Spicy, Warm Herbs that Release the Exterior

Ma Spicy L *Raises blood pressure, CNS stimulant

Bitter U ~ Induces sweating & releases the exterior – strong diaphoretic. Patterns of
Huang Warm U WC exterior excess (Yangming
Ephedra Stem cold damage) w/ chills, fever, headache, absence of sweat, tight & floating
B
Ephedrae pulse.
Herba ~ Disseminates & facilitates LU qi, calms wheezing & stops cough –
cough & wheezing due to WC
obstructing LU. Encourages LU qi to flow more freely & directs it down.
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – floating edema – esp. good for
edema w/ exterior condition
**Best for promoting urination & reducing edema**
Gui Zhi Spicy H *Contraindicated during pregnancy, monorrhagia
Sweet T ~ *Harmonizes & balances Ying & Wei – goes to muscle level, for when cold
Cinnamon Twig
Warm L gets stuck there
Cinnamon
~ Warms & unblocks channels, collaterals & vessels – (in extremities)
Ramulus U
wind-cold-damp Bi
U ~ Warms the Yang & transforms thin mucous - lack of transformation of
B fluids due to Yang Def. w/ edema &
urinary dysfunction or dizziness & palpitations.
~ Assists the HT Yang & unblocks the Yang Qi of chest – enhances HT &
LU functions, tonifies HT Yang,
treats deficiency palpitations
**Best for: Headache, chills, slight sweats, & chest Bi syndrome**
Zi Su Ye Spicy L ~ Releases exterior & disperses cold – wind-cold w/ fever, chills, headache,
Arom U congestion, cough, stifling
Purple Perilla
atic S sensation in chest.
Leaf
~ Promotes movement of Qi & expands the chest – nausea, vomiting, poor
Perillae Folium Warm P
appetite. Auxillary herb to
invigorate the blood.
~ In Pregnancy - treats morning sickness & restless fetus
~ Resolves seafood poisoning – any food poisoning – stops symptoms
**Zi Su Ye has all of the following functions – Reduces seafood poisoning, opens
the chest, calms the
fetus. DOES NOT promote urination**
Zi Su Spicy L *in Regulate Qi category, doesn’t release exterior, has ordering & regulating
Sweet U function
Geng Sl. S ~ Expands the chest & benefits diaphragm – LU & ST Qi stag (chest &
Purple Perilla abdomen)w/ focal distention or stifling
warm P
Stem sensation that may lead to abdominal & hypochondriac distention & pain,
S regulates downward conduction &
T stimulates peristalsis
~ Calms fetus & stops vomiting - *stops Braxton-Hicks contractions
Jing Jie Spicy L ~ Releases exterior & dispels wind - *WH or WC, also carbuncles, boils
Sl. U when they first erupt, esp when w/
Schizonepeta
warm L chills & fever
Stem
~ Vents rashes & alleviates itching – initial stage of measles & pruritic skin
Or Bud V
eruptions
Schizonepetae
~ Stops bleeding – hemostatic – must be blackened/burned; auxiliary herb for
Herba
hemorrhage, blood in stools or
uterine bleeding.
Fang Spicy U *Regulates or rebalances surface pores, restores balance *can open OR close
Sweet B pores
Feng Sl. L ~ Releases exterior & expels wind - *WH or WC – headache, chills, body
Saposhnikovia aches due to WC
warm V
Root ~ Expels wind dampness & alleviates pain – exterior WD painful obstruction
Saposhnikovia S - Bi, arthritis pain
Radix P ~ Expels wind & relieves spasms – internal wind (LV), tetany, trembling of
hands & feet. Also for Intestinal
“guard against wind due to imbalance between SP & LV w/ recurrent, painful diarrhea w/
wind” bright blood in the stool. Also
migraines.
**Best for cough, fever, chills, phlegm, stuffy nose, & tetanus (internal wind)**
Qiang Spicy U *guiding herb – to shoulders, neck, occiput, head - **Occipital HA**
Bitter B ~ Releases exterior & disperses cold – WC stiff neck, achy shldrs, upper
Huo Arom K back, occiput; chills, fever,
Notopterygium headache, body aches & pains. Good when accompanied by dampness w/ joint
atic D
Root pain, feeling of heaviness,
Notopterygii Warm sleepiness, pain in occipital region.
Rhizoma ~ Unblocks painful obstruction (Bi) & alleviates pain – WCD Bi, esp upper
limbs & back, joint pain, arthritis
**Guides Qi to Taiyang (SI, UB) & Du – used freq for this – neck, shldrs, upper
back, occiput
**Guides Qi to Taiyang & Du channels, & so it can be used to treat occipital HA &
upper body pain**
Gao Ben Spicy U *has affinity for the head – reaches vertex – great for headache, not used to rel.
Warm B surface **Vertex HA**
Ligusticum
D ~ Discharges exterior conditions & disperses cold - *esp chronic
Root
headaches & nasal congestion, also acute
Ligustici U
*Vertex/crown headache, or linked w/ teeth & jaw
Rhizoma
~ Dispels wind, overcomes dampness, and A.P. – WCD Bi, acute lower back
pain from WC– both ends of Du;
also for dampness affecting digestive system
**Good for vertex HA from wind-cold**
Bai Zhi Spicy L **WC frontal headaches**
Warm U ~ Expels wind, eliminates dampness, unblocks nasal passages, & A.P. –
Angelica Root
S WC or WH, best for sinus & nasal
Angelica
passages, acute or chronic, but better for chronic sinusitis. WC w/ headache.
dahuricae T
Supraorbital pain, congestion, &
Radix S toothache.
P ~ Reduces swelling & expels pus - *very good at – early stages of superficial
sores & carbuncles. If not yet
suppurated, it will reduce the swelling. If pus has already formed or the sore
has ulcerated, it will help
discharge the pus.
~ Expels dampness & alleviates discharge – vaginal discharge due to cold-
damp in lower jiao, also from
damp-heat if combines properly
**Good for frontal HA from wind-cold**
Xi Xin Spicy L *very penetrating into dense stagnation – “like a sharpened spear” -
Warm U **NEVER use alone***
“Thin Spicy”
H **Shaoyin HA**
Chinese wild
*small doses for short time – can kill you if used alone - *problematic
ginger T
unresolved joint pain, sinusitis
Asari K ~ Disperses cold & releases exterior – not direct diaphoretic, good assisting
Radix/Rhizoma D when very damp or cold.
Headache, neck & upper back pain
**Max dose:
~ Dispels wind, disperses cold, & relieves pain – pain due to wind &/or cold
0.3 – 1.0 Qian
anywhere, but particularly
1 – 3 Grams
headache, Bi, abdominal pain, or toothache.
~ Warms the LU & transforms thin mucous – cold invasion in LU – cough &
Qi surging upwards
~ *very strong for nasal & sinus congestion – for cough & qi that surges up,
fullness in chest w/ continuous
cough. Cough w/ copious watery sputum.
~ Unblocks & facilitates the orifices – various types of nasal congestion, oral
pathology, some types of loss of
consciousness which impair the clear orifices of the head
Sheng Spicy L ~ Releases the exterior & disperses cold – good & fast acting diaphoretic –
Sl. U primary WC herb
Jiang warm S ~ Warms the middle jiao & alleviates vomiting – cold in ST, esp. w/
Fresh Ginger vomiting
P
Zingiberis ~ Warms LU & stops cough – esp tickly cough – acute WC, chronic LU
Rhizoma S disorders
Recens T ~ Resolves toxicity – for overdose of certain herbs (Fu Zi, Ban Xia) or sea-food
poisoning
** Increases peristalsis & downward movement of ST Qi
**Sheng Jiang has all of the following functions EXCEPT – Releases swelling &
expels pus**
Cong Bai Spicy L ~ Releases the exterior & induces sweating – WC, esp very early stages
Warm U ~ Disperses cold & unblocks the Yang – for either abdominal pain &
Scallion (large)
S distention or nasal congestion due to
Alii fistulosi
blockage of Yang Qi by cold.
Bulbus T
~ Resolves toxicity & disperses clumps – topically for sores & abscesses (as
poultice)
Xiang Ru Spicy L **esp appropriate during hot summer months – harmonizes SP & transforms
Arom U dampness
Moslae Herba
atic S ~ Induces sweating & releases the exterior – WC exposure in summer, esp.
when accompanied by dampness
Sl. T
w/ chills & fever, headache, absence of sweat, body aches, abdominal pain,
warm vomiting, & diarrhea
~ Promotes urination & reduces swelling – for edema & urinary difficulty,
esp. when associated w/ exterior
condition
**Releases the exterior, transforms dampness, promotes urination & good for
treating summer heat**
Cang Er Sweet L ~ Disperses wind & dampness & opens the nasal passages - **really good
Bitter U for sinusis & nasal
Zi Warm passages – shrinks & relieves puffiness, swelling & inflammation
Xanthium Fruit ~ Disperses wind & dispels dampness – WD Bi – joint pain, swelling,
inflammation, itching skin
 **Best for opening nasal passages. Cang Er Zi & Xin Yi Hua**
Xin Yi Spicy L ** Reduces blood pressure, antifungal – very drying
Warm U ~ Expels WC & unblocks the nasal passages – strongly opens nasal
Hua S passages & expels WC
Magnolia *acute sinusitis; for nasal obstruction & congestion, nasal discharge, lack of
T
Flower smell, sinus problems, or related
headache. Primarily for WC but can be used for any nasal or sinus condition if
combined properly.

Spicy, Cool Herbs that Release the Exterior

Bo He Spicy L **contains an active compound that relaxes the esophageal sphincter
Arom U ~ Disperses WH, clears & benefits the head, eyes, & throat – WH w/ fever,
Field Mind
atic L cough, headache, red eyes, sore
Menthae
throat
haplocalycis Cool V
~ Vents rashes – for early stages of rashes (such as measles)
Herba
~ **Allows constrained LV Qi to flow freely - *2nd best herb for LV Qi Stag –
pressure in chest or flanks,
emotional instability, & gynecological problems.
~ Expels turbid filth – summertime exposure to unclean Qi – gastric
disturbance w/ abd. pain, vomiting, diarrhea,
thick, greasy, yellow tongue fur.
**Can treat all these: wind heat w/ fever & cough, wind heat w/ sore throat & HA,
LV Qi Stag. w/ pressure in chest
& flanks. CAN’T treat Qi Deficiency w/ sweats**
Niu Bang Spicy L ~ Disperses WH & benefits the throat - **very good for throat – sore,
Bitter U scratchy beginning of WH; WH w/ fever,
Zi Cold S cough, sore, red, swollen throat
Great Burdock ~ Resolves toxicity & vents rashes – red swellings, carbuncles, erythemas,
T
Fruit mumps, acute febrile
maculopapular rashes, early stages measles, incomplete expression of rash.
Also rashes due to WH.
~ Moistens the intestines – helps to facilitate bowel movements; for WH w/
constipation.
**NOT useful for wind-cold nasal congestion & sinus HA** **Clears WH & benefits
the throat**
Chan Tui Sweet L **VERY good at opening the tiniest microcirculation in the capillaries in skin, eyes
Salty U - *very good for eyes
Cicada Molting
Sl. L ~ Disperses wind & clears heat – esp. good for laryngitis & loss of voice – loss
of voice & swollen sore throat
*Caution in cold V
~ Vents rashes – early stages – hives, wind rash, measles
Pregnancy
~Clears the eyes & removes superficial visual obstruction - **one of top 5
herbs for eyes – WH eye problems:
red, painful, & swollen eyes, blurry vision
~ Stops spasms & extinguishes wind – childhood febrile diseases w/
convulsions, spasms, delirium, or night
terrors - Auxiliary herb for treating tetanus
Sang Ye Sweet L **esp good for eyes – best at moistening the eyes
Bitter U ~ Gently disperses & scatters WH – WH w/ fever, headache, sore throat,
Mulberry Leaf
Cold L coughing
~ Calms the LV & clears the eyes – for eye problems from excess LV heat,
V
WH, or Yin Def. Also vertigo due to
LV Yang rising. Red, sore, dry or painful eyes, or spots in front of eyes.
~ Clears LU and moistens dryness - moistens LU & thins phlegm; for LU
dryness w/ cough, dry mouth or LU
heat w/ thick, yellow sputum
**Best for clearing the LV & brightening the eyes: Ju Hua & Sang Ye**
Ju Hua Sweet L **powerfully lowers blood pressure!! – one of top 3 herbs for hypertension *can
Bitter U ascend or descend, drain or tonify
Chrysanthemu
Sl. L ~ Disperses wind & clears heat – WH patterns, from common cold or warm
m
pathogen disease w/ fever &
cold V
headache.
~ Calms LV & clears the eyes – red, swollen, dry &/or painful eyes from WH in
LV channel or LV Yang Rising.
Spots in front of eyes, blurry vision, dizziness due to LV & KD Yin Def.
~ Calms the LV & extinguishes wind – dizziness, headache, deafness due to
LV Yang rising
**Best for clearing the LV & brightening the eyes. Ju Hua & Sang Ye**
Man Jing Bitter U **eases pain & constraint in the face – around & behind the eyes - **don’t
Spicy B combine w/ Shi Gao
Zi Cool L ~ Disperses wind & clears heat – WH esp. when major complaint is headache
Vitex Fruit or eye pain
 V ~ Clears & benefits the head & eyes – LV channel WH manifesting as
S excessive tearing, red, painful, or swollen
T eyes, or spots in front of eyes.

Dan Dou Sweet L ~ Releases the exterior – *either WH or WC. Also Yin Def. w/ superimposed
Sl. U exterior disorders. gentle – good
Chi bitter S for weak, yin deficient patient (elderly) w/ exterior condition
~ **Eliminates irritability – irritability, restlessness, stifling sensation in chest,
Cold T
insomnia following febrile disorder
OR **Releases either hot or cold exterior conditions, & can alleviate irritability from
War exterior heat disease**
m
Fu Ping Spicy U **really strong diaphoretic – strongest in spicy, cool category – can be used alone
Cold B for surface releasing
Spirodela
L ~ Induces sweating & releases the exterior – exterior heat w/ head & body
Duckweed
aches & no sweating. Strong
U
diaphoretic – sometimes used alone for this.
~ Vents rashes & stops itching - *cold equivalent to Jing Jie – measles or other
rashes, wind rash.
~ Promotes urination & reduces swelling - *like Ma Huang – hot superficial
edema in upper body w/ diff.
urination
Mu Zei Sweet L ~ Disperses WH, clears the eyes, & reduces superficial visual
Bitter V obstruction – WH affecting eyes causing
Horse Tail
Neutr L redness, pain, swelling, cloudiness, blurred vision, pterygium, or excessive
tearing.
*Caution al U
~ Clears heat & stops bleeding – auxiliary herb for blood in stools or
Pregnanc G hemorrhoids – not a hemostatic.
B
Ge Gen Spicy S **nourishes fluids – alleviates thirst by raising ST fluids, treats diarrhea
Sweet P ~ Discharges exterior conditions & releases the muscles – exterior
Kudzu Root
Cool S disorders lodged in muscles causing
fever, headache, stiff or tight upper back & neck.
T
~ Relieves heat & generates fluids – for irritability & thirst from ext.
contracted heat or wasting & thirsting w/
internal heat.
~ Vents & discharges measles
~ Raises the Yang & stops diarrhea - ***best function – diarrhea or dysentery
due to heat. Also diarrhea from
SP Deficiency when combined properly
~ Treats symptoms of hypertension – headache, dizziness, tinnitus (only
symptoms, not cause)
**Best for relieving stiff or tight muscles in the upper back & neck**
Chai Hu Spicy L ****best at all it’s functions
Bitter V ~ Resolves Shaoyang disorder & reduces fever – alternating chills & fever,
Radix Bupleuri
Cool G bitter taste, flank pain, irritability,
Kindling of
vomiting, stifling sensation in chest.
Barbarian B
~ Spreads LV Qi & relieves constraint - ***#1 herb for spreading &
P smoothing LV Qi – dizziness, vertigo, chest
C & flank pain, emotional instability, or menstrual problems. Also disharmony
SJ between LV & SP w/ epigastric &
flank pain, stifling sensation in chest, abdominal bloating, nausea & indigestion
~ Raises & lifts the clear Yang of the ST & GB – organ prolapse –
hemorrhoids, dropping/sagging, vaginal
discharge, bleeding or exhaustion.
**Best for alternating chills & fever w/ bitter oral taste, vomiting, chest tightness
& flank pain associated w/
Shaoyang stage of externally contracted disorders**
Sheng Spicy LI ~ Raises Yang & lifts what has sunken - *also Chai Hu – SP Qi not raising
Sweet L properly – shortness of breath,
Ma Sl. U fatigue, prolapse --- ** most common use of Sheng Ma; also messenger/guides
Raising Hemp other herbs upward.
cold S
~ Clears heat & relieve toxicity – fire toxins in upper or superficial aspects of
P body. Sore teeth, swollen or
S painful gums, ulcerated lips or gums, canker sores, painful & swollen throat,
T sores, maculae from warm-heat
pathogen
~ Discharges exterior & vents rashes – particularly measles
**Best for raising Yang Qi when there is organ prolapse – Chai Hu & Sheng Ma**
Herbs that Clear Heat & Drain Fire
Shi Gao Spicy L **primary herb for extreme heat/fire (& Zhi Mu) – traditionally most potent for
Sweet U lowering fever
Gypsum
Very S ~ Clear heat & drains fire – high fever w/o chills, irritability, intense thirst,
Stone Paste
profuse sweat, big flooding pulse, etc.
cold T
Excess in Qi level of the 4 levels of disease, or the Yangming channel stage.
~ Clears excess heat from LU – cough & wheezing w/ fever & thick, viscous
sputum
~ Clears blazing ST fire – headache, toothache, swollen, painful gums,
excessive appetite
~ For eczema, burns, ulcerated sores - **most common use – external
application mixed w/ salve – great for
eczema, esp. on the palms
**Which is NOT Shi Gao’s major clinical indication? Afternoon fever, steaming
bone fever, dry cough**
Zhi Mu Bitter L ~ Clears heat & drains fire – high fever, irritability, thirst, rapid, flooding pulse
Sweet U in patterns of heat from excess in
Anemarrhena
Cold S LU & ST. Also for cough due to heat in LU w/ expectoration of thick, yellow
Root
sputum.
T
~ Enriches the Yin & moistens dryness – Yin Def. heat – exhaustion & def. of
K LU & KD Yin – night sweats,
D steaming bone disorder, irritability, afternoon or low-grade fevers, heat in 5
centers, bleeding gums. Also KD
heat signs such as spermatorrhea, nocturnal emission, & abnormally elevated
sex drive.
~ Generates fluids & clears heat - **general function – oral ulcerations &
inflammation due to yin deficiency,
wasting & thirsting (dry heat conditions)
~ Ameliorates the dryness of tonifying or warming substances – balancing
herb
**Which would be best for high fever, thirst, cough w/ yellow sputum, vomiting,
“heat Lin” syndrome? – Zhi Mu**
**Is bitter & cold. Clears heat & drains fire, also nourishes Yin, moistens dry
conditions. Can be used to treat
both excess & def. heat. Enters LU, ST, KD channels**
(Shan) Bitter H **can take heat out of all 3 Jiaos & the Blood, great at all it’s functions
Cold T ~ Drains heat & eliminates irritability – (Dan Dou Chi & this herb are 2 best
Zhi Zi L herbs for clearing constrained
Gardenia Seed stifling heat in interior causing irritability); heat patterns w/ fever, irritability,
U
restlessness, stifling sensation in the
S chest, insomnia, delirious speech
T ~ Clear heat & resolves dampness – painful urinary dribbling due to damp-
L heat in the lower jiao; damp-heat &
 V constrained LV & GB w/ jaundice; damp-heat in GB & SJ channels of the face,
SJ affecting the nose & eyes, or
causing sores in the mouth or facial region. (won’t damage fluids or aggravate
Yin Def)
~ Cools the blood & resolves toxicity – heat in blood w/ nosebleed, blood in
vomit, stools, urine (charred herb)
~ Reduces swelling & moves blood stasis due to trauma – powdered &
applied externally (egg white/ vinegar)
**Name a clearing heat herb that specifically eliminates irritability, cools blood, &
is used for treating epistaxis,
hematuria, & hematemesis (nosebleed, blood in urine, vomiting blood) – Zhi
Zi**
Dan Zhu Sweet H ~ Clears heat & eliminates irritability – heat patterns w/ irritability & thirst.
Bland T Mouth sores, swollen, painful gums
Ye Cold SI from heat in HT or ST channels.
Bland Bamboo ~ Promotes urination & clears DH – mild diuretic. rough, scanty, painful
S
leaf urination. Esp. good for heat in SI w/
T irritability & dark-red tip of tongue.
Xia Ku Spicy G **very good at lowering blood pressure – one of top 5 herbs for strictly
Bitter B symptomatic issues of hbp
Cao Cold L ~ Clears LV Fire & brightens eyes – red, painful, or swollen eyes, headache,
dizziness. Eye pain that increases
V
in the evening due to LV Def
~ **Clears heat & dissipates nodules – really powerful – any neck lump or
nodule – scrofula, lipoma, swollen
glands, goiter due to phlegm-fire. Inguinal nodules & in other parts of body
~ Recently used for hypertension – esp. w/ LV fire or ascendant Yang.
Lian Zi V. H **best herb for addressing HT Fire
bitter T ~ Drains HT fire – heat in PC w/ mental confusion or delirium. Also insomnia or
Xin Cold P irritability due to HT fire.
Lotus Seed ~ Stops bleeding & binds the Essence – as powder for vomiting of blood or
C
Heart spermathorrhea
Lu Gen Sweet L ~ Clears heat & generates fluids – high fever, irritability, thirst. Esp. good
Cold U when accompanied w/ rebellious qi.
Reed Rhizome
S ~ Clears heat & promotes urination – dark, scanty urine or blood in urine,
esp. good when accompanied by
T
irritability & thirst.
~ Encourages rashes to surface – not a common use
Tian Hua Bitter L **has suppressing effect on HCG - contraindicated during Pregnancy – can induce
Sl. U abortion; **can treat Cancer
Fen sweet S ~ Drains heat & generates fluids – heat injuring fluids – thirst & irritability,
Heavenly thirst from Yin Def., wasting & thirsting
Cold T
Flower Cough w/ thick sputum or blood-streaked sputum.
Powder ~ Clears & drains LU heat, transforms phlegm & moistens LU dryness –
phlegm-heat above diaphragm
~ Resolves toxicity & expels pus – hot toxic carbuncles & sores. *Breast
abscess. Internal & topically
Jue Ming Bitter L ~ Clears the LV & the eyes – red, swollen, & painful eyes from heat or wind-
Sweet V heat in LV channel. Photosensitivity,
Zi Salty LI night blindness, & insidious loss of vision w/o visible physical changes to the
Cassia Seeds eye.
Sl. K
~ Calms the LV & anchors errant Yang – headaches, dizziness, tinnitus,
cold D hypertension, migraines
*lowers blood pressure
~ Moistens the intestines & unblocks the bowels – dry, infrequent stools,
chronic constipation, hard, dry stools
~ Recently used to prevent atherosclerosis – lowers blood pressure & serum
cholesterol
**Clears LV heat, benefits eyes, & lowers hypertension**
Qing Sweet L ~ Clears WH, drains LV fire, & improves vision – overt eye problems caused
Sl. V by WH or excess LV states
Xian Zi cold ~ **Recently used for hypertension associated w/ LV Yang rising – mildly
Celosia Seeds lowers blood pressure – slower
than Ju Hua and milder than Jue Ming Zi
~ Can dilate the pupils – clears excess & relaxes the pupil allowing it to dilate
normally
Mi Meng Sweet L ~ Clears the LV, brightens the eyes, & reduces superficial visual
Sl. V obstruction – red, swollen, painful eyes,
Hua cool excessive tearing, superficial visual obstruction, sensitivity to light. Excess or
Baddleia fl. Def. problems.
Bud
Gu Jing Sweet L **”taken over time “gives one the eyes of the dragon”
Neutra V ~ Disperses WH, brightens the eyes, & eliminates superficial visual
Cao l S obstruction – lightweight, gentle, easing
Grain Essence for eyes – gently disperses pressure, tightness, constraint – softening, cooling
T
Grass affect
 **Gu Jing Cao is usually used for: Treating blurry vision & to brighten the eyes**

Herbs that Clear Heat & Cool the Blood

Shui Niu Salty H ~ Clears heat, resolves fire toxicity, & cools the blood – for VERY high fever
Cold T affecting Ying or Blood levels.
Jiao L Erythema, purpura, nosebleed, vomiting blood, or convulsions & delirium
Water Buffalo ~ Clears heat & arrests tremors – heat in ying or blood – unremitting high
V
Horn fever, loss of consciousness, delirium,
S convulsions, or manic behavior.
T *Resolves toxic rashes & sores, stops bleeding due to heat in blood, same
functions as Xi Jiao but requires
larger dosage than Xi Jiao
Xi Jiao Bitter H Same functions as above – very small dosage of 1-2 grams
Salty T *not used anymore, but very important traditionally
Rhino Horn
Sl. L **NOT one of Xi Jiao’s functions – Clears heat from Qi level. Does clear heat from
Blood level, cools blood &
Cold V
relieves fire toxicity, & stops tremors**
S
T
Sheng Di Swee H ~ Clears heat & cools blood – heat in Ying level causing very high fever, thirst,
t T & scarlet tongue. Also
Huang
Bitter K hemorrhage due to heat entering Blood level.
“Fresh Earth
*rebalances & restores glycogen levels in LV – reduces enlarged LV, balances &
Yellow” Cold D
improves LV function
L ~ **Nourishes the Yin & generates fluids – Yin Def w/ heat (best herb for this)
V – injury to fluids, dry mouth,
continuious low-grade fever, constipation. Also throat pain associated w/ Yin
Def. & wasting & thirsting.
~ **Cools HT Fire – one of only 3 herbs that do this (Sheng Di Huang, Lian Zi Xin,
Huang Lian) – insomnia,
dream dist. Sleep, irritability, restlessness, agitation due to heat & fire in HT
**Main function of Shen Di Huang – Moistens Yin, generates fluids, clears heat, &
cools blood**
Xuan Sl. K **enriches Yin, moistens dryness, drains fire, resolves toxicity, softens hardness,
salty D transforms phlegm-heat
Shen Swee L ~ Clears heat & cools blood – heat in Blood level causing bleeding, fever, dry
“Dark/black mouth, & a purplish tongue.
t U
Root” ~ **Nourishes the Yin – doesn’t really nourish fluids but has more of a sedating
Bitter S affect –mildly moistening –
*CI w/ Li Lu Cold T good for irritability & constipation
~ **Softens hardness & dissipates nodules – neck lumps due to phlegm-fire,
severe throat pain & swelling.
~ Resolves fire & toxins – sores, boils, infected bites – mild toxin clearing
**Xuan Shen is contraindicated in – SP & ST Def. Cold & Li Lu**
Mu Dan Spicy H **Cools heat from Excess or Deficiency (also Di Gu Pi) **caution or don’t use in
Bitter T pregnancy, menorrhagia
Pi Sl. L ~Clears heat & cools blood – heat in Blood level. Nosebleed, blood in sputum
Peony Root or vomit, subcutaneous bleeding.
cold V
Bark Also for frequent & profuse menstruation due to heat in the blood.
K ~ Invigorates blood & dispels stasis – w/o injuring Yin – LV blood stasis w/
*CI in D amenorrhea, abdominal masses,
Pregnancy lumps, or bruises due to trauma.
~Clears fire/heat from deficiency – Yin Def heat – steaming bone disorder,
particularly after a warm-heat
pathogen disease. Fever at night w/ coolness in the morning. Best when there
is no sweating.
~ Clears ascending LV Fire – headache, eye pain, flank pain, flushing &
dysmenorrhea. Mildly lower blood press.
~ Drains pus & reduces swelling – topically for firm non-draining sores, or
internally for Intestinal abscess.
**Which is common function to both Mu Dan Pi & Chi Shao? Cools blood,
invigorates blood, & dispels bl. stasis**
Zi Cao Swee H ~ Clears heat, cools blood, & resolves fire toxicity while venting rashes –
t T encourages rashes to surface, also
Purple Herb
Cold L encourages complete expression of rash. Fire toxin w/ very dark purple rashes.
Moistens Intestines & promotes
V
urination, used when rashes are accompanied by constipation or urinary
dysfunction.
~ Clears DH from the skin - **a skin herb – topically for DH skin lesions or
vaginal itching, also for burns.
 **Zi Cao is most often used for: treating measles, eczema & burns – skin
conditions**
Chi Shao Sour L **caution w/ pregnancy – late 30’s early 40’s w/ history of miscarriage
Bitter V ~ Invigorates blood & dispels stasis – (also Mu Dan Pi) – dysmenorrhea,
Red Peony
Sl. S amenorrhea, abdominal pain, & fixed
Root
abdominal masses. Also for swelling & pain associated w/ trauma & early stages
cold P
of abscess & boils.
**Sour nature – astringes, gathers & holds, shrink swelling & inflammation
~ Clears heat & cools blood – heat entering Blood level w/ fever, purple tongue,
maculae, & bleeding due to
chaotic movement of hot blood. Also for gynecological problems associated w/
hot blood.
Qing Hao Bitter K **high dose has slightly psychoactive affect
Cold D ~ Clears summer-heat – especially for summerheat w/ low fever, headache,
Chinese
L dizziness, & stifling sensation in chest
Wormwood
~ Clears heat/fever from deficiency – fevers from blood def. or as a result of a
V
febrile disease. Esp. useful when
G steaing bone patterns are marked by no sweating.
B ~ Checks malarial disorder & resolves heat – for alternating chills & fever of
malarial disorders
~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – purpuric rashes or nosebleed dur to heat
in the blood
Di Gu Pi Swee L **special function – night sweats, eliminates heat from both Excess & Deficiency in
t U blood (also Mu Dan Pi)
“Earth Bone
Bland L ~ Cools blood & reduces steaming – specifically drains KD Fire, eliminates
Skin”
lurking heat, & clears heat from the
Cold V
bones. For night sweats, steaming bone disorder w/ sweating, chronic low-grade
K fever, irritability, & thirst. Also
D for floating fire in the KD channel marked by toothache.
~ Clears & drains LU heat – LU heat w/ wheezing or cough (seldom used for
this)
~ As a wash for various types of itching – including genital itching
Bai Wei Bitter L **Great for all types of Yin Def. heat fevers – doesn’t injure fluids or blood
Salty U ~ Clears heat & cools blood – heat entering Ying or Blood levels, Yin Def. fever,
Swallowwort
Cold S persistent summer-time fever in
Root
children, postpartum fever, & lingering fever as result of warm-heat pathogen
T
disease that injures blood or yin.
K Most commonly used for postpartum fever & during the recovery stage of a
D febrile disease.
~ Cools blood & promotes urination – UTI – hot or painful bloody urinary
dribbling, esp. before or after childbirth
~ Resolves toxicity & treats sores – toxic sores, swollen & painful throat, &
snakebite. Internal & topical use.
**Which is in the clearing Yin Def. Heat category? Bai Wei, Di Gu Pi, Xuan Shen**
Yin Chai Swee L **for generalized Yin Deficiency heat
t V ~ Causes heat from Deficiency to recede – for fire from Yin Def. w/ steaming
Hu Sl. S bone disorder, or any Yin Def. fever
Stellaria Root ~ Clears heat & reduces childhood nutritional impairment – fever, thirst, &
cold T
irritability associated w/ childhood
nutritional impairment due to accumulation of heat.

