuresis: for bed wetting, urinary frequency, and urination at night. Transforms hardness and dissolves stones: for stones in either the urinary or biliary tract. |
| Ji Xue Teng | Spatholobi Caulis | Invigorate the Blood | bitter, sweet | warm | HT, LV, SP | 9-15g | Promotes the movement of and tonifies the blood: for blood deficiency patterns presenting with such problems as dysmenorrheal, irregular menstruation, or amenorrhea accompanied by abdominal pain. Invigorates the channels and relaxes the sinews: for numbness of the extremities, lower back pain, knee pain, or generalized joint soreness from wind-damp painful obstruction, with either blood deficiency or stasis. Also used for weakness of the extremities in the elderly or paralysis and vertigo due to blood stasis or wind-stroke. |
| Jie Geng | Platycodi Radix | Warm & Transform Phlegm-Cold | acrid, bitter | neutral | LU | 3-9g | Opens up and disseminates the Lung qi, dispels phlegm, and benefits the throat: for cough or wheezing with profuse sputum, throat pain, and loss of voice. Can be used for cough with profuse sputum from either cold or heat. Pushes out pus: for expelling pus associated with Lung abscess or throat abscess. The traditional disease of Lung abscess is marked by fevers, chest pain, coughing of yellow sputum with a fishy smell, along with coughing up of blood and pus. Opens up and raises the Lung qi while also directing the actions of other herbs to the upper regions of the body: used not only to reinforce the actions of other herbs that clear and drain the upper burner, but also whenever the actions of a formula should be focused on the upper regions of the body. |
| Jin Yin Hua | Lonicerae Flos | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | sweet | cold | LI, LU, ST | 6-20g | Clears heat and resolves fire toxicity: for hot painful sores and swellings in various stages of development, especially of the breast, throat, or eyes. Also for intestinal abscesses. Vents and disperses externally-contracted wind-heat: for the early stages of warm-heat pathogen diseases with such symptoms as fever, slight sensitivity to wind, sore throat, and headache. Also for externally-contracted summerheat. Clears damp-heat from the lower burner: for damp-heat dysenteric disorder, diarrhea or painful urinary dribbling. |
| Jin Ying Zi | Rosae laevigatae Fructus | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, sour | neutral | KD, LI, UB | 6-12g | Stabilizes the Kidneys and secures the essence: for spermatorrhea, urinary incontinence, and vaginal discharge due to deficiency and instability of the lower burner. Binds up the Intestines and stops diarrhea: for chronic diarrhea and dysenteric disorders. |
| Jing Jie | Schizonopetae Herba | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | slightly warm | LU, LV | 4.5-9g | Releases the exterior and dispels wind: for exterior patterns of either wind-cold or wind-heat (depending on the herbs with which it is combined). Also for carbuncles or boils when they first erupt, especially when accompanied by chills and fever. Vents rashes and alleviates itching: for the initial stage of measles and pruritic skin eruptions. Stops bleeding: as an auxiliary herb for hemorrhage, e.g. blood in the stool or uterine bleeding. Best used charred for this action, as in Huai Hua San. |
| Ju Hong | Citri Reticulatae Exocarpium Rubrum | Regulate the Qi | acrid, bitter | warm | LU, ST | 3-9g | Regulates the qi, adjusts the middle, and relieves the diaphragm: for Spleen and Stomach stagnant qi patterns with such symptoms as epigastric or abdominal distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea and vomiting. This herb promotes the movement of qi in general while specifically directing it downward. It is therefore commonly used in treating many different types of nausea and vomiting. Dries dampness and transforms phlegm: an important herb for phlegm-damp coughs with a stifling sensation in the chest and/or diaphragm, and copious, viscous sputum. Also used for damp turbidity obstructing the middle with a stifling sensation in the chest, abdominal distention, loss of appetite, fatique, loose stools, and a thick, greasy tongue coating. An important qi-level herb for both the Spleen and Lung channels, it is especially appropiate for disorders involving both channels. Helps prevent stagnation: used with tonifying herbs to prevent their cloying nature from causing stagnation. |
| Ju Hua | Chrysanthemi Flos | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | bitter, sweet | slightly cold | LU, LV | 4.5-15g | Disperses wind and clears heat: for wind heat patterns, with from common cold or warm pathogen disease with fever and headache. Usually with Mori Folium (Sang ye), as in Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink (Sang ju yin). Calms the Liver and clears the eyes: for red, swollen, dry and/or painful eyes due to either wind-dea in the Liver channel or ascendant Liver yang. Also used for spots in front of the eyes, blurry vision, or dizziness due to Liver and Kidney yin deficiency. Calms the Liver and extinguishes wind: for such symptoms as dizziness, headache, and deafness due to ascendant Liver yang. Resolves toxicity: for toxic sores and swellings. |
| Jue Ming Zi | Cassia Semen | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | bitter, salty, sweet | slightly cold | KD, LI, LV | 9-15g | Clears the Liver and the eyes: for red swollen, and painful eyes from heat or wind heat in the Liver channel. Also for eye problems such as photosensitivity, night blindness, and insidious loss of vision without visible physical changes to the eye. Calms the Liver and anchors the errant yang: for headaches and dizziness from ascendant Liver yang. Recently this function has been expanded to include hypertension. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels: for dry or infrequent stools or chronic constipation, especially when here is an aspect of Liver yin deficiency. Recently used to prevent atherosclerosis as it lowers both blood pressure and serum cholesterol. |
| Ku Shen | Sophorae Flavescentis Radix | Clear Heat, Dry Damp | bitter | cold | HT, LI, LV, SI, ST, UB | 3-9g | Clears heat and dries dampness: primarily for damp heat in the lower burner leading to jaundice, dysenteric disorder, vaginal discharge, and sores. Disperses wind, kills parasites, and stops itching: for damp toxin skin lesions or infestations with chronic itching, seepage, and bleeding. Also for genital itching and vaginal discharge. Used both internally and topically. Clears heat and promotes urination: for such disorders as damp heat in the Small Intestines, painful urinary dribbling, and hot edema. |
| Kuan Dong Hua | Farfarae Flos | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | acrid | warm | LU | 4.5-9 | Moistens the Lungs, directs qi downward, stops coughs, and transforms phlegm: commonly used for cough and wheezing from many different etiologies. |
| Kun Bu | Eckloniae Thallus | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | salty | cold | KD, LV, ST | 6-15g | Reduces phlegm and softens areas of hardness: for various kinds of ndules in the neck, such as scrofula or goiter, or a sensation of fullness and obstruction in the chest caused by phlegm. Recentley used with substances that invigorate the blood and transform stasis for such condidtions as thyroid tumors, tuberculous lymphadentitis, and cirrhosis. Promotes urination and reduced swelling: because this action is weak, it is used as an adjunctive herb for edema and leg qi. |
| Lai Fu Zi | Raphani Semen | Relieve Food Stagnation | acrid, sweet | neutral | LU, SP, ST | 4.5-9g | Reduces food stagnation and eliminates distention: for food stagnation accumulationg in the middle burner with fullness and distention, bleching with a rotten smell, acid regurgitation, or abdominal pain with diarrhea. Causes qi descend and reduces phlegm: for chronic productive cough or wheezing. Most effective in cases due to excess. Recently used for hypertension, as in Three-seed decoction to Nourish One’s Parents. |
| Lian Qiao | Forsythiae Fructus | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | slightly acrid, bitter | slightly cold | GB, HT, LU | 6-15g | Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for externally-contracted wind-heat with pronounced fever, slight chills, sore throat, and headache. Reduces abscesses and dissipates clumps: for toxic clumps such as external sores, internal abscesses, scrofula, or throat painful obstruction. |
| Lian Zi | Nelumbinis Semen | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, sweet | neutral | HT, KD, SP | 6-15g | Tonifies the Spleen and stops diarrhea: for Spleen deficiency with chronic diarrhea and loss of appetite. This herb both augments and binds, and is thus very useful in treating these disorders. Tonifies the Kidneys and stabilizes the essence: for premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea due to unstable, deficient Kidneys. Also used for excessive uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge. Nourishes the Heart and calms the spirit: for palpitations with anxiety, irritability associated with deficiency, and insomnia. Especially useful for problems associated with lack of communication between the Kidneys and Heart. |
| Ling Yang Jiao | Salgae Tataricae Cornu | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | salty | cold | HT, LV | 1-3g | Drains Liver heat, calms the Liver, extinguishes wind and controls spasms and convulsions: for childhood convulsions and seizure disorders as well as stubborn high fevers and internal stirring of wind due to intense heat. It is an important substance for treating internal stirring of Liver wind. Commonly used for childhood convulsions due to high fever. Calms the Liver and anchors the yang: an important and effective substance for ascendant Liver yang with such symptoms as dizziness, vertigo, irritability and restlessness, and splitting headaches. Can be used as part of a formula to treat hypertension. Clears the Liver and improves vision: for headache, red and swollen eyes, or photophobia due to blazing Liver fire. Drains heat and resolves fire toxicity: for warm-heat pathogen diseases with high fever, delirium, manic behavior, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. This pattern is called heat in the Pericardium. Clears damp-heat: also used for wind-damp-heat painful obstruction. |
| Liu Huang | Sulfur | External Application | sour | hot | KD, LI, PC | 1-3g | |
| Long Dan Cao | Gentianae Radix | Clear Heat, Dry Damp | bitter | cold | GB, LV, ST | 3-9g | Drains damp heat from the Liver and Gallbladder channels: for damp heat in the upper part of the Gallbladder channel with such symptoms as red, swollen, sore throat, and eyes, swollen and painful ears, or sudden deafness. Also for damp heat in the Liver or Gallbladder channels (especially the lower parts) with such symptoms as jaundice, pain, swelling, or dampness in the genital area or foul smelling vaginal discharge and itching. Drains and pacifies excessive Liver fire: for Liver fire blaxing upward with headache or red eyes. Also for Liver wind heat with fever, spasms, convulsions, or flank pain. |
| Long Gu | Fossilla Ossis Mastodi | Anchor, Settle & Calm | astringent, sweet | neutral | HT, KD, LV | 15-30g | Heavily settle and calms the spirit: for palpitations with anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Benefits the yin and anchors the floating yang: for irritability, insomnia, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, blurred vision, bad temper, or a red, flushed face due to yin deficiency with ascendant yang. Prevents leakage of fluids: for continuous sweating in patients with steaming bone disorder or in the aftermath of a warm-heat pathogen disease. Also used as an astringent for spontaneous sweating, nightsweats, nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhea or vaginal discharge, and uterine bleeding due to deficiency. Softens hardness and dissipates nodules: for various kinds of lumps. Particularly useful for lumps in the neck such as scrofula or goiter. Absorbs acidity and alleviates pain: used in calcined form for excessive Stomach pain with a sour taste in the mouth. |
