A ClinicalGuide to

ChineseHerbs and

Formulae

A ClinicalGuide toChineseHerbs andFormulaeForeword by Giovanni MaciociaGM CAc (Nanjing)

Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist; Lecturer,Norsk Akupuncktur Skole, Oslo, Norway; Lecturer,Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland, Dublin,Republic of Ireland; Honorary Lecturer, NanjingCollege of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing,People's Republic of China

Translated by Jin Hui DeDoctor of Chinese Medicine; Associate Professor,International Acupuncture Training Centre and Headof Interpreter Group, Nanjing College of TraditionalChinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic ofChina

Subject Editor: Francesca DiebschlagBAc MIROM MRCHMLecturer, The London School of Acupuncture andTraditional Chinese Medicine, London, UK

Chen Song YuDirector of the Teaching and Research Section of ChineseMateria Medica,Nanjing College of Traditional Medicine,Nanjing, People's Republic of China

LiFeiDirector of the Teaching and Research Section of Prescription,Nanjing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing,People's Republic of China

LIFBarclay C-y

, ga soogo

CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONEEDINBURGH LONDON MADRID MELBOURNE NEW YORKAND TOKYO 1993

Contents

Foreword viiSubject Editor's Preface ix

Parti:A comparison of the actions and indicationsof some common Chinese herbs

1. Herbs that Release the Exterior 32. Herbs that clear Heat 83. Herbs that purge and promote

digestion 144. Herbs that resolve Phlegm and stop

coughing and wheezing 165. Herbs that eliminate Wind-Damp 206. Herbs that resolve and drain Dampness 237. Herbs that warm the Interior and

regulate Qi 268. Herbs that regulate Blood 319. Herbs that calm the Mind and the

Liver and extinguish Wind 3610. Tonics 3911. Astringent herbs 47

Part 2:Combinations of common Chinese herbs

12. Herbs that Release the Exterior andstop cough and wheeze 5313. Herbs that clear Heat 5814. Purgative and digestive herbs 6315. Herbs that relieve Bi syndromes 6516. Herbs that resolve and drain Dampness 6717. Herbs that resolve Phlegm 7018. Herbs that subdue Wind and calm the

Mind 7219. Tonics and Astringents 7520. Herbs that warm the Interior and

Regulate Qi 82

21. Herbs that activate Blood circulationand stop bleeding 85

Part 3:Application of herbs on the basis of the

differentiation of patterns of the Zang Fu22. The Lungs 9123. The Heart 9524. The Spleen, Stomach and Large

Intestines 9925. The Liver and Gall Bladder 10426. The Kidneys and Bladder 108

Part 4:Combinations and comparisons of commonlyused formulae27. Formulae for Releasing the Exterior 11328. Purgative formulae 11929. Formulae for clearing Heat 12430. Formulae for warming the Interior 13031. Formulae that tonify 13532. Formulae that regulate Qi 14233. Formulae that regulate Blood 14834. Formulae that expel Dampness 15235. Formulae that eliminate Phlegm 15936. Formulae that expel Wind 16537. Formulae that calm the Mind 16938. Formulae that reduce Food

Stagnation and dissipate masses 17239. Astringent formulae 175

Part 5:The treatment of common disease based ondifferentiation of syndromes40. Diseases in internal medicine 18141. Gynaecological disorders 233

Contents

Appendix 1:Pin Yin names of herbs with Latinequivalents 252Appendix 2:

Latin names of herbs with Pin Yinequivalents 255Appendix 3:Pin Yin names of formulae with Englishequivalents 258Appendix 4:English names of formulae with Pin Yinequivalents 264Appendix 5:Formulae and constituent herbs 270

Index 289

Foreword

The essence of Chinese herbal medicine is in theart of adapting a formula to a particularpatient's disharmony. An adapted formula islike a mirror reflection of a particular imbalanceof Qi. The harmonization of herbs within a

formula is comparable to the balancing ofacupuncture points within a treatment.

However, balancing the herbs within aprescription is all the more intricate as carefulaccount should be taken of the tastes of theherbs.

After diagnosing the patient's disharmonyand deciding on a strategy of treatment with anappropriate formula, adapting it must take into

account many different factors: the constitutionof the patient, the state of his or her digestivesystem, his or her mental-emotional state, thecombination of tastes and energies within theformula, and the harmonization of herbs withdifferent movements (floating or sinking,ascending or descending). Taking all these

factors into account, to adapt the chosenformula to the unique patient's disharmony is avery delicate and intricate task.

Such a task can be carried out if one mastersnot only the action of herbs and formulae, butalso the differentiation between herbs and

formulae with similar functions. The mainemphasis of this book is exactly to illustratehow to combine herbs and how to differentiatebetween single herbs and formulae in relation

to one's chosen treatment strategy. The bookdoes this admirably and fills a gap in theexisting literature on Chinese herbal medicine.The case histories are an invaluable part of thebook illustrating how formulae are adapted in

practice.The authors of this book, Professors ChenSong Yu and Professor Li Fei are eminent

teachers from the Nanjing College ofTraditional Chinese Medicine which is one of

the foremost institutions for the teaching ofChinese medicine. Between them, they haveaccumulated over 60 years of clinical practiceand teaching, and they are the authors of manyimportant textbooks of Chinese herbal

medicine.The translator of the book, Associate-Professor Jin Hui De is head of the interpreters'group of the Nanjing College of TraditionalChinese Medicine. He was co-translator of the

now famous 'Essentials of ChineseAcupuncture' as well as many other Chinesemedicine textbooks in English. He is uniquelyqualified to translate medical texts as he is alsoa doctor of Chinese medicine.

This book is therefore a welcome addition tothe scanty literature on Chinese herbalmedicine and one that deserves to be in every

practitioner's clinic.

1993 Giovanni Maciocia

Subject Editor's Preface

This book has five parts:Part 1 points out similarities and differencesbetween herbs of a similar nature or action.

Part 2 describes combinations of two or moreherbs that commonly appear as a group withinlarger formulae.Part 3 analyzes individual herbs according totheir actions on the Zang Fu.Part 4 sets forth guiding principles in formulating prescriptions according to the varioustreatment methods, and compares formulaewithin each such category.

Part 5 deals with specific pathological patternsor diseases, demonstrating the clinical use of

formulae with case histories.

Throughout the text, words having a specificmeaning within the context of TCM are capitalized {e.g. Qi, Blood, Wind-Cold), while wordsused according to their usual English meaningappear in lower case (e.g. blood, cold).

Each herb is identified by both its Pin Yinname and its Latin name the first time it ismentioned; thereafter, only the Latin name isused. Each formula is identified by its Pin Yinname and its English translation the first time itis mentioned; thereafter, only the English nameis used. Appendices cross-index the Pin Yin andLatin names of herbs, and the Pin Yin andEnglish names of formulae, for easy reference.

Formulae given within the text and casehistories are generally variations of classicformulae, modified as they would be in clinicalpractice. For the classic formulae themselves,please refer to any standard reference work onChinese herbal formulae, such as Formulas and

Strategies by Bensky and Barolet.

1993 F.D.

Part 1:A comparison of theactions and indications

of some commonChinese herbs

Comparing the actions and indicationsof Chinese herbs facilitates bothfamiliarization with the herbs and theircorrect selection in clinical work. Herbswith similar actions and indications canbe substituted for each other.

Herbs that Release the Exterior

A. Herbs that disperse Wind-Cold

HERBA EPHEDRAE and RAMULUSCINNAMOMI Ma Huang and Gut Zhi

Similarities Both strongly disperse Wind-Cold due to

their pungent and warm nature. They areindicated for severe Exterior Coldsyndromes in Winter. When used in combination these two herbs effectively inducediaphoresis.