Clear Heat & Drain Damp

Huang Bitter L **well tolerated by SP, ST
Cold U ~ Clears heat & dries dampness – for DH in ST or Intestines w/ diarrhea or
Qin S dysenteric disorder, damp-warmth
Scutellaria Root w/ fever, stifling sensation in chest, & thirst w/ inability to drink; or for DH in
T
lower jiao w/ painful urinary
**Upper Jiao G dribbling. Auxiliary herb for DH jaundice.
B ~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity, esp. in the upper jiao – high fever,
LI irritability, thirst, cough, & expectoration
of thick, yellow sputum, or hot sores & swellings. Can be applied topically or
taken internally.
~ Clears heat & stops bleeding – for internal heat from Excess causing blood
to move chaotically. Vomiting
or coughing blood, nosebleed, blood in stool.
~ Clears heat & calms fetus – pacifies the Womb when fetus is restless or
kicking excessively due to heat
~ Sedates ascendant LV Yang – headache, irritability, red eyes, flushed face,
bitter taste in mouth
**Often used to clear damp-heat from the upper Jiao, also can stabilize/ calm the
fetus**
Huang Bitter H ~ Clears heat & drains dampness – DH in ST or Intestines w/ diarrhea or
Cold T dysenteric disorder. Also for vomiting
Lian LI &/or acid regurgitation from ST heat. **Primary herb for dysentery**
Coptis Rhizome ~ Drains fire & resolves fire toxicity – high fever, irritability, disorientation,
L
delirium, red tongue, rapid & full
**Middle Jiao V pulse. Also from heat from excess w/ toxicity w/ painful red eyes & sore throat,
& everywhere S boils, carbuncles, abscesses
T ~ Clears heat & stops bleeding – (sl. charred) nosebleed, blood in urine, stool,
or vomit
~ Clears heat topically – red & painful eyes & ulcerations of tongue & mouth
~ **Clears HT Fire – VERY good at this, as good as Lian Zi Xin & Sheng Di
Huang
**Bitter & Cold property & is often used to treat dysentery due to middle Jiao
damp-heat, carbuncles due to heat
toxicity, irritability & delirium due to HT Fire**
Huang Bitter K **primarily for reproductive system & UB – lower jiao
Cold D ~ Drains DH, particularly from the lower jiao – thick, yellow vaginal
Bai U discharge, foul-smelling diarrhea,
Phellodendron dysenteric disorder. Hot leg qi w/ red, swollen, & painful knees, legs, feet. Also
B
Bark for DH jaundice.
*used as a guiding herb to reproductive & urinary system
**Lower Jiao ~ Drains KD Fire – (also Zhi Mu) steaming bone disorder, night sweats,
afternoon fevers & sweating, sometimes
w/ nocturnal emission & spermatorrhea.
~ Drains fire & resolves fire toxins – fire toxin-generated sores & damp
lesions of the skin.
**Best to treat: jaundice, eczema, dysentery, pain & swelling in the feet & knees,
painful urination (heat Lin),
nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea due to damp-heat in Lower Jiao**
Long Dan Bitter G **drains fire & Excess from LV & GB, **eliminates lower burner DH, extremely
Cold B bitter!!
Cao ~ Drains DH from LV & GB (channels & organs) - **primary herb for this** -
Gentian Root L
DH in upper part of GB channel
“dragons GB V
w/ red, swollen, sore throat & eyes, swollen & painful ears, sudden deafness.
herb” S Also DH in LV or GB channels
T (esp. lower part) w/ jaundice, pain, swelling, or dampness in genital area, foul-
smelling vaginal discharge
& itching.
~ Drains & pacifies excess LV Fire – LV Fire blazing up w/ headache or red
eyes. Also for LV wind w/ fever,
spasms, convulsions, or flank pain.
***Damages the way the LV nourishes the blood if taken too long
**NOT contraindicated in pregnancy (Mu Dan Pi, Xi Jiao, Tian Hua Fen are**
**Best for: jaundice, itching in vaginal area, leukorrhea, convulsion & flank pain,
bitter taste in mouth, red painful
swollen eyes & sudden deafness**
Ku Shen Bitter U *esp good for external application. *bitterness can reverse ST Qi direction &
Cold B cause vomiting or nausea
Sophora Root
H ~ Clears heat & dries dampness – DH in lower jiao leading to jaundice,
“bitter root”
dysenteric disorder, vaginal discharge,
T
& sores.
*CI w/ Li Lu L ~ Clears heat & promotes urination – DH in SI, painful urinary dribbling, &
V hot edema.
LI ~ Disperses wind, kills parasites & stops itching – topically as a wash–
S damp toxin skin lesions or
T infestations w/ chronic itching, seepage, & bleeding. Also for genital itching &
SI vaginal discharge.
**Ku Shen treats all EXCEPT – Diarrhea due to SP & ST Def. Cold** - treats
jaundice, diarrhea due to damp
heat, itching sores, skin lesions due to parasites, hot edema, painful edema,
urination dysfunction**
Qin Pi Bitter G **Astringent quality stops discharge & loss – special function unique in category
Cold B ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, & dries dampness – diarrhea, dysenteric
Ash Root Bark
Astring LI disorder, vaginal discharge from DH
~ Drains LV Fire & benefits the eyes – LV heat affecting the eyes – redness,
ent L
swelling, pain, or superficial
V visual obstrucions.
S ~ Disperses wind-dampness – painful obstruction – primarily Hot Bi
T ~ Calms wheezing & stops coughs – wheezing & coughs due to LU heat
Hu Huang Bitter L ~ *Clears heat from Deficiency – for Yin Def. w/ heat signs
Cold V ~ Clears heat & reduces childhood nutritional impairment – appropriate
Lian when accompanied by abdominal
“Huang Lian of S
distention, afternoon fevers, & dysenteric diarrhea
the T
~ Drains DH – for DH dysenteric disorder or sores
Barbarians” LI **Hu Huang Lian can treat all – Deficient heat, tidal fever, steaming bone fever,
childhood nutritional impairment,
DH in ST w/ dysentery & hemorrhoids. CAN’T treat Heat in LU, cough**
Clear Heat Toxin
Niu Bitter H ~ Clears heat & relieves toxicity – delirium or coma, wind-stroke, convulsions,
Cold T seizures. Skin infections,
Huang Swee L enlarged glands, mouth ulcers, tongue ulcers
GB stone of ~ Reduces swelling & benefits the throat – red, painful, swollen throat
t V
cow ~ Opens the orifices & controls convulsions – high fever due to heat in LV –
wind-stroke, seizures, coma
*CI in **lowers blood pressure, helps asthma
Pregnancy **Is bitter, sweet, & cool, enters LV & HT meridians. Its functions are to open the
orifice, awaken the spirit &
vaporize phlegm, also extinguish LV wind & stops tremors. Used to treat stroke,
convulsions & epilepsy**
Jin Yin Swee LI ~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – hot, painful sores & swellings in various
t L stages, esp. of the breast, throat,
Hua Cold U or eyes. Also for Intestinal abscess.
Honeysuckle ~ *Vents & disperses externally contracted WH – early stages of warm-heat
S
Flower pathogen w/ fever, slight sensitivity
T to wind, sore throat, headache. Also for externally contracted summer-heat.
~ Clears DH from the lower jiao – DH dysenteric disorder or painful urinary
dribbling.
**Jin Yin Hua & Lian Qiao are often used together, but they have different
properties; which is correct?
Lian Qiao clears HT heat to treat irritability & delirium, but Jin Yin Hua does not**
**NOT contraindicated in Pregnancy – Ma Chi Xian, She Gan, Niu Huang ARE
contraindicated in pregnancy**
Ren Dong Swee LI ~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – for a variety of sores & skin eruptions
t L ~ Dispels wind-dampness, soothes sinews, & unblocks the channels &
Teng collaterals
Honeysuckle cold U
~ Cools the blood – used as an adjunct for hot abdominal pain due to
Vine S
inflammation, heat in the blood leading to
T early periods or excessive bleeding, or for breast inflammation such as mastitis.
Lian Qiao Bitter H *bitterness drains fire, coldness cools heat, lightweight moves pathogens outward
Sl. T & vents heat
Forsythia Fruit
spicy L ~ Cleras heat & resolves toxicity – for externally contracted WH w/ pronounced
fever, slight chills, sore throat,
Cool U
& headache.
G ~ Reduces abscesses & dissipates clumps – for toxic clumps such as external
B sores, internal abscesses,
scrofula, or throat painful obstruction
~ Clears HT & alleviates irritability – pacifies Shen & clears HT heat
Da Qing Bitter H *Bensky says salty. **entire plant is powerfully anti-viral. Can use internally &
Salty T externally. Can steam & breathe
Ye V. L ~ Clears heat & resolves fire toxicity – for any warm-heat pathogen or
Isatis Leaf epidemic febrile outbreak. Esp. good for
cold U
epidemic toxin or any severe febrile disease that affects people regardless of
S constitution, such as severe
T contagious diseases. May be used for fire toxin anywhere in body, esp in throat
& LU. Mouth ulcers & throat
painful obstruction.
**CAN NOT treat breast abscess/mastitis** - Pu Gong Yin, Zi Hua Di Ding, Lou Lu all
can treat breast abscess**
Qing Dai Salty L **made from Da Qing Ye.
Cold V ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, cools the blood, & reduces maculae – for
Indigo
L maculae due to heat entering the
Naturalis
blood level or other forms of warm toxin. Can be used alone for bleeding, esp.
U
from nose.
S ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, cools the blood, & reduces swelling –
T blazing heat leading to a swollen &
painful throat, sores in mouth, mumps. Also used externally.
~ Drains LV Fire, dispels summer-heat, & extinguishes wind to stop
tremors – convulsions, red eyes, sore
 throat, & other manifestations of heat, esp. summer-heat, affecting the LV
~ Clears LV Fire, drains LU heat, & cools the blood – cough & chest pain
from LV fire accosting the LU
**Nature of Qing Dai is Salty & Cold**
Ban Lan Bitter H ~ Drains heat, resolves fire toxicity, cools the blood, & benefits the
Cold T throat – warm-heat pathogen diseases,
Gen L warm epidemic disorders, mumps, & painful, swollen throat conditions. Also for
Da Qing Ye DH jaundice.
U
Root **All can treat poisonous snakebite – Zi Hua Di Ding, Chuan Xin Liang, Sao Xiu.
S CAN NOT treat snakebite – Ban Lan Gen**
T
Pu Gong Bitter L ~ Reduces abscesses & dissipates nodules – internal abscesses & external
Swee V sores, particularly if firm & hard.
Ying Esp. good for breast & Intestinal abscesses. Internal & topical use.
Dandelion t S
~ Clears the LV & clears the eyes – redness & swelling of eyes. Can be used
Cold T
alone for this.
~ Clears heat, resolves dampness, & unblocks painful urinary dribbling –
for DH jaundice & painful urinary
dribbling.
Zi Hua Di Spicy H **esp good for deep-rooted sores & red swellings
Bitter T ~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – for reducing hot swellings, esp. for red,
Ding swollen eyes; swollen, painful throat
Violet Cold L
& ears, mumps, & snakebite.
V
~ Clears hot sores – internally & topically (usually fresh) for sores & abscesses,
esp. of the head & back
**Has an affinity for the skin**
Zao Xiu Bitter L ~ Clears heat-toxin & reduces abscesses – enlarged glands, breast abscess,
Sl. V insect bites, snake bites
Chong cold ~ Extinguishes wind & stops convulsions – LV Wind – internal wind – seizures,
Lou convulsions
Sl.
**Commonly used to treat Cancer
Qi Ye Yi Zhi toxic **Contraindicated in Pregnancy b/c toxic
Hua *Toxic reaction is nausea, vomiting, & severe headache
“Scratch Rest”
Bai Jiang Spicy LI ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, & expels pus – either internal fire toxin
Bitter L disorders, such as Intestinal abscess, or
Cao fire toxin surface sores & swellings. Internal or topical use.
“Rotten Sauce Sl. V
~ Dispels blood stasis & stops pain – for pain & obstruction associated w/
Herb” cold S
heat-induced blood stasis, esp. in
Patrinia T the abdomen & chest. Also for postpartum pain, & more recently for post-
operative pain.
*Caution ~ **If you use a large dose, the body’s white blood cells will decrease temporarily
Pregnancy – can make u dizzy & feel sick
**Can promote the growth of LV cells & slows down the degeneration of the LV
Yu Xing Spicy L ~ Clears heat & toxin, reduces swellings & abscesses – for LU abscess or LU
Cool U heat cough w/ expectoration of
Cao LI thick, yellowish green sputum. Used both internally & topically for toxic sores.
“Fish Smell ~ Drains damp-heat & promotes urination – for LI damp-heat diarrhea or DH
Herb” in lower jiao w/ painful urinary
dribbling.
**A patient comes in w/ LU abscess & is coughing up pus & blood. Which is most
suitable – Lian Qiao, Da Qing
Ye, Sao Xiu or Yu Xing Cao – Yu Xing Cao**
Chuan Xin V. L ~ Clears heat & resolves fire toxicity – for a wide variety of heat disorders –
bitter U heat in LU, throat, & urinary tract.
Lian
Cold LI Fire toxin on skin such as sores & carbuncles. Applied topically for snakebite –
“penetrate HT
fresh form.
lotus” S
~ Clears heat, dries dampness, & stops diarrhea – DH dysenteric disorder,
T hot painful urinary dribbling, &
SI eczema (applied topically as an ointment)
Bai Hua Bitter L *traditionally for snakebite
Swee V ~ Clears heat, strongly resolves fire toxicity, & reduces abscesses –
She Intestinal abscess, toxic sores,
t S
She Cao Cold T ulcerations, & swellings. Also for snakebite & a variety of Cancers. Used
“White flower internally & topically
LI ~ Clears heat & facilitates resolution of dampness by promoting urination
snake
tongue herb” – for hot painful urinary dribbling &
*Caution DH jaundice.
Pregnancy
Bai Tou Bitter L ~ Clears heat & resolves fire toxicity – primarily for dysenteric disorders, esp.
Cold V those due to DH in ST or Intestines
Weng
“white haired LI
man” S
T
Ya Dan Bitter LI **Highly Toxic – may cause vomiting, abd. pain, diarrhea, loose stools – not
Cold L decocted b/c absorbed too quickly
Zi Toxic V ~ Treats dysenteric disorders – chronic or recurring dysenteric disorders.
Important for chronic cold stagnation
dysenteric disorders that wax & wane, or alternating hard & soft stools. Esp.
useful for amebic dysentery.
~ Treats intermittent fever & chills – malarial disordrs.
~ Used topically for warts & corns – as a paste or ointment
~ Recently used for Cancers, specifically of the colon or breast
**Often used externally to treat warts & corns**
Ma Chi Sour LI ~ Resolves fire toxicity & cools the blood – for DH or fire toxin dysenteric
Cold L disorder. Also for bloody or hot
Xian V painful urinary dribbling. Primarily used for bacillary dysentery w/ incomplete
“horse teeth bowel movements.
veg.” ~ Clears DH & treats sores – fire toxin carbuncles or sores, red & white vaginal
discharge. Topically & internally.
*CI in Often fresh variety is used.
Pregnancy ~ Used as an antidote for pain & swelling of wasp stings & snakebite
~ Stops bleeding & unblocks painful urinary dribbling (Lin) – uterine
bleeding (esp. postpartum), painful
bloody urinary dribbling, & hot painful urinary dribbling.
**A patient comes in w/ heat dysentery & blood in stools, but the pharmacy is out
of Bai Tou Weng. What would
you like to use for replacing? Ma Chi Xian**
Hong Bitter LI ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, reduces abscesses, & stops pain – for
Neutr L Intestinal abscess & skin lesions w/
Teng al V heat, swelling & pain.
“Red Vine” ~ Invigorates the blood & disperses stasis – for trauma, dysmenorrhea, &
*Caution joint pain
Pregnancy
Tu Fu Swee L ~ Resolves toxicity & eliminates dampness – for joint pain, turbid & painful
t V urination, or DH jaundice
Ling Bland S ~ Clears DH from the skin – recurrent ulcers or other hot skin lesions.
“earth hidden **NOT beneficial to the throat like She Gan, Shan Dou Gen & Ma Bo**
Neutr T
med.”
al
Ma Bo Spicy L *best for throat disorders due to WH
Neutr U ~ Clears the LU, resolves fire toxicity, & improves the condition of the
“horse extend”
al throat – fire toxin affecting the throat
causing pain, swelling & loss of voice. Also cough due to LU heat.
~ Stops bleeding – both internally & topically to stop bleeding, most often in the
mouth or on lips, also for bleeding
gums associated w/ frostbite
Shan Dou Bitter LI ~ Clears heat, resolves fire toxicity, & improves the condition of the
v. L throat – for swollen, painful throat. Can
Gen be used alone, both internally & as a gargle.
Mountain bean cold U
~ Clears heat, resolves fire toxicity, & disperses swellings – abscesses &
root other toxic sores. Also Cancers, esp.
of the throat & LU
**treats Cancer – LU, throat, uterus
She Gan Bitter L *#1 herb for sore throat
Cold U ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, & improves the condition of the throat –
“shoot
swelling & pain of throat due to fire
offensive”
excess, fire toxin, or phlegm-heat obstruction. Sometimes used alone for sore
throat.
*Mostly CI in
~ Transforms phlegm & clears the LU – cough & wheezing w/ phlegm
Pregnancy
obstruction. Strong effect on phlegm.
**CAN NOT treat heat type painful urination, sometimes w/ blood (Heat Lin ; Blood
syndromes / UTI)**
Pu Gong Yin, Yu Xing Cao, Ma Chi Xian CAN**
Lou Lu Bitter LI ~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, & reduces sores & swellings – for early
Salty S stages of sores & abscesses when
“leaking reed”
Cold T they are red, swollen, & painful. Esp. useful for swelling & pain in breast area
~ *Causes milk to descend – to encourage lactation, esp. when there are signs
*CI in
of heat. Shouldn’t be used for
Pregnancy
insufficient lactation due to deficiency.
~ *Recently used for LV Cancer
Lu Dou Swee H ~ Clears summer-heat – for summer-heat patterns w/ irritability & fever, esp.
t T when thirst in great. Used as a tea
Mung Bean
Cool S in summer to prevent summer-heat.
~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – for toxic sores & swellings.
T
~ Antidote – for poisoning due to Zhi Fu Zi or fava beans
**Used as an antidote to Fu Zi & Ba Dou, & is also a good summer food** **can
not treat abscess**
Qing Hao Bitter K ~ Clears summer-heat – esp. summer-heat w/ low fever, headache, dizziness, &
Cold D stifling sensation in chest
Sweet
L ~ Clears fever from Deficiency – fevers from either blood deficiency or as a
Wormwood
result of febrile disease. Esp. useful
V
when steaming bone patterns are marked by an absence of sweating.
 G ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – rashes or nosebleed due to heat in blood
B ~ Checks malarial disorders & resolves heat – for alternating chills & fever of
malarial disorder
**All of these can treat abscesses – Jin Yin Hua, Hong Ten, Pu Gong Ying, Zi Hua Di
Ding, Yu Xing Cao, Bai
Jiang Cao. These CAN NOT treat abscesses – Lu Dou, Qing Hao**
**Best for clearing summer heat & Def. heat; also it can cool the blood & treat
malaria**
Xiong Bitter G ~ Clears heat from the HT & LV & stops spasms – childhood convulsions,
Cold B epilepsy, eclampsia from blazing
Dan H LV Fire. Also for delirium associated w/ extensive burns as well as jaundice.
Bear GB ~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – for hot, toxic lesions, including sores &
T
carbuncles, burning hemorrhoids, &
L sore throat. Applied topically to alleviate pain.
V ~ Clears & drains LV heat & benefits the eyes – severe cases of red, painful,
& swollen eyes as well as mild
visual obstruction. Topical & internal use.
~ Clears heat & eliminates childhood nutritional impairment – primarily
when marked by heat
Chang Bitter H *Highly Toxic – overdose – dizziness, vomiting, palpitations, diarrhea, blood in
Spicy T stools, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.
Shan Cold L ~ Checks malarial disorder – kills parasites which cause malaria
“frequent ~ Induces vomiting to expel phlegm – for phlegm collecting in the chest.
Toxic V
mountain”
*CI in L
Pregnancy U
Downward Draining – Purgatives
Da Bitte H ~ Drains heat, purges accumulation & opens bowels – for high fever, profuse
r T sweating, thirst, constipation, abdominal
Huang Cold LI distention & pain, delirium, yellow tongue fur & full pulse. Either Intestinal Heat or as
“Big Yellow” Yangming organ stage disease.
L
**(add last 5 minutes of decocting)
*Caution in V ~ Drains Fire – for fire from Excess leading to intense fever, sore throat, hot, swollen
Pregnancy S & painful eyes, or fire toxin sores
T due to heat excess obstructing the blood level. Particularly useful when
accompanied w/ constipation.
~ Clears heat, transforms dampness, & promotes urination – for damp-heat
leading to edema, jaundice, painful
urinary dribbling, acute hot dysenteric disorders.
~ Drains heat from the blood – for blood in stool from bleeding hemorrhoids or heat
accumulating in the Intestines. Also
for vomiting blood or nosebleed w/ constipation. Can be powdered & used orally for
bleeding from upper digestive tract.
**Important b/c it can stop bleeding w/p causing blood stasis.
~ Invigorates the blood & dispels blood stasis – for amenorrhea, fixed abdominal
masses, fixed pain due to blood
stasis. Also blood stasis from traumatic injury or Intestinal abscess. Important for
both recent & long-term blood stasis
b/c it can eliminate blood stasis outside the vessels via the bowels & clear heat that
often develops from stasis.
Used internally & externally.
**lowers blood pressure, cholesterol. **used to treat Cancer
**For Purgative use – add to decoction last 5 minutes. Becomes blood mover
if cooked normal length of time.
**A female patient comes in w/ amenorrhea, high fever, thirst, sore throat,
constipation, abd distention & pain, & blood
in the stools. She has also been diagnosed w/ intestinal abscess. Her tongue has
yellow fur & her pulse is full. **
Mang Spic S ~ Purges accumulation & guides out stagnation – often used w/ Da Huang for
y T constipation. For heat in ST &
Xiao Bitte LI Intestines w/ constipation. Moistens dryness & softens hardness.
Mirabilite **Softens hardness & breaks dry stool into smaller pieces – must have hard stool to
r
Glauber’s use.
salt Salt ~ Clears heat & reduces swelling – external use – dissolve in water then apply
(Sodium y topically. For red, swollen, painful eyes,
Sulfate v. painful swollen ulcerated mouth or throat, red swollen skin lesions including breast
Mineral) cold problems. Can be used alone for
*CI early stages of breast abscess before it has supporated. **Also helps promote
Pregnancy lactation**
~ Clears heat & drains fire – variety of problems associated w/ heat in LU &/or ST.
Esp. useful for accumulation such
as phlegm-heat obstructing the collaterals.
**not decocted w/ other herbs – add to decoction after done cooking – dissolved into
decoction
**Contraindicated in Pregnancy. ** Can clear excess heat in ST & intestines, moistens
dryness & softens hardness to be
 used to treat constipation, & this herb is usually dissolved into the decoction**
Fan Xie Swe LI ~ Drains downward & guides out stagnation – internal heat constipation – works
et slowly – take before going to bed.
Ye Bitte For constipation due to heat accumulation in Intestines. Can be used for both acute
Foreign & chronic problems. Often used
r
purgative alone.
Leaf Cold **Please name a taste that you would NOT expect to find in purging herbs – Sour b/c it
*CI astringes, stops discharge & loss*
Pregnancy
Lu Hui Bitte LI *not decocted – used in powder or pill form in tiny amounts – 1-2 grams
r L ~ Drains fire & opens bowels/ guides out accumulation – constipation w/ heat –
Aloe Vera
Cold V red eyes, dizziness, headache,
irritability. Constipation, dizziness, red eyes, irritability due to heat accumulation.
*CI S
Esp. for hot constipation w/
Pregnancy T exuberant HT & LV fire w/ irritability, restlessness, & insomnia. Also used for chronic
constipation
~ Clears heat & cools LV – LV Fire – bad headache, irritability, anger, convulsions.
Epigastric discomfort, dizziness,
headache, tinnitus, irritability, constipation, & fever due to abundant heat in LV
channel.
~ Kills parasites & strengthens ST – traditionally for roundworm w/ headache.
Childhood nutritional impairment, esp.
when due to roundworm. Also used for tinea.