| Long Yan Rou | Longan Arillus | Tonify the Blood | sweet | warm | HT, SP | 9-15g | Tonifies and augments the Heart and Spleen, nourishes the blood, and calms the spirit: for insomnia, heart palpitations, forgetfulness, or dizziness due to Heart and Spleen deficiency. Commonly used for problems associated with excessive pensiveness or overwork. Can be taken alone as a tea. |
| Lu Dou | Phaseoli Radiati Semen | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | sweet | cold | HT, ST | 15-30g | Clears summerheat: for summerheat patterns of irritability and fever, especially when thirst is an important symptom. This herb is often made as a tea in the summertime to prevent the ocurrence of summerheat. Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for toxic sores and swellings. For this purpose it can be ground into a powder and taken as a tea. Antidote: as an antidote for poisoning due to Aconiti Radix lateralis preparata and Coronis Fructus. This combination is also used for summerheat leading to rashes. |
| Lu Gen | Phragmitis Rhizoma | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | sweet | cold | LU, ST | 15-30g | Clears heat and generates fluids: for heat patterns with such symptoms as high fever, irritability, and thirst. Especially useful when the heat is accompanied by upward surging of rebellious qi. Clears heat and promotes urination: for dark, scanty urine or blood in the urine, especially when accompanied by irritability and thirst. Encourages rashes to surface: for febrile diseases with rashes that are incompletely expressed. |
| Lu Hui | Aloe | Purgatives | bitter | cold | LI, LV, ST | 1.5-4.5g | Drains fire and guides out accumulation: for constipation, dizziness, red eyes, and irritability due to heat accumulation. Particularly indicated for hot constipation accompanied by exuberant Heart and Liver fire with irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. As a relatively mild herb, it is also used for chronic constipation. Clears heat and cools the Liver: for epigastric discomfort, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, irritability, constipation, and fever due to abundant heat in the Liver channel. Kills parasites and strengthens the Stomach: for childhood nutritional impairment, especially when due to roundworm. Also used for tinea. |
| Lu Rong | Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum | Tonify the Yang | salty, sweet | warm | KD, LV | 1-2g | Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the yang: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as fatigue, impotence, cold extremities, lightheadedness, tinnitus, soreness and lack of strength in the lower back and knees, and frequent, copious, clear urination. Warms the yang, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, and stabilizes the Girdle vessel: for vaginal discharge or uterine bleeding due to cold from deficiency. Also for infertility with a cold womb. Can be used as a stand-alone herb for this purpose. Tonifies the Governing vessel, augments the essence and blood, and strengthens the sinews and bones: used especially in cases of deficient essence and blood in children with such physical and/or mental developmental disorders as failure to thrive, mental retardation, learning disabilities, insufficient growth, or skeletal deformities. Used for nonhealing fractures with Kidney deficiency and exhaustion of the essence. This use has been expanded to include the treatment of non-healing ulcers. Can be used alone for these purposes. |
| Ma Chi Xian | Portulacae Herba | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | sour | cool | LI, LV | 9-15g | Resolves fire toxicity and cools the blood: for damp-heat or fire toxin dysenteric disorders. Also for bloody or hot painful urinary dribbling. At present, primarily used for bacillary dysentery with incomplete bowel movements. Clears damp-heat and treats sores: primarily for fire toxin carbuncles or sores, as well as red-and-white vaginal discharge. For these purposes it is applied topically and taken internally. Often the fresh herb is used. Also used as an antidote for the pain and swelling of wasp stings and snakebite. Stops bleeding and ublocks painful urinary dribbling: for uterine bleeding (especially postpartum), painful bloody urinary dribbling, and hot painful urinary dribbling. |
| Ma Huang | Ephedrae Herba | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, slightly bitter | warm | LU, UB | 2-9g | Induces sweating and releases the exterior: for patterns of Tai Yang cold damage with chills, fever, headache, absence of sweating, and a tight floating pulse. Opens the pores and interstices to release the exterior. Disseminates and facilitates the Lung qi, calms wheezing, and stops coughing: for cough and wheezing due to wind-cold obstructing the Lungs. Encourages Lung qi to flow more easily, and directs it downward. Indicated for either externally-contracted or internally-generated patterns. Promotes urination and reduces edema: especially for edema that accompanies an exterior condition. Warms and disperses cold pathogens: useful for wind-damp painful obstruction and deep-rooted toxic sores without a head. |
| Mai Men Dong | Ophiopogonis Radix | Tonify the Yin | slightly bitter, sweet | slightly cold | HT, LU, ST | 6-15g | Moistens the Lungs and nourishes the yin: used whenever the Lung yin has been injured with such signs as either a hacking, dry cough or a cough with thick sputum that is difficult to expectorate, or coughing up blood. Most suitable when the cause is pathogenic warm-dryness or dryness that has transformed into fire, as the herb also has some ability to cool the Lungs. Augments the Stomach yin and generates fluids: for dry tongue and mouth due to insufficient Stomach yin. Moistens the Intestines: for constipation, dry mouth, and irritability, as in the aftermath of a febrile disease or any pattern of yin deficiency. Clears the Heart and eliminates irritability: for irritability due to yin deficiency or a warm-heat pathogen disease at the nutritive level. In both cases, the fever and irritability worsen at night. |
| Mai Ya | Hordei Fructus Germinatus | Relieve Food Stagnation | sweet | neutral | LV, SP, ST | 9-15g | Reduces food stagnation and strengthens the Stomach: for poor digestion due to stagnation and accumulationof undigested starchy foods, as well as poorly digested milk in infants. Also, for weak digestion and loss of appetite in cases of Spleen deficiency. This strengthening function is rather weak. Restrains lactation: for women who are discontinuing nursing, or for distended and painful breasts. Facilitates the smoth flow of Liver qi: for constrained Liver qi manifesting as a stifling sensation and distention in the epigastrium or ribs, belching, and lo9ss of appetite. It is a supplementary herb for these functions. |
| Man Jing Zi | Viticis Fructus | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, biiter | cool | LV, ST, UB | 6-12g | Disperses wind and clears heat: for externally-contracted wind-heat, especially when the major complaint is headache or eye pain. Clears and benefits the head and eyes: for Liver channel wind-heat manifesting as excessive tearing, red, painful or swollen eyes, or spots in front of the eyes. Drains dampnes and expels wind: as an ausiliary herb for wind-dampness in the limbs causing stiffness, numbess, cramping or heaviness. |
| Mang Xiao | Natrii Sulfas | Purgatives | acrid, bitter, salty | very cold | LI, ST | 6-18g | Purges accumulation and guides out stagnation: for heat in the Stomach and Intestines with constipation; this substance moistens dryness and softens hardness. Clears heat and drains fire: for a wide variety of problems associated with heat in the Lungs and/or Stomach. Especially useful for accumulation such as phlegm or clumping in the Intestines. Clears heat and reduces swelling: for red, swollen, painful eyes; painful, swollen, ulcerated mouth or throat; and red, swollen skin lesions including breast problems. For external use. Can be used alone for the early stages of breast abscess before it has suppurated. Also helps promote lactation. |
| Mo Han Lian / Han Lian Cao | Ecliptae Herba | Tonify the Yin | sour, sweet | cool | KD, LV | 9-15g | Nourishes and tonifies the Liver and Kidney yin: for Liver and Kidney yin deficiency with dizziness, blurred vision, vertigo, and premature graying of the hair. Cools the blood and stops bleeding: for patterns of yin deficiency with bleeding due to heat in the blood, with such symptoms as vomiting or coughing of blood, nosebleed, blood in the stools, uterine bleeding, and especially bloody urine. |
| Mo Yao | Myrrha | Invigorate the Blood | bitter | neutral | HT, LV, SP | 3-9g | Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain: for problems due to blood stasis, including pain from trauma, sores, carbuncles, swellings, fixed abdominal masses, painful obstruction, chest pain, abdominal pain, and amenorrhea. Promotes healing: used topically to promote the healing of chronic nonhealing sores. |
| Mu Dan Pi | Mouton Cortex | Clear Heat, Cool the Blood | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | HT, KD, LV | 6-12g | Clears heat and cools the blood: for heat entering the blood level during a warm heat pathogen disease with such symptoms as nosebleed, blood in the sputum or vomit, or subcutaneous bleeding. Also for frequent and profuse menstruation due to heat in the blood. Clears fire from deficiency: for yin deficiency patterns such as steaming bone disorder, particularly in the aftermath of a wam heat pathogen disease. These are often marked byfever at night with coolness in the morning. This herb is most appropriate when there is no sweating. Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis: for Liver blood stasis patterns with amenorrhea, abdominal masses, lumps, or bruises due to traumatic injury. Clears ascending Liver fire: for such symptoms as headache, eye pain, flank pain, flushing, and dysmenorrhea. Drains pus and reduces swelling: used topically for firm, non draining sores, or internally for Intestinal abscess. |
| Mu Gua | Chaenomelis Fructus | Dispel Wind-Damp | sour | warm | LV, SP | 6-12g | Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels: for damp painful obstruction in the extremities, especially with severe cramping pain, and weakness in the lower back and lower extremities. This is one of the more effective herbs for relaxing the sinews. Harmonizes the Stomach and transforms dampness: for abdominal pain, spasms, and cramping of the calves, and edema due to leg qi. Especially useful for disharmony between the Liver and Spleen leading to leg problems. Reduces food stagnation: for indigestion. While this effect is similar to that obtained from Crataegi Fructus, it is not commonly used. |
| Mu Li | Ostreae Concha | Anchor, Settle & Calm | astringent, salty | cool | KD, LV | 9-30g | Heavily settle and calms the spirit: for palpitations with anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Benefits the yin and anchors the floating yang: for irritability, insomnia, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, blurred vision, bad temper, or a red, flushed face due to yin deficiency with ascendant yang. Prevents leakage of fluids: for continuous sweating in patients with steaming bone disorder or in the aftermath of a warm-heat pathogen disease. Also used as an astringent for spontaneous sweating, nightsweats, nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhea or vaginal discharge, and uterine bleeding due to deficiency. Softens hardness and dissipates nodules: for various kinds of lumps. Particularly useful for lumps in the neck such as scrofula or goiter. Absorbs acidity and alleviates pain: used in calcined form for excessive Stomach pain with a sour taste in the mouth. |
| Mu Tong | Akebiae Caulis | Drain Dampness | bitter | slightly cold | HT, SI, UB | 3-6g | Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for painful urinary dribbling from damp-heat in the Bladder with dribbling, rough, and painful urination. Also used for edema and ascites. Promotes urination and drains heat from the Heart via the Small Intestine: for such symptoms as irritability accompanied by sores of the mouth or tongue, and scanty urine. Promotes lactation and unblocks the blood vessels: for insufficient lactation; less commonly for amenorrhea, and for pain and stiffness in the joints. |