Differences Herba Ephedrae is pungent, bitter and warm

in nature. It promotes the dispersingfunction of the Lungs, stops cough, soothes

wheeze and promotes diuresis. It is thusindicated for cough and wheeze in Excesspatterns due to impairment of the dispersingfunction of the Lung and for oedema due toinvasion of Wind.Ramulus Cinnamomi is pungent, sweet andwarm in nature. In combination with Herba

Ephedrae it treats Exterior patterns of theExcess type; in combination with RadixPaeoniae Alba it treats Exterior patterns ofthe Deficient type (see Fig. 1.1). It warms andinvigorates Yang and removes obstructionsfrom the channels and collaterals. It is thusalso indicated for oedema and dysuria dueto blockage of Yang Qi by Phlegm andretained fluids, Chest Bi syndrome, abdominal pain due to Interior Cold complicatedwith deficiency of the Middle Burner, ColdBi syndrome, irregular menstruation,dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea.

In combination withHERBA EPHEDRA

Both herbs are pungent anddisperse the Defensive level,thus "Releasing the Exterior"

in Excess patterns of exterior

In combination withRADIX PAEONIAE ALBA

invasion.

Cinnamomi disperses the Defensivelevel, while Paeoniae astringesNutritive Qi, thus "HarmonizingYing and Wei Qi" in Deficiency

patterns of exterior invasion.

Fig. 1.1 Actions of Ramulus Cinnamomi.

Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

FOLIUM PERILLAE, HERBASCHIZONEPETAE and RADIXLEDEBOURIELLAE Zi Su Ye, Jing Jie and Fang Feng

Similarities All three disperse Wind-Cold. All are mild in

nature and are commonly used in the treatment of Exterior Wind-Cold patterns. Theycan be used in combination, or may besubstituted for each other.

Differences Folium Perillae is more effective in

dispersing Cold than Wind. It also circulatesQi, harmonizes the Middle Burner, stopsvomiting and prevents miscarriage. It is thusindicated in Exterior patterns of Wind-Coldcomplicated with stagnation of Qi,presenting with symptoms of distension andfullness in the epigastrium and abdomen. Herba Schizonepetae is more effective in

eliminating Wind than Cold. It expressesskin eruptions and stops bleeding. As it isonly mildly warm in nature, it can be used incombination with other herbs in the treatment of Exterior Wind-Heat syndromes. Radix Ledebouriellae is an important herb to

eliminate Wind. It Releases the Exterior,eliminates Dampness, relieves pain, stopsconvulsion and relieves itching by eliminating Wind. It is thus indicated forheadache, Bi syndromes, tetanus andrubella, all of which are caused by invasionof External Wind.

RHIZOMA SEU RADIX NOTOPTERYGII,RADIX ANGELICAE DAHURICAE andHERBA ASARI Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi and Xi Xin

Similarities All disperse Wind-Cold and relieve pain,

and are thus indicated for Exteriorsymptoms such as headache and generalaching, headache due to Wind and Bisyndromes due to Wind, Cold andDampness.

Differences Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii is warm

and dry in nature. It effectively dispersesWind-Damp, and is thus indicated for

Exterior syndromes complicated withDampness, headache involving the Tai Yangchannel and Wind-Damp Bi syndromesaffecting the upper body. Radix Angelicae Dahuricae eases the nose,

relieves carbuncles and clears vaginaldischarge by drying up Dampness. It is animportant herb for headache involving theYang Ming channel and for various disorders on the head and face. Herba Asari is pungent, warm and aromatic

in nature. It disperses Cold, relieves pain,resolves fluid retained in the Lungs andeases the nose. When taken in large doses,this herb consumes Qi and Yin, thusproducing stuffiness of the chest and respiratory paralysis; it is therefore not advisableto administer doses of more than 3g,especially as a powder.

HERBA ELSHOLTZIAE and HERBAAGASTACHIS

Xiang Ru and Huo Xiang

Similarities Both are pungent, warm and aromatic in

nature. Both clear Summer Heat and Releasethe Exterior and are thus indicated for thecommon cold due to Summer Heat orDampness during the Summer.

Differences Herba Elsholtziae is a strong diaphoretic.

There is a saying: 'Xiang Ru in Summer islike Ma Huang in Winter'. It also promotesdiuresis and is thus indicated for oedema.Herba Agastachis fragrantly resolvesDampness and thus also harmonizes theMiddle Burner to relieve vomiting.

FRUCTUS XANTHII AND FLOSMAGNOLIAE

Cang Er Zi and Xin Yi Hua

Similarities Both disperse Wind-Cold and ease the nose

and are thus important herbs for rhinitis(Fig. 1.2). Fructus Xanthii not only expels Wind-Damp

and relieves pain in Bi syndromes andheadache, but also expels Wind and relievesitching in rubella and eczema.

Herbs that Release the Exterior

withi Yangromes

nose,aginal

: is anig the

disor-

>maticpain,s anddoses,

thusrespi-'isable

3g,

EYESHerba Menthae

PeriostracumCicadaeFolium Mori

FtasChrysanthemFructus Vilici

NOSEFructusXanthiiFlos MagnoliaeRadix Angelicae

DahuncaeHerba Asari

THROATHerba MenthaeFructus ArctiiPenostracum Cicadae

TAIYANGCHANNaRhizoma seuRadix Notopterygii

Fig. 1.2 Herbs that eliminate Wind from the head and neck.

itic in.elease

or the?at or

oretic.mer isimotesdema.solveses the

e nosehinitis

Damps andSieves

B. Herbs that disperse Wind-Heat

HERBA MENTHAE, FRUCTUS ARCTIIand PERIOSTRACUM CICADAE Bo He, Niu Bang Zi and Chan Tui

Similarities All three disperse Wind-Heat, ease the throat

and express skin rashes. They are thusindicated for Exterior Wind-Heat patterns,sore throat, rubella and measles when therash has not fully erupted.

Differences Herba Menthae is pungent and cool in

nature and strongly Releases the Exterior bypromoting diaphoresis. It also clears heat inthe head and eyes and promotes the smoothcirculation of Liver Qi. This herb is usuallyadded to a decoction in the last few minutesof cooking. Fructus Arctii clears heat and toxins, relieves

swelling, stops cough, moistens the LargeIntestine and relieves constipation. It is thusindicated for the Fire Poison of carbunclesand mumps, for cough due to Lung Heatand for Exterior Wind-Heat patterns complicated with constipation. Periostracum Cicadae expels Wind and

treats convulsions. It is thus indicated for

redness of the eyes, infantile convulsionsand tetanus due to Wind-Heat in the Liverchannel. It is used in large doses for thetreatment of convulsion, but in small dosesotherwise.

FOLIUM MORI and FLOSCHRYSANTHEMI

Sang Ye and fu Hua

Similarities Both expel Wind-Heat and clear Heat from

the head and eyes. They also clear Heat fromthe Liver and improve vision. They are thusindicated for Exterior Wind-Heat patternswith headache and red eyes and for red eyes

and dizziness due to Heat in the Liver.

Differences Folium Mori clears Heat from the Lung,

moistens dryness and stops cough and isthus indicated for cough due to Dry Heat. Flos Chrysanthemi clears Heat from the

Liver, improves vision and expels FirePoison. Yellow Flos Chrysanthemi is moreeffective in dispersing Wind-Heat andexpelling Fire Poison and is thus often usedin the treatment of Exterior patterns. WhiteFlos Chrysanthemi is more effective inclearing Liver Heat and improving visionand is thus often used to treat Interiorpatterns.

Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

FRUCTUS VITICISt RADIX ANGELICAEDAHURICAE and FLOSCHRYSANTHEMI Man Jing Zi, Bai Zhi and Ju Hua

Similarities All are commonly used in the treatment of

headache due to invasion of External Wind(Fig. 1.3).

Differences Fructus Viticis acts similarly to Flos

Chrysanthemi in expelling Wind Heat andclearing Heat from the head and eyes.However, Fructus Viticis strongly relievespain and is only slightly cold in nature. It canthus be used to treat Wind-Cold headachewhen combined with Radix AngelicaeDahuricae, Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygiiand Radix Ledebouriellae. Radix Angelicae Dahuricae expels Wind-

Cold and is thus indicated for Wind-Coldheadache on the Yang Ming channel.