Downward Draining – Moist Laxatives

Huo Ma Swe LI ~ Nourishes & Moistens intestines – for constipation in the elderly, in the
et S aftermath of a febrile disease,
Ren Neut P postpartum, & in cases of blood deficiency
Hemp Seed **Nourishes Yin – mildly tonifies the Yin & primarily used in cases of yin def.
ral S
w/ constipation
T ~ Clears heat & promotes healing of sores – topically or orally. Sores &
ulcerations.
**NOT contraindicated in pregnancy**
Yu Li Ren Spic LI ~ Moistens intestines & unblocks bowels – for constipation due to qi
y SI stagnation in Intestines.
Cherry Pit
Bitte S J. Su - very gentle & nourishing, good for deficiency type constipation
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – leg qi or edema w/ urinary
*Caution r P
difficulty & constipation.
Pregnancy Swe J. Su - urinary difficulties w/ water retention, pre-menstrual water retention
et **Which group of herbs has moist laxative function, & to be used to treat
Neut constipation due to Yin & Blood Def. in
ral elderly, weak & chronic patients – Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren**
**Can lubricate intestines & promote urination, is used to treat constipation &
edema**

Downward Draining – Harsh Expellants * all Contraindicated during

Pregnancy & for weak patients
Qian Niu Bitter K ~ Drains water & promotes urination – for edema & ascited from stagnation of
Spicy D pathogenic water or dampness.
Zi Cold LI Esp. suitable herb as it expels water through both urine & stool & can be used
Morning glory alone for this.
Sl. L
seeds ~ Drives out phlegm & thin mucous – cough, wheezing, & a sensation of
toxic U fullness in the chest & abdomen due to
SI thin mucous obstructing the LU.
~ Unblocks the bowels & removes accumulation – constipation due to
accumulation of stagnation of damp-heat
or food stagnation in the ST & Intestines. Dosage is less then for previous
 function.
~ Expels intestinal parasites & reduces stagnation – for roundworm or
tapeworm infestations & food stagnation.
Gan Sui Bitter K ~ Drains water downward & drives out thin mucous – for draining severe
Sweet D accumulation of fluid in the chest &
Cold LI abdomen. Also for generalized edema, facial edema, & abdominal distention. A
violent, cathartic herb that
Toxic L
causes water to pass anally
U ~ Drives out phlegm – for seizures from wind-phlegm or withdrawal-mania from
recalcitrant phlegm congealing
& clumping.
~ Clears heat & reduces swelling – topically as powder mixed w/ water. For
swollen, painful, nodular skin lesions
due to damp-heat. Best for early stages.
Da Ji Bitter K *very spicy & bitter – makes throat hurt as if a weapon is poking your throat
Spicy D ~ Drains water downward & drives out thin mucous – for moderate
“Big Weapon”
Cold LI accumulation of fluids in chest & flanks w/
labored breathing, dull pain in lateral aspect of chest, spitting thick sputum, thick
Sl. S
& greasy tongue fur.
Toxic P J Su – causes frequent watery stools to remove fluid – a lot like Gan Sui
~ Reduces swelling & dissipates nodules – topically for red, swollen, painful,
toxic sores or scrofula.
Yuan Bitter K ~ Drains water downward & drives out thin mucous – used as harsh
Spicy D cathartic & a diuretic for accumulation of
Hua Warm LI fluids in the chest & abdomen & thin mucous in the flanks.
Flower Plant J. Su – causes watery stools – for thoracic & abdominal water retention
Toxic L
Also called Da ~ Dispels phlegm & stops coughing – coughing & wheezing. Chronic
Du U bronchitis w/ dampness & cold. Can be
= Fish Toxin taken alone w/ sugar.
~ Kills parasites – used topically to kill tinea.
Ba Dou Spicy S **whole plant very toxic – reaction is abd. pain, diarrhea, **lowers blood pressure,
Hot T can cause loss of consciousness
“a place”
Toxic LI ~ Warmly unblocks & vigorously purges – for severe cold accumulation in the
bean
interior leading to constipation &
L
abdominal fullness, distention, & pain.
U ~ Drives out water & reduces edema – ascites – chest & abd. water retention
~ Breaks up clogged phlegm & improves the condition of the throat – for
phlegm clogging the throat & causing
difficult breathing, wheezing & severe fullness & distention in the chest &
diaphragm. Also for phlegm veiling the
sensory orifices.
~ Promotes healing of abscesses & ulcers – topically for abscesses that have
supporated but not yet ulcerated,
to accelerate the ulcerating process. Also for severe ulcers.
**oily part shouldn’t be taken internally – must remove oil first
**Which herb is a seed w/ strong toxic? It should be used in extremely small
dosage & only for an emergency
situation – Ba Dou**
Shang Bitter U ~ Drives out water through the urethra & anus – for edema associated w/
Cold B excess w/ severe constipation &
Lu Toxic K urinary difficulty.
“on road” ~ Reduces sores & carbuncles – topically for hot-type sores.
D
**can lower blood pressure causing loss of consciousness
LI **Toxic reaction intense – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle spasms,
S difficult speech
P
Dispel Wind-Dampness
Du Huo Bitte K ~ Dispels wind-damp & A.P. – wind-cold-damp Bi, esp in low back & knees. Pain,
r D numbness, weakness
Pubescent
Spicy U ~ Disperses wind-cold-damp & releases the exterior – spicy, warm. For WC –
Angelica Root
no sweating, more chills than
“single alive” War B
fever. Body aches & pains. Secondary action – not very strong. Exterior WC
m together w/ dampness.
~ Also used for Shaoyin stage headache & toothache
**used for treating pain in the lower body & lower extremities due to wind-
dampness more than Qing Huo (Jiao)**
Qin Jiao Bitte G ~ Expels wind-dampness & soothes the sinews & collaterals – very strong
r B pain herb. For Wind-Damp Bi &
Large Gentian
Spicy L cramping, esp. in the extremities. Can be used for acute or chronic, cold or hot
Root
disorders b/c sl. cold – particularly
Sl. V
suitable for Hot Bi.
cold S ~ Clears heat from Deficiency – Yin Deficiency – low-grade fever, steaming bone
T disorder, night sweats, red
tongue w/ less or no fur.
~ Resolves jaundice & reduces dampness – jaundice due to damp-heat, esp. in
acute cases & in infants.
~ Moistens the intestines & unblocks the bowels – for dry constipation.
Commonly used to counteract drying
qualities of other herbs that dispel wind-damp.
**Most effective in category for relaxing sinews & clearing deficiency heat
(steaming bone fever)**
Wei Spicy U ~ Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks channels, & A.P. – esp. good for Wind Bi,
Salty B b/c it both releases the exterior &
Ling War promotes movement of Qi in the channels. Can be taken alone as a powder w/
Xian warm wine for pain in low back &
m
legs.
Clematis Root
~ Softens & transforms fish bones – for fish bones lodged in throat – salty
“power magic
softens hardness. Ineffective for
immortal”
deeply lodged or relatively large bones.
~ Used for focal distention & accumulation in the middle jiao b/c it
reduces phlegm & pathogenic water
**Most effective to soften & transform fish bones**
Hai Tong Bitte L ~ Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks the channels & collaterals – for wind-
r V damp Bi, esp. where there is
Pi
Spicy S soreness & pain in the lower back & knee, or spasms of the extremities. Can be
Erythrina
used for hot or cold b/c neutral.
Bark Neut P
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – for superficial edema due to
ral K dampness. Cold-damp or damp-heat
D ~ Treating itching skin lesions – used topically for scabies & other skin lesions –
as a wash
~ Used as a gargle for toothache due to dental cavities
Mu Gua Sour L ~ Relaxes the sinews & unblocks the channels – for Damp Bi in the
War V extremities, esp. w/ severe cramping pain, &
Quince Fruit
m S weakness in the lower back & lower extremities. One of the better herbs for
relaxing the sinews.
P
~ Harmonizes ST & transforms dampness – abd. pain, spasms, & cramping of
the calves, edema of leg due to leg
qi. Esp. useful for disharmony between the LV & SP leading to leg problems.
Vomiting, nausea.
~ Reduces food stagnation – for indigestion. Similar to Shan Zha, but not
commonly used.
**Relaxes the sinews & opens channels, harmonizes the ST & transforms
dampness, used to treat wind-damp Bi
symptoms, abd. pain, edema, spasm & cramping pain of the calf muscles**
Can Sha Swee L ~ Dispels wind & eliminates dampness – for wind-damp Bi – esp. damp. Itchy
t V rashes due to wind-damp. Can
Silkworm
Spicy S use externally – heat it up w/ dry heat.
Feces
~ Harmonizes the ST & transforms turbid dampness – internal obstruction
War P
from turbid damp w/ vomiting,
m S diarrhea, cramps, abd. pain, borborygmus, & spasms of the calf muscles. Bad
 T vomiting, bad nausea causing
dehydration causing muscle cramps & spasms. Internal & external use.
~ As an external wash for itchy skin – wind related itchy skin.
Sang Bitte L ~ Dispels wind, unblocks channels & collaterals, & benefits the joints -
r V **upper limb warm wind-damp Bi. Very
Zhi Neut good for aches & pain related to the upper limb – elbow, shoulder, arm, wrist,
Mulberry Twig finger – major use is heat condition.
ral
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – dampness in joints causing aches &
pain, puffy/pitting edema,
heaviness
Wu Jia Spicy K ~ Dispels wind-damp & strengthens the sinews & bones – tonifies LV & KD –
Bitte D for chronic deficiency of LV & KD
Pi r L creating weak & soft sinews & bones. Aches & pain (wind-cold-damp Bi). Esp.
Eleutherococc useful when the smooth flow of Qi
War V
us is obstructed. Really good for the elderly. Helps heal bone fractures.
Root Bark m ~ Transforms dampness, promotes urination, & reduces edema – urinary
difficulty, edema, & cold-damp leg qi
**A senior patient has a job that requires prolonged periods of standing. Over a
period of time, she has developed
lower back pain, knee pain, & difficulty urination. The diagnosis for her is edema
due to wind-cold-damp & leg qi.
Use Wu Jia Pi for this** contains potent adaptogens***
Xi Xian Bitte K ~ Dispels wind-damp & unblocks channels & collaterals – wind-damp Bi w/
r D pain in joints. Commonly used for
Cao
Cold L spasms & cramps in the extremities, numbness in extremities, weak legs,
Siegesbeckia
including weakness as a side-effect of
“pig plant V
wind-stroke.
herb”
~ Clears heat & pacifies LV – for LV Yang Rising w/ headache & dizziness,
flushed face, tinnitus
~ Clears & transforms damp-heat – for damp-heat sores/skin lesions, itching,
wind-damp rash, or other itching.
External & internal use – wash, bath, soak.
~ Also used for hypertension - ***lowers blood pressure *** used in stroke
treatment, hypertension
**A patient has a history of hypertension for 5 yrs. Recently, he gets some Bi
syndrome such as joint pain,
numbness in extremities, hemiplegia & itchiness of skin due to wind-damp-heat.
Xi Xian Cao is most effective**
Luo Shi Bitte L ~ Dispels wind-dampness & unblocks collaterals – for wind-damp Bi & spasms
r V of sinews. Esp. for heat related
Teng Sl. pain.
Star Jasmine ~ Cools the blood & reduces swelling – for red, hot, & painful abscesses &
cold
other toxic sores. Also for plum bit qi –
(spic painful obstruction of the throat.
y)
Hai Feng Spicy L ~ Dispels wind-dampness & unblocks channels & collaterals – for wind-cold-
Bitte V damp Bi w/ stiff joints, lower back
Teng
r pain, sore knees, & cramping of muscles & sinews. Also for pain from trauma.
Kadsure
Pepper sl.
Stem war
Qian Nian Spicy K “Thousand years healthy & strong”
Bitte D ~ Dispels wind-dampness & strengthens sinews & bones – wind-cold-damp
Jian
r L Bi w/ pain, spasms, or numbness,
Homalomena
either perceived superficially or deeply (sinews or bones). Also suitable for
Rhizome War V
weakness or softness in sinews &
m bones b/c it strengthens sinews & bones. Widely used in the elderly, both
external as a wash & internal
~ Strengthens sinews & bones – LV & KD Deficiency – esp. for elderly w.
degeneration condition – aches & pain,
numbness, body pain

Hu Gu Spicy L ~ Dispels wind, takes care of pain, strengthens sinews & bones – wind-
Tiger Bone damp Bi. Atrophied & weak lower back
Salty V & legs. Often used when the pain of Bi is not fixed in one place, & there are
K spasms of the legs & difficulty moving
D the joints.
Bai Hua Swee L ~ Powerfully unblocks channels & extinguishes wind – chronic wind-damp w/
t V numbness & weakness of limbs &
She
Salty cramping of sinews. Used for stubborn cases. – More advanced, chronic, painful
White pattern
cases. Stroke patients, Bell’s
Snake War
Palsy.
m ~ Dispels wind from the skin – chronic itchy skin.
Toxic ~ Dispels wind from the sinews & settles jitteriness & convulsions – muscle
spasms, seizures, tremors,
 Parkinson’s
**Good for treating Bi symptoms, facial paralysis, limb numbness, hemiplegia
(wind-stroke), rashes & tetanus.
Bai Hua She & Wu Shao She**

Wu Shao Swee L ~ same as Bai Hua She, but not as strong & not toxic & neutral
t V **Good for treating Bi symptoms, facial paralysis, limb numbness, hemiplegia
She
Salty S (wind-stroke), rashes & tetanus**
Black striped
Snake Neut P
ral
She Tui Swee L **very much a wind herb – used for skin issues
t V ~ Dispels wind & stops spasms – for skin lesions/itchiness due to wind,
Snake Skin
Salty childhood convulsions, seizures.
slough
~ Removes superficial visual obstruction – as a wash and as powder taken
neutr
internally
al *Caution or contraindicated in Pregnancy – all snake products
Song Jie Bitte L ~ Dispels wind, dries dampness, & stops pain – wind-damp Bi w/ pain &
r V soreness in the joints. Used when
“pine join”
War dampness &/or Cold predominate. Also for pain from trauma.
m
Fang Ji Bitte U **Han Fang Ji is better at Promoting urination & Reducing Edema
r B **Guang Fang Ji is better at expelling wind – treating aches & pain
“Protects
Spicy S ~ Expels wind-damp & unblocks meridians – aches & pains – general blockage.
Earth”
Better in cases w/ Heat.
Cold P
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – pitting edema
K
D
Sang Ji Bitte K ~ Tonifies LV & KD, strengthens sinews & bones – aches & pain, degenerative
r D conditions. Treats Excess & Def.
Sheng
Swee L at the same time. Insufficiency of LV & KD Yin w/ soreness & pain in the lower
Mistletoe
back & legs, joint problems,
Grows on t V
numbness, & weakness & atrophy of sinews & bones. W/ or w/o wind-dampness.
Mulberry Neut ~ expels wind-damp –
Tree ral ~ Nourishes Blood & calms the Womb – for restless fetus or uterine bleeding
during pregnancy.
*also promotes lactation.
~ Nourishes the blood & benefits the skin & hair – general health
maintenance. For dry, scaly skin due to blood
deficiency. Adds luster to hair, treats hair loss, pre-mature grey hair.
Drain Dampness
Fu Ling Swee H ~ Promotes urination & leaches out dampness – for difficult urination,
t T diarrhea, edema due to stagnation of
“Hidden
Blan S fluids or dampness. Also for scanty urine due to damp-heat (UTI). Very neutral &
Medicine”
bland – dries damp but not
fungus on d P
too harsh or strong.
pine tree Neut K ~ Strengthens SP & harmonizes the middle jiao – for SP Def. w/ dampness,
roots (Song ral D loss of appetite, diarrhea,
Jie) L epigastric distention. Diarrhea, leukorrhea.
U ~Strengthens SP & transforms phlegm – SP Def. w/ thin mucus in which phlegm
moves upward causing
palpitations, headache, dizziness, & thick, greasy tongue fur. All kinds of phlegm
related conditions.
~ Quiets the HT & calms the spirit – pacifies Shen. For palpitations, insomnia,
forgetfulness due to either
SP or HT def. or internal obstruction of turbid phlegm.
**Fu Ling quiets the HT & calms the spirit, Zhu Ling does not. **Taste & temp of Fu
Ling = sweet, bland, neutral**
Zhu Ling Swee S ~ Promotes urination & leaches out dampness – problems caused by
t P stagnation of dampness – edema, scanty
Fungus on
Blan K urine, leukorrhea, turbid painful urinary dribbling, jaundice, diarrhea. Also painful
Oak
urinary dribbling in pregnancy
Tree root d D
**Successful w/ Yin Def. patients w/ dampness – Zhu Ling Tang**
Sl. U
cool B
Hua Shi Swee S ~ Clears heat & facilitates the resolution of dampness – hot painful urinary
t T dribbling or any condition w/ dark,
Talcum
Blan U painful, burning & scanty urine. Also damp-heat causing diarrhea. Expels damp-
“slippery
heat through the urine. Also
rock” d B
treats heat in Qi level w/ dampness manifesting as unremitting fever, heaviness of
*Caution Cold body, thirst, yellow tongue fur.
Pregnanc
*Absorbs dampness topically – damp skin lesions, blisters, oozing lesions.
~ Clears summer-heat & facilitates the resolution of dampness -
Yi Yi Ren Swee L ~ Facilitates the resolution of dampness & strengthens the SP – edema,
t U diarrhea, leg qi, painful urinary dribbling,
Barley Seeds
Blan S damp-warmth. Treats both the root & manifestations of these disorders. Can
tonify SP – poor appetite, edema,
d P
diarrhea, profuse leukorrhea.
Sl. S ~ Facilitates the resolution of dampness & unblocks Bi – wind-damp, damp,
cold T heat Bi. Esp good for increasing
K joint mobility & reducing spasms in chronic cases.
D ~ Clears heat & expels pus – for soft, postulated carbuncles, LU or Intestinal
abscess – pneumonia, appendicitis.
**Strengthens SP & stops diarrhea, clears heat & expels pus, in addition it is also a
good food**
Dong Swee L ~ Clears heat, expels phlegm, & promotes the discharge of pus – heat that
t U has collected in the LU or Intestines,
Gui Zi Cold S LU Heat w/ thick yellow sputum. Also damp-heat w/ phlegm obstruction in the
Winter Melon upper or lower jiao – LU or Intestinal
T
Seed abscess – pneumonia, appendicitis.
LI ~ Clears heat & drains dampness – esp useful in treating damp-heat leukorrhea.
SI
Mu Tong Bitte U ~ Promotes urination & unblocks painful urinary dribbling – for painful
r B urinary dribbling w/ damp-heat in the UB,
“wood open”
Sl. H rough, painful urination. UTI – Lin (painful urinary disorder). Edema, ascites.
~ Promotes urination & drains heat from HT via the SI – clears HT Fire –
*Caution cold T
guides fire down & out through the urine.
Pregnanc SI ~ Promotes lactation & unblocks the blood vessels – for insufficient lactation
from Excess blocking channels.
Also sometimes for amenorrhea, pain & stiffness of the joints (unblocks Bi) – heat
& damp obstruction causing
aches & pain. **contraindicated during pregnancy**
Tong Swee L ~ Promotes urination & clears heat – for damp-heat urinary dribbling. Usually a
t U helper. Milder than Mu Tong.
Cao Blan S *Prevents over-draining & damaging Yin – dehydration can happen w/ use of Mu
“open herb” Tong, but not Tong Cao.
d T
Rice paper ~ Promotes lactation in cases where it is insufficient or absent – opens
plant Sl. channels to allow milk to come out.
pith cold Much safer than Mu Tong & almost tasteless.
 **Contraindicated during pregnancy, popular for women who are breastfeeding**
Deng Xin Swee H ~ Promotes urination & unblocks painful urinary dribbling – for hot painful
t T urinary dribbling or other heat
Cao
Blan L disorders w/ dark, scanty urine. Lin syndrome, UTI. Damp-heat blockage – mild
Rush Pith
cases.
“oil lantern HT d U
~ Clears HT & directs Fire downward – moves HT heat down into the SI & out
herb” Sl. SI through the urine. For Mild HT Fire.
cold Childhood sleep disorders accompanied by dark scanty urine, irritability, esp at
night – can be used alone for this.
Also for adults w/ insomnia or restless sleep due to lack of communication
between HT & KD (HT Fire & KD Yin def.
**Best for promoting urination, leaching out dampness as well as clearing heat from
HT channel; used to treat
Re Lin w/ irritable, insomnia due to HT & KD disharmony**
Qu Mai Bitte U ~ Clears damp-heat, promotes urination, & unblocks painful urinary
r B dribbling – any type of painful urinary
Dianthus
Cold H dribbling, esp painful bloody urinary dribbling. Blood in urine.
“Street
~ Breaks up blood stasis – auxiliary herb for amenorrhea due to blood stasis.
Wheat” T
*CI SI
Pregnancy
Di Fu Zi Swee U ~ Clears damp-heat & promotes urination – for painful urinary dribbling due to
t B damp-heat accumulating in UB w/
“Earth Skin
Bitte K dark, burning, scanty urine. Damp-Heat Lin.
Seed”
~ Expels dampness & stops itching – internal & external use for damp skin
Kochia Fruit r D
disorders & other dermatological
Cold problems where itching is a major symptom. Eczema, scabies. Damp-heat in
external genitals.
**All these herbs can clear damp heat from LV/GB to treat jaundice (Yin Chen Hao,
Jin Qian Cao, Chi Xiao
Dou) except Di Fu Zi. More effective for treating skin disease**
Bian Xu Bitte U ~ Clears damp-heat from UB, promotes urination, & unblocks painful
r B urinary dribbling – for damp-heat Lin.
Knotgrass
Sl. ~ Expels parasites & stops itching – for damp skin lesions w/ itching, including
“sideways
tinea, intestinal parasites such as
accumulation” cold
tapeworm, hookworm, & pinworm. Roundworm. Used as a wash for itching –
genital area, eczema.
**Functions of Bian Xu: promotes urination, reduces swelling, kills parasites & stops
itchiness**
Shi Wei Bitte U ~ Clears damp-heat & unblocks painful urinary dribbling (Lin) – **for stone
r B Lin, damp-heat Lin, bloody urine
Pyrrosia Leaf
Swee L ~ Clears heat & stops bleeding – for blood in urine from stones, bleeding due to
‘rock animal
chaotic movement of hot blood,
skin” t U
esp in cases of vomiting blood, uterine bleeding, & painful bloody urinary dribbling
Sl. ~ Clears LU, expels phlegm, & stops cough – LU heat cough & wheezing, thick
cold yellow sputum, bronchitis.
Che Qian Swee U ~ Clears heat, promotes urination & unblocks Lin – for Lin, blocked UB, damp-
t B heat in UB, all types of water
Zi
Cold K retention – everywhere, anywhere – edema, swollen joints
“wagon in
~ Drains dampness & solidifies stools – for loose stools from dampness.
front D
Eliminates damp through urination &
seed” L stools become better formed.
V ~ Cools LV & clears eyes – excess LV – painful, red, swollen eyes. LV Blood Def –
*Caution L dry, blurred vision, sensitive to
Pregnanc
U wind. Can help both Excess & Def. eye problems
~ Transforms phlegm & stops coughing – cough w/ lots of sputum – stops
cough, dissolves phlegm
**Used to treat edema. Lin syndromes & diarrhea due to damp heat, & it is good for
clearing LV & benefiting eyes**
Dong Kui Swee U ~ Clears heat, promotes urination & unblocks Lin – similar to Che Qian Zi, but
t B has more oil & is very slippery.
Zi
Cold LI ~ Promotes lactation – opens blocked channels – for stagnation related
Winter
insufficient lactation
Vegetable SI
~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – helps moisten intestines –
Seed
constipation due to insufficient
fluids in the Intestines.
*Caution
**Should be used to treat difficulty of urination (dysuria), constipation w/ dry stool**
Pregnanc
**Contraindicated during pregnancy**
Bi Xie Bitte U ~ Separates pure from turbid – resolves turbid dampness in lower jiao causing
r B cloudy urine or leukorrhea. Can be
Tokoro
Neut L used for Deficiency or damp-heat. *cloudy Lin, *Leukorrhea
Fish-poison
~ Expels wind-dampness, relaxes sinews, & unblocks collaterals – for wind-
Yam ral V
damp or damp-heat Bi w/ low-back
Rhizome S pain, numbness or stiffness of lower extremities, muscle spasms. Mild effect.
T ~ Clears damp-heat from the skin – for damp-heat skin lesions – eczema,
pustular sores.
**For promoting urination & draining heat from the UB in Lin Syndromes, it is the
 primary herb used to resolve turbid
dampness in the Lower Jiao, such as Cloudy urine or leukorrhea**
Chi Xiao Swee H ~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – abdominal swelling & fullness due to
t T edema, urinary difficulty, leg qi
Dou
Sour SI edema. Directs Qi down & relieves edema by causing the water or dampness to
Red / Adzuki
be drained from the body.
Beans Neut
~ Facilitates the resolution of dampness & heat – for mild cases of jaundice
ral due to damp-heat. Often use for
children.
~ Disperses blood stasis, reduces swelling & reduces fire toxicity – for
sores, carbuncles, furuncles.
**Is also a food to be used to treat edema & ascites due to nephritis, cirrhosis, &
nutritional impairment. Also used
to treat hot sores**
Ze Xie Swee K ~ Promotes urination & leaches out dampness – for stagnation associated w/
t D dampness w/ difficult urination,
Water
Blan U edema, painful urinary dribbling, diarrhea, dizziness. Esp good when there is
Plantain
damp-heat in lower jiao.
“Selective d B
~ Settles ministerial fire in the KD by draining damp-heat from the lower
Drains” Cold jiao – (Drains KD Fire) for KD Yin Def.
Will not over-drain the Yin, can cool KD system & extinguish Fire. For
spermatorrhea due to lower burner
damp-heat disturbing the ministerial fire of the KD.
**Promotes urination, leaches out Dampness & drains KD Fire, used to treat
dizziness, tinnitus**
Yin Chen Bitte L ~ Clears heat, resolves dampness, & reduces jaundice – *the principle herb
r V for treating jaundice due to either
Hao
Sl. S damp-heat or cold-dampness.
Virgate
~ Clears heat & facilitates the resolution of dampness – for damp sores, wind
Wormwood cold P
rashes, other skin diseases, esp
G those affecting the lower parts of the body. Can be used along as an external
B wash
S **Best for treating Lin syndromes, esp for Re Lin & Shi Lin. Also it can treat cough &
T wheezing due to LU Heat.**
Jin Qian Swee U ~ Promotes urination, unblocks painful urinary dribbling, & expels urinary
t B tract stones - **Main herb for
Cao
Salty G Stones in urinary tract – KD, bladder, GB stones. Stone Lin. Can be used alone in
Lysimachia
large doses for this.
“Good money Sl. B
~ Clears damp-heat in LV & GB & expels gallstones – for jaundice &/or red,
herb” cold K swollen eyes due to damp-heat as
D well as gallstones
L ~ Resolves toxicity & swelling – for snakebite, abscess, & traumatic injury. Fresh
V herb applied locally.
Aromatic Herbs that Transform Damp
Huo Xiang Spicy L ~ Aromatically transforms dampness, releases the exterior, & dispels
Sl. U summer-heat – for dampness
Patchouli
warm S obstructing the middle jiao as well as summer-heat dampness & damp-
“Bean Aroma”
warmth. Very aromatic – Qi is very
P
dynamic & moves strongly & quickly. Abdominal fullness, reduced appetite,
S change of BM, fatigue,
T heaviness.
~ Harmonizes the middle jiao & stops vomiting – for nausea or vomiting
due to dampness in middle jiao.
Also for other types of vomiting, morning sickness when combined. Diarrhea,
loose stools, nausea, vomiting,
belching
~ Treats dermatosis – affecting either the hands or feet
Pei Lan Spicy S ~ Aromatically transforms dampness, awakens the SP & regulates the
Neutr P middle – for dampness obstructing
Eupatorium
al S the middle Jiao. Stifling sensation in chest, poor appetite, nausea, white moist
tongue fur. Doesn’t cause
T
dryness b/c neutral – can also be used for damp-heat in SP channel w/ sweet,
sticky taste in mouth,
excessive saliva,& bad breath.
~ Transforms dampness & releases summer-heat – exterior summer-heat
dampness w/ nausea. Similar to
Huo Xiang – are a pair & often used together. **Huo Xiang is very good for
treating blocked nose & Pei Lan
isn’t, but is good at treating foul breath. Chills, fever, chest fullness, abd.
fullness, no appetite, BM change,
etc.
**Best for Cold condition due to Summer-heat & dampness. Such symptoms as
fever, aversion to cold, abd.
distention, vomiting & diarrhea – Huo Xiang, Pei Lan**
Hou Po Bitter LI ~ Promotes the movement of qi in the middle jiao & resolves
Spicy L stagnation – for qi stag. affecting SP & ST,
Magnolia Bark
Warm U food stagnation w/ chest &/or abd. distention & fullness. Important herb for
reducing & eliminating distention &
*Caution S
fullness & can be used whenever these symptoms occur due to qi stagnation.
Pregnancy P J. Su – plum pit qi,
S constipation.
T ~ Promotes the movement of qi downward, dries dampness, &
transforms phlegm – dampness & phlegm
obstructing middle jiao. Distention, fullness, nausea, diarrhea, turbid greasy
tongue fur.
~ Directs Qi downward, reduces phlegm, & calms wheezing – cough,
wheezing due to phlegm clogging LU
**In aromatic herbs that transforms Dampness, is also used for food
stagnation**
Cang Zhu Spicy S ~ Strongly dries dampness & strengthens the SP – dampness obstructing
Bitter P middle jiao, blocking transportive
Atractylodes
Warm S function of SP. reduced appetite, diarrhea, epigastric distention & pressure,
Rhizome
fatigue, nausea, vomiting, thick
T
greasy tongue fur.
~ Induces sweating & dispels wind-dampness – for exterior conditions due
to wind-cold-damp as well as
wind-dampness. Chills, fever, headache, body aches, nasal congestion.
~ Clears dampness from the lower jiao – leg qi, atrophy disorder, vaginal
discharge, swollen, sore joints.
Very effective at drying dampness. Can be used for damp-heat if combined w/
clear heat herbs.
~ Improves the vision – night blindness, diminished vision w/ rough sensation
in eyes. Dry eyes, poor vision.
** A patient has epigastric distention, nausea & vomiting, body soreness w/o
sweating, back & knee pain due to
Wind Cold. Which is most effective? Cang Zhu**
Cao Dou Spicy S ~ Dries dampness & warms the middle – cold-dampness of SP & ST w/
Warm P fullness, distention, & pain in
Kou Arom S epigastrum & abdomen w/ vomiting & diarrhea.
Katsumada’s **Treats rebellious ST Qi due to cold – vomiting, hiccups, nausea, pale tongue,
atic T
Galangal seeds slow pulse, watery vomit.
 Also heaviness, loss of appetite**
Cao Guo Spicy S ~ Strongly dries dampness & dispels cold – for cold-dampness obstructing
Warm P SP & ST w/ epigastric &
Tsoko Fruit
S abdominal distention, fullness, & pain w/ vomiting & diarrhea & very greasy
“Medicine Fruit”
tongue fur. Poor digestion, poor
T
appetite, loose stools.
~ Checks malarial disorders – alternating chills & fever esp when due to
cold-damp or turbid dampness.
Headache, body aches, fever, alternating chills & fever.
~ Dissolves stagnation & distention – indigestion due to meat stagnation.
Focal distention & nausea due to
cold from deficiency of SP & ST.
**Which herb that is spicy & warm in property, enters ST & SP is used to treat
damp-cold obstruction in the
middle jiao & Malaria – Cao Guo**
Sha Ren Spicy S ~ Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness & strengthens
Warm P the SP – for qi stag. affecting the SP
Amomum Fruit
Arom S & ST or symptoms of obstruction by dampness. Distention & pain in the
Grains of
epigastrum & abdomen, lack of
paradise atic T
appetite, vomiting, & diarrhea.
Fruit
~ Warms the middle & stops diarrhea – for diarrhea from SP cold.
Deficiency cold of SP or Excess cold in ST
abdominal pain that likes pressure if Def, likes pressure if Excess.
~ Calms the fetus – morning sickness due to restless fetus. **particularly
good for restless fetus caused by
Qi Stagnation b/c Sha Ren moves Qi. Very gentle & safe.
**Which is used to calm the fetus – Sha Ren**