| Mu Xiang | Aucklandiae Radix | Regulate the Qi | acrid, bitter | warm | GB, LI, SJ, SP | 3-9g | Promotes the movement of qi and stops pain: for SP or ST stagnant qi with such symptoms as lack of appetite, a feeling of food sitting in the ST, along with epigastric or abdominal pain or distention, nausea, and vomiting. Also used for stagnant LV or GB qi with such symptoms as flank pain, distention, or soreness. Adjusts and regulates stagnant qi in the intestines: for diarrhea and dysenteric disorders, or for abdominal pain and tenesmus. Because of its slightly astringent property, this herb is commoly used for treating tenesmus. Strengthens the SP and prevents stagnation: used with tonifying herbs to ameliorate their side effects. Especially useful when the transformative and transportive functions of the Spleen are weak. |
| Niu Bang Zi | Arctii Fructus | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, bitter | cold | LU, ST | 6-12g | Disperses wind-heat and benefits the throat: for externally contracted wind-heat patterns with such symptoms as fever, cough, and a sore, red swollen throat. Resolves toxicity and vents rashes: for red swellings, carbuncles, erythemas, mumps, and acute febrile maculopapular rashes, including the early stages of measles or when ther is incomplete expression of the rash. Also used for pruitic rashes due to wind-heat. Moistens the intestines: for externally contracted toxins with such symptoms as sore throat, erythema, and maculopapular rashes, but where there is also internal heat causing constipation. Also used for constipation that occurs with other forms of toxicity, such as acne. |
| Niu Huang | Bovis Calculus | Aromatic Open Orifices | bitter | cool | HT, LV | 0.2-0.5g | |
| Niu Xi | Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix | Invigorate the Blood | bitter, sour | neutral | KD, LV | 6-15g | Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis: for blood stasis patterns with such symptoms as dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, and retained lochia. Also for post-traumatic pain. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the sinews and bones, and benefits the joints: for pain and soreness affecting the lower back and knees due to deficiency. Induces the downward movement of blood and fire: for chaotic movement of hot blood in the upper burner or yin deficiency with ascending fire. Manifestations include nosebleed, vomiting blood, toothaches, and bleeding gums. Also for dizziness, headache, and blurred vision due to ascendant Liver yang. Clears damp-heat in the lower burner: for cases of damp-heat pouring downward manifesting as knee pain or lower back damp painful obstruction. It is also an auxiliary herb for painful urinary dribbling or vaginal discharge. Especially useful for painful urinary dribbling with stones accompanied by lower back pain and bloody urine. |
| Nu Zhen Zi | Ligustri Lucidi Fructus | Tonify the Yin | bitter, sweet | cool | KD, LV | 9-18g | Nourishes and tonifies the Liver and Kidneys: for yin deficiency of the Liver and Kidneys with such symptoms as dizziness, spots before the eyes, soreness of the lower back, premature graying of the hair, and tinnitus. Augments the Liver and Kidneys and clears heat from deficiency: for internally-generated heat from yin deficiency. Augments the Liver and Kidneys and improves the vision: for diminished visual acuity in patients with Liver and Kidney deficiency. |
| Pi Pa Ye | Eriobotryae Folium | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | bitter | neutral | LU, ST | 6-15g | Transforms phlegm, clears Lung heat, and redirects Lung qi downward: for Lung heat or Lung dryness patterns with cough and wheezing. Harmonizes the Stomach, clears Stomach heat and redirects Stomach qi downward: for nausea, vomiting, hiccough, and belching due to Stomach heat. |
| Pu Gong Ying | Taraxaci Herba | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter, sweet | cold | LV, ST | 9-30g | Reduces abscesses and dissipates nodules: for internal abscesses and external sores, particularly if they are firm and hard. Especially useful for breast and intestinal abscesses. Can be used both internally and topically. Clears the Liver and clears the eyes: for redness and swelling of the eyes. Can be used alone as a steam for this purpose. Clears heat, resolves dampness, and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for damp-heat jaundice and painful urinary dribbling. |
| Pu Huang | Typhae Pollen | Stop Bleeding | acrid, sweet | neutral | HT, LV, SP | 3-9g | Stops bleeding: for external bleeding associated with traumatic injury, and various forms of internal bleeding such as uterine bleeding, vomiting blood, nosebleed, coughing of blood, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, or subcutaneous bleeding. This herb has an astringent nature and is quite effective in stopping bleeding. Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis: for chest pain, postpartum abdominal pain, and menstrual pain due to blood stasis. Promotes urination and stops bleeding: for hot painful urinary dribbling. |
| Qi She | Agkistrodon | Dispel Wind-Damp | salty, sweet | warm | LV | 3-9g | Powerfully unblocks the channels and extinguishes wind: for chronic wind-dampness with numbness and weakness of the limbs and cramping of the sinews. Generally used for stubborn cases. Dispels wind from the skin: for dermatosis, numbness of the skin, or any kind of rash. Dispels wind from the sinews and settles jitteriness and convulsions: for any kind of spasms, tremors, or seizures. Can be used for facial paralysis or hemiplegia due to wind-stroke. |
| Qian Hu | Peucedani Radix | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | LU | 3-9g | Directs qi downward and dispels phlegm: for cough or wheezing with thick sputum due to turbid clogging of the Lungs. Disperses and scatters wind-heat: for the exterior patterns of externally-contracted wind-heat with headache and cough. Most suitable when wind-heat constrains the Lungs. |
| Qian Niu Zi | Pharbitidis Semen | Harsh Expellants | acrid, bitter | cold | KD, LI, LU, SI | 3-6g | Drains water and promotes urination: for edema and ascites from stagnation of pathogenic water or dampness. This is an especially suitable herb as it expels water through both the urine and stool and can be used by itself for this purpose. Drives out phlegm and thin mucus: for cough, wheezing, and a sensation of fullness in the chest and abdomen due to thin mucus obstructing the Lungs. Unblocks the bowels and removes accumulation: for constipation due to accumulation and stagnation of damp-heat or food stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines. The dosage here is less than for the previous function. Expels intestinal parasites and reduces stagnation: for roundworm or tapework infestations and food stagnation. |
| Qian Shi | Euryales Semen | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, sweet | neutral | KD, SP | 9-15g | Strengthens the Spleen and stops diarrhea: for chronic diarrhea caused by weakness in the transportive function of the Spleen (internal accumulation of dampness). Especially useful in children. Stabilizes the Kidneys and secures the essence: for Kidney qi deficiency with such symptoms as nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea, and urinary frequency or incontinence. Expels dampness and stops discharge: for vaginal discharge due to either deficiency or damp-heat. |
| Qiang Huo | Notopterygii Rhizoma Seu Radix | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, aromatic, bitter | warm | KD, UB | 3-9g | Releases the exterior and disperses cold: for exterior cold patterns with such symptoms as chills, fever, headache, body aches and pains. Most commonly used when accompanied by dampness with joint pain, a general feeling of heaviness, sleepiness, or when there is pain in the occipital region as in Jiu Wei Qiang Hu Tang. Unblocks painful obstruction and alleviates pain: for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, especially in the upper limbs and back, as in Juan Bi Tang. Guides qi to the greater yang channel and Governing vessel: to direct other herbs in a prescription to the areas served by these two channels. |
| Qin Jiao | Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix | Dispel Wind-Damp | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | GB, LV, ST | 3-9g | Dispels wind-dampness and soothes the sinews and collaterals: for wind-damp painful obstruction and cramping, especially in the extremities. Can be used for acute or chronic, cold or hot disorders. Because this substance is slightly cold and most other herbs for wind-dampness are warm, it is particularly suitable for hot painful obstruction. Clears heat from deficiency: for yin deficiency patterns that manifest with fever, including steaming bone disorder. Resolves dampness and reduces jaundice: for jaundice due to damp-heat, especially in acute cases and in infants. Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels: for dry constipation. This herb is commonly used to counteract the drying qualities of other herbs that dispel wind-dampness. |
| Qin Pi | Fraxini Cortex | Clear Heat, Dry Damp | astringent, bitter | cold | GB, LI, LV, ST | 6-12g | Cools heat, resolves toxicity, and dries dampness: for diarrhea, dysentric disorder, and vaginal discharge due to damp heat. Drains liver fire and benefits the eyes: for Liver heat affecting the eyes causing redness, swelling pain, or the formation of superficial visual obstructions. Disperses wind dampness: for painful obstruction, primarily of the hot type. Calms the wheezing and stops coughs: for wheezing and coughs due to lung heat. |
| Qing Hao | Artemisiae Annuae Herba | Clear Heat from Deficiency | bitter | cold | GB, KD, LV | 6-12g | Clears summerheat: especially for summerheat with low fever, headache, dizziness, and a stifling sensation in the chest. Clears fever from deficiency: for fevers from either blood deficiency or as the sequalae of a febrile disease. Especially useful when steaming bone patterns are marked by an absence of sweating. Clears heat and stops bleeding: for purpuric rashes or nosebleed due to heat in the blood. Checks malarial disorders and resolves heat: for the alternating fever and chills of malarial disorders. |
| Qing Pi | Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium | Regulate the Qi | acrid, bitter | warm | GB, LV, ST | 3-9g | Spreads the LV qi and breaks up stagnant qi: for constrained LV qi patterns with such symptoms as distention and pain in the chest, breast, or hypochondriac regions, or bulging disorder pain. Dissipates clumps and reduces stagnation: for food stagnation with accumulation which manifests as pain, distention, or a stiffling sensation in the epigastrium. Often used for rather severe food stagnation, and for masses when stagnant qi progresses to blood stasis. |
| Qu Mai | Dianthi Herba | Drain Dampness | bitter | cold | HT, SI, UB | 9-15g | Clears damp-heat, promotes urination, and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for any type of painful urinary dribbling, especially painful bloody urinary dribbling. Breaks up blood stasis: used as an auxiliary herb for amenorrhea due to blood stasis. Promotes uterine contractions: |
| Quan Xie | Scorpio | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | acrid, salty | neutral | LV | 2-4.5g | Extinguishes wind and stops tremors and convulsions: for Liver wind and phlegm patterns with such symptoms as spasms, acute or chronic childhood convulsions, tetany, opisthotonos, tics, muscular tetany, and seizures. This is one of the more effective wind-extinguishing substances. Tracks down wind, unblocks the collaterals, and stops pain: for stubborn headaches (including migraines) and painful obstruction. Attacks and resolves fire toxicity and dissipates nodules: used topically for toxic sores, swellings, and scrofula in accordance with the maxim “Use toxin to attack toxin.” |