RADIX BUPLEURI, RADIX PUERARIAEAND RHIZOMA CIMICIFUGAE Chai Hu, Ge Gen and Sheng Ma

Similarities All Release the Exterior, reduce fever and

raise the Qi of the Middle Burner. They arethus indicated for fever due to ExternalInvasion and for sinking of Central Qi.

Differences Radix Bupleuri and Radix Puerariae are

often combined to Release the Exterior andreduce fever. Radix Bupleuri enters the ShaoYang channel and treats alternating feverand chills due to Shao Yang disharmony.Radix Puerariae enters the Yang Mingchannel and treats a feverish sensation of thebody, with thirst and stiffness of the neckand back. Radix Bupleuri and Rhizoma Cimicifugae

both raise Central Qi and are thus often usedin the treatment of prolapse due to sinking ofCentral Qi. Radix Puerariae and Rhizoma Cimicifugae

both express skin eruptions and are thusused in the early stage of measles or for anyskin rash which has not fully erupted. Radix Bupleuri also promotes the smooth

circulation of Liver Qi and is thus an important herb for Stagnant Liver Qi. RadixPuerariae promotes Body Fluids and relievesthirst, and is thus indicated for thirstduring febrile diseases as well as forThirsting and Wasting syndromes. RhizomaCimicifugae clears Heat and Poison, and isthus indicated for swelling, pain and erosionof the gums, mouth ulcers and erysipelas onthe face.

Questions1. Compare and contrast the actions of Herba

Ephedrae and Ramulus Cinnamomi inReleasing the Exterior. What other

OCdPTTALRhizoma seu Radix /' >

NotopterygiiRhizoma et Radix

Ligustici Sinenss ; \Radix Puerariae

FRONTALRadix Angelicae

Dahuncae

TEMPORALFolium MoriFlos ChrysanthemiRhizoma Ligustici

Chuanxbng

GENERALLYRadix Ledebouriellae

Fructus ZanthyiiFructus Viticus

Fig. 1.3 Herbs that treat headache due to Wind.

Herbs that Release the Exterior

iriae are;rior and

the Shaong feverlarmony.

ig Mingon of thethe neck

nicifugaeften usedinking of

nicifugaeare thusr for anyid.: smooth

n impor-'i. RadixI relievesor thirst

as forRhizoman, and isd erosion

ipelas on

of Herbanomi in

t other

actions do they have? What diseases do theytreat?2. Differentiate the actions of Radix

Ledebouriellae, Rhizoma seu RadixNotopterygii, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae,

Folium Mori, Flos Chrysanthemi andFructus Viticis in the treatment of headache.3. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Radix Bupleuri, RadixPuerariae and Rhizoma Cimicifugae.

2 Herbs that clear Heat

A. Herbs that clear Heat andquell Fire

GYPSUM FIBROSUM AND RHIZOMAANEMARRHENAE

Shi Gao and ZhiMu

Similarities Both clear Full Heat at the Nutritive (Ying)

level, and Lung and Stomach Fire. They arethus indicated for febrile disease at theNutritive (Ying) level, for cough and wheezedue to Lung Heat and for headache,

toothache and Wasting and Thirstingsyndromes due to Stomach Heat.

Differences Gypsum Fibrosum is extremely cold in

nature and has a strong action in clearingFull Heat. Calcined Gypsum Fibrosum isused externally to astringe skin ulcers andpromote tissue regeneration. It is thusindicated for boils, ulcers, burns andeczema. Rhizoma Anemarrhenae clears both Full and

Empty Heat. It nourishes Yin, quells Fire,promotes Body Fluids and moistensdryness. It is thus indicated for dry cough,tidal fever, night sweats and nocturnalemissions due to Lung and Kidney Yindeficiency. Raw Gypsum Fibrosum is prescribed in

large doses for oral administration. It shouldbe broken into pieces and decocted prior tothe addition of other ingredients of theprescription. Due to its extremely coldnature, it is contraindicated where there isSpleen Yang deficiency. RhizomaAnemarrhenae is also cold in nature, andmoistens the intestines. For this reason it iscontraindicated where there is Spleendeficiency giving rise to loose stools.

RHIZOMA PHRAGMITIS, RADIXTRICHOSANTHIS, FOLIUMPHYLLOSTACHYOS, and HERBA

LOPHATHERI

Lu Gen, Tian Hua Fen, Zhu Ye, and Dan ZhuYe

Similarities All are sweet and cold in nature and clear

Lung and Stomach Heat. They treat ExternalHeat at the Qi level, and Internal Heatpatterns of the Lung and Stomach withsymptoms of fever and thirst.

Differences Rhizoma Phragmitis is more effective in

clearing Lung Heat with symptoms of coughand lung abscess. It also clears StomachHeat, stops vomiting, promotes Body Fluidsand alleviates thirst. Radix Trichosanthis clears Heat and

promotes Body Fluids. It is often used wherefluids have been consumed by febriledisease, and for Thirsting and Wastingsyndromes. It moistens the Lung andresolves Phlegm and is thus used to treatproductive cough due to Lung Dryness. Italso relieves swelling and drains pus in casesof boils and carbuncles caused by FirePoison. Folium Phyllostachyos clears Heat, particu

larly Heart Heat. It relieves restlessnessand promotes diuresis. It is thusindicated for pathogenic Heat at the Qiand Nutritive (Ying) levels, urinary disorders due to Heat and mouth and tongueulcers. Herba Lophatheri is similar to Folium

Phyllostachyos in action, but is lesseffective in clearing Heart Heat and relievingrestlessness. However, it is more effective inclearing Heat generally and in promotingdiuresis.

Herbs that clear Heat

IX

A

r Dan Zhu

and clearit External

rnal Heatnach with

ffective ints of coughi Stomachody Fluids

-feat andised whereby febrile

i Wasting^ung and;d to treatDryness. Itius in casesi by Fire

it, particu-estlessness

is thusat the Qilary disor-

nd tongue

to Foliumt is less

d relievingeffective in

promoting

Cwtex Lyai Radios Rhi2oma PhragmihsRadix Tnchosanthis -

Rtieoma BelamcandraeRadix Sophorae

SubprostrataeRaflu Isatdis t

Radix Scrophulareer - Folium

1 Phyilostachyos\ Herba Lopnalhen

Bhizcma CoplidisFructusGardeniaeL. Fructus

Forsyihiae

i Radix SophoraeFlavescentisGypsum Fibrosum

Radix TnchosanihisRhizoma CoptidisCortex PrieHodendn- Flos Loncerae

[ Fructus ForsythiaeHerba TarawaHerba ViolasFolium IsaWisIndigo NaturalisL Herba Poiiuiacae

Spea PrunellaeSemen Cassae

Rhizoma Coplidis

Herba Taraxici

Rhizoma CoplidisRadix ScutellariaeSpica PrunellaeSemen CassiaeHerba TaraxiciL Indigo Naturalis

Radix Gentianae--Codex Fraxmi

Fig. 2.1 Differentiation of Herbs that clear Heat according to area of action.

RHIZOMA COPTIDIS, RADIXSCUTELLARIAE and CORTEXPHELLODENDRI

Huang Lian, Huang Qin, and Huang Bat

Similarities All are bitter and cold in nature and clear

Heat, quell Fire, dry Dampness and clearPoison. They are often combined in cases ofHeat and Fire in all three Burners (Fig. 2.1).They all treat Damp-Heat, including Damp-Heat in the intestines presenting with signsof dysentery, as well as Fire Poison patterns.Due to their cold and bitter nature, all threecan damage the Yang and digestive Qi; dueto their bitter and dry nature, they can

consume Yin. They should be used carefullyin cases of Spleen Yang deficiency or Yindeficiency.