Warm the Interior & Expel Cold

Fu Zi Spicy H ~ Revives the Yang & rescues from rebellion/collapse – for devastated
Hot T Yang w/ abundant Cold. Diarrhea w/
Aconite
Toxic K undigested food, chills, cold extremities, fain or almost imperceptible pulse.
“touch child”
Often happens after severe
D
vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. Assists HT Yang & unblocks the vessels to
*CI Pregnancy S improve circulation, & tonifies KD
P Yang to augment the fire & avoid loss of primal Yang. Cloudy unclear mind,
loss of consciousness.
~ Warms the fire & assists the Yang – for weakness or deficiency of HT, SP,
or KD Yang. Interior cold &
insufficient yang. Early morning diarrhea, impotence, infertility, irreg.
menstruation, miscarriage, freq. urination
~ Disperses cold, warms the channels & A.P. – for wind-cold-damp Bi, esp.
when cold predominates. Also for
cold blocking organs, channels, sinews, bones, blood vessels, or for Yin flat
abscesses.
**NOT function of Fu Zi – clear heat, dry dampness, & regulate Qi**
Gan Jiang Spicy H ~ Warms the middle & expels cold – for warming SP & ST – for excess due to
Hot T externally-contracted cold, also
Dried Ginger
L for cold from Deficiency due to insufficiency of Yang qi. Also dispels wind &
dampness that seep into lower jiao
*Caution U
~ Rescues devastated Yang & expels interior cold – very weak pulse, cold
Pregnancy S limbs – Yang collapse.
P ~ Warms LU & transforms thin mucous – for LU cold w/ expectoration of thin,
S watery or white sputum
T ~ Warms channels & stops bleeding – cold from Def. that might cause
hemorrhage, esp. uterine bleeding.
Used in treating hemorrhage only if the bleeding is chronic & pale in color,
accompanied w/ cold limbs, ashen
 white face, & soggy thin pulse.
**NOT Gan Jiang’s functions – Quells channels Heat & stops bleeding**
**Contraindicated w/ Internal Heat, Yin Def. Heat**
Rou Gui Spicy H ~ Fortifies KD & SP Yang, warms the HT Yang & fortifies the Yang – for
Swee T insufficiency of KD Yang – aversion
Cinnamon Bark
t K to cold, cold limbs, weak back, impotence, urinary frequency. Insufficient SP &
KD Yang – abd. pain & cold,
*Caution Hot D
reduced appetite, diarrhea. Wheezing due to failure of KD to grasp Qi. Def. HT
Pregnancy L Yang causing chest Bi.
V ~ Disperses deep cold, warms the channels, unblocks the channels &
S vessels, & A.P – deep cold causing
P Qi stag. or blood stasis. Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, cold-damp Bi, chronic
sores, sores or abscesses that
don’t heal. Can enhance blood moving action of other herbs.
~ Leads the fire back to the source – the principal herb used for treating
upward floating of deficient Yang.
Flushed face, wheezing, severe sweating, weak & cold lower limbs, deficient
pulse. False Heat / True Cold,
Heat above/cold below. Upper body hot & lower body cold
~ Encourages the generation of qi & blood – chronic def. of qi & blood.
Auxiliary herb used w/ qi & blood tonics
**Has the function of tonifying Ming Men fire, expelling cold, warming channels, it
is also good for treating chronic
Yin sores & ulcers w/ clear discharge**
Wu Zhu Yu Spicy L ~ Warms the middle, disperses cold, promotes the movement of qi, &
Evodia Fruit Bitter V A.P. – for LV & ST channel disorders
Hot S due to congealing of cold or phlegm. Headache, epigastric pain w/ nausea,
drooling, reduced taste, pale
Sl. P
tongue, wiry or weak pulse. Cold bulging disorders in area traversed by LV
toxic S channel, dysmenorrhea.
T ~ Redirects rebellious qi downward & stops vomiting – acid reflux w/
vomiting. Either hot or cold.
~ Warms the SP, stops diarrhea, expels cold-dampness – diarrhea due to
cold from Def. of SP & KD, &
cold-damp leg qi.
~ Leads fire downward – sores in mouth & on tongue. Ground into powder,
mixed w/ vinegar & put on the
center of the soles of the feet.
**For headaches, abd pain, nausea, acid regurgitation, diarrhea & hernia due to
Yang Def. w/ coldness, one of
the most common herbs is Wu Zhu Yu**
**A patient has flank pain for 2 days w/ headache, epigastric pain w/ nausea,
drooling, decreased taste, pale
tongue, wiry or weak pulse, regurgitation of sour fluid, also pinworms. Wu Zhu
Yu is best**
Chuan Spicy K ~ Warms the middle burner, disperses cold, & A.P. – for SP or ST cold from
Hot D Def. cold & pain in abdomen,
(Hua) Jiao
Sl. S vomiting, diarrhea
Sichuan Pepper
~ Kills parasites & alleviates abdominal pain – abdominal pain due to
*Caution toxic P
roundworms
Pregnancy S **Which of the following herbs is best for warming the middle jiao, alleviating
T pain & killing intestinal roundworms**
Ding Spicy K ~ Warms the middle jiao & directs rebellious qi downward – for ST cold w/
War D vomiting, hiccups, abd. pain,
Xiang m S diarrhea. For SP or ST cold from Def. w/ lack of appetite, vomiting, & diarrhea.
Clove ~ Warms the KD & aids the Yang – impotence, clear vaginal discharge due to
P
KD Yang Def. (manifestation of
S cold womb from deficiency & usually accompanied by weakness of legs)
T
Xiao Hui Spicy L ~ Disperses cold, warms the LV & KD, and stops pain – used to warm &
War V encourage the LV channel or lower
Xiang
m K jiao, as in cold bulging disorders or any kind of lower abd. pain due to cold.
Fennel
~ Regulates the Qi & harmonizes the ST – for ST cold w/ abd. pain,
D
indigestion, reduced appetite, vomiting.
S **Best for warming KD, smoothing LV Qi, used to treat abd. pain & distention,
P vomiting, hernia pain due to LV Qi
S stagnation & coldness**
T
Gao Liang Spicy S ~ Warms the middle & A.P. – for epigastric & abd. pain, vomiting, hiccups,
Hot P diarrhea due to cold in middle jiao.
Jiang
Galangal S
Rhizome T
Related to
Ginger
Bi Ba Spicy S ~ Warms the middle, disperses cold from the ST & Intestines, & A.P. – for
Hot T cold congealing & leading to qi
Long Pepper
Fruit LI stagnation in the epigastrum & abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, belching, acid
reflux, loss of appetite, abd. pain
ST cold = epigastric pain, vomiting. LI cold = abdominal pain, diarrhea
~ Applied as a powder for toothache, often w/ Hu Jiao –
**Bi Ba & Bi Cheng Qie are very similar in functions, but the main difference is: Bi
Ba powder is topically applied
for toothache, but Bi Chen Qie treats cold hernia pain & cloudy urine due to
damp-cold**
Hu Jiao Spicy LI ~ Warms the middle & disperses cold – for ST cold w/ vomiting, diarrhea,
Hot S abd. pain
Pepper
*CI Pregnancy T
Bi Cheng Spicy S ~ Warms the middle & stops pain – for epigastric & abdominal cold & pain,
War P vomiting, belching, hiccups
Qie
m S ~ Dispels cold qi from the Bladder – urinary dysfunction or turbid/cloudy
Cubeb Fruit
urine due to cold from deficiency of
T
the lower burner. **Cloudy urine
K
D
U
B

Regulate Qi
Chen Pi Spicy L ~ Regulates Qi, adjusts the middle, & relieves the diaphragm – for SP &
Bitter U ST Qi stag. w/ epigastric or abd.
Aged Tangerine
Warm S distention, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting. Helps promote the
Peel
movement of Qi in general while
“Old Skin” Aromat P
specifically directing it downward. Commonly used for many types of nausea
ic S & vomiting.
T ~ Dries dampness & transforms phlegm – phlegm-damp cough w/ stifling
sensation in chest &/or diaphragm,
copious, viscous sputum. Also damp turbidity obstructing middle w/ stifling
sensation in chest, abd. distention,
loss of appetite, fatigue, loose stools, thick greasy tongue fur. Important Qi
level herb for SP & LU channels.
~ Helps prevent stagnation – used w/ tonifying herbs to prevent their cloying
nature from causing stagnation.
~ J. Su – Strengthens SP & harmonies the center – SP Def. creates a better
environment for SP, moves Qi
& dries dampness.
*very good for Excess, also used for Def. can use alone as a tea. Overuse will
move/disperse qi too much &
make patient weak, careful for patients w/ very weak Qi.
**NOT functions of Chen Pi – Smooth LV Qi, breaks up Qi stag.**
Ju Hong Spicy L *spicier & stronger, more drying & aromatic than Chen Pi, but less effective for
Bitter U harmonizing the middle &
Red part of
Warm S regulating SP & ST. Used primarily for vomiting & belching – for Excess.
Tangerine Peel
~ Regulates Qi & expends the chest while drying dampness &
“tangerine red” T
transforming phlegm & reducing food
stagnation – cough w/ profuse sputum, food stag. or accumulation – as long
as no significant signs of heat.
~ J. Su – Regulates ST Qi – vomiting, nausea – better at Chen Pi at regulating
ST
Ju Luo Bitter L ~ Transforms phlegm, regulates Qi, unblocks meridians & collaterals –
Neutral V best for stagnation in meridian
Tangerine Net
Sweet L system (is the network of the tangerine – symbolic). Phlegm stag in channels,
collaterals, cough w/ chest &
U
flank pain. Really effective for distention in the vessels of the LU due to
S rebellion of Wei qi.
P J. Su – nodules, cysts, breast cysts, cough, wheezing w/ lots of mucous
Ju He Bitter L ~ Promotes movement of Qi, dissipates clumps, & stops pain –
Neutral V stagnation in lower body. Inguinal hernia,
Tangerine
K testicular swelling & pain, breast cysts, nodules. Internal & external for acute
Seeds
mastitis.
D
*Should be crushed b4 using.
Qing Pi Bitter G *more aggressive than Chen Pi, not aromatic, used for Excess – very powerful.
Spicy B Can weaken Qi, use caution.
Unripe
Warm L ~ Spreads LV Qi & breaks up stagnation – for LV Qi Stag w/ distention &
Tangerine Peel
pain in chest, breast,
“green V
hypochondrium regions, or bulging disorder pain. Also – depression, serious
skin/peel” S PMS, bad hernia.
T ~ Dissipates clumps & reduces stagnation – food stagnation w/
accumulation & pain, distention, stifling
sensation in epigastrum. Severe food stagnation, masses – stag. qi
progresses to blood stasis.
 **Which of the following herbs has the strongest effect for breast lump & abd.
bloating due to LV Qi Stag?**
Zhi Shi Bitter LI *Energy of Zhi Shi goes down – guides Qi down. Trad. used for uterus, ST,
Spicy S rectum prolapse w/ qi tonics.
Unripe Bitter
Sl. cold P ~ Breaks up stagnant Qi & reduces accumulation – epigastric or abd. pain
Orange
& distention or indigestion w/
S
focal distention or gas. Works well w/ Zhi Ke.
*Caution T ~ Transforms phlegm & expels focal distention – focal distention &
Pregnancy
fullness in chest & epigastrum due to
phlegm obstruction. Unblocks Bi – chest pain, mucous, cough.
~ Also used w/ qi tonifying herbs for gastriectasis, gastroptosis, rectal
prolapse, uterine prolapse.
~ Raises blood pressure**
**Spicy, bitter, sl. cold. Can be used to treat food stagnation, dysentery w/
tenesmus due to Qi stag. & phlegm
obstruction in the focal area**
Zhi Ke Bitter S ~ Promotes the flow of Qi – Qi Stag. leading to problems in the flow of Qi –
Spicy P cough, distention, constipation.
Bitter Orange
Sl. cold S *Milder than Zhi Shi – b/c mature fruit. Abdominal fullness, food stagnation,
poor digestion.
T
LI
Xiang Fu Spicy L ~ Spreads & regulates LV Qi – for LV Qi Stag. w/ hypochondriac pain,
Sl. V epigastric distention, disharmony of
Cyperus
bitter SJ LV & SP. Neutral quality makes it very useful. Also it’s ability to disperse &
“smells good
harmonize
attached” Sl. G
~ Regulates menstruation & A.P. – for gyno. Disorders w/ dysmenorrhea,
sweet B irregular menstruation.
Neutral *J. Su – Moves Blood & regulates menses – very important women’s herb – any
menstrual problems.
**Good for regulating LV Qi & menstruation. Very popular to be used for
treating irregular menses & dysmen.**
Mu Xiang Spicy G ~ Promotes movement of Qi & stops pain – SP or ST Qi Stag. w/ poor
Bitter B appetite, feeling of food sitting in ST,
Costus Root
Warm LI epigastric or abdominal pain or distention, nausea, vomiting. Also for LV or
“wood
GB Qi Stag. w/ flank pain,
smells/tastes S
distention, soreness.
good” P ~ Adjusts & regulates stagnant Qi in the Intestines – diarrhea, dysenteric
S disorder, abd. pain, tenesmus.
T Astringent property makes it great for tenesmus.
SJ ~ Strengthens SP & prevents stagnation – used w/ tonifying herbs to
ameliorate their side effects. Esp.
useful when the transformative & transportive functions of SP are weak.
*Used w/ tonifying herbs to keep
Qi moving when treating Qi Def.
**Tian Xiang, Mu Xiang, & Chen Xiang are spicy & warm; to be used to move Qi,
alleviate pain. Characteristic
of Tian Xiang prefers rising up for treating Qi stag. in upper Jiao; Mu Xiang
prefers moving in the middle
Jiao for regulating ST… TRUE**
Wu Yao Spicy U ~ Promotes the movement of Qi & A.P. – for stifling sensation in chest,
Warm B flank pain, epigastric & abdominal
Lindera Root
K pain & distention due to Cold & Qi Stag. Warms & disperses, is effecting in
“dark/black
spreading & unblocking.
medicine” D
*Smoothes the flow of Qi, facilitates the middle, disperses cold, & stops pain in
L many areas. Cold accum.
U & Qi Stag. manifesting in lower abdominal pain, bulging disorders, menstrual
S pain.
P ~ Warms KD – for urinary frequency or incontinence due to insufficiency of KD
Yang & Cold from Def. of UB.
**Good for moving Qi & A.P., warming the KD & expelling Cold. Used for
treating freq. urination & bedwetting**
Chen Spicy K ~ Promotes the movement of Qi & A.P. – distention, pain, or pressure in
Bitter D epigastric or abdominal region.
Xiang Warm S Esp. good for problems due to Cold from Deficiency or Blood Stasis.
Aquilaria Wood ~ Directs rebellious Qi down & regulates the middle – rebellious qi
Aromat P
Aloeswood wheezing – from Excess or Def.,
“smells/tastes ic S vomiting, belching, hiccups due to Cold from Def. of ST or SP. Guides ST Qi
good” T down. Often w/ Chen Pi.
~ Aids the KD in grasping Qi – for asthma, wheezing due to KD Def.
Shortness of breath, can’t take in deep
breath.
**Best to treat fullness in abd., shortness of breath, cough & wheezing due to
KD Yang Def. w/ Cold, & KD
failure to grasp Qi. Best to treat fullness in abdomen, shortness of breath due
to KD Def., cough w/
copious sputum**
Tan Xiang ~ Promotes movement of Qi & A.P. – pain associated w/ Qi Stag. in chest &
Sandalwood Spicy L
abdomen. Chest pain, LU Qi
Warm U
stagnation/congestion, epigastric pain.
Aromat S ~ Recently used in treatment of coronary artery disease
ic P
S
T
Xie Bai Spicy LI ~ Unblocks the Yang Qi & disperses turbid phlegm – cold-damp Bi of
Bitter L chest due to Cold, turbid phlegm
Garlic Chives,
Warm U stagnating in chest & preventing dissemination & flow of Yang Qi. Chest,
Chinese Garlic
flank, upper back pain, dyspnea,
S
cough, wheezing, stifling sensation in the chest.
T ~ Directs Qi down & reduces stagnation – for damp stagnation in LI assoc.
w/ dysenteric disorders
**Most appropriate for Chest Bi syndrome w/ Cold phlegm obstruction in chest,
chest/flank pain, shortness of
breath. Most appropriate for patient w/ chest/flank or upper back pain,
dyspnea, blood obstructing HT
channel & flow of Yang Qi**
Fo Shou Spicy L ~ Spreads & regulates LV Qi – LV Qi Stag. w/ chest or hypochondriac pain or
Bitter V stifling sensation in chest.
Finger Citron
Warm L *Strongly promotes movement of Qi, but doesn’t alleviate pain well – weak
Fruit
function. Not as strong as Qing Pi
Buddha’s Hand U
Emotional symptoms, hypochondriac pain
S ~ Harmonizes the ST & strengthens SP – for SP & ST Qi Stag. w/ epigastric
T pain, fullness, distention, lack
S of appetite, belching &/or vomiting.
P ~ Transforms phlegm & stops cough – sub-acute or chronic cough w/
copious phlegm. Esp. good for
stubborn cough w/ chest pain. Phlegm transforming action is rather weak, not
used in treatment of early
stages of externally contracted coughs.
*Not as strong as Chen Pi at transforming phlegm. Qing Pi is stronger at
smoothing the LV.
Chuan Bitter U ~ Dredges LV Qi, releases constraint, stops pain, & conducts heat out
Cold B from below – for a variety of LV Qi
Lian Zi Sl. L Stag. symptoms. Pain in chest & ribs, distention & pain from LV/ST
Toosendan Fruit disharmony, bulging disorders. Most
toxic V
Sichuan Useful for problems involving Heat, but b/c so effective is also used for Cold.
Chinaberry SI ~ Kills parasites & stops pain – for roundworms & tapeworms. Not great at
S expelling parasites, but able to
T alleviate pain associated w/ accumulation of parasites. Also used topically as
powder for dermatitis of scalp.
**Can not only regulate Qi & stop pain, but can also kill parasites & treat skin
diseases**
Shi Di Bitter L ~ Directs Qi down & stops hiccups – for belching or hiccups due to ST
Astring U dysfunction. For both Hot & Cold
Persimmon
ent S patterns. Also vomiting, nausea.
Calyx
Neutral T
Remove Food Stagnation
Shan Sour L ~ Reduces food stagnation & transforms accumulation - *for accumulation
Sweet V due to meat or greasy foods w/
Zha Sl. S abdominal distention, pain, diarrhea, vomiting
Crataegus ~ Transforms Blood Stasis & dissipates clumps – postpartum abdominal pain &
warm P
Fruit clumps due to blood stasis.
Hawthorn S Also for bulging disorders.
Fruit T *J.Su – Trad. used for women’s health – insufficient uterus discharge after childbirth,
dysmenorrhea.
*Large *Lowers cholesterol, treats HT disease, used as weight loss product
doses **When treating food stagnation, esp. indigestion of meat, abd. bloating, pain &
CI diarrhea, best to use Shan Zha**
Pregnancy **Among the herbs that help relieve food stag., Which of the following herbs is
effective for invigorating the blood
& moving blood stasis – Shan Zha**
Mai Ya Sweet L ~ Reduces food stagnation & strengthens ST – for poor digestion due to
Neutr V stagnation & accumulation of
Barley
al S starchy foods, as well as poorly digested milk in infants. Also for weak digestion &
Sprouts
loss of appetite in SP Def.
P
Strengthening function weak.
*CI during S ~ Restrains lactation – for women discontinuing nursing, distended & painful
lactation T breasts. Large dose – 60-120 gr.
~ Facilitates the smooth flow of LV Qi – stifling sensation & distention in
epigastrum or ribs, belching, loss of
appetite. Helper for this.
**Dissolves food stagnation, strengthens SP & restrains lactation. Mai Ya can not
only relieve food stagnation,
harmonize the middle Jiao, but can also: Inhibit lactation**
Gu Ya Sweet S ~ Reduces food stagnation & strengthens ST – for poor digestion due to
Warm P stagnation & accumulation of starchy
Grain
S foods. Also for weak digestion & loss of appetite associated w/ SP Def.
Sprouts
~ J. Su – Nourishes ST & strengthens SP – speeds up absorbing of tonifying
Millet T
herbs. Poor appetite, weak SP, ST
Shen Sweet S ~ Reduces food stagnation & harmonizes the ST – for ST Cold w/ food
Spicy P stagnation or accumulation, epigastric
Qu Warm S & abdominal fullness or distention, loss of appetite, borborygmus, diarrhea.
Medicated ~ Also added to pills that contain minerals to aid in their digestion &
T
Leaven absorption
~J. Su – Strengthens SP & harmonizes ST – can protect SP – for use w/ hard to
digest materials such as
animal bones, minerals, shells, metals
Jie Nei Sweet U ~ Strongly reduces food stagnation & improves SP’s transportive function
Neutr B – various types of food stag. Used
Jin al SI alone for mild cases. Usually dry fried & powdered. Childhood nutritional
Chicken impairment.
S
Gizzard ~ Secures Essence & stops enuresis – for bed-wetting, urinary frequency,
Lining P urination at night
S ~ Transforms hardness & dissolves stones – stones in urinary or biliary tract.
T GB, bladder, KD stones. Treats
symptoms of stones.
**Reduces food stagnation, transforms accumulation, secures the essence,
 transforms hardness & dissolves stones**
Lai Fu Spicy L ~ Reduces food stagnation & eliminates distention – for food stag.
Sweet U accumulation in middle jiao w/ fullness &
Zi Neutr S distention, belching w/ rotten smell, acid reflux, abd. pain w/ diarrhea
Radish Seed ~ Causes Qi to descend & reduces phlegm – for chronic productive cough or
al P
Raphanus wheezing. Due to Excess.
S ~ Recently used for hypertension
T **Reduces food stagnation, transforms accumulation, descends Qi & reduces
phlegm**