| Ren Shen | Ginseng Radix | Tonify the Qi | slightly bitter, sweet | slightly warm | LU, SP | 3-9g | Powerfully tonifies the primal qi: for extreme collapse of the qi or abandoned conditions that manifest in shallow breathing, shortness of breath, cold limbs, profuse sweating, and a pulse so minute or weak that it is almost imperceptible. This condition can occur after loss of blood, overly profuse sweating, or other problems related to severe fluid loss; in such cases, this herb can be used by itself. Strengthens the Spleen and tonifies the Stomach: for lethargy, lack of appetite, chest and abdominal distension, chronic diarrhea, and, in severe cases, prolapse of the stomach, uterus, or rectum. Tonifies the Lungs and augments the qi: for wheezing, shortness of breath, and labored breathing on exertion caused by Lung qi deficiency. There is usually also a concurrent failure of the Kidneys to grasp the qi. Generates fluids and stops thirst: for wasting and thirsting disorder, as well as cases when the qi and fluids have been injured by high fever and profuse sweating. Benefits the Heart qi and calms the spirit: for palpitations with anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, and restlessness due to qi and blood deficiency. Miscellaneous adjunctive effect: used in a wide variety of situations where a stronger primal qi will indirectly aid in their resolution. |
| Rou Cong Rong | Cistanches Herba | Tonify the Yang | salty, sweet | warm | KD, LI | 9-21g | Tonifies the Kidney yang and augments the essence and blood: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as impotence, spermatorrhea, urinary incontinence, post-urinary dripping, and cold pains in the lower back and knees. Used in women for cold from deficiency of the Womb with infertility, excessive uterine bleeding, or vaginal discharge. Moistens the Intestines and facilitates passage of stool: for constipation involving dry Intestines from inadequate fluids, especially in the elderly, but also in the debilitated or those with deficient blood or qi. Can be used as a stand-along herb for this purpose, but the dosage must be large. |
| Rou Dou Kou | Myristicae Semen | Stabilize & Bind | acrid | warm | LI, SP, ST | 3-9g | Binds up the Intestine and stop diarrhea:for intractable diarrhea or daybreak diarrhea due to cold form deficiency of the Spleen and Kidneys. Warms the middle burner, moves the qi, and alleviates pain: for pain and distension of the epigastrium and abdomen, reduced appetite, and vomiting due to cold from deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. |
| Rou Gui | Cinnamomi Cortex | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid, sweet | hot | HT, KD, LV, SP | 1.5-4.5g | Fortifies the Kidney and Spleen yang, warms the Heart yang and fortifies the yang: for a wide variety of problems due to insufficiency of Kidney yang and waning of the gate of vitality. Common manifestations include aversion to cold, cold limbs, weak back, impotence, and urinary frequency. Also for waning of the Spleen and Kidney yang with abdominal pain and cold, reduced appetite, and diarrhea. It is also important for wheezing due to the failure of the Kidneys to grasp the qi. In addition, an important herb for warming the Heart yang, particularly when deficiency of Heart yang is the etiology of chest painful obstruction. Disperses deep cold, warms the channels, unblocks the channels and vessels, and alleviates pain: for deep cold causing qi stagnation or blood stasis. Associated problems include cold in the blood causing amenorrhea, cold-damp painful obstruction, yin-type boils, and sores or abscesses that do not heal. It enters the blood aspect and is often used in small amounts to enhance the blood-moving action of other substances. Leads the fire back to its source: the principal herb for treating the upward-floating of deficient yang. Manifestations include flushed face, wheezing, severe sweating, weak and cold lower extremities, and a deficient and rootless pulse. This pattern is called false heat and true cold, or heat above and cold below. Also used for other conditions where the upper part of the body is hot and the lower part is cold. Encourages the generation of qi and blood: with qi and blood tonics as an auxiliary herb for chronic deficiency of qi and blood. |
| Ru Xiang | Olbanum | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | warm | HT, LV, SP | 3-9g | Invigorates the blood and promotes the movement of qi: for traumatic pain due to blood stasis, as well as the early stages of carbuncles, sore, swellings, and pain. Also for chest, epigastric, or abdominal pain due to blood stasis. Relaxes the sinews, invigorates the channels, and alleviates pain: for wind-damp painful obstruction, rigidity, and spasms. Reduces swelling and generates flesh: applied topically as an ointment or powder to reduce swelling, generate flesh, alleviate pain, and promote healing of sores, carbuncles, and traumatic injury. Also for pain, redness, and swelling of the gums, mouth, and throat. |
| San Leng | Sparganii Rhizoma | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | neutral | LV, SP | 3-9g | Forcefully breaks up blood stasis, promotes the movement of qi, and alleviates pain: for blood stasis patterns with amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, postpartum abdominal pain, and fixed abdominal masses. Dissolves accumulations: for severe abdominal pain and distension due to food stagnation and stagnant qi. |
| San Qi | Notoginseng Radix | Stop Bleeding | slightly bitter, sweet | warm | LV, ST | 3-9g | Stops bleeding and transforms blood stasis: for internal and external bleeding including vomiting blood, nosebleed, and blood in the urine or stool. Because this herb can stop bleeding without causing blood stasis, it is very widely used. Reduces swelling and alleviates pain: the herb of choice for traumatic injuries, used for swelling and pain due to falls, fractures, contusions, and sprains. Effective in invigorating the blood, it is used for chest and abdominal pain, as well as joint pain that has been caused by blood stasis. May also be used in the treatment of sores and abscesses. |
| Sang Bai Pi | Mori Cortex | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | sweet | cold | LU | 6-15g | Drains heat from the Lungs, stops coughs, and calms wheezing: for cough and wheezing due to Lung heat. Promotes urination and reduces edema: used in disorders where Lung heat obstructs the downward movement of Lung qi, preventing water from moving and cutting off perspiration. This manifests as floating edema, facial edema, swelling of the extremities, fever and thirst, urinary difficulty and a floating pulse. Also recently used for hypertension. |
| Sang Ji Sheng | Taxilli Herba | Dispel Wind-Damp | bitter, sweet | neutral | KD, LV | 9-15g | Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the sinews and bones, and expels wind-dampness: for insufficiency of Liver and Kidney yin with soreness and pain in the lower back and legs, joint problems, numbness, and weakness and atrophy of the sinews and bones. Can be used for these problems whether or not wind-dampness is present. Nourishes the blood and calms the Womb: for restless fetus or uterine bleeding during pregnancy. Also promotes lactation. Nourishes the blood and benefits the skin: for dry, scaly skin due to blood deficiency. |
| Sang Shen | Mori Fructus | Tonify the Blood | sweet | cold | KD, HT, LV | 9-15g | Tonifies the blood and enriches the yin: for dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, and premature graying of the hair. Also suitable for wasting and thirsting disorder due to yin deficiency. Moistens the Intestines: for constipation due to blood deficiency or insufficient fluids. |
| Sang Ye | Mori Folium | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | bitter, sweet | cold | LU, LV | 4.5-9g | Disperses and scatters wind-heat: for externally-contracted wind-heat with fever, headache, sore throat, and coughing. Calms the Liver and clears the eyes: for eye problems due to Liver heat from excess, wind-heat, or yin deficiency. Also for vertigo due to ascendant Liver yang. Common symptoms include red, sore, dry or painful eyes, or spots in front of the eyes. Clears the Lungs and moistens dryness: for Lung dryness with cough, and dry mouth or Lung heat with thick, yellow sputum. Cools the blood and stops bleeding: for mild cases of vomiting of blood due to heat in the blood. |
| Sang Zhi | Mori Ramulus | Dispel Wind-Damp | bitter | neutral | LV | 9-15g | Dispels wind, unblocks the channels and collaterals, and benefits the joints: for wind-damp painful obstruction with spasms. Most appropriate for the warm type that affects the upper extremities. Also used in formulas for numbness in the extremities or hemiplegia as sequelae to wind-stroke. Also used for edema, especially when accompanied by joint pain. |
| Sha Shen | Glenhiae/Adenophorae Radix | Tonify the Yin | slightly bitter, sweet | slightly cold | LU, ST | 9-15g | Nourishes the Lung yin and clears Lung heat: for dry, non-productive cough from heat injuring the Lung yin marked by a dry mouth and thirst. Nourishes the Stomach yin and generates fluids: for dry and parched mouth, thirst, and irritability. Especially useful when the problem is due to pathogenic heat, such as that of a warm pathogen disease injuring the Stomach yin. |
| Sha Ren | Amomi Fructus | Aromatic Transform Damp | acrid, aromatic | warm | SP, ST | 3-6g | Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness, and strengthens the Spleen: for qi stagnation affecting the Spleen and Stomach or symptoms of obstruction by dampness. Symptoms include distention and pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Warms the middle and stops diarrhea: for diarrhea from Spleen cold. Calms the fetus: for morning sickness or restless fetus. Also used in herbal prescriptions with tonifying herbs to prevent them from causing stagnation. |
| Shan Yao | Dioscoreae Rhizoma | Tonify the Qi | sweet | neutral | KD, LU, SP | 9-30g | Tonifies and augments the Spleen and Stomach: for Spleen or Stomach deficiency with such symptoms as diarrhea, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and lack of appetite. Tonifies the Lung qi and augments the Lung yin: for chronic cough or wheezing due to Lung deficiency. Tonifies the Kidneys and also stabilizes and binds: because this herb moistens and is neither hot nor cold, it benefits both the yin and the yang of the Lungs and Kidneys. It is therefore often used in treating wasting and thirsting disorder, sometimes in a large dosage as a stand-alone herb. It also secures the essence and treats spermatorrhea, urinary frequency, and vaginal discharge. |
| Shan Zha | Crataegi Fructus | Relieve Food Stagnation | sour, sweet | slightly warm | LV, SP, ST | 9-21g | Reduces food stagnation and transforms accumulation: for accumulation due to meat or greasy foods with abdominal distension, pain, or diarrhea. Transforms blood stasis and dissipates clumps: for postpartum abdominal pain and clumps due to blood stasis. Also for bulging disorders. Stops diarrhea: the partially charred herb is used for the diarrhea of chronic dysentery-like disorders. Also recently used for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and elevated serum cholesterol. |
| Shan Zhu Yu | Corni Fructus | Stabilize & Bind | sour | sl. warm | KD, LV | 6-12g | Stabilizes the Kidneys and secures the essence: for leakage of fluids due to weak essence with symptoms such as urinary frequency, incontinence, spermatorrhea, and excessive sweating. Stops excessive sweating and supports that which has collapsed: for excessive sweating, especially in cases of devastated yang and collapsed qi, as in shock. Also used when sweating was mistakenly induced as a treatment. Tonifies and aguments the Liver and Kidneys: for Liver and Kidney deficiency with such symptoms as lightheadedness, dizziness, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, or impotence. This herb both tonifies the essence and assists the yang. Stabilizes the menses and stops bleeding: for deficiency patterns of excessive uterine bleeding and prolonged menstruation. This has only a weak effect on the bleeding. |
| She Chuang Zi | Cnidii Fructus | External Application | acrid, bitter | warm | KD | 3-9g | |
| She Gan | Belamcandae Rhizoma | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bitter | cold | LU | 3-9g | Clears heat, resolves toxicity, and improves the condition of the throat: for swelling and pain of the throat due to fire excess, fire toxin, or phlegm-heat obstruction. Sometimes used alone for sore throat. Transforms phlegm and clears the Lungs: for cough and wheezing with phlegm obstruction. Its effect on phlegm is so strong that it is combined with warming herbs in treating obstruction and clogging due to cold- phlegm. |