Differences Rhizoma Coptidis strongly clears Heart,

Stomach and Liver Heat and Poison. It isthus indicated for Heart Fire Blazing withsymptoms of restlessness, mouth and

tongue ulcers or coma, for retention ofDamp-Heat with discomfort in the epigastrium, for Liver Fire giving rise to eye disorders and for carbuncles and ulcers due toFire Poison.

Radix Scutellariae clears Lung Heat, reducesGall Bladder Fire, clears Heat to prevent

miscarriage, cools the Blood and stopsbleeding. It is thus indicated for cough andwheeze due to Lung Heat or Fire, Shao Yangsyndrome with hypochondriac pain andjaundice, threatened abortion due to Heat

and spitting of blood and epistaxis due toBlood Heat.Cortex Phellodendri reduces Empty Heat,clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burnerand relieves jaundice. It is thus indicatedfor nocturnal emissions and hypersexu-ality due to Empty Fire in the LowerBurner, as well as for Damp-Heat givingrise to symptoms such as festering ulcers,eczema, paralysis of the lower limbs, painfuljoints, turbid urine, leucorrhoea andjaundice.

RADIX SOPHORAE FLAVESCENTISKu Shen

Radix Sophorae Flavescentis is similar toCortex Phellodendri in its action of clearingHeat and drying Dampness. It also kills

parasites and relieves itching in the treatment of eczema, scabies, leucorrhoea, generalized pruritus and pruritus vulvae. It

promotes diuresis and is thus used for

10 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

oedema and urinary disturbance due toDamp-Heat. It is reported that this herbalso treats cardiac arrhythmia. Due to itsvery bitter and cold nature, it may

damage the digestion if taken in largedoses or over a long time. It is often usedas an ingredient of patent remedies in the

form of a pill or powder, or is applied externally.

RADIX GENTIANAE, FRUCTUSGARDENIAE, SPICA PRUNELLAE andSEMEN CASSIAE

Long Dan Cao, Zhi Zi, Xia Ku Cao and JueMing Zi

Similarities All four clear Liver Heat and improve vision

and are thus indicated for headache and eyedisorders due to Liver Fire.

Differences Radix Gentianae has a strong action in

reducing Liver Fire and clearing Damp-Heatin the Liver Channel. It is thus indicated forhigh fever, convulsions and headache due toHeat or Fire in the Liver Channel, and forDamp-Heat in the Lower Burner giving riseto symptoms such as swelling in the pubicregion, swelling and pain of the scrotum,pruritus vulvae and a thick yellow vaginaldischarge. Fructus Gardeniae clears Heart Heat,

relieves restlessness, clears Damp-Heat andPoison, cools Blood and stops bleeding. It isthus indicated for stuffiness of the chest andrestlessness due to Heart Heat, jaundice andurinary disturbance due to Damp-Heat,spitting of blood, epistaxis and haematuriadue to Heat in the Blood, and for carbunclesand ulcers due to Fire Poison. Spica Prunellae clears Liver Heat and

Stagnation and is thus indicated forheadache, dizziness, and redness of the eyesdue to Liver Fire and Liver Yang Rising, aswell as for tuberculosis of the lymph nodesand simple goitre. Semen Cassiae is more effective in clearing

Liver Heat and improving vision and isthus indicated for eye disorders due to

Liver Heat and Fire. It also moistens theintestines and relieves constipation with drystool.

B. Herbs that clear Heat andFire Poison

FLOS LONICERAE AND FRUCTUSFORSYTHIAE

Jin Yin Hua and Lian Qiao

Similarities Both herbs clear Heat and Poison and are

thus indicated for all Fire Poison patternsincluding febrile disease, boils, carbunclesand ulcers.

Differences Flos Lonicerae also clears Summer Heat and

treats dysentery with bleeding due to FirePoison. Caulis Lonicerae is similar to FlosLonicerae in clearing Heat and removingobstructions in the channels. Both treat

Febrile Bi syndrome. Fructus Forsythiae clears Heart Fire and

disperses masses. It is thus indicated forfebrile disease at the Nutritive (Ying) leveland Heat in the Heart, as well as forcarbuncles, boils and ulcers due to FirePoison, and tuberculosis of the lymphnodes. It is especially useful for skindisease.

HERBA TARAXACI AND HERBAVIOLAE

Pu Gong Ying and Zi Hua Di Ding

Similarities Both clear Heat and Poison, and are thus

indicated for carbuncles, boils and ulcersdue to Fire Poison.

Differences Herba Taraxaci is especially effective in

treating mastitis. It also clears Heat inthe Liver and Gall Bladder and Damp-Heat.It is thus indicated for hypochondriac painand jaundice due to Damp-Heat in the Liverand Gall Bladder, epigastric pain due toStomach Heat and urinary disease due to

Heat. Herba Violae is especially effective in

treating carbuncles, boils and ulcers due toits strong action in eliminating Fire Poison. Italso cools Blood and stops bleeding.

Herbs that clear Heat 11

and

'US

n and aren patterns:arbuncles

Heat andue to Fire

ar to Flosremoving3oth treat

Fire andicated forilng) levelell as forle to Firene lymph

for skin

5 are thusind ulcers

ffective ini Heat in

amp-Heat.idriac painn the Liveriin due toise due to

^ective in:ers due to

e Poison. It

FOLIUM ISATIDIS, RADIX ISATIDISAND INDIGO NATURALIS

Da Qing Ye, Ban Lan Gen and Qing Dai

Similarities AH these medicines come from the same

plant and are thus similar in their action.All three clear Heat and Poison and cool

Blood. They are indicated for febriledisease with Fire Poison, as well as forcarbuncles, boils and ulcers due to Fire

Poison. Folium Isatidis is often used in the treat

ment of febrile disease. It has a strongaction in cooling Blood and eliminating

Poison and it promotes the healing of skineruptions. Radix Isatidis is also commonly used in the

treatment of febrile disease and is especiallyeffective for viral infections. It is more effective than Folium Isatidis in eliminating FirePoison, relieving swelling and easing thethroat. Indigo Naturalis cools Blood, stops bleeding

and clears Liver Fire. It is thus indicatedfor bleeding due to Blood Heat, headachedue to Liver Fire and convulsions due toLiver Heat. It is often applied to FirePoison lesions externally in the form of apowder.

HERBA ANDROGRAPHITIS ANDRHIZOMA PARIDIS Chuan Xin Lian and Zao Xiu

Similarities Both herbs clear Heat and Poison and

are thus indicated for all Fire Poisonpatterns.

Differences Herba Andrographitis is widely used in

the treatment of various infections, particularly of the intestinal tract and respiratorysystem. It is similar to Rhizoma Coptidis in

nature and action. Rhizoma Paridis isindicated for poisonous snake bites andcancer. It clears Heat and stops convulsions, and is thus indicated for infantileconvulsions or any convulsion due to high

fever.

HERBA HOUTTUYNIAE, RHIZOMABELAMCANDAE AND RADIXSOPHORAE SUBPROSTRATAE

Yu Xing Cao, She Gan and Shan Dou Gen

Similarities All three herbs clear Lung Heat and are thus

indicated for cough and sore throat.

Differences Herba Houttuyniae is primarily used to treat

cough and lung abscess due to Heat in theLung. Rhizoma Belamcandae and Radix Sophorae

Subprostratae are primarily used to treat sorethroat. Rhizoma Belamcandae also resolvesPhlegm and regulates Qi, and is thusindicated for cough with profuse sputumand wheeze. Radix Sophorae Subprostrataehas a strong action in clearing Heat andrelieving swelling and is thus indicated forinflammation of the throat, and for cancer.

HERBA PORTULACAE, RADIXPULSATILLAE AND CORTEX FRAXINI Ma Chi Xian, Bai Tou Weng and Qin Pi

Similarities All three herbs clear Heat in the intestines

and are thus indicated for diarrhoea anddysentery.