Expel Parasites
Shi Jun Sweet S ~ Kills parasites – roundworms & pinworms. Can be used alone for mild cases.
Warm P ~ Strengthens the SP & dissolves accumulation – childhood nutritional
Zi S impairment, abdominal distention,
Rangood poor appetite, weak constitution. Sweetness makes it really good for children.
T
Creeper **Which herb that kills worms is used esp. for treating roundworms & childhood
Fruit w/ seeds nutritional impairment?**
**Major side effects of using too much Shi Jun Zi: nausea, vomiting, & dizziness**
Ku Lian Bitter L ~ Kills parasites – roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, also vaginal Trichomonas
Cold V infection. Pretty strong &
Gen Pi
Toxic S effective – can be used alone.
Chinaberry
~ Used topically to treat tinea infection – either as a wash or ground into a
Bark P
powder & made into a thick paste w/
S vinegar.
*CI T **Which of the following herbs for killing parasites not only can be used for
Pregnancy
roundworms, hookworms & pinworms,
but also for vaginal trichomonas infections & tinea? – Ku Lian Gen Pi**
Fei Zi Sweet LI ~ Kills parasites & reduces accumulation – wide variety of intestinal parasites
Neutr L – tapeworms, pinworms,
Torreya Seeds
al U hookworms, roundworms, fasciolopsis flukes. Nontoxic & doesn’t harm ST Qi.
“beautiful
Has slight laxative effect. Can be
pattern S
used alone.
seed” T ~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – for constipation, esp. w/
hemorrhoids. Can be taken alone,
dry-fried & eaten.
~ Moistens the LU & stops cough – for mild coughs due to dry LU
**Which herb kills parasites, moistens LU, & stops cough? – Fei Zi**
He Shi Bitter S ~ Kills parasites & A.P. – for many disorders due to intestinal parasites, but
Spicy P primarily for abdominal pain caused by
Carpesium
Neutr S roundworms, pinworms, hookworms, or tapeworms.
Fruit
*Primarily used for pain caused by parasites
“Crane Flea” al T
*Caution Sl.
Pregnanc toxic
Lei Wan Bitter LI ~ Kills parasites – primarily for tapeworms, also for hookworm & roundworm
Cold S ~ Opens up areas of stagnation & reduces childhood nutritional
Omphalia
Sl. T impairment – childhood nutritional impairment,
fruiting
esp. if accompanied w/ intestinal parasites.
Body – fungus toxic
~ Clears heat, resolves dampness, unblocks the Yang Organs, kills bugs –
“thunder
for wind-rashes or urticaria when
storm ball”
accompanied by damp-heat in Intestines & ST
*J. Su – has an enzyme that cuts off tapeworm
Wu Yi Bitter S ~ Kills parasites – for expelling roundworms & tapeworms. Often used in
Spicy P childhood nutritional impairment or
Elm Cake
Warm S abdominal pain & accumulation due to parasites.
~ Also used topically for tinea infections
T
Nan Gui Sweet LI ~ Expels parasites & A.P. – for tapeworms & roundworms. Used alone for this.
Neutr S Also used for schistosomiasis.
Zi al T ~ Also used for insufficient lactation – w/ swollen hands & feet – imbalance of
Pumpkin body fluid
Seeds
Da Fu Pi Spicy LI *In Regulate Qi category in Bensky
Sl. SI ~ Drives Qi downward & eases the middle – for patterns of dampness or other
Areca
warm S process obstructing the middle &
Husk/shell
leading to Qi Stag. w/ epigastric & abdominal distention, focal distention & stifling
“big abdomen P
sensation, belching w/ acid
skin” S regurgitation. Esp. useful when accompanied by incomplete & irregular bowel
T movements.
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – for abdominal distention w/ edema,
esp superficial edema, or symptoms
of food stagnation. Also for damp leg qi. *doesn’t kill parasites but can help w/
abdominal pain & help regulate BM
Bing Spicy LI ~ Kills parasites – best for treating tapeworms, also useful in killing a wide
Bitter S variety of intestinal parasites including
Lang Warm T fasciolopsis, pinworms, & roundworms, as well as blood flukes. Ability to drain
Araeca, betel downward help in expelling the
nut bodies of parasites.
The nut inside ~ Promotes movement of Qi, reduces accumulation, & leads stagnation
Da Fu Pi out by mildly draining downward &
unblocking the bowels – food accumulation & stagnant Qi w/ abdominal
distention, constipation, tenesmus
~ Promotes the movement of Qi & promotes urination – damp leg qi &
edema due to Excess
~ Also used for malarial disorder
**Which herb kills parasites, moves the Qi & promotes urination? – Bing Lang**
Stop Bleeding
Pu Huang Sweet L ~ Stops bleeding – external bleeding associated w/ trauma, internal bleeding
Spicy V such as uterine bleeding,
Cattail Pollen
Neutral H vomiting blood, nosebleed, coughing blood, blood in urine, blood in stool,
“Pollen Yellow”
subcutaneous bleeding.
T
Astringent nature is really good to stop bleeding. Bleeding above & below.
*Caution S ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels blood stasis – chest pain, postpartum
Pregnancy P abdominal pain, menstrual pain
due to blood stasis. Very good pain herb – trauma/injury. HT attack, disease
~ Promotes urination & stops bleeding – hot painful urinary dribbling
**When used to invigorate the blood & stop pain, such as dysmenorrhea,
amenorrhea, & postpartum abd. pain,
Wu Ling Zhi is often combined w/ which herb? – Pu Huang**
Xian He Bitter L ~ Restrains leakage of blood & stops bleeding – widely used for various
Astring U bleeding – vomiting blood, coughing
Cao ent L blood, nosebleed, bleeding gums, blood in urine, uterine bleeding. Bleeding
Agrimony above & below, bleeding due to
Neutral V
“immortal Heat, Cold, Def., Excess – depending on how it’s combined.
crane herb” S ~ Alleviates diarrhea & dysenteric disorders – chronic problems –
P restraining in nature
~ Kills parasites – trichomonas vaginitis, tapeworm, malaria. Topically for
trichomonas vaginitis
**Xan He Cao not only can restrain blood, stop bleeding, but can also: stop
dysentery & kill parasites**
**A female patient comes in w/ blood in urine, uterine bleeding, diarrhea &
tapeworm. Which would be most
suitable? Xian He Cao**
San Qi Sweet L ~ Stops bleeding & transforms blood stasis – internal & external bleeding –
Sl. V vomiting blood, nosebleed, blood
Notoginseng
bitter S in urine or stool. Can stop bleeding w/o causing blood stasis, so is widely
Root
used.
“three seven” Warm T
**Tonifies when cooked, Raw is good for stopping bleeding**
~ Reduces swelling & A.P. – trauma, swelling & pain due to falls, fractures,
*Caution
contusions, sprains. Chest & abd.
Pregnancy
pain, joint pain caused by blood stasis. Sores & abscesses.
**A coronary HT disease patient has sustained a fall & gotten some sprains.
Which of the following would be
most suitable? San Qi** Not only can stop bleeding & transform blood stasis,
but also can reduce swelling
& A.P.. It is a popular herb to be used for treating traumatic injury w/ pain,
swelling & blood stasis**
Bai Ji Bitter L ~ Restrains leakage of blood & stops bleeding – mainly for bleeding from
Sweet U LU & ST. vomiting blood, coughing
Bletilla Rhizome
Cool S blood, nosebleed. Traumatic injury causing bleeding – applied locally.
“white root”
~ Reduces swelling & generates flesh – applied topically for sores, ulcers,
T
chapped skin. At any stage of
L sores. Helps accelerate healing of ulcers. Esp. useful w/ chronic, nonhealing
V ulcers.
**Which of the following herbs not only can restrain leakage of blood & stop
bleeding, but also reduces swelling
& generates flesh. It is also effective for treating LU bleeding & ST bleeding**
**Which of the following herbs are incompatible w/ Wu Tou? Bai Ji**
Da Ji Sweet L ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – nosebleed, vomiting blood, blood in
Cool V urine or stool, uterine bleeding.
Large Thistle
S Esp. good at alleviating vomiting or coughing of blood.
“big coil hair
~ Reduces swelling & generates flesh at sores – used topically for
style” P
carbuncles, sores, & swellings. Used
H fresh for this.
T ~ Benefits GB & reduces jaundice – jaundice, esp. due to damp-heat
~ Treats hypertension – esp. when accompanied by signs of LV heat
**Which of the following herbs not only can cool blood & stop bleeding, but also
can eliminate stasis & generate
flesh? Da Ji** Which of the following pairs of herbs are used to treat
hypertension? Da Ji, Huai Hua Mi**
Di Yu Bitter L ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – esp. for bleeding in lower jiao due to
Sour V damp-heat w/ blood in stools,
Sanguisorba
Sl. cold LI bleeding hemorrhoids, bloody dysenteric disorders, excessive uterine
“earth elm”
bleeding. Also for vomiting blood &
S
nosebleed. Esp good for blood in stools related to hemorrhoids.
T ~ Clears heat & generates flesh – topically for sores, ulcers, injuries from
burns. Reduces oozing by holding
in fluids, promotes generation of new flesh – often used for burns.
**Which of the following sets of herbs can treat blood in stool & hemorrhoid
bleding due to heat in lower jiao?
Di Yu, Huai Hua Mi**
Huai Hua Bitter L ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – for damp-heat of LI w/ bleeding.
Cool V Bleeding hemorrhoids & bloody
(Mi) LI dysenteric disorders. Also for coughing blood, nosebleed, uterine bleeding.
Huai Mi *Mostly for bleeding below.
Sophora Bud ~ Cools the LV – red eyes, headache, dizziness due to LV Heat. Can be taken
Pagoda tree as daily beverage for this.
bud *Treats hypertension – lowers blood pressure – large dose 15-30 grams
**Which of the following herbs is esp. useful for bleeding hemorrhoids & bloody
dysentery-like disorders?**
Qian Cao Bitter H ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – vomiting blood, nosebleed, coughing
Cold T blood, blood in stool, uterine
Gen L bleeding, any bleeding due to chaotic movement of hot blood. Gynecology
Qian Cao Herb
V
Madder Root ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels blood stasis – for pain associated w/
Rubia Root blood stasis, esp. chest & flank pain.
Also for retained lochia (after-birth), pain from trauma, joint pain, early stages
carbuncles
Ce Bai Ye Bitter L ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – vomiting blood, bleeding gums,
Astring U coughing blood, blood in stool or urine,
Arborvitae
ent L blood dysenteric disorder, uterine bleeding. Good for heat related bleeding
“inclined/leanin
b/c cold.. Can also be used for
g Sl. cold V
Cold patterns if combined w/ warm herbs.
cyperus leaf” LI ~ Stops cough & expels phlegm – LU heat patterns w/ cough & accumulation
of phlegm. Esp. in cases of
viscous, difficult to expectorate sputum streaked w/ blood.
~ Promotes healing of burns – used topically in powdered form for early
stages of burns over small areas.
*also used for hair loss
Ai Ye Bitter S ~ Warms the Womb & stops bleeding – prolonged menstrual bleeding &
Spicy P uterine bleeding due to cold from def.
Mugwort Leaf
Warm L Calms fetus, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding as in threatened
Artemesia
miscarriage. Also used for infertility.
V
~ Disperses cold & A.P. – cold abdominal pain, esp. menstrual pain
K ~ Eliminates dampness & stops itching – decocted & applied as external
D wash for skin problems w/ damp
& itching.
*J. Su – Warms meridians & stops bleeding
**Which of the following herbs not only can warm the womb, stop bleeding &
calm the fetus, but also can
disperse the cold & alleviate pain. It is also used for moxabustion**
**A pregnant patient comes in w/ cold abd. pain. Which would be most suitable?
- Ai Ye**
Ou Jie Sweet L ~ Stops bleeding – for many types – astringent & also reduces stasis.
Astring U Bleeding associated w/ heat in LU or ST
Lotus Rhizome
ent S w/ vomiting or coughing blood. Also chronic bleeding when combined properly
Node
*Raw is more aggressive & better for moving blood. *Dry-fried or charred
Neutral T
enhances astringent property, so
L better for stopping bleeding. *Honey roasted can tonify/nourish SP/ST
V
Bai Mao Sweet L ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – nosebleed, vomiting blood, coughing
Cold U blood, blood in urine
Gen S ~ Clears heat & promotes urination – hot painful urinary dribbling & other
Imperate heat patterns w/ edema & urinary
T
Rhizome difficulty. Enters Qi & Blood levels to treat heat
Wooly Grass SI ~ J. Su – Clears heat & generates fluids – Qi level heat – profuse sweating
“white spear U w/ thirst – rehydrates.
root” B ~ Clears heat from ST & LU – nausea & thirst due to ST heat, wheezing due
to LU heat
**Cools the blood & stops bleeding, clears heat & promotes urination, & clears
heat from ST & LU**
**Is sweet & cold, enters LU, ST, UB, SI channels for various types of bleeding
due to reckless movement of hot
blood, & vomiting & cough due to LU & ST heat**
Invigorate the Blood
Chuan Spicy L ~ Invigorates the blood & promotes movement of Qi for any blood
Warm V stasis pattern – important Gynecology
Xiong G herb – dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, difficult labor, retained lochia. Qi Stag &
Szechuan Lovage Blood stasis w/ pain &
B
Root soreness in chest, flanks, & hypochondrium.
P ~ Expels wind & A.P. – a leading herb for any externally-contracted wind
*Caution C disorder – headache, dizziness, Bi
Pregnancy syndrome (painful obstruction). Particularly good for headaches. Also for a
variety of skin problems caused
by wind.
**Most effective in invigorating blood, promoting the Qi, expelling wind &
stopping pain. It is good for treating
menstruation pain, headaches & Bi pain, & also called “the Qi herb in the
Blood.” Enters LV, GB, PC,
invigorates the blood, promotes the circulation of Qi, expels wind & A.P, a
principal herb for any externally
contracted wind disorder w/ headache, dizziness or painful obstruction. Good
for coronary HT disease &
ischemic cerebrovascular disease, angina pectoralis**
Dan Shen Bitter H ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels stasis – wide variety of blood stasis
Sl. T disorders in any part of the body.
Salvia Root
cold P Most commonly used for problems affecting the lower abdomen, chest, or
“Red Root”
hypochondria. *Very important
C
Gynecology herb*
*CI Pregnancy L ~ Clears heat & soothes irritability – esp. useful for restlessness, irritability,
V palpitations, insomnia due to
heat entering nutritive (ying) level. Can also use in patterns of HT & KD Yin
Def.
~ Cools the blood & reduces abscesses – as a helper to treat sores or early
stages breast abscess
~ Nourishes the blood & calms the spirit – for palpitations & insomnia due
to either heat in Ying & blood
levels or insufficient HT blood.
*Lowers blood pressure, treats HT disease, high cholesterol,
degenerative arteries/vessels
**Can invigorate blood, break up stasis, cool blood, nourish blood, & calm the
spirit. Used for treating pain
related w/ menstruation & injury, & w/ some heat signs, such as fever,
irritability, delirium & insomnia**
**Clears heat & soothes irritability & is good for insomnia**
Ji Xue Bitter H ~ Promotes the movement of & tonifies blood – for Blood Def. patterns w/
Sweet T dysmenorrhea, irregular menses,
Teng Warm L amenorrhea w/ abdominal pain
Spatholobus Root ~ Invigorates the channels & relaxes the sinews – numbness of
V
extremities, lower back pain, knee pain, or
*CI w/ profuse S generalized joint soreness from wind-damp Bi, w/ either blood def. or stasis.
menses P Also for weakness of
extremities in the elderly or paralysis & vertigo due to blood stasis or wind-
stroke
Can increase the number of red blood cells
**Activates the channels & relaxes the sinews, used for numbness of
extremities, shoulder, arm, back & knee
pain**
Yan Hu Spicy H ~ Invigorates the blood, promotes movement of Qi, & A.P. – pain of
Bitter T almost any kind affecting the chest,
Suo Warm L abdomen, or limbs – due to blood stasis & trauma. Esp. good for epigastric
Xuan Hu Suo pain & dysmenorrhea.
V
Corydalis **Used as a painkiller in Chinese medicine for treating various types of pain**
Rhizome S **Invigorates the blood, moves qi, A.P. & is good for hernia**
*CI Pregnancy T
Yu Jin Spicy H ~ Invigorates the blood & stops pain while promoting the movement
Bitter T of Qi & resolving constraint –
Curcuma Tuber
Cold L topically & internally for pain due to traumatic injury, hastens healing process
“depression gold”
of chronic sores. Treats
U
chest, abdominal, flank, or menstrual pain from constrained LV Qi – esp. good
*Caution L when heat is involved.
Pregnancy V ~ Clears heat & cools the blood – heat in blood causing chaotic movement
of blood – nosebleed, vomiting
blood, blood in urine. Esp. good for nosebleed at the onset of menstruation
or instead of menstruation
(inverted menses)
~ Clears the HT & opens the orifices – for hot phlegm obstructing HT
orifices – anxiety, agitation, seizures,
mental derangement. Opening orifices action is weak.
~ Benefits GB & reduces jaundice – for GB disorders & jaundice
*Major menopause herb
**Facilitates GB function & is good for jaundice** Can invigorate blood, dispel
stasis, benefit GB & reduce
jaundice**I
Jiang Spicy S ~ Invigorates the blood & unblocks menstruation – chest or abdominal
Bitter P pain, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea
Huang Warm S due to blood stasis from cold or deficiency. Also for pain & swelling due to
Turmeric Rhizome trauma or early stages of sores &
T
“yellow ginger” abscesses.
L ~ Promotes the movement of Qi & A.P. – epigastric & abdominal pain
*CI Pregnancy V ~ Expels wind & promotes movement of blood – wind-damp Bi w/ blood
stasis, esp in shoulders
**Can invigorate blood, move Qi, expel wind & A.P., esp. shoulder & elbow pain
due to wind-damp Bi**
**Expels wind & moves blood, used for wind-damp painful obstruction w/
congealed blood, esp. in the shldrs**
Yi Mu Cao Spicy H ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels stasis – commonly used for
Bitter T Gynecological disorders such as irregular
Leonurus
Sl. L menstruation, PMS pain, heavy menstruation w/ clots, fixed abd. masses,
“benefit mother
infertility, postpartum abd. pain
herb” cold V
w/ retained lochia. Also for trauma pain.
 U ~ Promotes urination & reduces swelling – for acute systemic edema.
*CI Pregnancy B Esp. w/ blood in urine
~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – for sores, abscesses, & toxic swellings.
Also itchy rashes from damp
heat collecting & steaming in muscles & subcutaneous tissues. Internal &
topical use.
*Lowers blood pressure, can cause uterine contractions
**Very popular & used for treating blood stasis in ob/gyn, is also for difficulty of
urination & edema. Is called
“benefit mother grass” in Chinese**
Ze Lan Bitter L ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels stasis – for pain due to blood stasis
Spicy V obstructing menses, postpartum abd.
Lycopus,
Sl. S pain from blood stasis. Also topically or internally for pain & swelling from
Bugleweed
trauma or abscess.
“lake very warm P
*Esp. good for blood stasis in lower back & knees
aromatic”
~ Promotes urination – postpartum edema, postpartum painful urinary
*Caution
dribbling, systemic or facial edema.
Pregnancy
Tao Ren Bitter H ~ Breaks up blood stasis – important herb in resolving many kinds of blood
Sweet T stasis problems. Menstrual
Peach
Neutr LI disorders, abd. pain, traumatic injury, flank pain, LU abscess, Intestinal
Kernel/seed
abscess w/ fixed abd. mass.
al L
~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – constipation due to
*CI Pregnancy V dry Intestines.
L **For traumatic injury, abd. pain due to blood stasis, & constipation. Best to
U choose Tao Ren**
**Invigorates the blood. Moistens dryness & lubricates the intestines**

Spicy H
Hong Hua Warm T ~ Invigorates the blood, dispels stasis, & unblocks menstruation –
Safflower, particularly good at unblocking menses
L Amenorrhea, abd. pain, postpartum dizziness, retained lochia, abdominal
Carthamus
“red flower” V masses. Trauma, nonsuppurative
Sores, carbuncles, dark purplish erythema. Also for incomplete expression of
*CI Pregnancy measles rash or chest Bi.
*Smaller dose nourishes/tonifies Blood; larger dose moves blood &
transforms stasis
**Invigorates the blood. Which one is safflower, invigorates the blood &
promotes menstruation, dispels
congealed blood & A.P? Hong Hua**
E Zhu Bitter L ~ Breaks up blood stasis, promotes the movement of Qi, & A.P. –
Spicy V abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea,
Curcuma Rhizome
Warm S amenorrhea, abdominal masses, & epigastric masses due to blood stasis
~ Dissolves accumulation & A.P. – pain, distention, fullness & constriction in
*CI Pregnancy P
chest & abdomen due to food
stagnation. Childhood nutritional impairment
**Breaks up congealed blood, moves qi & A.P., used for abd. pain,
dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, abd. masses
& epigastric masses from congealed blood**
San Leng Bitter L ~ Forcefully breaks up blood stasis, promotes the movement of Qi, &
Spicy V A.P. – for blood stasis patterns w/
Sparganium
Neutr S amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, & abdominal
Burr Reed
masses
Rhizome al P
~ Dissolves accumulations – for severe abdominal pain & distention due to
“three age”
food stagnation & stagnant Qi
*CI Pregnancy
*Can inhibit Cancer cells
Ru Xiang Spicy H ~ Invigorates the blood & promotes the movement of Qi – for traumatic
Bitter T pain due to blood stasis, early
Frankincense
Warm L stages of carbuncles, sores, swellings, & pain. Chest, epigastric, or
“milk aromatic”
abdominal pain due to bl. stasis
V
~ Relaxes the sinews, invigorates the channels, & A.P. – wind-damp Bi,
*CI Pregnancy S rigidity, & spasms
P ~ Reduces swelling & generates flesh – topically as ointment or powder to
reduce swelling, generate flesh,
A.P., promote healing of sores, carbuncles, & traumatic injury. Also for pain,
redness, & swelling of gums,
mouth, & throat.
**Reduces swelling & promotes healing in sores, carbuncles & traumatic
injuries**
Mo Yao Bitter H ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels blood stasis, reduces swelling & A.P.
Neutr T – pain from trauma, sores,
Myrrh
al L carbuncles, swellings, fixed abdominal masses, painful obstruction, chest
*CI Pregnancy
pain, abd. pain, amenorrhea
V
~ Promotes healing – topically to promote healing of chronic non-healing
S sores
P
Niu Xi Bitter L ~ Invigorates the blood & dispels blood stasis – dysmenorrhea,
Sour V amenorrhea, retained lochia. Post-trauma
Archyranthes
Neutr K pain
Root
~ Tonifies LV & KD, strengthens sinews & bones, benefits the joints –
“Ox Knee” al D
pain & soreness affecting the lower
back & knees due to deficiency. Guides other herbs to the low back & knees
*CI Pregnancy
~ Induces downward movement of blood & fire – for chaotic movement of
blood in the upper jiao or Yin
Def. w/ ascending fire. Nosebleed, vomiting blood, toothaches, bleeding
gums. Dizziness, headache,
Blurred vision due to ascendant LV Yang.
~ Clears damp-heat in the lower jiao – knee pain or lower back damp Bi.
Helper herb for painful urinary
dribbling or vaginal discharge. Esp. useful in painful urination w/ stones &
lower back pain & blood in urine
*Huai Niu Xi – better at tonifying KD & LV, strengthening sinews & bones.
Chuan Niu Xi – better at moving
blood & expelling stasis
**CAN NOT treat scrofula & plum seed sensation. **Induces downward
movement of blood**
Wang Bu Liu Bitter L ~ Promotes the movement of blood & invigorates the channels –
Neutr V promotes lactation. Unblocks menses.
Xing
al S For insufficient lactation of amenorrhea due to blood stasis.
Vaccaria Seeds
~ Reduces swellings – for painful swellings, esp. of the breasts or testes.
“king not T
**Which pair of herbs can invigorate blood, reduce swelling & promote
movement stop”
lactation? – Chuan Shan Jia, Wang Bu
Liu Xing** Which of the following herbs moves blood & promotes circulation
*CI Pregnancy
through the channels &
promotes lactation? – Wang Bu Liu Xing**
Zi Ran Spicy L ~ Dispels blood stasis & promotes the healing of bones & sinews – for
Neutr V swelling & pain related to stasis of
Tong al qi & blood caused by external injury (trauma) esp. fractures. Also promotes
Pyrite healing of fractures.
“natural copper” *must cook longer if you decoct. Mostly used in pill or powder form
**Which herb dispels congealed blood & promotes the healing of bones &
sinews? – Zi Ran Tong**
Su Mu Sweet H ~ Invigorates the blood, reduces swelling & A.P. – postpartum abdominal
Salty T pain, amenorrhea, pain &
Sappan Wood
Spicy L swelling from falls, fractures, contusions, or sprains
“Aroma Wood”
~ Stops bleeding – excessive postpartum bleeding w/ dizziness, vertigo, &
*CI Pregnancy Neutr V
shortness of breath
al S
P
Wu Ling Bitter L ~ Disperses blood stasis & A.P. – amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum
Sweet V abdominal pain, epigastric pain
Zhi Warm ~ Transforms stasis & stops bleeding – uterine bleeding & retained lochia
Flying Squirrel due to blood stasis
Feces ~ Also used for childhood nutritional impairment w/ focal distention
“Five magic fat” **Which one is used for childhood nutritional impairment w/ focal distention? –
*CI Pregnancy Wu Ling Zhi**
**Used w/ caution during pregnancy traditionally, this herb was considered to
be antagonized by Ren Shen**
Chuan Salty L ~ Disperses blood stasis, unblocks menstruation, & promotes lactation
Cool V – amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea,
Shan Jia S & lack of or insufficient lactation due to blood stasis.
Pangolin Scales ~ Reduces swelling & promotes discharge of pus – toxic swellings such as
T
Anteater Scales abscesses & boils. Can
“penetrate dissolve as yet unformed pus, it is more useful in promoting the healing of
mountain supppurative lesions. Applied
armour” topically for this.
~ Expels wind-dampness from the channels – pain due to painful
*CI Pregnancy obstruction (Bi), stiffness or spasms of the
limbs, or pain that prevents bending & stretching
**Which one disperses congealed blood, promotes menstruation & promotes
lactation? – Chuan Shan Jia**
Shui Zhi Salty L ~ Breaks up & drives out blood stasis & reduces fixed masses –
Bitter V amenorrhea & fixed abdominal masses
Leech
Neutr U due to blood stasis, as well as traumatic injury
*CI Pregnancy
al B
Sl.
toxic
Tu (Di) Bie Salty L ~ Breaks up & drives out blood stasis – wide variety of disorders due to
Cold V blood stasis. Abdominal masses
Chong
Sl. H & amenorrhea. Also for numb & swollen tongue due to blood stasis.
Ground Beetle
~ Knits together sinews & joins bones – lacerations, contusions, &
“dirt land soft toxic T
fractures. Toasted & ground into a
shell turtle” S powder, it is used for acute lumbar strain. **Can break up & drive out blood
*CI Pregnancy P stasis, renews sinews & joins
bones for pain of menses & injury, esp. for lower back strain**

Transform Phlegm-Heat
Qian Hu Bitte L ~ Directs qi downward & dispels phlegm – for cough or wheezing w/ thick
r U sputum. LU system & Interior LU
Peucedanum
Spicy phlegm. Best for heat-phlegm but used for cold also b/c so great for phlegm.
Root
~ Disperses & scatters wind-heat – for exterior wind-heat w/ headache & cough.
Sl.
Best for when WH constrains
cold the LU.
**Bai Qian & Qian Hu have very similar properties. However, there are some
differences. What is true? Qian Hu
releases exterior wind, Bai Qian does not**
Chuan Bei Bitte H ~ Clears heat & transforms phlegm – for many types of cough. *best for chronic
r T cough, cough w/ signs of fire due
Mu
Swee L to Yin Def, cough w/ slight sputum that is difficult to expectorate, or cough w/ blood
Sichuan
streaked sputum. Best at
Fritillaria t U
treating cough accompanied by constrained qi, causing reduced appetite & stifling
Bulb Sl. sensation in chest & upper
“Shell mother cold abdomen.
from
~ Clears heat & dissipates nodules – phlegm-fire collects & produces nodules,
Sichuan
sores, swellings, scrofula, & LU or
province”
breast abscess. Enlarged glands.
~ Enters HT meridian & treats deficient HT – palpitations, poor memory,
insomnia, depression, chest pain
**For which of the following symptoms is it better to use Chuan Bei Mu than Zhe Bei
Mu? Cough due to LU Yin Def**
Zhe Bei Bitte H ~ Clears & transforms phlegm-heat – for acute LU heat patterns w/ productive
r T cough. Acute Excess phlegm-heat.
Mu
Cold L Good for both surface & internal organ phlegm-heat.
Zhejiang
~ Clears heat & dissipates nodules – for phlegm-fire which congeals & causes
Fritillaria U
neck swellings. Enlarged thyroid –
Bulb
goiter. Also important for LU & breast abscess & swellings.
**Which group is for treatment of LU or breast abscess? Zhe Bei Mu, Jie Geng**
**To dissipate nodules, one would like to use: Zhe Bei Mu**
Gua Lou Swee LI **Contraindicated for diarrhea due to deficiency & weakness of SP & ST. Shouldn’t
t L be combined w/ drugs of Aconitum
Trichosanthe
Cold U complex.
s Fruit
~ Clears heat & transforms phlegm-heat – heat induced cough w/ thick sputum
“melon vine” S
that is difficult to cough up. Can be
T used alone, esp. in children.
~ Unbinds the chest & dissipates nodules – qi accumulation in chest causing
stifling or distention of the chest,
constriction, pain or pressure in the diaphragm.
**Which group is contraindicated in combination w/ Wu Tou? Ban Xie, Gua Lou**
Gua Lou Swee L ~ Clears the LU & transforms phlegm – for phlegm-heat in chest or dry cough w/
t U thick difficult to expectorate sputum
Pi Cold S & dry throat due to wind-heat.
Trichosanthe ~ Regulates Qi & expands the chest – for chest Bi, clumping in the chest, & early
T
s Peel stage of breast abscess.
“melon vine LI *HT disease chest pain & tightness, HT conditions.
skin”
Gua Lou Swee L ~ Clears & transforms phlegm-heat – for phlegm-heat cough. Cools & moistens.
t U Esp. good for cough w/ chest pain
Ren
Cold S & thick, difficult to expectorate sputum.
Seeds
~ Expands the chest – for accumulation of phlegm in the chest leading to stifling
“melon vine T
sensation, pain, or diaphragmatic
seeds” LI pressure.
~ Moistens the Intestines – for dry constipation, esp. when in a pattern of LU heat
w/ dry mouth, thirst & irritability
**Which herb is the best choice for patient w/ hot phlegm, cough due to LU heat,
chest pain, LU abscess, &
sometimes dry constipation? Gua Lou Ren**
Tian Zhu Swee G “heaven bamboo yellow” – crystallized bamboo juice
t B ~ Clears & transforms phlegm-heat – for phlegm-heat in LU w/ thick difficult to
Huang
Cold H expectorate sputum.
Bamboo
**Clears phlegm-heat in HT & GB – HT = mania, fever, change of Shen, loss of
Sugar T
consciousness, delirium, rattling
L sound in throat, coma. LV/GB = fever, headache, tremors & spasms, thick yellow
V tongue fur, childhood convulsions,
stroke** - not great at phlegm in LU – doesn’t enter LU.
~ Clears the HT & settles tremors & convulsions – spasms & convulsions due to
phlegm-heat, wind-stroke w/
phlegm obstruction & gurgling sound in throat, childhood convulsion. Esp. useful in
 treating children.
**For which of the diseases is it better to use Tian Zhu Huang than Zhu Ren? Stroke
& convulsions due to HT heat**
**best used by pouring decocted formula over its powdered form**
Zhu Li Swee H ~ Clears heat, transforms phlegm, & penetrates to the channels – for phlegm
t T obstructing the HT (sensory)
“Bamboo
Cold L orifices. Fainting, paralysis of hands or feet, or hemiplegia. *LU – cough, chest
drop”
pain, thick yellow sputum.
Bamboo Sap U
*HT – seizure, stroke, change of consciousness, mental diseases
S ~ Transforms phlegm-heat & stops cough – small doses as a powerful
T adjunctive herb for phlegm-heat cough.
**Zhu Li’s contraindication: patients w/ cold cough or loose stools from deficient SP**
**Which herb is contraindicated in case of loose stools due to SP Def? – Zhu Li**
Zhu Ru Swee L ~ Clears & transforms phlegm-heat – for heat in LU w/ thick sputum, stifling
t U sensation in chest, or coughing blood.
Bamboo
Sl. S Also for GB fire harboring phlegm & phlegm-heat. *ST = vomiting, nausea, bitter
Shavings
taste in mouth, bad breath,
“bamboo cold T
Restlessness, disturbed sleep, insomnia. GB = nervous, very irritable, mucous,
soft” G bitter taste in mouth, not able to
B make decisions, insomnia.
~ Clears heat & stops vomiting - *very good for vomiting. For vomiting or bitter
or sour taste due to heat in ST, bad
breath, aversion to heat, & yellow greasy tongue fur. ST heat due to Excess or Def.
Morning sickness.
~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – not common use
Fu Hai Salty L ~ Clears heat from LU & transforms heat – for heat accumulation in LU w/
Cold U sputum that is thick & difficult to cough up
Shi Coughing blood. Most commonly used for chronic long-term disorders.
Fu Shi ~ Softens hardness & dissipates phlegm nodules – scrofula & similar disorders
Pumice of phlegm-fire. Enlarged glands.
~ Promotes urination & unblocks the upper source of water – for hot or stony
painful urinary dribbling.
*good for urinary tract stones w/ painful urination or urination that stops mid-
stream.
Hai Ge Bitte L ~ Clears heat & transforms phlegm – for cough & wheezing due to phlegm-heat
r U or constrained clumping of phlegm-
Ke Salty S fire, which impairs the LU’s clarifying & descending functions. Thick yellow sputum
Ge Ke that is difficult to expectorate w/
Cold T
Clam Shell chest & rib pain.
~ Softens hardness & dissipates nodules – phlegm-fire goiter & scrofula.
~ Controls acidity & stops pain – used in powdered form, for epigastric pain &
acid regurgitation. Currently used for
pain due to excess ST acid as well as gastric & duodenal ulcers. Stops symptoms.
~ Mildly promotes urination – superficial edema & urinary dysfunction
**Contraindicated in those w/ LU deficiency accompanied by cold, or in those w/
insufficient Yang**
**Which of the following is sl. toxic? – Hai Ge Ke**
Kun Bu Salty K ~ Reduces phlegm & softens areas of hardness – for various kinds of nodules in
Cold D the neck. Scrofula, goiter, or
Kelp
L sensations of fullness & obstruction in the chest caused by phlegm. Recently used
“green
w/ substances that invigorate the
material” V
blood & transform stasis for thyroid tumors, TB lymphadenitis, & cirrhosis. *only
S treats enlarged gland type phlegm.
T ~ Promotes urination & reduces swelling – weak action, used as a helper for
edema & leg qi.
Hai Zao Bitte K ~ Reduces phlegm & softens areas of hardness – for neck nodules such as
r D goiter & scrofula. Also for bulging
Sargassum
Salty L disorders, esp. those involving scrotum & testicles. *paired w/ Kun Bu – often used
Seaweed
together.
“ocean Cold V
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – weak function. Used as helper for
grass” L edema w/ urinary difficulty.
U **Which of the following can promote urination & reduce edema? Hai Zao**
S
T
Pang Da Swee LI ~ Clears & disseminates LU qi – for sore throat, hoarseness, phlegm-heat cough,
t L constrained LU qi. Used alone as
Hai
Cold U a tea for hoarseness.
Sterculia
~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks bowels – for mild to moderate
Seed
constipation due to heat in Intestines, often w/
“fat big
headache, red eyes, & fever. Can be used alone for mild cases.
ocean”
~ Encourages the expression of rashes – as helper, as external wash, for
incomplete expression of rashes.
**caution in those w/ loose stools or diarrhea**
**For sore throat & hoarse voice, one can take: Pang Da Hai**
Huang Bitte L (HT – according to J. Su and Bensky 2)
r V ~ Dissipates nodules & reduces goiter – for goiter. Can be used alone in a
Yao Zi
Dioscorea Cold L tincture. **masses, nodules, Cancer of
Bulbifera (toxi U esophagus, ST, breast, thyroid, uterus, colon – is the main use – as decoction or
tuber c) Ht powder, can also apply topically**
“yellow ~ Clears heat & resolves toxicity – toxic swellings, swollen & painful throat,
medicine” animal bites. Emergency phase of
snakebite – never as a substitute for antivenom. Many types of Cancers – esp.
esophagus, ST, uterus, colon.
~ Cools blood & stops bleeding – vomiting blood, coughing blood, uterine
bleeding
~ Stops coughs & calms wheezing – for cough of both acute & chronic bronchitis,
whooping cough. Can be used
w/ rock candy – Bing Tang. **toxic – side effects = dry mouth, reduced appetite,
nausea, abd pain, burning
sensation in mouth, tongue & pharynx, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
contracted pupils**
*can damage LV & blood if used too much, hair loss