| She Xiang | Moschus | Aromatic Open Orifices | acrid, aromatic | warm | HT, LV, SP | 0.03-0.1g | |
| Shen Qu | Massa Medicata Fermentata | Relieve Food Stagnation | acrid, sweet | warm | SP, ST | 6-15g | Reduces food stagnation and harmonizes the Stomach: for Stomach cold with food stagnation or accumulation, with such symptoms as epigastic and abdominal fullness or distention, lack of appetite, borborygmus and diarrhea. Also added to pills that contain minerals to aid in their digestion and absorption, as in Magnetite and Cinnabar Pill. |
| Sheng Di Huang | Rehmanniae Radix | Clear Heat, Cool the Blood | bitter, sweet | cold | HT, KD, LV | 9-15g | Clears heat and cools the blood: for all warm-heat pathogen diseases where heat enters the nutritive level causing very high fever, thirst, and a scarlet tongue. Also in cases of hemorrhage due to heat entering the blood level. Nourishes the yin and generates fluids: for yin deficiency with heat signs, as well as injury to the fluids. For manifestations such as dry mouth, continuous low-grade fever, and constipation. Also for throat pain associated with yin deficiency and wasting and thirsting disorder. |
| Sheng Jiang | Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | slightly warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Releases the exterior and disperses cold: for exterior cold patterns. Warms the middle burner and alleviates vomiting: for cold in the Stomach, especially when there is vomiting. Warms the Lungs and stops cough: for cough due to both acute wind-cold cough patterns and chronic Lung disorders with phlegm. Resolves toxicity: for resolving toxicity or treating the effects of overdose of other herbs, such as Fu Zi or Ban Xia, or for sea-food poisoning. |
| Sheng Ma | Cimicifugae Rhizoma | Cool, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, sweet | slightly cold | LU, LI, SP, ST | 3-9g | Discharges exterior conditions and vents measles: for headache due to exterior wind heat or the early stages of measles. Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for various manifestations of fire toxin in the upper or superficial aspects of the body. It is commonly used for sore teeth, swollen or painful gums, ulcerated lips or gums, canker sores, painful and swollen throat, sores, or maculae from warm heat pathogen diseases. Raises the yang and lifts what has sunken: for middle qi deficiency leading to such symptoms as shortness of breath, fatigue, and prolapse. Also used for Girdle vessel spasm and as a messenger to guide the effects of other herbs upward. |
| Shi Chang Pu | Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma | Aromatic Open Orifices | acrid, aromatic, bitter | warm | HT, ST | 3-9g | Opens the orifices, dislodges phlegm, removes filth, and quiets the spirit: for phlegm-dampness veiling and blocking the sensory orifices with such symptoms as deafness, dizziness, forgetfulness, a dulled sensorium, as well as seizures or stupor. Transforms turbid dampness, awakens the Spleen, and promotes movement of qi: for such symptoms as chest and epigastric fullness and abdominal distention and pain due to dampness and turbidity obstructing the middle burner. Promotes blood flow and reduces swelling: used both internally and topically for wind-damp-cold painful obstruction, trauma, and sores. |
| Shi Gao | Gypsum Fibrosum | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | acrid, sweet | very cold | LU, ST | 15-60g | Clears heat and drains fire: for high fever without chills, irritability, intense thirst, profuse sweating, a flooding, big pulse, and a red tongue with yellow coating. This condition is one of excess in the qi level or yang ming. Clears heat from excess from the Lungs: for cough and wheezing with fever and thick, viscous sputum. Clears blazing Stomach fire: for headache, toothache, or swollen and painful gums due to Stomach fire. For eczema, burns, and ulcerated sores: usually applied topically in powdered form after being calcined and mixed with other herbs. May also be taken internally for these conditions. |
| Shi Hu | Dendrobii Herba | Tonify the Yin | bland, slightly salty, sweet | slightly cold | KD, ST | 6-12g | Nourishes the yin, clears heat, and generates fluids: for parched mouth, severe thirst, or intractable fever associated with yin deficiency. This most commonly occurs when the fluids are injured in the course of a warm pathogen disease, but it can also occur for other reasons. Enriches the Kidney yin and reduces heat from deficiency: for heat from yin deficiency and depleted fluids with a recalcitrant low-grade fever, dry and painful throat, and a red tongue with no coating. Tonifies the Kidneys, augments the essence, and brightens the vision: for diminished visual acuity, dizziness, and weakness of the lower back and legs associated with Kidney and Liver deficiency. |
| Shi Jue Ming | Haliotidis Concha | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | salty | cold | KD, LV | 15-30g | Drains Liver fire and anchors and sedates the Liver yang: for Liver fire and ascendant Liver yang patterns with such symptoms as headache, dizziness, and red eyes. Improves the vision and causes superficial visual obstruction to recede: for Liver heat patterns that affect the eyes causing photophobia, pterygium or other superficial visual obstructions, red eyes, and blurred vision. Recently also used for increased gastric acidity, and, topically, for bleeding due to trauma. |
| Shi Jun Zi | Quisqualis Fructus | Expel Parasites | sweet | warm | SP, ST | 9-12g | |
| Shu Di Huang | Rehmanniae Radix Preparata | Tonify the Blood | sweet | slightly warm | HT, KD, LV | 9-30g | Tonifies the blood: for blood deficiency with such symptoms as facial pallor, dizziness, palpitations, and insomnia. Very commonly used when blood deficiency leads to such problems as irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, and postpartum bleeding. Best when there is deficiency but no significant stagnation. Nourishes the yin: for Liver and Kidney yin deficiency with such symptoms as weak lower back and limbs, dizziness, tinnitus, tidal fevers, nightsweats, and nocturnal emissions. Strongly enriches the yin and relieves wasting and thirsting disorder: especially useful for lower burner wasting; can be used as a stand-alone herb in large doses for this problem. Nourishes the blood and tonifies the essence: for problems with both blood and essence such as delayed development during childhood, blunted affect, premature aging, diminished mental acuity, graying of hair, impotence, and memory loss. |
| Shui Niu Jiao | Bubali Cornu | Clear Heat, Cool the Blood | salty | cold | HT, LV, ST | 30-120g (6-15g) | Clears heat, resolves fire toxicity, and cools the blood: for warm-heat pathogen diseases accompanied by extreme heat signs, and for very high fever affecting the nutritive or blood levels with chaotic movement of hot blood, including erythema, purpura, nosebleed, vomiting of blood, or convulsions and delirium. Clears heat and arrests tremors: for warm-heat pathogen diseases when the heat enters the nutritive or blood levels with such symptoms as unremitting high fever, loss of consciousness, delirium, convulsions, or manic behavior. |
| Su He Xiang | Styrax | Aromatic Open Orifices | acrid, aromatic, sweet | warm | HT, SP | 0.3-1g | |
| Suan Zao Ren | Ziziphi Spinosae Semen | Nourish Heart & Calm Spirit | sour, sweet | neutral | GB, HT, LV, SP | 9-15g | Nourishes the Heart yin, augments the Liver blood, and quiets the spirit: for irritability, insomnia, and palpitations with anxiety due to either blood deficiency (inability to nourish the Heart) or yin deficiency (with upward-flaring fire). Prevents abnormal sweating: for both spontaneous sweating and nightsweats. |
| Suo Yang | Cynomorii Herba | Tonify the Yang | sweet | warm | KD, LI, LV | 5-15g | Tonifies the Kidneys, assists the yang, and augments the Liver yin and blood: for Kidney yang deficiency leading to impotence, infertility, urinary frequency, and spermatorrhea. Also for atrophy disorder from Liver and Kidney deficiency. Moistens the Intestines, unblocks the bowerls, augments the essence and nourishes the blood: for constipation from qi or blood deficiency. |
| Tai Zi Shen | Pseudostellariae Radix | Tonify the Qi | slightly bitter, sweet | neutral | LU, SP | 9-30g | Strenghtens the Spleen and augments the qi: for Spleen and Stomach deficiency with fatigue and lack of apetite. Also for Lung qi deficiency with spontaneous sweating. Generates fluids: for thirst and injury to fluids after a febrile disease. Also for unrelenting fever or summerheat in children. |
| Tan Xiang | Santali Albi Lignum | Regulate the Qi | acrid, aromatic | warm | LU, SP, ST | 2-5g | Promotes the movement of qi and alleviates pain: for pain associated with stagnant qi in the chest and abdomen. Recently used in the treatment of coronary artery disease. |
| Tao Ren | Persicae Semen | Invigorate the Blood | bitter, sweet | neutral | HT, LI, LU, LV | 4.5-9g | Breaks up blood stasis: and important herb use din resolving many kinds of problems associated with blood stasis, including menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, traumatic injury, flank pain, Lung abscess, and Intestinal abscess with fixed abdominal masses. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels: for constipation due to dry Intestines. |
| Tian Hua Fen | Trichosanthis Radix | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | bitter, slightly sweet | cold | LU, ST | 10-15g | Drains heat and generates fluids: used when heat injures the fluids, giving rise to thirst and irritability , thirst from yin deficiency, and wasting and thirsting disorder. Also used for cough with thick sputum or blood streaked sputum. Clears and drains Lung heat, transforms phlegm, and moistens Lung dryness: for phlegm heat above the diphragm, especially when the heat has led to dryness. Resolves toxicity and expels pus: for hot toxic carbuncles and sores. Especially appropriate for breast abscess. For this purpose, it can be used both internally and topically. |
| Tian Ma | Gastrodiae Rhizoma | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | sweet | neutral | LV | 3-9g | Calms the Liver, extinguishes wind, and controls spasms and tremors: a very important herb for treating internal stirring of Liver wind, whether caused by heat or cold. Used for headache, dizziness, childhood convulsions, epilepsy, tonic-clonic spasms, opisthotonos, tetany, and wind-stroke. Extinguishes wind and alleviates pain: for headaches, dizziness, and migrains headaches that occur with wind-phlegm patterns. Also used for wind-stroke with hemiplegia, dizziness, and numbness in the extremities. Can be used for both excessive and deficienct conditions. Disperses painful obstruction: for wind-damp bi with pain and numbness of the lower back and extremities. |
| Tian Men Dong | Asparagi Radix | Tonify the Yin | bitter, sweet | very cold | KD, LU | 6-12g | Nourishes the Kidney yin and clears Lung heat: for yin deficiency with heat signs in the upper burner, typically dryness of the mouth. Also for dry Lung patterns with such signs as dry mouth and a cough that is either nonproductive or productive of scanty, viscous sputum that may be streaked with blood. Moistens the Lungs, nourishes the Kidneys, and generates fluids: for Lung and Kidney yin deficiency, especially wasting and thirsting disorder and consumption, with low-grade afternoon fever. Because it enters the Lungs and Kidneys it can be used for upper, middle, and lower burner types of wasting and thirsting disorders. Also for constipation due to dry Intestines. |
| Tu Fu Ling | Similacis Glabrae Rhizoma | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | bland, sweet | neutral | LV, ST | 15-60g | Resolves toxicity and eliminates dampness: for joint pain, turbid and painful urination, or damp-heat jaundice. Clears damp-heat from the skin: for recurrent ulcers or other hot skin lesions. |
| Tu Si Zi | Cuscutae Semen | Tonify the Yang | acrid, sweet | neutral | KD, LV | 6-15g | Tonifies the yang, augments the yin, and secures the essence and the urine: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as impotence, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, tinnitus, urinary frequency, sore painful back, or vaginal discharge. Tonifies the Kidneys and Liver and improves the vision: for patterns of Liver and Kidney yin and yang deficiency (essence deficiency) with such symptoms as dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, or spots before the eyes. Benefits the Spleen and Kidneys and stops diarrhea: for diarrhea or loose stools with a lack of appetite from deficiency of both the Spleen and Kidneys. Calms the fetus: an important herb for habitual or threatened miscarriage. |