Differences Herba Portulacae also treats eczema, carbun

cles, swelling and uterine bleeding. Radix Pulsatillae treats dysentery with

bleeding due to Fire Poison. It is effectiveagainst both bacillary dysentery andamoebic dysentery. Cortex Fraxini clears Damp-Heat and is thus

indicated for Damp-Heat leucorrhoea. It alsoclears Liver Heat and improves vision and isthus indicated for eye disorders due to LiverFire.

CAULIS SARGENTODOXAE ANDHERBA PATRINIAE

Hong Teng and Bai Jiang Cao

Similarities Both clear Heat and Poison and move Blood

12 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

and are thus indicated for appendicitis, aswell as abdominal pain in women due tostagnation of Qi and Blood.

Differences Caulis Sargentodoxae is more effective in

moving Blood and is thus indicated forcontusions and sprains, irregular menstrua

tion and Wind-Damp Bi syndrome. Herba Patriniae is more effective in clearing

Heat and draining pus and is thus indicatedfor carbuncles, boils and ulcers due to FirePoison.

HERBA HEDYOTIS DIFFUSAE, HERBASCUTELLARIAE BARBATAE ANDRHIZOMA SMILACIS GLABRAE

Bat Hua She She Cao, Ban Zhi Lian and TuFu Ling

Similarities All three clear Heat and Poison and elimi

nate Dampness and are thus indicated forcancer and syphilis.

Differences Herba Hedyotis Diffusae and Herba

Scutellariae Barbatae are often used in thetreatment of cancer and poisonous snakebite. Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae is often usedin the treatment of venereal diseases such assyphilis.

C. Herbs that clear Full Heatand Empty Heat and coolBlood

CORNU RHINOCERI ASIATIC! ANDCALCULUS BOVIS Xi Jiao and Niu Huang

Similarities Both clear Heart and Liver Heat, cool Blood

and clear Fire Poison and are thus indicatedfor coma and convulsion due to pathogenic

Heat at the Nutritive (Ying) and Bloodlevels.

Differences Cornu Rhinoceri Asiatici cools Blood, stops

bleeding, relieves skin eruptions, clearsHeat and expels Wind, and is thus indicatedfor bleeding and skin eruptions due toBlood Heat, as well as for Liver Wind dueto Heat. Cornu Bubali can be substituted,but must be prescribed in larger doses

(15-30 g). Calculus Bovis is more effective in clearing

Heart Heat and opening the orifices, aswell as in clearing Heat and Fire Poison,and is thus indicated for coma in febrilediseases, and Fire Poison patterns.Calculus Bovis Factitius can be substi

tuted.

RADIX REHMANNIAE, RADIXSCROPHULARIAE, CORTEX MOUTANRADIOS AND RADIX PAEONIAERUBRA Sheng Di Huang, Xuan Shen, Mu Dan Pi,

and Chi Shao

Similarities All clear Heat and cool Blood and are

thus indicated for pathogenic Heat atthe Nutritive (Ying) and Blood levels,and for haemorrhagic patterns due to

Heat.

Differences Radix Rehmanniae and Radix Scrophulariae

are both sweet and cold in nature. Theynourish Yin and promote Body Fluids andare thus indicated for Yin Deficiency. RadixRehmanniae is more effective in coolingBlood and stopping bleeding (Fig. 2.2).Radix Scrophulariae is more effective innourishing Yin and clearing Fire and FirePoison, and is thus indicated for sore throat,tuberculosis of the lymph nodes andcarbuncles, boils and ulcers due to Fire

Poison. Cortex Moutan Radicis and Radix Paeoniae

Rubra also invigorate Blood circulationand treat Blood Stasis, and are thus indicated

for Blood Heat complicated by Stasis.They also clear Liver Fire. Cortex Moutan

Radicis clears Empty Heat and is thusindicated for tidal fever. Radix PaeoniaeRubra is more effective in moving Bloodand treating Stasis, but does not stopbleeding.

Herbs that clear Heat 13

s, clearsindicated

due toVind duebstituted,

er doses

i clearingifices, ase Poison,

in febrilepatterns.e substi-

)UTAN

an Pi,

and areHeat at>d levels,; due to

>phulariaeure. Theyluids andncy. Radix

n cooling(Fig. 2.2).fective in: and Fire

ore throat,odes andie to Fire

< Paeoniaecirculations indicated

by Stasis.;x Moutan

d is thus: Paeoniae

'ing Bloodnot stop

Radix Rehmanniae

Cold

Cools Blood (and stops bleeding)

Clears Heat

Tonifies Yin (and promotes Body Fluids)

Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata

Warm

Tonifies Blood

Tonifies Yin

Fig. 2.2 Actions of Radix Rehmanniae.

HERBA ARTEMISIAE CHINGHAO,CORTEX LYCII RADICIS, RADIXAMPELOPSIS AND RADIX

STELLARIAE

Qing Hao, Di Gu Pi, Bai Wei and Yin ChatHu

Similarities All clear Empty Heat and are thus

indicated for fever and tidal fever due toYin Deficiency and for persistent low-

grade fever in the late stage of febriledisease.

Differences Herba Artemisiae Chinghao clears both

Full and Empty Heat, as well as SummerHeat. It is indicated in the treatment ofmalaria. Cortex Lycii Radicis clears Lung Heat and is

thus indicated in haemoptysis due to LungHeat. It also treats hypertension anddiabetes. Radix Ampelopsis cools Blood and is thus

indicated in the treatment of Blood Heat inwomen. Radix Stellariae is more effective in clearing

Empty Heat. It also treats malnutrition andfever in children.

Questions1. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Gypsum Fibrosum andRhizoma Anemarrhenae.2. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Rhizoma Coptidis, RadixScutellariae and Cortex Phellodendri.

Explain their side-effects and the precautions for their use.

3. Flos Lonicerae, Fructus Forsythiae, HerbaTaraxaci, Folium Isatidis, Herba

Houttuyniae, Radix Pulsatillae and CortexFraxini are all herbs that clear Heat and Fire

Poison. How do their indications differ?4. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Radix Gentianae, FructusGardeniae, Spica Prunellae and SemenCassiae.5. Of the herbs that clear Heat, which ones also

a. nourish Yin?b. clear Empty Heat?c. move Blood and treat Blood Stasis?

14

3 Herbs that purge and promotedigestion

A. Purgative herbs

RADIX ET RHIZOMA RHEI, NATRIISULFAS AND FOLIUM CASSIAE

Da Huang, Mang Xiao and Fan Xie Ye

Similarities All are purgative and are thus indicated for

constipation due to accumulation of Heat,constipation with fullness of the abdomendue to high fever, and acute abdomen. Theyalso clear Heat and Fire.

Differences Radix et Rhizoma Rhei is bitter and cold in

nature. It clears Heat and Fire, stopsbleeding, clears Fire Poison, invigoratesBlood and disperses Stasis. It is thusindicated for Fire Poison in the upperbody, haemorrhagic patterns due to BloodHeat, carbuncles and furuncles due toFire Poison, jaundice due to Damp-Heat, urinary dysfunction, amenorrhoea dueto stagnation of Qi and Blood, palpableabdominal masses and contusions andsprains.

Natrii Sulfas is salty and cold in nature andthus softens and resolves masses as well aspurging. It is indicated for dry stool andmastitis. External application resolves hardlumps and inhibits lactation. Folium Cassiae is indicated for habitual

constipation. It is also used to cleanse theintestines.

FRUCTUS CANNABIS AND SEMENPRUNI

Huo Ma Ren and Yu Li Ren

Similarities Both moisten and purge the intestines and

are thus indicated for constipation due todeficiency of Fluids and Blood, and drynessof the intestines.

Differences Fructus Cannabis relieves constipation

solely by moistening the intestines. Semen Pruni also promotes diuresis and

relieves swelling and is thus indicated foroedema (Fig. 3.1).