Transform Phlegm-Cold
Ban Xia Spicy L ~ Dries dampness, transforms phlegm & causes rebellious qi to descend –
Warm U cough w/ copious sputum, cold-
Zhi Ban Xia
Toxic S phlegm in LU. Esp. effective in transforming phlegm due to dampness in SP.
Pinellia
Abdominal distention, fullness, poor
Rhizome P
appetite. Also used for heat-phlegm b/c so good for phlegm – often combines w/
“half S Zhu Ru for phlegm-heat.
summer” T ~ Directs rebellious qi downward & stops vomiting – for nausea, vomiting due
 to many things – cold, thin mucous,
ST Def., ST heat, or pregnancy
~ Dissipates nodules & reduces clumps – for nodules, pressure, distention or
pain due to phlegm in chest, phlegm
nodules in neck – goiter, scrofula. Obstruction anywhere caused by phlegm. Focal
distention in chest & epigastrum.
*Warm & drying, use w/ caution in patients w/ dry cough from Yin Def., sore throat
from fire excess or bleeding.
**Contraindicated in combination w/ Wu Tou – Ban Xia, Gua Lou. Which group is
used for lingering damp-phlegm in
ST that rebels upwards causing nausea & vomiting? Xuan Fu Hua, Ban Xia**
**Which of the following can stop vomiting? Ban Xia**
Tian Nan Bitter L ~ Dries dampness & expels phlegm – for cough & stifling, distention sensation in
Spicy V chest due to stubborn phlegm.
Xing
Warm L *Extremely drying. Ray is very toxic
Jack-in-the-
~ Disperses wind-phlegm & stops spasms – for obstruction due to wind-phlegm,
pulpit Toxic U
usually in channels, w/ dizziness,
“star S vertigo, numbness of limbs, facial paralysis, spasms of hands & feet, opisthotonos,
heaven P stroke, seizures, lockjaw.
south”
~ Reduces swelling & alleviates pain – topically for deep-rooted sores, ulcers,
carbuncles. Swelling due to trauma,
*CI
joint pain secondary to phlegm. Used unprepared for this use. Recently used
Pregnancy
topically for cervical cancer.
**Which of the following herbs are both toxic? Tian Nan Xing, Bai Fu Zi.
Contraindicated during pregnancy**
Contraindicated for dry cough from Yin Def or stirring of wind from either
intense heat or blood def, pregnancy
**For wind & phlegm obstructing the channels & causing dizziness & seizures, one
can use: Tian Nan Xing**
Dan Nan Bitter L ~ Expels heat-phlegm – thick yellow phlegm
Cold V ~ Disperses wind-phlegm & stops spasms – same as above.
Xing
L *very similar to Tian Nan Xing but Cold so can be used to treat phlegm-heat.
U
S
P
Bai Fu Spicy L ~ Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, expels wind, stops spasms – for wind-
Sweet V phlegm affecting the head causing
Zi Warm S wind-stroke, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, migraines. **Bells Palsy – used for over
“white fu zi” 1,000 yrs.
Toxic P
~ Resolves toxicity & dissipates nodules – snakebite, scrofula, other nodules
*CI S due to phlegm & toxicity. Generally
Pregnancy T used topically for this in fresh form.
~ Dries dampness & stops pain & itching – wind-cold-damp Bi, damp skin
problems – eczema – can be powdered &
applied topically.
**Contraindicated during pregnancy. Do not exceed 5 grams for internal
consumption to avoid toxicity.
**This herb is spicy, sweet, warm & poisonous. Enters SP & ST & some say LV. It
expels wind & cold & dampness &
alleviates pain, expels wind-phlegm, cleans toxins & reduces distention. Also used
for snakebite**
**Which of the following is used for wind-phlegm affecting the head resulting in facial
paralysis? Bai Fu Zi**
Xuan Fu Bitter L ~ Reduces phlegm & promotes the dissipation of pathogenic water – for
Spicy V phlegm & fluids clogging LU’s or
Hua
Salty L problems due to accumulation of phlegm & thin mucous. Most appropriate for
Inula Flower
Cold, can be used for heat when
“turning Sl. U
combines properly. *Plum Pit Qi.
come warm S ~ Redirects the qi downward & stops vomiting – for vomiting, hiccups, belching
back flower” T – rebellious ST qi.
S Morning sickness.
P **Needs to be wrapped when decocted**
*Inappropriate for dry cough due to Yin Def. or for debilitated patients w/ loose stools.
**Which of the following needs to be decocted in cheesecloth bag? Xuan Fu Hua**
Bai Spicy L ~ Redirects the qi downward, dispels phlegm, & stops cough – cough w/
Sweet U copious sputum & gurgling in throat.
Qian Sl. Very important for LU qi blockage & stagnation. Wheezing. Not drying.
Cynanchum *Only for Excess LU conditions – wind-heat, wind-cold, phlegm-heat, phlegm-cold.
warm
Root Not for LU Qi or Yin Def. b/c spicy
Bai Jie Zi Spicy L ~ Warms LU, regulates the qi, & expels phlegm – for coughing of copious thin
White Warm U sputum, chest distention, pain due to
mustard accumulation of cold-phlegm, esp. in chronic disorders. **can be used to stimulate
Seed points topically**
~ Promotes movement of qi, disperses clumps, unblocks collaterals, &
stops pain – for phlegm-dampness
obstructing channels & collaterals, yin flat abscesses & spreading sores, phlegm
 nodules – scrofula.
*Contraindicated in patients w/ chronic cough from LU deficiency or fire due to yin
deficiency or blazing ST fire.
Overdose causes diarrhea.
**Dissipates nodules, reduces swellings & alleviates pain. Used when cold phlegm
collects in channels causing
symptoms of joint pain & body aches**
Jie Bitter L ~ Opens up & disseminates the LU qi, dispels phlegm, & benefits the throat
Spicy U – for cough, wheezing w/ profuse
Geng Neutr sputum, throat pain, loss of voice. Can be used for cold or heat. *can thin phlegm
Platycodon & make it easier to cough up.
al
Root ~ Promotes discharge of pus – LU abscess (pneumonia), throat abscess. LU
“straight abscess = fever, chest pain, yellow
hard” sputum w/ fishy smell, coughing up blood & pus.
~ Opens up & raises the LU qi while directing the actions of other herbs to
upper region of body –
to reinforce actions of other herbs that clear & drain the upper jiao, also to focus
actions of a formula on upper jiao.
*B/c spicy, dispersing & draining, it is Contraindicated for chronic cough w/ yin def. or
in patients w/ a tendency to
cough up blood.
**Jie Geng is bitter, spicy, & neutral. It is used for coughs. If a patient presents w/
cough, fever, & chills, no sweat,
stuffy nose & tight, floating pulse, which herbs should Jie Gen be used w/? Zi Su Ye,
Ma Huang**
**Which of the following can direct the effect of other herbs to the upper region of
the body? Jie Geng**
Zao Spicy L ~ Draws out toxicity, discharges pus, invigorates the blood, & reduces
Warm V swelling – frequently used during early
Jiao S stages of swollen sores to encourage healing, or to induce those already formed to
“soap bean’ burst. External use.
T
Gleditisia ~ Expels wind & kills parasites – tinea, leprosy.
Thorn L ~ Dispels phlegm & opens orifices & revives the spirit - **phlegm misting
U orifices = disconnection from outside
*CI world, improper response to stimuli, coma, loss of consciousness
Pregnancy Contraindicated in those w/ open sores & pregnancy
**Which group is good for treatment of coma, stroke or seizures due to wind & cold
phlegm? Zao Jiao, Tian Nan Xing**

Relieve Cough & Wheezing

Xing Ren Bitter L ~ Stops cough & calms wheezing – used broadly for many kinds of cough
Sl. U disorders caused by heat or cold,
Apricot Seed
warm LI depending on the combinations. B/c it is moist in nature, it is esp. useful for
externally contracted dry cough.
Sl.
~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – secondary use. High in
toxic oil content.
**Which herb is bitter, warm, slightly poisonous? Enters the LU & LI. Functions
to relieve cough & stop
wheezing, moisten the intestines & moves the stools. It should be decocted
later.**
**Which of the following is sl. toxic? Xing Ren**
Zi Wan Spicy L ~ Relieves cough & expels phlegm – important for stopping coughs of
Bitter U various etiologies including wind-cold,
Aster Root
Sl. wind-heat, LU deficiency, & consumption. Mildy moistening cuz doesn’t dry.
Purple Aster
**Zi Wan & Kuan Dong Hua are often used together, but they have different
“purple soft” warm
functions. Which of the following
functions is NOT correct? Zi Wan is spicy & warm & is used for cold cough**
Kuan Dong Spicy L ~ Moistens the LU, directs qi downward, stops coughs, & transforms
Warm U phlegm – commonly used for cough &
Hua
wheezing from many different etiologies.
Tussilago
Special flower [b/c it guides qi down
flower
Coltsfoot
“slow winter
flower”
(Zi) Su Zi Spicy LI ~ Stops cough & calms wheezing, redirects qi downward, & dissolves
Warm L phlegm – for cough & wheezing w/
Perilla Fruit
U copious phlegm. Esp. useful when exhalation is more labored than inhalation &
there is a stifling sensation in
the chest. (+ cold induced cough)
~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks stools – for constipation due to dry
Intestines
Pi Pa Ye Bitter L ~ Transforms phlegm, clears LU heat, & redirects LU qi downward – for
Neutral U LU heat or LU dryness patterns w/
Loquat Leaf
S cough & wheezing.
Eriobotrya
~ Harmonizes the ST, clears ST heat, & redirects ST qi downward –
T
nausea, vomiting, hiccups, & belching
due to ST heat
**Which herb is special for clearing LU & ST heat & redirecting Qi of both organs
downward? Pi Pa Ya**
**Pi Pa Ya has actions of: Harmonizing ST (maybe Moistening LU & stopping
coughing)**
Bai Bu Sweet L ~ Moistens the LU & stops cough – for both acute & chronic cough. Esp.
Bitter U useful for cough from deficiency,
Stemona Root
Sl. including yin deficiency.
“hundred
~ Expels parasites & kills lice – topically as either a tincture or a decoction for
parts” warm
head or body lice or fleas. Also
used as a wash for bacterial vaginosis & as a nightly retained enema for
pinworm.
**Which herb is used to expel parasites, kill lice, moisten the LU & alleviate
cough?**
Sang Bai Sweet L ~ Drains heat from LU, stops coughs, & calms wheezing – for cough &
Cold U wheezing due to LU heat
Pi ~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – disorders where LU heat obstructs
Mulberry Root the downward movement of LU
Bark qi, preventing water from moving & cutting off perspiration. Manifests as
floating edema, facial edema, swelling
of extremities, fever & thirst, urinary difficulty, & floating pulse.
~ Also recently used for hypertension – can soak feet to lower blood
pressure
**Which herbs are used to expel water & reduce edema? Sang Bai Pi, Ting Li Zi**
**Used to alleviate cough & wheezing, quell heat in the LU, promote urination &
reduce edema. It is also used
in treating hypertension**
Ting Li Zi Spicy L ~ Drains the LU, reduces phlegm, & calms wheezing – excess-type
Bitter U wheezing or cough w/ copious sputum &
Tingli Seed
V. cold U a gurgling sound in the throat due to phlegm accumulation or LU heat.
Lepidium Seed
~ Moves water & reduces edema – for facial edema or fluid accumulation in
“tal standing B
the chest or abdomen w/ urinary
up seed”
difficulty due to excess-type obstruction of the LU or UB qi.

Ma Dou Bitter L ~ Clears the LU, transforms phlegm, stops coughing, & calms wheezing
Sl. cold U – for cough or wheezing due to
Ling LI LU heat w/ rebellious qi.
Birthwort Fruit ~ Clears & drains heat from excess in the LI while reducing swelling &
Aristolochia pain – for swelling & pain in &
Fruit around the anus due to accumulation of heat in the LI – bleeding hemorrhoids.
“horse bag *J. Su – For Hypertension w/ lightheadedness & flushing – often during
bell” menopause
**A male patient has cough & wheezing due to LU heat. Sometimes there is
blood in the phlegm. He has had
high blood pressure & hemorrhoids for a few years. Which herb is good for
him? Ma Dou Ling**
**Which of the following is toxic? Ma Dou Ling**
Bai Guo Sweet K ~ Preserves the LU & arrests wheezing – for wheezing w/ coughing. Esp.
Bitter D useful for chronic coughs or those
Ginko Nut
Astring L w/ copious sputum.
“white nut”
~ Eliminates dampness, stops discharge, & contains the urine – for
ent U
vaginal discharge & turbid urine.
Used both in cases of deficiency & damp-heat. Leukorrhea.
*J. Su – Stabilizes the Lower Jiao – leakage of lower jiao – KD can’t store
Essence – frequent urination,
incontinence or urine, seminal emission, premature ejaculation. Often used w/
tonifying qi herbs
**Which herb is used to stop wheezing & treats leukorrhea? - Bai Guo**
**Which of the following can be used for urinary frequency or incontinence? Bai
Guo**
Anchor, Settle, & Calm the Spirit
Long Gu / Sweet H ~ Settles anxiety & calms the spirit – for emotional restlessness, insomnia,
Astring T palpitations w/ anxiety, or even
Chi ent L seizures or withdrawal-mania due to an agitated HT & spirit.
Dragon Bone / ~ Calms the LV & anchors & preserves the floating Yang – for irritability,
Neutral V
teeth restlessness, dizziness, vertigo,
Fossilized K blurred vision, & bad temper due to LV Yin def. w/ deficient Yang
vertebrae D transgressing upward.
of bones of ~ Prevents leakage of fluids – for loss of fluids due to deficiency including
extremities spermatorrhea, night-sweats,
of mammals spontaneous sweating, nocturnal emission, vaginal discharge, & uterine
bleeding
*requires longer cooking time – cook 30 min or so b4 adding other herbs –
bones, minerals, shells
~ Used topically (calcined & powdered) for chronic, non-healing sores
& ulcers
Ci Shi Spicy K ~ Anchors & calms the spirit – restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, or
Salty D tremors. Esp. in patients w/ Yin Def.
Magnetite -
Cold L & ascendent Yang. Particularly useful when KD Def. leads to upward blazing
magnet
of LV fire that deranges &
V
disturbs the HT spirit. Also used for dizziness or vertigo in patients w/ similar
patterns, or convulsions in
children caused by shock.
~ Nourishes the KD, augments the LV, & improves hearing & vision –
impaired hearing or deafness,
tinnitus, or visual disturbances due to LV & KD deficiency (Excess above &
Deficiency below – LV Yang
Rising due to KD Def)
~ Aids the KD in grasping the qi – for chronic asthma due to failure of KD to
grasp the qi
**Which of the following is able to help KD to grasp Qi? Ci Shi**
Zhu Sha Sweet H ~ Sedates the HT & calms the spirit – restlessness, palpitations w/ anxiety,
Cool T insomnia, or convulsions. Can be
Cinnabar
Toxic used in treating patterns of heat from excess, phlegm, or blood def.
depending on how it’s combined.
~ Expels phlegm & sedates jitteriness & convulsions while stopping
tremors – seizures, childhood
convulsions, & other problems due to phlegm-heat blocking the PC & HT.
Often seen in warm pathogen
diseases.
~ Clears heat, resolves toxicity, & prevents putrefaction – topically for
carbuncles, mouth sores, sore throat,
and snakebite
Hu Po Sweet U ~ Arrests tremors & palpitations & calms the spirit – palpitations w/
Neutral B anxiety, excessive dreams, insomnia,
Amber
H forgetfulness, anxiety, & seizures due to disturbance of the spirit. Also
childhood convulsions & seizures.
T
~ Invigorates the blood, dissipates stasis, & unblocks the menses –
L amenorrhea or pain associated w/
V palpable fixed masses due to blood stasis. Can be used alone for this.
Recently used in treating coronary
artery disease
~ Promotes urination & unblocks painful urinary dribbling – urinary
retention or painful urinary dribbling
esp. w/ bloody urine
~ Reduces swelling & promotes healing – topically for sores, carbuncles,
ulcerations of the skin. Also for
swelling & pain in the area of the scrotum or vulva.
**Which herb is the best one for retention of urine, anuria? Hu Po**
**Which of the following is often used in powder & pill forms? Hu Po**

Nourish HT & Calm the Spirit

Suan Zao Sweet G ~ Nourishes the HT Yin, augments the LV blood, & quiets the spirit –
Sour B irritability, insomnia, & palpitations w/
Ren Neutr H anxiety due to either blood deficiency (inability to nourish the HT) or yin def.
Spiny zizyphus (w/ upward-flaring fire)
al T
seeds ~ Prevents abnormal sweating – for both spontaneous sweating & night-
Sour Date L sweating
Seeds V **Which herb prevents abnormal sweating? – Suan Zao Ren**
S
P
Bai Zi Sweet H ~ Nourishes the HT & calms the spirit – irritability, insomnia, forgetfulness,
Neutr T & palpitations w/ anxiety due to
Ren al K HT Yin Def. & insufficient blood. Also used alone in powder form for night
Arborvitae terrors in children.
D
Seeds ~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – constipation in elderly,
Cyperus Seeds LI debilitated, & postpartum
women due to blood or Yin Def.
~ Also used for night-sweats due to Yin Deficiency
**Which herb moistens the Intestines? Bai Zi Ren**
Yuan Zhi Bitter H ~ Calms the spirit & quiets the HT – insomnia, palpitations w/ anxiety,
Spicy T restlessness, & disorientation. Most
Polygala Root
Sl. L effective in cases related to excessive brooding or constrained, pent-up
“extend will”
emotions as well as those related to
warm U
lack of communication between the HT & KD – for disharmony between HT &
KD (enhances memory – J.Su)
~ Expels phlegm, clears the orifices, & stops coughs – used when
phlegm envelopes the orifice of the HT
w/ emotional & mental disorientation, spasms, or seizures. Also for phlegm
affecting the LU w/ copious
sputum, esp. when it is difficult to expectorate. Recently been used for
angina pectoris.
~ Reduces abscesses & dissipates swellings – boils, abscesses, sores, &
swollen, painful breasts.
Topically in powder form for early stages of sores.
**This herb has the action of expels phlegm: Yuan Zhi**
He Huan Sweet H ~ Calms the spirit & relieves constraint – bad temper, depression,
Neutr T insomnia, irritability, & poor memory due
Pi al L to constrained emotions. (J.Su – mostly used for sleep problems, also in
Silktree Bark Dermatology for itching making
V
Albizzia patient irritable & unable to sleep)
“tree of ~ Harmonizes the blood, stops pain, & reconnects the sinews & bones
harmony & – pain & swelling, also pain
happiness” associated w/ chronic, degenerative disease of the joints & muscles.
~ Dissipates swelling & reduces abscesses – pain & swelling of abscesses,
*Caution both external & internal
Pregnancy **Which herb invigorates the blood & alleviates pain? – He Huan Pi**
**Which of the following can calm the spirit & relieve constraint? He Huan Pi**

Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices

She Spicy H ~ Vigorously opens the orifices, revives the spirit, & unblocks closed
Warm T disorders - intensely aromatic &
Xiang Arom S penetrating – treats wide variety of problems that impair consciousness –
Naval gland related to heat or cold. Heat
atic P
secretions penetrating the PC due to warm-heat pathogen disease (convulsions, delirium,
of deer – Musk L stupor, & fainting), closed
V disorders, titanic collapse, phlegm collapse, & seizures.
*CI Pregnancy ~ Invigorates the blood, dissipates clumps, reduces swelling, & A.P. –
& Heat fixed, palpable masses, toxic sores,
conditions & carbuncles. Also used to clear obstructions to the channels & collaterals due
to trauma or painful obstruction.
Recently used in treating coronary artery disease – ingested or applied topically
~ Hastens delivery & facilitates the downward passage of stillborns –
when dead fetus or placenta fails to
descend. Can induce abortion.
**Which of the following is contraindicated during pregnancy? She Xiang**
Su He Sweet H ~ Opens the orifices & penetrates through turbidity to awaken the spirit
Spicy T – closed disorders, phlegm collapse,
Xiang Warm S & epidemic toxic diseases. Esp. indicated for cold disorders. (J.Su – phlegm
Reson of Rose blocking orifices – change of
Arom P
Maloes consciousness, coma)
Styrax atic ~ Opens up areas of constraint & clears away filth – stifling sensations,
“smooth cold, fullness, & pain in the chest &
harmony abdomen. Recently used for coronary artery disease & biliary colic. Applied
aromatic” topically for chilblain.
*Caution *J.Su – severe chest pain – blood stasis HT attack
Pregnancy
Bing Pian Spicy H ~ Opens the orifices, awakens the spirit, & unblocks closed disorders –
Bitter T impaired consciousness, various
Borneol
Mildly L types of fainting & convulsions
“eyes small
~ Clears heat, drains fire, resolves toxicity, clears the eyes, removes
pieces” Cold U
superficial visual obstruction, &
S stops pain – heat leading to headache, red & swollen eyes, superficial visual
*Caution P obstruction, sores in the mouth
Pregnancy
~ Clears heat, A.P., dissipates nodules, & alleviates itching – topically for
pain & swelling of the throat, skin
diseases such as sores & scabies, eye disorders such as photophobia or
excessive tearing. Commonly used
in topically-applied powders to regenerate flesh.
**Which herb is used for pain & swelling in the throat, scabies, photophobia,
excessive tearing? – Bing Pian**
Shi Spicy H ~ Opens the orifices, dislodges phlegm, removes filth, & quiets the
Bitter T spirit – phlegm-dampness veiling &
Chang Pu Warm S blocking the sensory orifices w/ deafness, dizziness, forgetfulness, dulled
Acorus sensorium, as well as seizures or
Arom T
“rock growing stupor.
by atic ~ Transforms turbid dampness, awakens the SP, & promotes movement
water” of qi – chest & epigastric fullness
& abdominal distention & pain due to dampness & turbidity obstructing the
middle jiao
~ Promotes blood flow & reduces swelling – both internally & topically for
wind-cold-damp Bi, trauma, sores
**Which herb harmonizes the middle burner & transforms turbid dampness? Shi
Chang Pu**