| Wang Bu Liu Xing | Vaccariae Semen | Invigorate the Blood | bitter | neutral | LV, ST | 4.5-9g | Promotes the movement of blood and invigorates the channels: in the upper part of the body this herb promotes lactation, and in the lower part it unblocks menstruation. For sufficient lactation or amenorrhea due to blood stasis. Reduces swelling: for painful swellings, especially of the breast or testicles. |
| Wei Ling Xian | Clematidis Radix | Dispel Wind-Damp | acrid, salty | warm | UB | 6-9g | Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks the channels, and alleviates pain: especially useful for treating wind painful obstruction, as it both releases the exterior and promotes the movement of qi in the channels. It can be taken alone as a powder with warm wine for pain in the lower back and legs. Softens and transforms fish bones: for fish bones lodged in the throat. This herb is ineffective in the treatment of deeply lodged or relatively large bones. |
| Wu Gong | Scolopendra | Extinguish Wind & Stop Tremors | acrid | warm | LV | 1-3g | Extinguishes wind and stops spasms and convulsions: for acute and chronic childhood convulsions, opisthotonos, lockjaw, and seizures. Attacks toxin and dissipates nodules: used topically for toxic nodules in general including sores, carbuncles, and neck lumps. Also used for poisonous snakebite. Unblocks the collaterals and stops pain: for stubborn headaches (including migraines) and painful obstruction. |
| Wu Jia Pi | Acanthopanacis Cortex | Dispel Wind-Damp | acrid, bitter | warm | KD, LV | 4.5-9g | Dispels wind-dampness and strengthens the sinews and bones: for chronic wind-cold-damp painful obstruction when chronic deficiency of the Liver and Kidneys generates weak or soft sinews and bones. This herb is especially useful when the smooth flow of qi and blood is obstructed. It is particularly suitable for the elderly, and for developmental delays in the motor functions of children. Transforms dampness and reduces swelling: for urinary difficulty, edema, and cold damp leg qi. |
| Wu Ling Zhi | Trogopterori Faeces | Invigorate the Blood | bitter, sweet | warm | LV | 3-9g | Disperses blood stasis and alleviates pain: for a variety of disorders caused by blood stasis, including amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, postpartum abdominal pain, and epigastric pain. Transforms stasis and stops bleeding: for uterine bleeding and retained lochia due to blood stasis. Also used for childhood nutritional impairment with focal distention. |
| Wu Mei | Mume Fructus | Stabilize & Bind | astringent, sour | warm | LI, LU, SP, LV | 6-12g | Inhibits the leakage of Lung qi and stops coughs: for chronic cough due to Lung deficiency. Generates fluids and alleviates thirst: for thirst due to heat from deficiency, or qi and yin deficiency. Often used for wasting and thirsting disorder due to heat from deficiency. Expels roundworms and alleviates pain: for roundworm induced vomiting and abdominal pain. Also occasionally used for abdominal pain and vomiting not associated with parasites. Binds the Intestines and stops diarrhea: for incessant chronic diarrhea or dysenteric disorders. Also used for blood in the stool. Can be used as a stand-alone herb (charred) for these purposes. Stops bleeding: for blood in the stool and excessive uterine bleeding accompanied by blood deficiency symptoms of dryness and thirst, together with a parched mouth. Can be taken as a stand-alone herb, usually in charred form and powdered, for bleeding from the vagina, anus, or urethra. Used topically as a plaster to treat corns and warts. After softening in hot water, the growth is removed and the plaster applied to the area and bound with gauze, which is changed every 24 hours. |
| Wu Wei Zi | Schisandrae Fructus | Stabilize & Bind | sour, sweet | warm | HT, KD, LU | 3-6g | Contains the leakage of Lung qi and stops coughs: for chronic cough and wheezing due to Lung deficiency, or patterns of Lung and Kidney deficiency. It inhibits the leakage of Lung qi above, enriches the Kidney yin below, and stops coughs. It is thus an important and effective herb for treating chronic coughs. Tonifies the Kidneys, binds up the essence, and stops diarrhea: for nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhea, vaginal discharge, and urinary frequency due to Kidney deficiency. Also used for daybreak diarrhea associated with Spleen and Kidney deficiency. Inhibits sweating and generates fluids: for excessive sweating, especially when accompanied by thirst or a dry throat. With other appropriate herbs, it is variously used for spontaneous sweating, nightsweats, or even wasting and thirsting disorder. Quiets the spirit while calming and containing the Heart qi: for irritability, palpitations, dream-disturbed sleep, and insomnia due to injury to the blood and yin of the Heart and Kidneys or lack of communication between these two organs. Nowadays commonly used for various types of insomnia. |
| Wu Yao | Linderae Radix | Regulate the Qi | acrid | warm | KD, LU, SP, UB | 3-9g | Promotes the movement of qi and alleviates pain: for a stifling sensation in the chest, flank pain, and epigastric and abdominal pain and distention due to constraint from cold and qi stagnation. The herb warms and disperses, and is effective in spreading and unblocking the qi dynamic. It thereby smooths the flow of qi, facilitates the middle, disperses cold, and stops pain in many areas. It is also used when cold accumulation and qi stagnation manifest in lower abdominal pain, bulging disorders, or mentrual pain. Warm the Kidneys: for urinary frequency or incontinence due to insufficiency of KD yang and cold from deficiency of the bladder. |
| Wu Zhu Yu | Evodiae Fructus | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid, bitter | hot | LV, SP, ST | 1.5-4.5g | Warms the middle, disperses cold, promotes the movement of qi, and alleviates pain: for both Liver and Stomach channel disorders due to congealing cold or phlegm manifesting as headache, epigastric pain with nausea, drooling, reduced taste sensation, pale tongue, and a wiry or weak pulse. Also for cold bulging disorders in the area traversed by the Liver channel, and dysmenorrhea. Redirects rebellious qi downward and stops vomiting: for acid regurgitation with vomiting. Depending on the other herbs with which it is combined, it can be used for either cold or hot disorders. Warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea, and expels cold-dampness: for diarrhea due to cold from deficiency of the Spleen and Kidneys, and cold-damp leg qi. Leads fire downward: for sores of the mouth and tongue. For this purpose the herb is ground into a powder, mixed with vinegar, and placed on the center of the soles of the feet. |
| Xi Gua | Citrulli Fructus | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | sweet | cold | HT, ST, UB | 15-30g | Clears summerheat and generates fluids: for summerheat patterns, especially those with significant thirst and dark, scanty urine and dry heaves. Promotes urination and expels jaundice: recently used as an adjunct in the treatment of icteric hepatitis. |
| Xi Xian Cao | Siegesbeckiae Herba | Dispel Wind-Damp | bitter | cold | KD, LV | 9-15g | Dispels wind-dampness and unblocks the channels and collaterals: for wind-damp painful obstruction with pain in the joints. Because it is good at unblocking the channels and invigorating the collaterals, it is also commonly used for spasms and cramps in the extremities, numbness in the extremities, and weak legs, including weakness as a sequelae of wind-stroke. Clears heat and pacifies the Liver: for patterns of ascendant Liver yang with such symptoms as headache and dizziness. Clears and transforms damp-heat: for damp-heat sores and itching, wind-damp rash, or other forms of itching. Also used for hypertension. |
| Xi Xin | Asari Herba | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | warm | HT, KD, LU | 1-3g | Disperses cold and releases the exterior: an adjunctive herb for any exterior cold pattern, especially with the addition of dampness or underlying yang deficiency. This herb is often used for externally-contracted wind-cold when the dominant symptoms are head and body aches. Dispels wind, disperses cold, and relieves pain: for pain due to wind and/or cold anywhere in the body, but particularly headache, painful obstrucion, abdominal pain, or toothache. Often the conditions are marked by wind, cold and dampness having obstructed the muscles to the point that there is no sweating and even the blood can not flow smoothly, as in Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San and Da Huo Ji Sheng Tang. Warms the lungs and transforms thin mucus: for cough and qi which surges upward, as well as fullness in the chest with continuous cough from clumped qi in the chest and diaphragm. These patterns are usually marked by coughing with copious, watery sputum. For this purpose the herb is often used with Gan Jiang and Zhi Ban Xia, as in Xiao Qing Long Tang. Unblocking and facilitating the orifices: for various types of nasal congestion, oral pathology, and some types of loss of consciousness, all of which impair the clear orifices of the head. |
| Xi Yang Shen | Panacis Quinquefolii Radix | Tonify the Yin | slightly bitter, sweet | cold | HT, KD, LU | 3-6g | Benefits the qi, generates fluids, and nourishes the yin: for yin deficiency with heat signs and chronic, unabating fever. Also for the aftermath of a febrile disease with such symptoms as weakness, irritability, and thirst. Nurtures the Lung yin and clears fire from the Lungs: for Lung qi and yin deficiency with depleted fluids and blazing fire from deficiency, which impairs the clearing and dispersing functions of the Lungs. The primary manifestation is long-term wheezing and coughing up blood, and loss of voice due to Lung yin deficiency. |
| Xia Ku Cao | Prunella Spica | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | acrid, bitter | cold | GB, LV | 9-15g | Clears Liver Fire and brightens the eyes: for upward blazing of Liver fire with red, painful, or swollen eyes, or headache and dizziness. Also used for eye pain that increases in the evening due to Liver deficiency, especially when the eyes are neither red nor swollen. Clears heat and dissipates nodules: for any neck lump or nodule, as in scrofula, lipoma, swollen glands, or goiter due to phlegm-fire. Also used for similar nodules in the inguinal canal and other parts of the body. This herb has recently been used for hypertension, especially when accompanied by Liver fire or patterns of ascending yang. |
| Xian He Cao | Agrimoniae Herba | Stop Bleeding | astringent, bitter | neutral | LU, LV, SP | 6-12g | Restrains leakage of blood and stops bleeding: widely used for various types of bleeding such as vomiting blood, coughing blood, nosebleed, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, or uterine bleeding. Depending on its particular combination with other herbs, it can be used for bleeding due to heat, cold, excess, or xu. Alleviates diarrhea and dysenteric disorders: for chronic problems, as this herb has a restraining nature. Kills parasites: for trichomonas vaginitis and tapeworm, as well as malarial disorders. Used topically for trichomonas vaginitis. |
| Xian Mao | Circuliginis Rhizoma | Tonify the Yang | acrid | hot | KD | 3-9g | Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the yang: for impotence, urinary incontinence, nocturnal emissions, and irregular menstruation from Kidney yang deficiency. This herb is used for infertility from either a cold womb or cold essence. Expels cold and eliminates dampness: for obstinate cold-damp painful obstruction with generalized pain, a sense of weakness in the bones and sinews, and lower back and knee pain. Especially useful for cold abdominal or lower back pain. |