Radix et Rhizoma Rhei

Natrii Sulfas

Folium Cassiae

Fructus Cannabis

Semen Pruni

clears Heat and Fire Poison

softens masses

promotes diuresis

purges the intestines

moistens the intestines

Fig. 3.1 Differentiation of purgative herbs.

Herbs that purge and promote digestion 15

te

ature andis well asstool and

lves hard

habitualeanse the

rtEN

itines andDn due toid dryness

instipation

iresis andlicated for

stines

itestines

B. Herbs that promotedigestion

FRUCTUS CRATAEGI, MASSA 'FERMENTATA, FRUCTUS HORDEI

GERMINATUS, FRUCTUS ORYZAEGERMINATUS, ENDOTHELIUMCORNEUM GIGERIAE GALLI, SEMENRAPHANI AND SEMEN ARECAE Shan Zha, Shen Qu, Mai Ya, Gu Ya, fi Nei

Jin, Lai Fu Zi and Bing Long

Similarities All promote digestion and are thus indicated

for retention of food, with symptoms ofepigastric distension, abdominal pain,belching, acid regurgitation and abnormalbowel movement.

Differences Fructus Crataegi promotes digestion,

strengthens the Spleen and disperses BloodStasis. It is indicated for poor digestion ofmeat (Fig. 3.2), lack of gastric acid,

dyspepsia and stagnation of Blood. Massa Fermentata Medicinalis is more

effective in promoting the digestion of rice,wheat flour and alcohol (Fig. 3.2). It harmonizes the Middle Burner and stops diarrhoeaand is indicated for retention of food accom

panied by fever, diarrhoea or dysentery. Fructus Hordei Germinatus and Fructus

Oryzae Germinatus promote the digestion ofrice and wheat flour (Fig. 3.2), assist theStomach and harmonize the Middle Burner.

Fructus Hordei Germinatus also inhibitslactation and promotes the Liver's functionof regulating the free flow of Qi. Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli

astringes seminal emission and dissolvesstones, and is thus indicated for spermatorrhoea, nocturnal enuresis and stones in the

Fructus Crataegi

Massa Fermentata Medicinalis v

Fructus Hordei Germinatus ^-^X.

Fructus Oryzae Germinatus -^^^

meat

alcohol

wheat

rice

Fig. 3.2 Differentiation of digestive herbs by type offood.

urinary and biliary tracts. It also promotesthe function of the Stomach and is thus

indicated for poor digestion due to Stomachweakness.Semen Raphani resolves Phlegm andregulates Qi and is thus indicated for

retention of food due to Qi Stagnation andfor other patterns of stagnant Qi andPhlegm. Semen Arecae regulates Qi and dispels

parasites and is thus indicated for retentionof food due to Qi Stagnation and abdominalpain due to parasites.

Questions1. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei andNatrii Sulfas.2. In addition to promoting digestion, what are

the other actions of Fructus Crataegi,Fructus Hordei Germinatus, Semen Raphaniand Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galii?

16

4 Herbs that resolve Phlegm andstop coughing and wheezing

A. Herbs that resolve Phlegm RHIZOMA PINELLIAE and RHIZOMA

ARISAEMATIS Ban Xia and Tian Nan Xing

Similarities Both are pungent, warm and toxic in nature

and resolve Cold Phlegm by warming ordrying Dampness. They are thus indicatedfor patterns of Cold Phlegm or DampPhlegm. External application relievesswelling and pain and they are used in thetreatment of boils and ulcers.

Differences Rhizoma Pinelliae conducts Rebellious Qi

downward and stops vomiting and is thusindicated for vomiting due to RebelliousStomach Qi. It also relieves fullness anddisperses lumps and is thus indicated for adistressing sensation of fullness in theepigastrium and for Plum-Stone Qi (thesensation of a foreign body in the throat). Rhizoma Arisaematis eliminates Wind

Phlegm and stops convulsions, and is thusindicated for Wind Phlegm patterns such asdizziness and vertigo, deviation of themouth and eye, hemiplegia and tetanus. Itis bitter and cool in nature and also coolsHeat.

RHIZOMA ARISAEMATIS ANDRHIZOMA TYPHONII Tian Nan Xing and BaiFuZi

Similarities Both eliminate Wind Phlegm and stop

convulsion and are thus indicated forpattern? ur Wind Phlegm, including tetanusand deviation of the mouth and eye.

Differences Rhizoma Arisaematis also dries Dampness

and resolves Phlegm and is thus indicatedfor patterns of Damp Phlegm. RhizomaTyphonii is mainly used for disorders of thehead and face.

SEMEN SINAPIS ALBAE BaiJieZi

This herb is similar to Rhizoma Pinelliae inresolving Cold Phlegm with warmth. It ismore effective in promoting the circulationof Qi and dispersing masses and is indicatedfor Phlegm between the skin and muscles,retention of fluid in the hypochondrium andYin-type jaundice.

RADIX PLATYCODI, RADIXPEUCEDANI, RHIZOMA CYNANCHISTAUNTONII AND FLOS INULAE fie Geng, Qian Hu, Bai Qian and Xuan Fu

Hua

Similarities All resolve Phlegm and stop cough and are

thus indicated for cough with profusesputum.

Differences Radix Platycodi and Radix Peucedani both

promote the Lung's function of dispersingand are thus indicated for cough due to an

impairment of the Lung's dispersingfunction following an invasion of the Lungby pathogenic factors. Radix Platycodi alsoeases the throat and drains pus and is thusindicated for sore throat and lung abscess.Radix Peucedani also conducts RebelliousQi downward and is thus indicated forcough and wheeze when Lung Qi fails to

Herbs that resolve Phlegm 17

d

ampness

ndicatedRhizoma?rs of the

nelliae innth. It is

rculationindicated

muscles,rium and

descend due to retention of Phlegm in thelungs. Rhizoma Cynanchi Stauntonii and Flos

Inulae both conduct Rebellious Qidownward and resolve Phlegm. They are

thus indicated for cough with profusesputum, and wheeze due to failure of the

Lung Qi to descend. Flos Inulae also sendsStomach Qi downward and is thus indicatedfor vomiting and hiccup due to RebelliousStomach Qi.

FRUCTUS TRICHOSANTHIS ANDBULBUS FRITILLARIAE

Gua Lou and Bei Mu

Similarities Both clear Heat, resolve Phlegm and moisten

the lungs and are thus indicated for patternsof Heat Phlegm and Dry Phlegm.

Differences Fructus Trichosanthis opens the chest,

relieves stagnation, moistens the intestinesand relieves constipation. It is thus indicated

for patterns of Chest Bi due to stagnationarising from Deficient Yang in the chest andfor constipation due to dryness of theintestines. Pericarpium Trichosanthis is

more effective in opening the chest andregulating Qi. Semen Trichosanthis is moreeffective in moistening the lungs andintestines and relieving constipation.Bulbus Fritillariae is more effective thanFructus Trichosanthis in moistening thelungs and stopping cough. It also clears Heatand disperses masses and is indicated for

tuberculosis of the lymph nodes, abscess andswelling. It is sweet and moist in nature andis often used in the treatment of Yindeficiency and Lung dryness due to chronicillness. Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii isbitter and discharging in nature and is oftenused in the treatment of Fire Poison patternsdue to External Invasion.

CAULIS BAMBUSAE IN TAENIAM ANDSUCCUS BAMBUSAE

Zhu Ru and Zhu Li

Similarities Both clear Heat and resolve Phlegm and are

thus indicated for cough due to PhlegmHeat.

Differences Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam clears Stomach

Heat and stops vomiting and is thus

JCHI.E

uanFu

and areprofuse

iani bothispersingiue to an

ispersingthe Lung

codi alsoid is thus; abscess.Rebelliouscated for)i fails to

Rhizoma ArisaematisRhizoma Typhonii Succus Bambusae

Rhizoma Pinelliae ~iSemen Sinapis AlbaeFlos InulaeCaulis Bambusae '

SargassumThallus Laminariae

Semen Sinapis Albae

Radix PlatycodiRadix PeucedaniRhizoma Cynanchi

StaunloniiFlos InulaeFructus

TrichosanthisBulbus FritiilariaeFructus PerillaeRadix AsterisL Fbs Farfarae

Fig. 4.1 Local actions of herbs that resolve Phlegm.