Extinguishes Wind & Stops Tremors

Ling Yang Salty H ~ Drains LV heat, calms the LV, extinguishes wind & controls spasms
Cold T & convulsion – childhood
Jiao convulsions & seizure disorders as well as stubborn high fevers & internal
Antelope Horn L stirring of wind due to intense
V heat. Important for treating internal stirring of LV wind. Commonly used for
childhood convulsions due to
high fever.
~ Calms LV & anchors the Yang – for ascendant LV Yang w/ dizziness,
vertigo, irritability & restlessness,
splitting headaches. Can be used as part of a formula for hypertension.
~ Clears the LV & improves the vision – headache, red & swollen eyes,
photophobia due to blazing LV fire.
~ Drains heat & resolves fire toxicity – warm-heat pathogen diseases w/
high fever, delirium, manic
behavior, & in extreme cases loss of consciousness. Heat in PC.
~ Clears damp-heat – also used for wind-damp-heat painful obstruction
**Which herb cures heat & detoxifies fire poison for warm febrile diseases? –
Ling Yang Jiao**
**Which of the following clears heat & fire toxicity? Ling Yang Jiao**
Gou Teng Sweet P ~ Extinguishes wind & alleviates spasms – patterns of LV heat w/ internal
Sl. cold C stirring of LV wind w/ tremors,
Uncaria Vine
L seizures, & eclampsia.
“Hook Vine”
~ Drains LV heat & pacifies LV Yang – for LV fire & ascendant LV yang
V
patterns w/ headache, irritability, red
eyes, & dizziness. *Recently used for hypertension, esp. of this type.
~ Releases the exterior – exterior WH patterns w/ fever, headache, & red
eyes
**When preparing a decoction, one should not cool what herb for more than 10
minutes? Gou Teng**
Tian Ma Sweet L ~ Calms the LV, extinguishes wind, & controls spasms & tremors –
Neutral V very important herb for internal LV
Gastrodia
wind, whether caused by heat or cold. For headache, dizziness, childhood
Rhizome
convulsions, epilepsy, tonic-
clonic spasms, opisthotonos, tetany, & wind-stroke.
~ Extinguishes wind & A.P. – headaches, dizziness, migraine headaches
that occur w/ wind-phlegm
patterns. Also for wind-stroke w/ hemiplegia, dizziness, & numbness in
extremities. Can be used for both
Excessive & Deficient conditions.
~ Disperses painful obstruction – wind-damp Bi w/ pain & numbness of the
lower back & extremities.
**Which herb disperses painful obstruction, used for pain & numbness in the
lower back & extremities**
Bai Ji Li Spicy L ~ Calms the LV & anchors the Yang – for headache, vertigo, dizziness from
Bitter V ascendant LV Yang.
Caltrop Fruit
Neutral ~ Dredges the LV Qi to smooth its flow while dispersing constraint &
Tribulus
clumping – for pain & distention in
“White Weapon”
the chest or flanks, irregular menstruation, or insufficient lactation from
constrained LV Qi.
*Caution
~ Dispels wind-heat & brightens the eyes – for red, swollen, & painful
Pregnancy
eyes as well as increased tearing.
~ Dispels wind & stops itching – for any type of skin lesion w/ significant
itching, such as hives. Also used
for vitiligo, sometimes used alone.
Shi Jue Salty K ~ Drains LV fire & anchors & sedates the LV Yang – for LV fire &
Cold D ascendant LV Yang patterns w/
Ming L headache, dizziness, red eyes. *Commonly used for hypertension w/
Abalone Shell ascendant LV Yang.
V
~ Improves the vision & causes superficial visual obstruction to
recede – for LV heat patterns that affect
the eyes causing photophobia, pterygium or other superficial visual
obstructions, red eyes, & blurred vision.
~ Recently also used for increased gastric acidity & topically for
bleeding due to trauma.
**When preparing a decoction, this herb often needs to be cooked first: Shi Jue
Ming**
**Shi Jue Ming is: Cold**
Di Long Salty U ~ Drains heat, settles convulsions, extinguishes wind, & stops spasms
Cold B – for extremely high fever leading
Earthworm
L to changes in consciousness, incoherent speech, convulsions, & seizures.
Can be used alone. *Recently
V
also used for schizophrenia of the hot-manic type.
L ~ Clears heat & unblocks & promotes movement in the channels &
U collaterals – swollen & painful joints
S w/ reduced range of motion. Most commonly for hot Bi, but also can be used
P for cold Bi if combines
properly. Also used for hemiplegia due to lack of flow in the channels, such
as the sequelae of wind-stroke.
~ Clears heat & calms wheezing – wheezing, esp. due to LU Heat. Can take
alone for this as a powder
 ingested directly (or in capsules) or the fresh product can be decocted w/
added sugar to form a syrup.
~ Clears heat & promotes urination – for hot painful urinary dribbling, & in
severe cases, edema. Esp.
useful for problems associated w/ heat clumping in the UB w/ urinary
difficulty or inability to urinate (alone if
you want)
~ Also used recently for hypertension associated w/ ascendant LV
Yang patterns
**Which herb promotes urination & stops wheezing? – Di Long**
(Bai) Jiang Spicy L ~ Extinguishes wind & stops spasms & convulsions – for childhood
Salty V convulsions or facial paralysis. Also
Can Neutral L for seizures from either internal stirring of LV wind or wind-phlegm-heat,
Silkworm esp. the latter.
U
~ Dispels wind, disperses wind-heat, & stops itching & pain –
headache, red eyes, & sore, swollen
throat, as well as itching skin lesions such as heat rash, from either
externally-contracted wind-heat or LV
wind. Also for loss of voice.
~ Transforms phlegm, softens what is hard, & dissipates nodules –
phlegm-heat scrofula & other phlegm
nodules.
~ Expels wind & stops itching – itching skin lesions such as wind rash
**Which herb clears & benefits the throat? – Bia Jiang Can**
**This herb can be used for skin rash & itching due to wind – Bai Jiang Can**
Quan Xie Salty L ~ Extinguishes wind & stops tremors & convulsions – LV wind & phlegm
Spicy V patterns w/ spasms, acute or
Scorpion
Neutral chronic childhood convulsions, tetany, opisthotomos, tics, muscular tetany, &
seizures. One of the more
*CI Pregnancy Toxic
effective wind-extinguishing substances.
~ Tracks down wind, unblocks the collaterals, & stops pain – for
stubborn headaches (including
migraines) & painful obstruction.
~ Attacks & resolves fire toxicity & dissipates nodules – used topically
for toxic sores, swellings, &
scrofula - in accordance w/ the maxim “use toxin to attack toxin”
**Which herb contraindicated in deficient blood generated wind patterns &
pregnancy? Quan Xie**
**Which of the following is toxic? Quan Xie**

~ Extinguishes wind & stops spasms & convulsions – for acute & chronic
Wu Gong Spicy L childhood convulsions,
Centipede Warm V opisthotonos, lockjaw, & seizures.
Toxic ~ Attacks toxin & dissipates nodules – used topically for toxic nodules in
*CI Pregnancy general including sores,
carbuncles, & neck lumps. Also used for poisonous snakebite.
~ Unblocks the collaterals & stops pain – for stubborn headaches
(including migraines) & painful
obstruction.
**Which herb is contraindicated during pregnancy? Wu Gong**
(Dai) Zhe Bitter H ~ Sedates & anchors the LV Yang & clears LV Fire – for ascendant LV
Cold T Yang w/ dizziness, vertigo,
Shi L headaches, sensation of pressure around the eyes, or tinnitus.
Hematite ~ Strongly directs rebellious qi downward – for belching, vomiting,
V
hiccups, & acute wheezing.
*Caution P ~ Cools the Blood & stops bleeding – for vomiting blood & nosebleeds.
Pregnancy C Primarily used for bleeding due to
hot blood, but can also be used for bleeding due to cold from Deficiency
when combined properly. Can be
used alone for this.
**Which herb stops bleeding & guides blood downward? – Die Zhe Shi**
**Which of the following is used for belching & vomiting caused by rebellious
Qi? Dai Zhe Shi**
Mu Li Salty L ~ Heavily settles & calms the spirit – for palpitations w/ anxiety,
Astring V restlessness, & insomnia.
Oyster Shell
ent K ~ Benefits the Yin & anchors the floating Yang – for irritability, insomnia,
dizziness, headache, tinnitus,
Cool D
blurred vision, bad temper, or a red, flushed face due to Yin Def. w/
ascendant Yang.
~ Prevents the leakage of fluids – for continuous sweating in patients w/
steaming bone disorder or in the
aftermath of a warm-heat pathogen disease. Also used as an astringent for
spontaneous sweating,
night-sweats, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea or vaginal discharge, &
 uterine bleeding due to deficiency.
~ Softens hardness & dissipates nodules – various kinds of lumps.
Particularly useful for lumps in the neck
such as scrofula & goiter.
~ Absorbs acidity & A.P. – used in calcined form for excessive ST pain w/
sour taste in the mouth.
**Which herb prevents the leakage of fluids good for leukorrhea & uterine
bleeding from deficiency?**

Tonify Qi
Ren Shen Sweet LU ~ Powerfully tonifies the primal Qi – for extreme collapse of the Qi or
Sl. bitter SP abandoned conditions that
Ginseng Root
Sl. warm manifest in shallow breathing, shortness of breath, cold limbs, profuse
sweating, & a pulse so minute
or weak that it is almost imperceptible. Can occur after loss of blood,
overly profuse sweating, or
other problems related to severe fluid loss; can be used alone for this.
~ Strengthens the SP & tonifies the ST – for lethargy, lack of appetite,
chest & abd. distention, chronic
diarrhea, & prolapse of ST, uterus, or rectum.
~ Tonifies the LU & augments the Qi – wheezing, shortness of breath,
labored breathing on exertion
due to LU Qi Def. Usually also failure of KD to grasp Qi.
~ Generates fluids & stops thirst – wasting & thirsting, also cases when
the Qi & fluids have been
 injured by high fever & profuse sweating.
~ Benefits the HT Qi & calms the spirit – palpitations w/ anxiety,
insomnia, forgetfulness, &
restlessness due to Qi & Blood Def.
~ Miscellaneous adjunctive effect – b/c it strongly tonifies the primal qi,
which underlies & supports all
Qi activities of the body, it is used in a wide variety of situations where
the stronger primal Qi will
Indirectly aid in their resolution.
**Which one’s function is powerfully tonifies the original Qi? – Ren Shen**
**The properties of Ren Shen are: sweet, sl. bitter, sl. warm**
Xi Yang sweet HT ~ Benefits the Qi, generates fluids, & nourishes the Yin – for Yin Def.
sl. bitter KD w/ heat signs & chronic,
Shen cold lU unabating fever. Also for the aftermath of a febrile disease w/ weakness,
American irritability, & thirst.
Ginseng Root ~ Nurtures the LU Yin & clears fire from the LU – LU Qi & Yin Def. w/
depleted fluids & blazing fire
from deficiency, which impairs the clearing & dispersing functions. Long-
term wheezing & coughing
up blood-streaked sputum. Also for cough, coughing blood, & loss of
voice due to LU Yin Def.
**The Following are Qi Tonifying Herbs. Which one’s function is benefits
the Qi, generates fluids,
nourishes the Yin? Xi Yang Shen**
Dang Sweet LU ~ Tonifies the middle jiao & augments the Qi – lack of appetite,
Neutral SP fatigue, tired limbs, diarrhea, vomiting,
Shen or any chronic illness w/ SP Qi Def. Also for symptoms of prolapse of
Codonopsis Root uterus, ST, or rectum due to
“Poor Man’s collapse of SP Qi.
Ginseng” ~ Tonifies the LU – LU Deficiency w/ chronic cough & shortness of breath,
or copious sputum due to SP
Qi Deficiency.
~ Also used w/ herbs that release the exterior or drain downward
when the presentation includes
significant Qi Def. – supports the normal while the other herbs expel
the pathogenic influences.
**Which one’s function is general tonifies Qi? Dan Shen**
Tai Zi Sweet LU ~ Strengthens the SP & augments the Qi – for SP & ST Def. w/ fatigue
Sl. bitter SP & lack of appetite. Also for LU
Shen Neutral Qi Def. w/ spontaneous sweating.
Pseudostollaria ~ Generates fluids – thirst & injury to fluids after a febrile disease. Also
Root for unrelenting fever or
“Baby Ginseng” summer-heat in children.
**Which one’s function is generates fluids used for unremitting fever or for
summer heat in children?**
Huang Qi Sweet LU ~ Tonifies the Qi & Blood – postpartum fever due to Qi & Blood
Sl. warm SP deficiency. Also used in recovery stage
Astragalus Root
from severe loss of blood.
“Yellow Qi”
~ Tonifies the SP & raises the Yang – for SP Def. w/ lack of appetite,
fatigue, & diarrhea. Use for a
wide variety of problems related to SP Qi Def. including Qi failing to
contain the blood, sinking &
collapse of the middle Qi, LU & SP Qi Def., insufficiency of both Qi &
Blood, & fever from Qi Def.
~ Augments the protective Qi & stabilizes the exterior – for def. w/
spontaneous sweating (b/c it
stabilizes the protective Qi). Tonifies the LU & used for frequent colds or
shortness of breath. Can be
used for excessive sweating assoc. w/ Qi, Yang, or Yin Def. depending on
how it’s combined. Can be
used to produce a therapeutic sweat when diaphoretics don’t work.
~ Promotes urination & reduces edema – for edema from Def. marked
by superficial edema &
reduced urination. Can be used alone for this.
~ Promotes the discharge of pus & generates flesh – for chronic
ulcerations & sores due to Def. that
either have trouble forming pus or have formed pus but are not draining
or healing well.
~ For wasting & thirsting disorder, numbness of limbs, paralysis, &
painful obstruction
**Which of the following herbs raises the yang qi of the SP & ST? Huang
Qi**
**For chronic sores due to deficiency that have formed pus but have not
drained well, one can use**
Shan Yao Sweet KD ~ Tonifies & augments the SP & ST – for SP or ST Def. w/ diarrhea,
Neutral LU fatigue, spontaneous sweating,
Dioscorea
& lack of appetite.
Rhizome SP ~ Tonifies the LU Qi & augments the LU Yin – for chronic cough or
Chinese Yam wheezing due to LU Def.
“Mountain ~ Tonifies the KD & stabilizes & binds – b/c it moistens & is neither hot
Medicine” nor cold, it benefits both the
Yin & Yang of LU & KD. It is therefore used in treating wasting &
thirsting, sometimes in large dosage
as a stand-alone herb. It also secures the Essence & treats
spermatorrhea, urinary frequency, &
vaginal discharge.
Bai Zhu Bitter SP ~ Tonifies the SP & augments the Qi – for SP or ST Def. w/ diarrhea,
Sweet ST fatigue, sallow complexion, &
Atractylodes
Warm lack of appetite.
Rhizome
~ Dried dampness & promotes water metabolism – for accumulation
“White Tree”
of fluids affecting digestion as
well as edema & reduced urination due to SP Def. & its failure to
transform & transport. Used as an
auxiliary herb for damp Bi.
~ Stabilizes the exterior & stops sweating – for spontaneous sweating
due to Qi Def. Can be used
for other types of sweating when combined properly.
~ Calms the fetus – for restless fetus , esp when due to SP Def.
**Which of the following herbs stops sweating & restless fetus? – Bai Zhu**
**Which of the following is able to calm the fetus? Bai Zhu**
Da Zao Sweet SP ~ Tonifies the SP & augments the Qi – for weakness, shortness of
Warm ST breath, lassitude, reduced appetite,
Jujube
& loose stools due to SP & ST Def. Can be prepared w/ rice or milled
Chinese Date
gruel for this purpose.
“Big Date”
~ Nourishes the Blood & calms the spirit – for the wan appearance,
irritability, & severe emotional
lability associated w/ restless organ disorder.
~ Moderates & harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs.
Gan Cao Unprepa All ~ Tonifies the SP & augments the Qi – commonly used for SP Def. w/
red: 12 shortness of breath, lassitude,
Licorice Root
Sweet HT & loose stools. Also for Qi or Blood Def. patterns w/ irregular or
“Sweet
intermittent pulse &/or palpitations.
Medicine” Neutral LU
~ Moistens the LU & stops coughs – cough & wheezing. B/c it’s
*CI w/: Yuan Hua Dry- SP neutral, it can be used for either heat
Da Ji Fried: ST or cold in the LU & for either productive or nonproductive coughs.
Gan Sui Sweet ~ Moderates spasms & A.P. – for painful spasms of the abdomen or
Hai Zao
Warm legs. Traditionally this effect is
only seen when combined w/ Bai Shao.
~ Clears heat & resolves fire toxicity – used unprepared for
carbuncles, sores, or sore throat due to
fire toxin. Can be taken internally or applied topically.
~ Used as an antidote for a variety of toxic substances, both
internally & topically
~ Moderates & harmonizes the characteristics of other herbs
**Which of the following herbs moderates & harmonizes the characteristics
of other herbs?**
(Bai) Bian Sweet SP ~ Strengthens the SP, nourishes the ST, transforms dampness, &
Neutral ST harmonizes the middle – for
Dou chronic diarrhea w/ loud ST growling & reduced appetite due to SP Def.
Lablab Also for vaginal discharge due
Hyancinth Bean to SP Def.
“White Flat ~ Clears summer-heat accompanied by dampness – for summer-heat
Bean” patterns, esp. w/ pronounced
diarrhea or vomiting.
~ Treats poisoning – for a variety of food related poisoning, including
from spoiled food.
**Which of the following herbs clears summer-heat? Bian Dou**
Yi Tang Sweet LU ~ Tonifies the Sp & augments the Qi – for overexertion that injures the
Sl. warm SP SP w/ shortness of breath &
Malt Sugar,
ST reduced appetite.
Maltose
~ Tonifies the middle jiao Qi & A.P. – for abdominal pain due to cold
from deficiency of the middle jiao
w/ excessive salivation, pale tongue w/ white coating, & a deep, slow
pulse.
~ Moistens the LU & stops coughs – for dry, nonproductive coughs w/
labored, slow breathing, & a
weak voice due to LU deficiency.
Tonify Yang
Lu Rong Sweet K ~ Tonifies the KD & fortifies the Yang – patterns of KD Yang Def. w/ fatigue,
Salty D impotence, cold extremities,
Deer Velvet
Warm L lightheadedness, tinnitus, soreness & lack of strength in the lower back & knees,
“Deer Small
& frequent, copious, clear
Hair” V
urination
~ Warms the Yang, regulates the Penetrating & Conception Vessels, &
stabilizes the Girdle Vessel – for
vaginal discharge or uterine bleeding due to cold from Def. Also for infertility w/ a
cold Womb – can be used
alone for this.
~ Tonifies the Du Vessel, augments the Essence & blood, & strengthens
the sinews & bones – esp. for
cases of def. Essence & Blood in children w/ such physical &/or mental
development disorders as failure to
thrive, mental retardation, Learning disabilities, insufficient growth, or skeletal
deformities (including rickets).
Also for non-healing fractures w/ KD Def. & exhaustion of Essence. Nonhealing
ulcers. Can be used alone for
these
~ Tonifies & nourishes the Qi & blood – chronic ulcerations or yin-type boils
(concave, ooze clear fluid, & don’t
heal).
**Does NOT calm the fetus** **Which of the following can tonify Du meridian &
treat skeletal deformities?**
**Which of the following are salty? Lu Rong, Rou Cong Rong, Ge Jie** **Lu Rong
enters KD & LV**
Ge Jie Salty L ~ Tonifies the LU Qi & assists the KD Yang – KD & LU Def, when KD’s are
unable to grasp the qi, manifesting
Gecko Neutr U as wheezing. Also for consumptive cough or cough w/ blood-streaked sputum
al K ~ Assists the KD Yang & augments the Essence & Blood – impotence,
D daybreak diarrhea, & urinary frequency
from KD Yang Def.
Dong Sweet L ~ Augments the KD & tonifies the Yang – for impotence & sore & weak lower
Warm U back & lower extremities
Chong
K associated w/ KD Yang Def.
Xia Cao ~ Tonifies the KD Yang, augments the LU Yin, transforms phlegm, & stops
Cordyceps D
bleeding – chronic coughs,
Chinese wheezing from def., or consumptive coughs w/ blood-streaked sputum. Tonifies
catipillar both Yin & Yang & can be
Fungus taken long term.
“winter bug **Which one nourishes the LU Yin? Dong Chong Xia Cao**
summer **For chronic cough w/ blood-streaked sputum & wheezing from deficiency, one
herb” uses: Dong Chong Xia Cao**
**Which of the folliwing has the actions of tonifying KD Yang, augmenting LU Yin,
transforming phlegm, & stopping
bleeding? Dong Chong Xia Cao**
Rou Cong Sweet LI ~ Tonifies the KD Yang & augments the Essence & Blood – KD Yang Def. w/
Salty K impotence, spermatorrhea,
Rong
Warm D urinary incontinence, post-urinary dribbling, & cold pains in the lower back &
Cistanche
knees. In women w/ cold from
“flesh/meat
def. of the Womb w/ infertility, excessive uterine bleeding, or vaginal discharge
know
~ Moistens the Intestines & facilitates passage of stool – for constipation
how to well in
involving dry Intestines from
a
inadequate fluids, esp. in the elderly, but also in the debilitated or those w/ def.
relaxed way”
blood or qi.
**Which one tonifies the KD, fortifies the Yang & moistens dry Intestines? – Rou
Cong Rong**
**Which one can moisten the intestines & open the bowels? Rou Cou Rong**
Suo Sweet LI ~ Tonifies the KD, assists the Yang, & augments the LV Yin & Blood – KD
Warm K Yang Def. leading to impotence,
Yang D infertility, urinary frequency, & spermatorrhea. Also for atrophy disorder from LV
Fleshy Stem & KD def.
L
Of ~ Moistens the Intestines, unblocks the bowels, augments the Essence &
Cynomorium V nourishes the Blood – constipation
“lock/secure from Qi or Blood Def.
yang”
Yin Yang Spicy K ~ Tonifies the KD & fortifies the Yang – KD Yang Def. w/ impotence, infertility,
Sweet D urinary frequency, forgetfulness,
Huo
Warm L withdrawal, & painful cold lower back & knees
Xian Ling ~ Dispels wind-cold-dampness & warms & unblocks the flow of Yang Qi –
Pi V
for wind-cold-damp Bi w/ spasms or
Aerial parts cramps in hands & feet, joint pain, & numbness in extremities. Also for
of contractures, numbness, or hemiplegia
Epimedium following wind-stroke **shouldn’t be decocted for long periods of time b/c it injure
“immortal the Yin
magic sp
“excessive
goat
herb”
Ba Ji Spicy K ~ Tonifies the KD & fortifies the Yang – for KD Yang Def. w/ impotence, male or
Sweet D female infertility, premature
Tian Sl. ejaculation, urinary frequency, incontinence of urine, irregular menstruation, cold
Morinda Root & painful lower abdomen,
warm
“a place & weak & sore back.
traditional ~ Disperses wind-dampness & strengthens the sinews & bones – wind-cold-
weapon, damp Bi w/ underlying KD def.
heaven” w/ tight musculature of the lower back & legs, joint pain, & difficulty moving.
Hu Lu Bitter K ~ Warms the KD, disperses dampness & cold, & A.P. – KD Yang Def.
Warm D accompanied by accumulation of cold
Ba or stagnant qi. Abdominal or flank distention & pain or bulging disorders. Also
Fenugreek cold-damp leg qi.
Seed
Trigonella
Hu Tao Sweet K ~ Tonifies the KD & strengthens the back & knees – KD Def. w/ cold & painful
Warm D back & knees & urinary frequency
Rou LI ~ Warms the LU & helps the KD grasp qi – def. LU chronic cough & wheezing
/Ren that worsens w/ any exertion due
L
to LU & KD Def.
Walnut U ~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – constipation in the elderly
“foreign
or that associated w/ injured fluids
peach
following a febrile disorder
meat seed”
Bu Gu Spicy K ~ Tonifies KD & fortifies the Yang – KD Yang Def. w/ impotence, premature
Bitter D ejaculation, enuresis, urinary
Zhi frequency, cold & painful lower back, or weakness of the lower back & extremities.
Psoralea Fruit V. S *Helps KD grasp Qi to treat
“tonify bone warm P wheezing.
fat/oil” ~ Tonifies & warms the SP Yang & stops diarrhea – diarrhea due to cold from
def. of SP, borborygmus, &
abdominal pain. Most appropriate in those w/ both SP & KD Def.
~ Used topically as a tincture for vitiligo
**Which one aids the KDs grasp the Qi, used for wheezing – Bu Gu Zhi**
Yi Zhi Spicy K ~ Warms KD, retains the Essence, & secures the urine – frequent & copious
Warm D urination, incontinence of urine,
Ren S spermatorrhea, or dribbling of urine from KD Yang Def. Also for irregular uterine
Alpinia Fruit bleeding
P
Black ~ Warms SP, stops diarrhea, & controls salivation – SP or ST cold from def. w/
Cardamon diarrhea, cold abdominal pain,
“benefit will/ excessive salivation, a thick unpleasant taste in the mouth. Also for abd. pain,
wisdom vomiting, & diarrhea from cold
seed” entering the SP & KD
**This herb is often used for such symptoms as spermatorrhea, frequent & copious
urination, urinary incontinence,
or dribbling of urine from deficiency of KD Yang – Yi Zhi Ren**
Xian Spicy K ~ Tonifies the KD & fortifies the Yang – impotence, urinary incontinence,
Hot D nocturnal emission, & irregular menses
Mao Toxic from KD Yang Def. For infertility from either a cold Womb (in women), or cold
Curculigo Essence (in men)
“immortal ~ Expels cold & eliminates dampness – obstinate cold-damp Bi w/ generalized
spear” pain, a sense of weakness in the
bones & sinews, & lower back & knee pain. Esp. useful for cold abd. or lower back
pain.
**Which of the following is toxic? Xian Mao**
Du Sweet K ~ Tonifies the LV & KD, strengthens sinews & bones – for LV & KD def. w/
Sl. D weak, sore, or painful lower back
Zhong spicy L or knees, fatigue, & urinary frequency
Eucommia ~ Aids in the smooth flow of Qi & Blood – used to promote circulation, esp. in
Warm V
Bark those w/ weakness of sinews, bones
~ Calms the fetus – patterns of cold from def. of KD w/ bleeding during
pregnancy. Also prevents miscarriage when
the fetus is restless or agitated, & when a pregnancy woman has significant back
pain or is deficient
~ Recently used for dizziness & lightheadedness (hypertension) from
rising LV Yang
**Which of the following is recently used for hypertension? Du Zhong**
**This herb is used to prevent miscarriage when the fetus is agitated & when the
pregnant woman has significant
back pain – Du Zhong**
Gou Ji Bitter K ~ Tonifies the LV & KD & strengthens sinews & bones – LV & KD Def. w/
Sweet D stiffness, soreness, or weakness in
Cibotium
Warm L the lower back, spine, & lower extremities
Rhizome
~ Expels wind & dampness – wind-damp Bi w/ pain, soreness, or numbness. Esp.
Chain Fern V
useful in patients w/ wind-cold-
“dog spine”
dampness who have an underlying def. of LV & KD
~ Warms & stabilizes the KD – incontinence of urine & vaginal discharge due to
KD Yang Def.
**Which of the following can expel wind-damp? Gou Ji**
Xu Duan Bitter K ~ Tonifies the LV & KD, strengthens sinews & bones – sore & painful lower
Sweet D back & knees, stiffness in the joints,
Dipsacus
Spicy L & weakness in the legs from LV & KD Def. Esp. useful for these b/c it tonifies w/o
Japanese
causing stagnation. Also used
Teasel Sl. V
for urinary dribbling from KD def.
Root warm ~ Calms the fetus & stops leakage – restless fetus, bleeding during pregnancy,
“restore what
threatened miscarriage. Also for
is
def. related uterine bleeding & vaginal discharge
broken”
~ Promotes the movement of blood, A.P., & reconnects sinews & bones –
often used for trauma & external
disorders (sores), & esp. for pain & swelling in the lower back & limbs from
trauma. Can be applied topically or
taken internally. Also for painful obstruction.
**The following herbs expel wind, dampness & tonifies KD, except: Xu Duan (Gou Ji,
Yin Yang Huo, Xian Mao do)
Gu Sui Bitter K ~ Tonifies the KD & strengthens bones – weak low back & knees, diarrhea,
Warm D tinnitus, diminished hearing, & loose,
Bu L painful teeth & bleeding gums assoc. w/ KD def.
Drynaria ~ Promotes mending of sinews & bones – traumatic injuries sucha s falls,
V
Rhizome fractures, contusions, & sprains.
Esp. useful for ligamentous injuries & simple fractures
~ Stimulates the growth of hair – used topically as a tincture for alopecia
**Which of the following is used for promiting mending of sinews & bones? Gu Sui
Bu**
Tu Si Zi Spicy K ~ Tonifies the Yang, augmenst the Yin, & secures the Essence & the urine
Sweet D – KD Yang Def. w/ impotence,
Cascuta
Neutr L nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, tinnitus, urinary frequency, sore
Chinese
painful back , or vaginal discharge
Dodder al V
~ Tonifies the KD & LV & improves vision – LV & KD Yin & Yang Def. w/
Seeds
dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision,
or spots before the eyes.
~ Benefits the SP & KD & stops diarrhea – diarrhea or loose stools w/ a lack of
appetite from def. of both SP & KD
~ Calms the fetus – for habitual or threatened miscarriage
**Which of the following can calm the fetus? Tu Si Zi**
Sha Yuan Sweet K ~ Fortifies the Yang & secures the Essence – KD Yang Def. lower back pain,
Warm D tinnitus, impotence, premature
Ji Li
L ejaculation, urinary frequency or incontinence, or vaginal discharge
Sha Yuan Zi
~ Nourishes the LV & improves vision – diminished visual acuity or blurred
V
vision from LV Def.
**Which one tonifies the LV & KD, & brightens the eyes? – Sha Yuan Ji Li**
Zi He Sweet L ~ Tonifies the LV & KD & augments the Essence – for infertility, impotence,
Salty V spermatorrhea, decreases libido, low
Che Warm L back pain, lightheadedness, & tinnitus from insufficiency of KD qi & debility of the
Human Essence & Blood
U
Placenta ~ Augments the Qi & nourishes the Blood – for emaciation, pallor, &/or
K insufficient lactation due to exhaustion of
D qi & blood, esp. in the aftermath of a major illness. Also for unremitting seizure
disorders
~ Tonifies the LU Qi & augments the KD Essence – wheezing due to LU & KD
Def. Esp. useful between acute
attacks or for consumption w/ nightsweats, emaciation, & debility, as well as
chronic cases of cough & wheezing
**Which of the following herbs tonifies powerfully the qi, blood & yang & benefits
the Essence? Zi He Che**
Jiu Cao Spicy K ~ Warms the KD, fortifies the Yang, & secures the Essence – impotence,
Sweet D spermatorrhea, urinary incontinence or
Zi Warm L frequency, vaginal discharge, & weak & sore lower back & knees
Leek Seeds
V