| Xiang Fu | Cyperi Rhizoma | Regulate the Qi | acrid, bitter | neutral | GB, LV, SJ | 6-12g | Spreads and regulates LV qi: for constrained LV qi patterns with hypochondriac pain and epigastric distention, as well as disharmony btwn the LV and SP. The neutral quality of this herb, together with its ability to disperse and harmonize, account for its widespread use. Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain: to facilitate the flow of LV qi in gynecological disorders with such signs as dysmenorrhea or irregular menstruation. |
| Xiao Hui Xiang | Foeniculi Fructus | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | warm | LV, KD, SP, ST | 3-9g | Disperses cold, warms the Liver and Kidneys, and stops pain: used to warm and encourage movement in the Liver channel or the lower burner, as in cold bulging disorders, or any kind of lower abdominal pain due to cold. Regulates qi and harmonizes the Stomach: for Stomach cold with such symptoms as abdominal pain, indigestion, reduced appetite, and vomiting. |
| Xin Yi | Magnoliae Flos | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid | warm | LU, ST | 3-9g | Expels wind-cold and unblocks the nasal passages: for nasal obstruction or congestion, nasal discharge, lack of smell, sinus problems, or related headache. While primarily used for problems due to wind-cold, it can also be used for any nasal or sinus condition with other appropriate herbs. |
| Xing Ren | Armenicae Semen | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | bitter | slightly warm | LI, LU | 3-9g | Stops cough and calms wheezing: used quite broadly for many kinds of cough disorders caused by either heat or cold, depending on the combination. Because the herb is moist in nature, it is especially useful for externally-contracted dry cough. Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels: this secondary use of the herb derives from its high oil content. |
| Xu Duan | Dipsaci Radix | Tonify the Yang | acrid, bitter, sweet | slightly warm | KD, LV | 9-18g | Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the sinews and bones: for sore and painful lower back and knees, stiffness in the joints, and weakness in the legs from Liver and Kidney deficiency. This herb is especially useful for these conditions as it tonifies without causing stagnation. Also used for urinary dribbling from Kidney deficiency. Calms the fetus and stops leakage: for restless fetus, bleeding during pregnancy, and threatened miscarriage. Also used for deficiency-related uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge. Promotes the movement of blood, alleviates pain, and reconnects the sinews and bones: often used for trauma and external disorders (such as sores), and especially for pain and swelling in the lower back and limbs from trauma. For this purpose it can be applied topically or taken internally. Can also be used for painful obstruction. |
| Xuan Fu Hua | Inulae Flos | Warm & Transform Phlegm-Cold | acrid, bitter, salty | slightly warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Reduces phlegm and promotes the dissipation of pathogenic water: for phlegm and fluids clogging up the Lungs or problems due to accumulation of phlegm and thin mucus. While most appropriate for cold disorders, when combined with the proper herbs it can also be used for hot disorders. Redirects the qi downward and stops vomiting: for vomiting, hiccough, and belching. |
| Xuan Shen | Scrophulariae Radix | Clear Heat, Cool the Blood | bitter, salty, sweet | cold | KD, LU, ST | 9-15g | Clears heat and cools the blood: when heat has entered the blood level of warm heat pathogen diseases, causing bleeding, fever, dry mouth, and a purplish tongue, as in Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction (qing ying tang). Nourishes the yin: especially for the sequelae of warm heat pathogen diseases with such symptoms as constipation and irritability. Softens hardness and dissipates nodules: for neck lumps due to phlegm-fire as well as severe throat pain and swelling. |
| Yan Hu Suo | Corydalis Rhizoma | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | warm | HT, LV, ST | 3-9g | Invigorates the blood, promotes the movement of qi, and alleviates pain: for pain of almost any kind affecting the chest, abdomen, or limbs, including that due to blood stasis and trauma. Especially useful for epigastric pain and dysmenorrhea. |
| Ye Jiao Teng | Polygoni Multiflori Caulis | Nourish Heart & Calm Spirit | sweet | neutral | HT, LV | 15-30g | Nourishes the Heart and blood and calms the spirit: for patterns of yin or blood deficiency with insomnia and irritability. Especially useful for dream-disturbed sleep. Nourishes the blood and unblocks the channels: for generalized weakness, soreness, pain, and numbness due to blood deficiency. Used as an auxiliary herb for painful obstruction. Alleviates itching: used as an external wash for itching and skin rashes. |
| Yi Mu Cao | Leonuri Herba | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | HT, LV, UB | 9-15g | Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis: commonly used for gynecological disorders such as irregular menstruation, premenstrual abdominal pain, heavy menstruation with clots, fixed abdominal masses, infertility, and postpartum abdominal pain with retained lochia. Also used for traumatic pain. Promotes urination and reduces swelling: for acute systemic edema. Especially useful when accompanied by blood in the urine. Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for sores, abscesses, and toxic swellings. Also for itchy rashes from damp-heat collecting and steaming the muscles and subcutaneous tissues. Used either internally or topically. |
| Yi Tang | Maltosum | Tonify the Qi | sweet | slightly warm | LU, SP, ST | 15-60g | Tonifies the Spleen and augments the qi: for overexertion that injures the Spleen with shortness of breath and reduced appetite. Tonifies the middle burner qi and alleviates pain: for abdominal pain due to cold from deficiency of the middle burner accompanied by excessive salivation, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a deep, slow pulse. Moistens the Lungs and stops coughs: for dry, nonproductive coughs with labored, slow breathing, and a weak voice due to Lung deficiency. |
| Yi Yi Ren | Coicis Semen | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | slightly cold | KD, LU, SP, ST | 9-30g | Facilitates the resolution of dampness and strengthens the Spleen: for edema, diarrhea, leg qi, painful urinary dribbling and damp-warmth. It treats both the root and manifestations of these disorders. Facilitates the resolution of dampness and eliminates painful obstruction: for wind-damp painful obstruction. Especially effective for increasing joint mobility and reducing spasms in chronic cases. Clears heat and expels pus: for soft, pustulated carbuncles as well as Lung or intestinal abscess. Clears damp-heat: for any damp-heat disorder at any level characterized by a greasy tongue coating and digestive problems. |
| Yi Zhi Ren | Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus | Tonify the Yang | acrid | warm | KD, SP | 3-9g | Warms the Kidneys, retains the essence, and secures the urine: for such symptoms as frequent and copious urination, incontinence of urine, spermatorrhea, or dribbling of urine for Kidney yang deficiency. Also used for irregular uterine bleeding. Warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea, and controls salivation: used in patterns of Spleen or Stomach cold from deficiency with such symptoms as diarrhea, cold abdominal pain, excessive salivation, and a thick, unpleasant taste in the mouth. Also used for abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea from cold entering the Spleen and Kidneys. |
| Yin Chai Hu | Stellariae Radix | Clear Heat from Deficiency | sweet | slightly cold | LV, ST | 3-9g | Causes heat from deficiency to recede: for fire from yin deficiency with steaming bone disorder, or any yin deficient fever. Clears heat and reduces childhood nutritional impairment: for fever, thirst and irritability associated with childhood nutritional impairment due to accumulation with heat. |
| Yin Chen Hao | Artemisiae Scopariae Herba | Drain Dampness | bitter | slightly cold | GB, LV, SP, ST | 9-30g | Clears heat, resolves dampness, and reduces jaundice: this is the principal herb for treating jaundice due to either damp-heat or cold-dampness. Clears heat and facilitates the resolution of dampness: used for damp sores, wind rashes, and other skin diseases, particularly those affecting the lower parts of the body. Can be used alone as an external wash. |
| Yin Yang Huo | Epimedii Herba | Tonify the Yang | acrid, sweet | warm | KD, LV | 3-9g | Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the yang: for patterns of Kidney yang deficiency with such symptoms as impotence, infertility, urinary frequency, forgetfulness, withdrawal, and painful cold lower back and knees. Dispels wind-cold-dampness and warms and unblocks the flow of yang qi: for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction with such symptoms as spasms or cramps in the hands and feet, joint pain, and numbness in the extremities. Also used for the contractures, numbness, or hemiplegia following wind-stroke. |
| Yu Jin | Curcumae Radix | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | cold | HT, LU, LV | 6-12g | Invigorates the blood and stops pain while promoting the movement of qi and resolving constraint: used topically and internally for pain related to traumatic injury and to hasten the healing process of chronic sores as well as such symptoms as chest, abdominal, flank, or menstrual pain from constrained Liver qi. Particularly useful for constrained Liver qi patterns with heat signs. Clears heat and cools the blood: for heat in the blood aspect causing chaotic movement of the blood leading to such problems as nosebleed, vomiting of blood, and blood in the urine. Especially useful for nosebleed at the onset of menstruation or instead of menstruation, known as inverted menses. Clears the Heart and opens the orifices: used when hot phlegm obstructs the Heart orifices with such symptoms as anxiety, agitation, seizures, or mental derangement. Although it is rather effective in clearing the Heart, its ability to open the orifices is weak. Benefits the Gallbladder and reduces jaundice: for gallbladder disorders and jaundice. |
| Yu Li Ren | Pruni Semen | Moist Laxatives | acrid, bitter, sweet | neutral | LI, SI, SP | 3-9g | Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels: for constipation due to qi stagnation in the intestines. Promotes urination and reduces edema: for leg qi or edema with urinary difficulty and constipation. |
| Yu Zhu | Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma | Tonify the Yin | sweet | slightly cold | LU, ST | 6-15g | Nourishes the yin and moistens dryness: for Lung and Stomach dry-heat or yin deficiency patterns with cough, dry throat, irritability, and thirst. Also for steaming bone disorder and wasting and thirsting disorder with intense hunger and constipation. Extinguishes wind and softens and moistens the sinews: for wind generated by insufficient fluids leading to pain and spasms in the sinews. Also for dizziness caused by yin deficiency and internal stirring of wind. In addition, because the herb is neither cloying nor tends to retain pathogenic influences, it is used in those with yin-deficient constitutions in cases of externally-contracted wind-heat. |
| Yuan Zhi | Polygalae Radix | Nourish Heart & Calm Spirit | acrid, bitter | slightly warm | HT, LU | 6-15g | Calms the spirit and quiets the Heart: for insomnia, palpitations with anxiety, restlessness, and disorientation. Most effective in cases related to excessive brooding or constrained, pent-up emotions as well as those related to lack of communication between the Heart and Kidneys. Expels phlegm, clears the orifices, and stops coughs: used when phlegm envelops the orifice of the Heart with such manifestations as emotional and mental disorientation, spasms, or seizures. Also used for phlegm affecting the Lungs with copious sputum, especially when it is difficult to expectorate. Recently, it has also been used for angina pectoris. Reduces abscesses and dissipates swellings: for boils, abscesses, sores, and swollen, painful breasts. Used in powdered form and applied topically, or taken with wine. |