18 Part 1: Actions ami indications of some common Chinese herbs

indicated for vomiting due to StomachHeat. Succus Bambusae expels Phlegm and opens

the orifices and is thus indicated for WindStroke with gurgling in the throat andunconsciousness due to Phlegm Heat.

SARGASSUM AND THALLUSLAMINARIAE Hai Zao and Kun Bu

Similarities Both resolve Phlegm and soften hard masses

and are thus indicated for goitre, tuberculosis of the lymph nodes and subcutaneousnodules (Fig. 4.1). They also promotediuresis and relieve swelling and are used inthe treatment of beri-beri, oedema anddysuria. They are often used in combinationand can be substituted for each other. Theyare used in dietary therapy to treat hypertension and arteriosclerosis.

B. Herbs that stop coughingand wheezing

SEMEN ARMENIACAE AMARUM ANDFRUCTUS PERILLAE Xing Ren and Su Zi

Similarities Both conduct Lung Qi downward to stop

cough and wheeze and are thus indicated forcough and wheeze due to Rebellious LungQi. They also moisten the intestines andrelieve constipation and are thus indicatedfor constipation due to dryness of theintestines.

Differences Semen Armeniacae Amarum is effective in

sending Qi downward and promoting theLung's dispersing function. It is thus animportant herb for stopping cough andwheeze. It treats various kinds of cough andasthma in combination with other herbs. Fructus Perillae also resolves Phlegm and is

thus more effective when Lung Qi fails todescend due to blockage by Cold Phlegm orDamp Phlegm.

RADIX STEMONAE, RADIX ASTERISAND FLOS FARFARAE Bat Bu, Zi Wan and Kuan Dong Hua

Similarities All moisten the lungs and stop cough and

are indicated for both acute and chroniccough.

Differences Radix Stemonae also kills insects and lice. It

is applied externally to treat head and bodylice and Trichomonas vaginalis and administered as an enema to treat pinworms. Radix Asteris and Flos Farfarae both resolve

Phlegm and stop cough. The former is moreeffective in stopping cough and the lattermore effective in resolving Phlegm. They areoften used in combination.

FOLIUM ERIOBOTRYAE and FRUCTUSARISTOLOCHIAE Pi Pa Ye and Ma Dou Ling

Similarities Both clear Lung Heat and stop cough and

are thus indicated for cough due to LungHeat.

Differences Folium Eriobotryae clears Stomach Heat,

conducts Rebellious Qi downward and stopsvomiting and is thus indicated for vomitingdue to Stomach Heat. Fructus Aristolochiae calms the Liver and

lowers blood pressure and is thus indicatedfor hypertension due to Liver Yang Rising.

CORTEX MORI RADICIS AND SEMENLEPIDII SEU DESCURAINIAESang Bai Pi and Ting Li Zi

Similarities Both clear Lung Heat, soothe wheeze,

promote diuresis and relieve swelling. Theyare thus indicated for cough and wheeze dueto Lung Heat and for oedema.

Differences Cortex Mori Radicis is more effective in

Herbs that resolve Phlegm 19

:RIS

jgh andchronic

d lice. Itnd bodyidminis-

i resolve is morehe latterThey are

ICTUS

ugh andto Lung

:h Heat,ind stops

vomiting

iver andndicatedRising.

EMEN

wheeze,ng. Theyleeze due

ective in

clearing Heat and Fire from the lungs.Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae is moreeffective in eliminating water from the

Lungs and soothing asthma. This herb hasa potent action and renders good therapeutic

results in the treatment of pulmonary heartdisease with dyspnoea and pulmonary

oedema, but it is a harsh cathartic andshould be used with extreme caution.

HERBA EPHEDRAE, SEMEN LEPIDIISEU DESCURAINIAE AND SEMENGINKGO Ma Huang, Ting Li Zi and Bai Guo

Similarities All soothe asthma and are thus indicated for

cough and wheeze.

Differences Herba Ephedrae promotes the dispersing

function of the Lung and is thus indicatedfor asthma when the dispersing function ofthe Lung is impaired due to an Excesspattern. Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae reduces

Lung Fire and soothes asthma and is thusindicated for cough and wheeze due to Lung

Fire and the retention of Phlegm Fluid. Semen Ginkgo astringes the lungs and

soothes asthma, and is thus indicated forchronic cough and wheeze due to Lung Qi

Deficiency.

Questions1. Rhizoma Pinelliae, Rhizoma Arisaematis,

Fructus Trichosanthis and Bulbus Fritillariaeall resolve Phlegm. Compare and contrast

their other actions and indications.2. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Radix Platycodi, RadixPeucedani, Rhizoma Cynanchi Stauntoniiand Flos Inulae.3. What are the differences in action of Semen

Armeniacae Amarum, Fructus Perillae,Herba Ephedrae and Semen Lepidii seuDescurainiae?

20

5 Herbs that eliminate Wind-Damp

RADIX ANGELICAE PUBESCENTIS,RHI2OMA SEU RADIX NOTOPTERYGIIAND RADIX CLEMATIDIS Du Huo, Qiang Huo and Wei Ling Xian

Similarities All are warm in nature and eliminate Wind-

Damp and relieve pain. They are thusindicated for Bi syndromes involving Wind,Cold and Dampness.

Differences Radix Notopterygii and Radix Angelicae

Pubescentis are warm and dry in nature andare more effective in eliminating ColdDamp. They are thus indicated for Bisyndromes in which Cold Damp predominates. Radix Notopterygii goes upward andis thus used for Bi syndromes involving theupper body. It also strongly Releases theExterior and so is used for Exterior patternscomplicated with Dampness. RadixAngelicae Pubescentis is less effective inReleasing the Exterior, but it strongly eliminates Wind-Damp and so is commonly usedin the treatment of Bi syndromes. Its actiongoes downward and it is more effective fortreating the lower body. If Bi syndromesaffect the entire body, these herbs are used incombination. Radix Clematidis is more effective in elimi

nating Wind, removing obstructions fromthe channels, and relieving pain. It is thusindicated for Wandering Bi, in whichpathogenic Wind predominates. It also

dissolves fishbones lodged in the throat andtreats oesophageal cancer.

RADIX GENTIANAEMACROPHYLLAE,RADIX STEPHANIAE TETRANDRAE,HERBA SIEGESBECKIAE AND FOLIUMCLERODENDRI Qin Jiu, Fang Ji, Xi Xian Cao and Chou Wu

Tong

Similarities All are cold in nature and eliminate Wind

Damp. They are thus indicated for WindDamp Bi syndromes with signs of heat.

Differences Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae eliminates

Wind Damp without drying and is thusreferred to as a moist herb for eliminatingWind. It also clears Empty Heat and is thusused for Bi syndromes with heat signs due toBlood and Yin Deficiency. It also treats feverand tidal fever due to Yin Deficiency, andDamp-Heat-type jaundice. Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae is more effec

tive in eliminating Dampness and is thusindicated for Damp Bi syndromes. It alsopromotes diuresis and relieves swelling andthus treats oedema. Herba Siegesbeckia and Folium Clerodendri

eliminate Wind Damp, remove obstructionfrom the channels and lower blood pressure.They are thus indicated for Wind Damp Bisyndromes, numbness of the limbs andbody, hemiplegia and hypertension.

Herbs that eliminate Wind-Damp 21

roat and

IfLLAE,fcAE,DLIUM

tou Wu

Xe Windor Windaat.