Tonify Blood
Shu Di Sweet H ~ Tonifies the Blood – for Blood Def. w/ facial pallor, dizziness, palpitations,
Sl. T & insomnia. Commonly used
Huang warm K when bl. def. leads to irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, &
Cooked postpartum bleeding. Best when there
D
Rehmannia Root is Def. but no significant stagnation.
“cooked earth L ~ Nourishes the Yin – LV & KD Yin Def. w/ weak lower back & limbs,
yellow” V dizziness, tinnitus, tidal fevers,
night-sweats, nocturnal emission
~ Strongly enriches the Yin & relieves wasting & thirsting – esp. useful
for lower burner wasting, can be
used alone in large doses for this.
~ Nourishes the blood & tonifies the Essence – for problems w/ both
blood & Essence such as delayed
development during childhood, blunted affect, premature aging, diminished
mental acuity, graying of hair,
impotence, & memory loss
**The following are herbs that tonify the blood. Which is the best one to tonify
the Essence to benefit the
 marrow? Shu Di Huang**
He Shou Bitter L Ton Liv Kid
Sweet V Aug essence Stop Leakage
Wu Astring H
Fleezeflower Root ~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – for constipation, esp.
ent T
(Sheng He Shou associated w/ blood def., as
Wu) Neutral LI even unprepared form of this herb has a mild blood-tonifying action
“mr. he head ~ Relieves fire toxicity – for fire toxin carbuncles, sores, scrofula, goiter, &
black” neck lumps
~ Checks malarial disorder – chronic malarial disorder w/ signs of qi &
blood deficiency
**The following herbs tonify the blood. Which is the best one to moisten the
intestines & move the stools?
He Shou Wu**
Dang Gui Sweet H ~ Tonifies the blood & regulates the menses – blood def., esp. when
Spicy T affecting the HT & LV, w/ pallid,
Tangkuei
Warm L ashen complexion, lusterless nails, tinnitus, blurred vision, & palpitations.
Chinese Angelica
Also for blood def. associated w/
Root V
such menstrual disorders as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, &
“should return” S dysmenorrhea
P ~ Invigorates & harmonizes the blood & dispels cold – stops pain due to
blood stasis. Abdominal pain,
traumatic injury, & carbuncles due to blood stasis, esp. when accompanied
by cold from deficiency.
Important in postpartum period, & even during pregnancy if used w/
caution. Also for blood def. w/ chronic
wind-damp Bi.
~ Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels – dry Intestines due to
blood deficiency
~ Reduces swelling, expels pus, generates flesh, & A.P. – sores &
abscesses b/c it both tonifies &
moves the blood. Also topically for this.
~ Treats coughs – weak function
**The following are herbs that tonify the blood. Which is the best one to
tonify & vitalize the blood?**
**Which of the following can moisten the Intestines & unblock the bowels?
Dang Gui**
Bai Shao Bitter L ~ Nourishes the blood & regulates the menses – for blood def. w/
Sour V menstrual dysfunction, vaginal
White Peony Root
Mildly S discharge, & uterine bleeding accompanied by a pale, lusterless
Forget me not
complexion, & dull, lusterless nails. Very
cold P
commonly used for women’s disorders
~ Calms & curbs the LV Yang & A.P. – flank, chest, or abdominal pain,
from either constrained LV qi or
disharmony between the LV & SP. Used to ‘soften & comfort’ the LV, stop
painful spasms in the abdomen,
stop cramping pain or spasms in the hands & feet, & alleviate abd. pain
associated w/ dysenteric disorders.
Also for headache & dizziness due to ascendant LV Yang.
~ Preserves the Yin & adjusts the Ying & Wei levels – for spontaneous
sweating, vaginal discharge &
spermatorrhea, as well as exterior wind-cold from def. patterns w/
continuous sweating that does not
resolve the problem.
**The following herbs tonify the blood. Which is the best one to pacify the LV
& A.P.? Bai Shao**
**Which of the following is a sour herb? Bai Shao**
E Jiao Sweet K ~ Tonifies the Blood – dizziness, sallow or pale complexion, palpitations due
Neutral D to blood def. Can be used
Donkey Skin
L alone or melted in warm rice or millet wine.
Gelatin
~ Nourishes the blood & stops bleeding – any type of bleeding. Best for
V
consumptive disorder w/
L coughing of blood, blood in stools, excessive menstrual bleeding, or uterine
U bleeding.
~ Nourishes & moistens the Yin – Yin Def. w/ irritability & insomnia in the
aftermath of a febrile disease.
Also for dry LU cough due to Yin Def. or consumption.
**The following herbs tonify the blood. Which is the best one to nourish the
Yin & moisten the LU?**
**Which of the following can nourish Blood & stop bleeding? E Jiao**
Gou Qi Zi Sweet L **In Tonify Blood Category in Bensky
Neutral V ~ Nourishes & tonifies the LV & KD – for Yin & Blood Def. w/ sore back &
Solanaceae
L legs, low-grade abdominal pain,
Goji Berry
impotence, nocturnal emission, wasting & thirsting disorder, & consumption.
U
Neither hot or cold, so
K commonly used in treating LV & KD Def.
D ~ Benefits the Essence & brightens the eyes – for LV & KD def. where
 Essence & Blood are unable to
nourish the eyes. Dizziness, blurred vision, & diminished visual acuity.
~ Enriches the Yin & moistens LU – for consumptive cough & wasting &
thirsting disorder.
Sang Shen Sweet H **in Tonify Blood Category in Bensky
Cold T ~ Tonifies the Blood & enriches the Yin – for dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia,
Mulberry
L & premature graying of the hair.
Also for wasting & thirsting disorder due to Yin Def.
V
~ Moistens the Intestines – for constipation due to Blood Def. or
K insufficient fluids
D
Long Yan Sweet H ~ Tonifies & augments the HT & SP, nourishes the blood, & calms the
Warm T Spirit – for insomnia, heart
Rou S palpitations, forgetfulness, or dizziness due to HT & SP def. Commonly used
Longan Fruit for problems associated w/
P
Flesh excessive pensiveness or overwork. Can be taken alone as a tea.
“dragon eye” **The following herbs tonify the blood. Which one best tonifies the HT & SP,
nourishes the blood & benefits
the Qi? Long Yan Rou**

Tonify Yin
Sha Shen Swee L ~ Nourishes LU Yin & clears LU heat – for dry, nonproductive cough from
t U heat injuring LU Yin marked by a
Bei Sha Shen dry mouth & thirst.
Glehnia Root Sl. S
~ Nourishes the ST Yin & generates fluids – dry & parched mouth, thirst,
bitter T
& irritability. Esp. useful when the
Sl. problem is due to pathogenic heat, such as that of a warm pathogen disease
cold injuring ST Yin.
Mai Men Swee H ~ Moistens the LU & nourishes the Yin – used when the LU Yin has been
t T injured w/ either hacking, dry
Dong Sl. L cough or cough w/ thick sputum that is difficult to expectorate, or coughing
Mai Dong up blood. Most suitable when
bitter U
the cause is pathogenic warm-dryness or dryness that has transformed into
Ophiopogon Sl. S fire, as the herb has some
Tuber cold T ability to cool the LU
“wheat
~ Augments the ST Yin & generates fluids – for dry tongue & mouth due
door/entrance
to insufficient ST Yin
winter”
~ Moistens the Intestines – for constipation, dry mouth, & irritability, as in
the aftermath of a febrile disease
or any pattern of Yin Def.
~ Clears the HT & eliminates irritability – for irritability due to Yin Def. or
a warm-heat pathogen disease at
the Ying level w/ fever & irritability worse at night.
**The following are moisten Yin herbs. Which is the best one to moisten the
LU & clear heat? Mai Men Dong
& Sha Shen**
**The following are moisten Yin herbs. The best one to moisten the HT & clear
heat is – Mai Men Dong**
Tian Men Swee K ~ Nourishes KD Yin & clears LU heat – for Yin Def. w/ heat signs in the
t D upper jiao, typically dryness of the
Dong Bitter L mouth. Also for dry LU patterns w/ dry mouth & cough that is either
Tian Dong nonproductive or productive of scanty,
V. U
viscous sputum that may be streaked w/ blood.
Asparagus Tuber cold ~ Moistens LU, nourishes KD, & generates fluids – for LU & KD Yin Def.,
“heaven
esp. wasting & thirsting &
door/entrance
consumption, w/ low-grade afternoon fever. Can be used for upper, middle,
winter”
& lower jiao types of wasting
& thirsting disorders. Also for constipation due to dry Intestines.
**The following are moisten Yin herbs. Which is the best one to moisten the
LU & clear heat?**
**The best one that nourishes the KD & stops cough is – Tian Men Dong**
Shi Hu Swee K ~ Nourishes the Yin, clears heat, & generates fluids – for parched
t D mouth, severe thirst, or intractable fever
Dendrobium
Sl. S assoc. w/ Yin Def. Most commonly occurs when fluids are injured in the
“stone cup”
course of a warm pathogen
salty T
disease, but other reasons as well.
Bland ~ Enriches KD Yin & reduces heat from Deficiency – for heat from Yin
 Sl. Def. & depleted fluids w/ a
cold recalcitrant low-grade fever, dry & painful throat, & a red tongue w/ no
coating.
~ Tonifies KD, augments Essence, & brightens the vision – for
diminished visual acuity, dizziness, &
weakness of the lower back & legs assoc. w/ KD & LV Def.
**Which of the following brightens vision? Shi Hu** **Which of the following is
salty? Shi Hu**
**Which of the following is good at nourishing ST Yin? Shi Hu**
Yu Zhu Swee L ~ Nourishes Yin & moistens dryness – for LU & ST dry-heat or Yin Def.
t U patterns w/ cough, dry throat,
Polygonatum
Sl. S irritability, & thirst. Also steaming bone disorder & wasting & thirsting w/
“jade bamboo”
intense hunger & constipation.
cold T
~ Extinguishes wind & softens & moistens the sinews – for wind
generated by insufficient fluids leading to
pain & spasms in the sinews. Also for dizziness caused by Yin Def. & internal
stirring of wind. Used alone
in those w/ Yin Def. constitutions in cases of externally-contracted wind-heat
**The following herbs moisten the Intestines & are good for constipation
except: Yu Zhu**
Bai He Swee H ~ Moistens the LU, clears heat, & stops coughs – for dry LU or LU-heat
t T coughs & sore throat. Esp. useful
Lily Bulb
Sl. L when a chronic cough due to LU heat has injured the Yin.
“hundred
~ Clears the HT & calms the Spirit – for intractable low-grade fever,
harmony” bitter U
insomnia, restlessness, & irritability in
Sl. the aftermath of a febrile disease. Also for palpitations brought on by
cold insufficiency of Qi & Yin.
**This herb is used for clearing heat & calming the spirit: Bai He**
Han Lian Swee K ~ Nourishes & tonifies LV & KD Yin – for LV & KD Yin Def. w/ dizziness,
t D blurred vision, vertigo, &
Cao Sour L premature gray hair.
Mo Han Lian ~ Cools the blood & stops bleeding – for Yin Def. w/ bleeding due to heat
Cool V
Eclipta in the blood, w/ vomiting or
“dry lotus herb” coughing blood, nosebleed, blood in stools, uterine bleeding, & *esp. bloody
urine
**Which of the following can cool Blood & stop bleeding? Han Lian Cao**
Nu Zhen Bitter K ~ Nourishes & tonifies LV & KD – for Yin Def. of LV & KD w/ dizziness, spots
Swee D before the eyes, soreness of
Zi t L the lower back, premature graying hair, & tinnitus.
Ligustrum, Pivet ~ Augments the LV & KD & clears heat from Deficiency – for internally-
Cool V
Fruit generated heat from Yin Def.
“women faithful ~ Augments the LV & KD & improves vision – for diminished visual acuity
seeds” in patients w/ LV & KD Def.
Hei Zhi Ma Swee K ~ Nourishes & fortifies the LV & KD – for Yin Def. of LV & KD w/ blurred
t D vision, tinnitus, & dizziness. Also
Black Sesame
Neutr L used to help patients recover from severe illnesses. Increases quantity of
Seeds
breast milk.
al V
~ Nourishes the blood & extinguishes wind – headaches, dizziness, &
LI numbness due to blood or Yin Def
Particularly useful for dizziness that worsens w/ activity.
~ Moistens & lubricates the Intestines – for constipation due to dry
Intestines or blood deficiency
Gui Ban Salty H ~ Nourishes Yin & anchors Yang – for Yin De. w/ ascendant Yang w/ such
Swee T symptoms as fever, nightsweats,
Fresh-water
t K dizziness, tinnitus, & steaming bone disorder. Also for Yin Def. of LV & KD
Turtle Shell
that generates internal wind
(abdominal Cold D
symptoms such as facial spasms & tremors of the hands & feet.
piece) L ~ Benefits the KD & strengthens the bones – for KD Yin Def. w/ soreness
V of the lower back, weakness in
*CI during
the legs, retarded skeletal development in children, or failure of the fontanel
Pregnancy
to close.
~ Nourishes the blood, enriches the Yin, & stabilizes the Chong & Ren
vessels – for red &/or white
vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) or stroke in the debilitated.
~ Cools the blood & stops uterine bleeding – for excessive menstruation
or uterine bleeding caused by
chaotic movement of hot blood
~ Nourishes blood & tonifies HT – for HT deficiency w/ anxiety, insomnia, &
forgetfulness
~ Also for non-healing sores & carbuncles
**Which is the best one to benefit the KD & strengthen the bones? Gui Ban**
**This herb is used for excessive menstruation or uterine bleeding caused by
reckless movement of hot
blood – Gui ban** **Which of the following needs to be cooked first? Gui
Ban**
Bie Jia ~ Nourishes the Yin & anchors the Yang – for Yin Def. w/ fever, steaming
Soft-shelled Salty L
Sl. V bone disorder, nightsweats, or
Turble Shell
consumption. Often used when there are symptoms of internal stirring of LV
cold S
Wind
*CI during P ~ Invigorates the blood, promotes menstruation, & dissipates nodules
Pregnancy
– chest & flank accumulations
causing pain & amenorrhea, as well as malarial disorders w/ palpable
masses. Also for excessive
menstruation due to hot blood.
~ Heavily anchors & causes to descend, unblocks & facilitates the
functions of the blood vessels – for
problems in children due to internal clumping
**The following herbs nourish Blood & Yin, good for premature grayin of hair
except: Bia Jia (Nu Zhen Zi,
Sang Shen, He Shou Wu do** **Which of the following can dissipate
nodules? Bie Jia**
Huang Swee K **In Tonify Qi Category in Bensky
t D ~ Tonifies the SP Qi & augments the SP Yin – for SP & ST Qi Def. w/
Jing Neutr L lassitude, fatigue, & loss of appetite.
Polygonatum Also for SP & ST Yin Def. w/ dry mouth, loss of appetite, loss of taste, dry
al U
Rhizome stools, & a dry, red tongue
“yellow essence” S ~ Enriches the Yin & moistens the LU – for dry cough w/ little sputum
P production due to LU Qi & Yin Def. &
cough due to consumption. For any type of cough where dryness is
significant. Also fro exhaustion of
KD Essence w/ lower back pain, lightheadedness, & weakness of lower
extremities along w/ wasting &
thirsting disorder.
**The following herbs nourishes the Yin & brighten the eyes except: Huang
Jing**
**Which is the best one to tonify the SP & moisten the LU? Huang Jing**
**This herb is used for wasting & thirsting disorder – Huang Jing**
**For SP Qi & SP Yin Def. one can use: Huang Jing**

Astringent Herbs / Stabilize & Bind

Shan Zhu Sour K ~ Stabilizes the KD & secures Essence – for leakage of fluids due to weak
Sl. D Essence w/ urinary frequency,
Yu warm L incontinence, spermatorrhea, & excessive sweating
Shan Yu ~ Stops excessive sweating & supports that which has collapsed – for
V
excessive sweating,
Rou esp. in cases of devasted Yang & collapsed Qi, as in shock. Also when
Cornus sweating was mistakenly
induced as a treatment.
~ Tonifies & augments the LV & KD – for LV & KD Def. w/ lightheadedness,
dizziness, soreness &
weakness of the lower back & knees, or impotence.
~ Tonifies the Essence & assists the Yang
~ Stabilizes the menses & stops bleeding – for Def. patterns of excessive
uterine bleeding & prolonged
menstruation. Weak function.
**Which herb tonifies KD & benefits the LV? Shan Yu Rou**
**A 66 yr old male patient had suffered from lightheadedness, dizziness, sore &
weak knees, & impotence. He
was diagnosed as LV & KD Def. Which of the following can help him? Shan
Zhu Yu**
**Since it can stabilize KD & retain the Essence, this herb is often used for
excessive urination, incontinence,
spermatorrhea, & excessive sweating: Shan Zhu Yu**
Wu Wei Sour H ~ Contains the leakage of LU Qi & stops coughs – for chronic cough &
Sweet T wheezing due to LU Def., or
Zi Warm K patterns of LU & KD deficiency. Inhibits the leakage of LU Qi above, enriches
Schisandra the KD Yin below, & also
D
Fruit stops coughs. *Chronic coughs
L ~ Tonifies the KD, binds the Essence, & stops diarrhea – for nocturnal
U emission, spermatorrhea, vaginal
discharge, & urinary frequency due to KD def. Also for daybreak diarrhea
assoc. w/ SP & KD def.
~ Inhibits sweating & generates fluids – excessive sweating, esp. when
accompanied by thirst or dry
throat. W/ other herbs used for spontaneous sweating, night-sweats, or
 wasting & thirsting.
~ Quiets the Spirit while calming & containing the HT Qi – for irritability,
palpitations, dream-disturbed
sleep, & insomnia due to injury to the blood & Yin of HT & KD or lack of
communication between these
two organs. Commonly used for various types of insomnia.
**Which herb calms the Spirit & is good for insomnia? Wu Wei Zi**
**This herb is used for quieting the Spirit & clearing the HT: Wu Wei Zi**
**A 55 yr old female patient had suffered from chronic cough & wheezing. She
was diagnosed as LU & KD Def.
Which of the following can help her? Wu Wei Zi**
Wu Mei Sour LI ~ Inhibits the leakage of LU Qi & stops coughs – for chronic cough due to
Astring L LU Def.
Mume Fruit
ent V ~ Generates fluids & alleviates thirst – for thirst due to heat from Def., or Qi
& Yin Def. Often used for
Warm L
wasting & thirsting disorder due to heat from Def.
U ~ Expels roundworms & A.P. – for roundworm induced vomiting & abdominal
S pain. Also occasionally used
P for abd. pain & vomiting not associated w/ parasites.
~ Binds up the Intestines & stops diarrhea – for incessant chronic diarrhea
or dysenteric disorders. Also
used for blood in the stool. Can be used alone for these purposes.
~ Stops bleeding – for blood in stools & excessive uterine bleeding w/ blood
Def. symptoms of dryness &
thirst, together w/ parched mouth. Can be used alone – usually in charred form
& powdered, for bleeding
from the vagina, anus, or urethra.
~ Used topically as a plaster to treat corns & warts
**The following herbs stop excessive sweating except: Wu Mei (Wu Wei Zi, Wu
Bei Zi, Fu Xiao Mai do)**
**Which herb expels roundworms & A.P.? Wu Mei**
He Zi Bitter L ~ Binds up the Intestines & stops diarrhea – for chronic diarrhea &
Sour U dysenteric disorders. For both hot &
Chebule
Astring S cold patterns, depending on how combines. Also for Intestinal Wind w/ blood in
stools.
ent T
~ Contains the leakage of LU Qi, stops coughs, & improves the
Neutral LI condition of the throat – for chronic
cough, wheezing, & particularly loss of voice. Can be used for cough due to
phlegm-fire obstructing LU
if combined properly
**The following herbs contain Blood & stop bleeding except: He Zi (Chi Shi Zhi,
Wu Bei Zi, Wu Mei do)**
**The following herbs stabilize the KD & contain Essence good for spermatorrhea
except: He Zi (Shan Yu Rou,
Jin Ying Zi, Sang Piao Xiao do)** **He Zi has the action of: Binding up the
Intestines & stopping diarrhea**
Rou Dou Spicy LI ~ Binds up the Intestines & stops diarrhea – for chronic, intractable
Warm S diarrhea or daybreak diarrhea due to
Kou P cold from Def. of SP & KD
Nutmeg Seeds ~ Warms the middle jiao, moves Qi, & A.P. – for pain & distention of the
S
Myristica epigastrum & abdomen, reduced
T appetite, & vomiting due to cold from Def. of SP & ST
**The following herbs contain leakage of LU Qi & stops coughing except: Rou
Dou Kou (Wu Wei Zi, Wu Mai,
Wu Bei Zi do)**
Chi Shi Sweet S ~ Binds up the Intestines & stops diarrhea – for chronic diarrhea due to
Sour P cold from Def., or chronic dystnteric
Zhi Astring S disorders w/ mucous & blood in stools. Usually the diarrhea is chronic & is
Holloysite, often accompanied by undigested
ent T
Kaolin food in the stool.
Warm LI ~ Contains the blood & stops bleeding – for uterine bleeding, excessive
*Caution menstruation, blood in stools, &
Pregnancy bleeding prolapsed rectum due to cold from deficiency of the lower jiao. Also
topically for bleeding from trauma
~ Promotes healing of wounds – used in ground form & applied topically for
chronic non-healing ulcers.
Also used topically for weeping damp sores & prolapsed rectum
**Which herb promotes healing of wounds & is good for chronic non-healing
ulcers? Chi Shi Zhi**
Lian Zi Sweet H ~ Tonifies the SP & stops diarrhea – for SP Def. w/ chronic diarrhea & loss of
Astring T appetite. Both augments &
Lotus Seed
ent K binds, so very useful for these.
~ Tonifies the KD & stabilizes the Essence – for premature ejaculation &
Neutral D
spermatorrhea due to unstable Def.
S KD. Also for excessive uterine bleeding & vaginal discharge.
P ~ Nourishes HT & Calms the Spirit – for palpitations w/ anxiety, irritability
assoc. w/ def., & insomnia. Esp.
 useful for problems assoc. w/ lack of communication between the KD & HT.
**A 34 year old male patient had been suffering from poor sleep & diarrhea. He
was diagnosed as SP Def. &
HT Def. Which of the following can help him? Lian Zi**

Qian Shi ~ Strengthens SP & stops diarrhea – for chronic diarrhea caused by
Euryale Seeds Sweet K
weakness in transportative function of
Astring D
SP (internal accumulation of dampness). Esp. useful in children.
ent S ~ Stabilizes KD & secures the Essence – for KD Qi Def. w/ nocturnal
Neutral P emission, premature ejaculation,
spermatorrhea, & urinary frequency or incontinence.
~ Expels dampness & stops discharge – for vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
due to either def. or damp-heat
Jin Ying Sour U ~ Stabilizes the KD & secures Essence – for spermatorrhea, urinary
Astring B incontinence, & vaginal discharge due to
Zi ent K def. & instability of the lower jiao.
Cherokee ~ Binds up the Intestines & stops diarrhea – for chronic diarrhea &
Neutral D
Rosehip dysenteric disorders.
LI
Fu Pen Zi Sweet K ~ Augments & stabilizes KD, binds Essence, & contains the urine – for
Astring D urinary frequency or enuresis,
Chinese
ent L impotence, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, or wet dreams due to KD
Rasberry
Yang Def.
Rubus Neutral V
~ Assists the Yang & improves vision – for poor vision, soreness of lower
back, & impotence due to LV &
KD Def.
Wu Bei Sour K ~ Contains the leakage of LU Qi & stops coughs – for chronic cough due to
Salty D LU Def.
Zi Cold LI ~ Binds up the Intestines & stops diarrhea – for chronic diarrhea, dysenteric
Gallnut of disorders, chronic blood in stools,
L
Chinese & rectal prolapse.
Sumac U ~ Preserves & restrains – for a wide variety of leakage problems, including
nocturnal emission &
spermatorrhea, excessive sweating, & bleeding.
~ Absorbs moisture, reduces swellings, & resolves fire toxicity – topically
as a powder or wash for
sores, dermatosis, toxic swellings, & damp & ulcerated skin. Also topically for
scar tissue
Fu Xiao Sweet H ~ Inhibits sweating – for many kinds of sweating from deficiency including
Sl. T spontaneous sweating from qi def.
Mai salty & night-sweats from Yin Def.
Light Wheat *CI when sweating is caused by a pathogen in the exterior
Cool
Grain **A patient had been suffering from night sweats due to HT Yin Def. Which of
the following can be used for
him? Fu Xiao Mai**
Ma Huang Sweet L ~ Stops sweating – many kinds of sweating due to qi def, nightsweats due to
Neutral U Yin Def., & postpartum sweating
Geng
*CI for exterior disorders
Ephedra Root
Wu Zei Salty K ~ Restrains, holds in, & stops bleeding – for wide variety of bleeding
Astring D patterns, esp. those from deficiency.
Gu ent L Also topically as a powder to stop bleeding from trauma.
Hai Piao ~ Secures the Essence & stops discharge – for nocturnal emission,
Sl. V
premature ejaculation, or vaginal
Xiao warm S discharge due to KD Def. *Very effective at stopping vaginal discharge & used
Cuttlefish Bone T for this for variety of causes
~ Controls acidity & A.P. – used to harmonize ST acidity w/ stomach or
epigastric pain, distasteful belching &
acid regurgitation.
~ Resolves dampness & promotes healing – topically as power for chronic,
non-healing skin ulcers or damp
rashes of long duration.
**The following herbs strengthen the SP & stop diarrhea except: Wu Zei Gu
(Lian Zi, Qian Shi, Rou Dou Kou
do)** extended use can lead to constipation
**Which herb controls acidity & A.P.? Hai Piao Xiao (Wu Zei Gu)**
Sang Piao Sweet K ~ Tonifies KD, assists the Yang, secures Essence, & contains urine – for
Salty D KD Yang Def. w/ dribbling urine,
Xiao
Neutral L urine frequency, & nocturnal emissions (esp. w/o dreams). Very important in
Mantis Egg-
treating enuresis in children.
Case V
Also for impotence
Miscellaneous
Li Lu Spicy L In Transform Phlegm & Stop Cough Category
Bitter V ~ Induces vomiting to treat wind-phlegm – for wind-stroke, seizures,
Veratrum Root or
Cold L & painful obstruction of the throat
Rhizome
due to a welling up of phlegm. Also used to induce vomiting shortly after
Toxic U
ingesting poisons.
*CI during S ~ Kills parasites & stops itching – used externally for scabies, tines, &
Pregnancy T lice.
**CI w/ Xi Xin, Bai Shao, Chi Shao, Ren Shen, Bai Sha Shen, Sha
Shen, Xuan Shen, Ku Shen**
**Which of the following is toxic? Li Lu**
She Spicy K In Substances for Topical Application
Bitter D ~ Dries dampness, kills parasites, & stops itching – topically as a
Chuang Zi War wash, powder, or ointment for any
Cnidium Seed kind of weeping, itchy skin lesions, esp. in genital area. Also for scabies
m
& tines.
Sl. ~ Disperses cold, dispels wind, & dries dampness – for vaginal
toxic discharge due to cold-dampness or
lower back pain due to wind-cold-dampness affecting KD & Du
~ Warms KD & fortifies Yang – taken internally for impotence or
infertility (male or female) due to KD
Def. or cold Womb.
**Which of the following tonifies Yang & warms KD? She Chuan Zi**
**A patient had itchy weeping skin lesions in the genital area. Which of the
following can be used
topically as a wash for the patient? She Chuang Zi**