| Ze Lan | Lycopi Herba | Invigorate the Blood | acrid, bitter | slightly warm | LV, SP | 9-15g | Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis: for pain due to blood stasis obstructing the menses, and for postpartum abdominal pain from blood stasis. Also used topically or internally for pain and swelling from traumatic injury or abscess. Promotes urination: for postpartum edema, postpartum urinary dribbling, and systemic or facial edema. This effect is rather mild and is adjunctive in nature. |
| Ze Xie | Alismatis Rhizoma | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | cold | KD, UB | 4.5-9g | Promotes urination and leaches out dampness: for problems caused by stagnation of dampness such as edema, scanty urine, vaginal discharge, turbid painful urinary dribbling, as well as jaundice and diarrhea. Can be used alone for painful urinary dribbling during pregnancy. |
| Zhe Bei Mu | Fritillariae Thumbergii Bulbus | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | bitter | cold | HT, LU | 4.5-9g | Clears and transforms phlegm-heat: for acute Lung heat patterns with productive cough. Clears heat and dissipates nodules: for phlegm-fire which congeals and causes neck swellings. Also important for Lung and breast abscess and swellings. |
| Zhen Zhu | Margarita | Anchor, Settle & Calm | salty, sweet | cold | HT, LV | 0.3-1g | Sedates the Heart and settles tremors and palpitations: for palpitations, childhood convulsions, and seizures. Also used for disharmony of the Heart and spirit wherein the patient is easily frightened or angered. Clears the Liver and eliminates superficial visual obstructions: for blurred vision due to pterygium or other superficial disorders of the eyes. Often used topically as a powder. Promotes healing and generates flesh: used topically as a powder for chronic, nonhealing ulcers or macerated areas (usually throat or gums). |
| Zhi Ban Xia | Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum | Warm & Transform Phlegm-Cold | acrid | warm | LU, SP, ST | 3-9g | Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and causes rebellious qi to descend: for cough with copious sputum, as in cold-phlegm in the Lungs. Especially effective for transforming phlegm due to dampness of the Spleen. Directs rebellious qi downward and stops vomiting: for nausea and vomiting due to many causes including cold, thin mucus, Stomach deficiency, Stomach heat, or pregnancy. Dissipates nodules and reduces clumps: for nodules, pressure, distension, or pain due to phlegm lingering in the chest, phlegm nodules in the neck (such as goiter and scrofula), or obstruction caused by phlegm anywhere in the body. Also for focal distension in the chest and epigastrum. |
| Zhi Fu Zi | Aconiti Radix Lateralis Preparata | Warm Interior, Expel Cold | acrid | hot | HT, KD, SP | 3-15g | Revives the yang and rescues from rebellion: for devastated yang disorders where the yang qi is extremely weak and the cold yin is abundant. Symptoms include diarrhea containing undigested food particles, chills, cold extremities, and a faint or almost imperceptible pulse. This condition often occurs after severs vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. This herb is critical in those situations since it both assists the Heart yang to unblock the vessels and thereby improves circulation, and tonifies the Kidney yang to augment the fire and avoid loss of primal yang. Warms the fire and assists the yang: for any problem associated with weakness or deficiency of the Heart, Spleen, or Kidney yang. This is a widely used herb, especially when the pattern involves interior cold with insufficient yang. Disperses cold, warms the channels, and alleviates pain: for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, especially when cold predominates. Also for cold blocking the organs, channels, sinews, bones, or blood vessels, and for yin flat abscesses. |
| Zhi He Shou Wu | Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata | Tonify the Blood | astringent, bitter, sweet | slightly warm | KD, LV | 9-30g | Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, nourishes the blood, and augments the essence: for patterns of yin or blood deficiency with such signs as dizziness, blurred vision, premature graying of the hair, weakness in the lower back and knees, soreness in the extremities, nocturnal emissions, and insomnia. This is a commonly used herb, as it both tonifies and preserves, and is neither cold, nor too cloying. Expels wind from the skin by nourishing the blood: for wind rash due to blood deficiency. |
| Zhi Ke | Aurantii Fructus | Regulate the Qi | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | LI, SP, ST | 3-9g | Promotes the flow of qi: for qi stagnation leading to problems in the flow of qi such as cough, distention, or constipation. |
| Zhi Mu | Anemarrhenae Rhizoma | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | bitter, sweet | cold | LU, KD, ST | 6-12g | Clears heat and drains fire: for high fever, irritability, thirst, and a rapid, flooding pulse in patterns of heat from excess in the Lungs and Stomach. Also for cough due to heat in the Lungs with expectoration of thick, yellow sputum. Enriches yin and moistens dryness: for exhaustion or deficiency of Lung and Kidney yin with such heat signs as night sweats, steaming bone disorder, irritability, afternoon or low-grade fevers, heat in the five centers, and bleeding gums. Also for Kidney heat signs as spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions, and abnormally high sex drive. Generates fluids and clears heat: for oral ulcers and inflammation due to yin deficiency, and for wasting and thirsting disorder. Ameliorates the dryness of tonifying or warming substances: for circumstances when tonifying or warming herbs are used, but there is concern that they not be too drying. |
| Zhi Shi | Aurantii Fructus Immaturus | Regulate the Qi | acrid, bitter | slightly cold | LI, SP, ST | 3-9g | Breaks up stagnant qi and reduces accumulation: for epigastric or abdominal pain and distention or indigestion with focal distention or gas. Can be used synergistically with Aurantii Fructus. Transforms phlegm and expels focal disention: for focal distention and fullness in the chest and epigastrium due to turbid phlegm obstructing and plugging the qi dynamic. Also used with qi-tonifying herbs for gastriectasis, gastroptosis, rectal prollapse. Recently used to raise blood pressure. |
| Zhi Tian Nan Xing | Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum | Warm & Transform Phlegm-Heat | acrid, bitter | warm | LU, LV, SP | 3-9g | Dries dampness and expels phlegm: for cough and a stifling and distended sensation in the chest due to stubborn phlegm. This herb is extremely drying in nature. Disperses wind-phlegm and stops spasms: for obsruction due to wind-phlegm usually in the channels, with dizziness, vertigo, numbness in the limbs, facial paralysis, spasms in the hands or feet, opisthotonos, stroke, seizures, or lockjaw. Reduces swelling and alleviates pain: used topically for such problems as deep-rooted sores, ulcers, and carbuncles. Also for swelling due to traumatic injury and joint pain secondary to phlegm. For this purpose, the herb is used in its unprepared form. Recently used topically for cervical cancer. |
| Zhi Zi | Gardeniae Fructus | Clear Heat, Drain Fire | bitter | cold | HT, LU, LV, ST, SJ | 6-9g | Drains heat and eliminates irritability: for heat patterns with fever, irritability, restlessness, stifling sensation in the chest, insomnia, or delirious speech. Clears heat and resolves dampness: for painful urinary dribbling due to damp heat in the lower burner; damp heat and constrained Liver and Gallbladder (middle burner) with jaundice; and damp heat in the Gallbladder and Triple Burner channels of the face, affecting the nose and eyes, or causing sores in the mouth or face region. Cools the blood and resolves toxicity: for heat in the blood with such symptoms as nosebleed, or blood in the vomit, stool or urine. For this purpose, the herb is partially charred. Reduces swelling and moves blood stasis due to trauma: for this purpose, apply topically as a powder mixed with egg white or vinegar. |
| Zhu Ling | Polyporus | Drain Dampness | bland, sweet | cool | KD, SP, UB | 6-12g | Promotes urination and leaches out dampness: for problems caused by stagnation of dampness such as edema, scanty urine, vaginal discharge, turbid painful urinary dribbling, as well as jaundice and diarrhea. Can be used alone for painful urinary dribbling during pregnancy. |
| Zhu Ru | Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam | Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat | sweet | slightly cold | GB, LU, ST | 4.5-9g | Clears and transforms phlegm-heat: for heat in the Lungs with viscous sputum, stifling sensation in the chest, or coughing up blood. Also for Gallbladder fire harboring phlegm and phlegm-heat. Clears heat and stops vomiting: for vomiting of bitter or sour matter due to heat in the Stomach with bad breath, aversion to heat, and a yellow, greasy tongue. The Stomach heat can be due to either excess or deficiency. This herb is very effective at stopping vomiting and can be used, with other appropriate herbs, in treating other types of vomiting including that associated with morning sickness. |
| Zi Cao | Arnebiae/Lithospermi Radix | Clear Heat, Cool the Blood | sweet | cold | HT, LV | 3-9g | Clears heat, cools the blood, and resolves fire toxicity while venting rashes: for encouraging rashes to surface, or, if the course of the disease (such as measles or chickenpox) is not progressing well, for encouraging the complete expression of the rash. Often used for fire toxin with very dark purple rashes. In addition, as this herb also moistens the Intestines and promotes urination, it is commonly used when rashes are accompanied by constipation or urinary dysfunction. Clears damp heat from the skin: applied topically for damp heat skin lesions or vaginal itching. Also used for burns. |
| Zi He Che | Hominis Placenta | Tonify the Yang | |||||
| Zi Hua Di Ding | Violae Herba | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | acrid, bitter | cold | HT, LV | 15-30g | Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for reducing hot swellings, especially for red, swollen eyes; swollen, painful throat and ears, mumps, and snakebite. Clears hot sores: used internally and topically (usually fresh) for sores and abscesses, especially of the head and back. |
| Zi Shi Ying | Fluoritum | Anchor, Settle & Calm | sweet | warm | HT, LV | 9-15g | Sedates the Heart and settles tremors and palpitations: for disorientation, insomnia, palpitations with anxiety, or convulsions due to either Heart blood deficiency or ascendant Liver yang. Warms the Lungs and directs the qi downward: for cough or wheezing due to cold from deficiency of the Lungs. Used for wheezing with copious sputum. Warms the Womb while warming and unblocking the Penetrating and Conception vessels: for excessive menstruation, uterine bleeding, or infertility due to cold from deficiency of the Womb. |
| Zi Su Ye | Perillae Folium | Warm, Acrid Release Exterior | acrid, aromatic | warm | LU, SP | 5-9g | Releases the exterior and disperses cold: for externally contracted wind-cold with such symptoms as fever, chills, headache, nasal congestion, cough, or stifling sensation in the chest, as in Xing Su San and Xiang Su San. Promotes the movement of qi and expands the chest: for nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite, as in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. Also used as an auxillary herb to invigorate the blood. Use during pregnancy: for calming a restless fetus, or for morning sickness. Resolves seafood poisoning: used either alone or with other herbs. |
| Zi Su Zi | Perillae Fructus | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | acrid | warm | LI, LU | 3-9g | Stops cough and calms wheezing, redirects the qi downward, and dissolves phlegm: for cough and wheezing with copious phlegm. Especially useful when exhalation is more labored than inhalation and there is a stifling sensation in the chest. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks stool: for constipation due to dry Intestines. |
| Zi Wan | Asteris Radix | Relieve Cough & Wheeze | acrid, bitter | slightly warm | LU | 5-9g | Relieves coughs and expels phlegm: an important herb in stopping coughs of various etiologies including wind-cold, wind-heat, Lung deficiency, and consumption. |