FRUCTUS CHAENOMELIS, RAMULUSMORI, CAULIS TRACHELOSFERMIAND CAULIS PIPERIS

FUTOKADSURAE

Mm Gua, Sang Zhi, Luo Shi Teng and HaiFeng Teng

Similarities All relax the muscles and tendons and

remove obstruction from the channels. Theyare thus indicated for Wind-Damp Bisyndromes, muscle contracture and limitedmotion of the joints.

Differences Fructus Chaenomelis eliminates Dampness

and harmonizes the Stomach and isindicated for beri-beri and for cholera withvomiting, diarrhoea and tenesmus. Ramulus Mori removes obstruction from the

channels and benefits the joints of the fourlimbs, and is thus indicated for painful jointsof the limbs. Caulis Trachelospermi clears heat and

removes obstruction from the channels andis thus indicated for Febrile Bi syndromes.

Caulis Piperis Futokadsurae is warm innature. It eliminates Wind and removesobstruction from the channels and is thusindicated for Cold Bi syndromes withpathogenic Wind predominating.

AGKISTRODON ACUTUS ANDZAOCYS Bat Hua She and Wu Shao She

Similarities Both eliminate Wind, remove obstruction

from the channels, relieve pain and stopconvulsion and are thus indicated forstubborn Wind-Damp Bi syndromes, infantile convulsion and tetanus.

Differences Agkistrodon is potent and toxic and is thus

used in small doses, administered as atincture, pill or powder. Zaocys has a weaker action and is not toxic

and is thus used in large doses, administeredas a decoction or tincture.

iminatesis thusninatingd is thusns due to

ats feverncy, and

ire effec-l is thus;. It alsolling and

rodendristructionpressure.

Damp Binbs and

Rtaoma seuRadixNolopterygn

Radix AngeteaeRubescenlis

Rhizoma Cyboti

Fig. 5.1 Differentiation of herbs that eliminate Wind-Damp according to area of action.

22 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

RAMULUS LORANTHI, CORTEXACANTHOPANACIS RADIOS ANDRHIZOMA CIBOTII Sang Ji Sheng, Wu Jia Pi and Gou ]i

Similarities All eliminate Wind-Damp, tonify the Liver

and Kidney and strengthen the tendons andbones, and are thus indicated for chronic Bisyndromes, weakness of the tendons andbones and lumbar pain with atrophicdebility of bones.

Differences Ramulus Loranthi tonifies the Kidney,

prevents miscarriage and lowers bloodpressure and is thus used for Restless Fetusdue to Kidney Deficiency and for hypertension. Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicis promotes

diuresis and relieves swelling and is thusindicated for oedema. Acanthopanax (Nan

Wu ]ia) is more effective in eliminatingWind-Damp and strengthening the bonesand tendons while Periploca Sepium (Bai

Wu ]ia) is more effective in promotingdiuresis and relieving swelling. Rhizoma Cibotii is more effective in

tonifying the Kidneys and is thus indicatedfor back pain (Fig. 5.1), frequent urinationand leucorrhoea due to Kidney Deficiency.

Questions1. How do Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii

and Radix Angelicae Pubescentis differ intheir actions?2. How do Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae and

Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae differ in theiractions?3. How do Fructus Chaenomelis, Ramulus

Loranthi, Ramulus Mori and AgkistrodonAcutus differ in their actions and indications?

23

Herbs that resolve and drainDampness

6

A. Herbs that resolvedampness

RHIZOMA ATRACTYLODIS ANDCORTEX MAGNOLIAEOFFICINALIS

Cang Zhu and Hou Po

Similarities All are pungent, bitter, warm and dry in

nature and thus have a drying effect onDampness. They are indicated forpatterns of Dampness invading theSpleen and Stomach, giving rise tosymptoms of distension and fullness inthe epigastrium and abdomen, diarrhoeaand a sticky tongue coating. Becausebitter and dry herbs consume Body

Fluids they are contraindicated in cases ofYin Deficiency and consumption of Body

Fluids.

Differences Rhizoma Atractylodis dries Dampness,

invigorates the Spleen and eliminates Wind-Damp. It is indicated for diarrhoea andloose stools due to impairment of theSpleen's function of transportation and

transformation as a result of an invasion ofDampness. It is also used for ExteriorDampness patterns and for Wind-Damp Bisyndromes. Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis treats

Interior Dampness but also circulates Qi,conducts Rebellious Qi downward andsoothes asthma. It is thus indicated forepigastric distress and abdominal distensiondue to stagnation of Qi and retention of

Dampness in the Middle Burner, as wellas for cough and wheeze due to Phlegm-

Damp.

HERBA AGASTACHIS AND HERBAEUPATORII

Huo Xiang and Pei Lan

Similarities Both are aromatic in nature and resolve

Dampness and eliminate Summer Heat.They are indicated for retention of

Dampness in the Middle Burner and forpatterns of Summer Heat and Dampness.

Differences Herba Agastachis also Releases the Exterior

and stops vomiting, and is thus indicated forExterior patterns of Summer Heat andDampness and for vomiting due to TurbidDamp. Herba Eupatorii is more effective in elimi

nating Summer Heat, resolving Dampnessand regulating the function of the Stomach.

It is thus used for poor appetite with a sweettaste and stickiness in the mouth due toSummer Heat and Dampness invading theStomach.

FRUCTUS AMOMI AND SEMENAMOMI CARDAMOMI

Sha Ren and Bai Dou Kou

Similarities Both resolve Dampness, regulate Qi, warm

the Middle Burner and stop vomiting. Theyare thus indicated for stagnation of Qi and

Dampness giving rise to distension and painin the epigastrium and abdomen, vomitingand a sticky tongue coating.

Differences Fructus Amomi is more effective in treating

stagnation of Qi and Dampness in the

24 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

Middle and Lower Burners. It also invigorates the Spleen, regulates Qi and preventsmiscarriage. Semen Amomi Cardamomi is more effective

in treating stagnation of Qi and Dampness inthe Middle and Upper Burners.

B. Herbs that drain dampness

PORIA, POLYPORUS UMBELLATUS,RHIZOMA ALISMATIS AND SEMENCOICIS Fu Ling, Zhu Ling, Ze Xie and Yi Yi Ren

Similarities All are bland in nature and eliminate

Dampness by diuresis. They are thusindicated for oedema, dysuria, diarrhoeaand retention of Phlegm and Fluid.

Differences Poria and Semen Coicis both invigorate the

Spleen and are thus indicated for retentionof Dampness due to Spleen Deficiency.Poria also calms the Mind. Semen Coicistreats Bi syndromes by draining Dampnessand treats lung abscess and appendicitisby clearing Heat and draining pus. Poriapeel (Fu Ling Pi) is more effective inpromoting diuresis. Poria cum LignoHospite (Fu Shen) is more effective incalming the Mind. Polyporus Umbellatus and Rhizoma

Alismatis strongly promote diuresis (Fig.6.1). This is the sole action of PolyporusUmbellatus, while Rhizoma Alismatis alsoclears Heat from the Kidneys and Bladderand is thus used to treat Damp-Heat in theLower Burner. It is also indicated for dizziness and vertigo due to retention of Phlegmand Fluid.

SEMEN PLANTAGINIS, TALCUM andCAULIS CLEMATIDIS ARMANDII Che Qian Zi, Hua Shi and Chuan Mu Tong

Similarities All clear heat, drain Dampness and relieve

urinary disturbance and are thus indicated

for urinary disturbances due to Damp-Heatin the Lower Burner.

Differences Semen Plantaginis clears Liver Heat and

improves vision, and clears Lung Heat andresolves Phlegm. It is thus indicated forredness, swelling and pain in the eyes due toHeat and Fire in the Liver and for productivecough due to Lung Heat. This herb tends tofloat on the surface of a decoction andshould therefore be wrapped beforecooking. Talcum clears Summer Heat and is thus

indicated for patterns of Summer Heat andDampness. It should be wrapped beforeadding to a decoction to avoid making thedecoction turbid. Caulis Clematidis Armandii clears Heart

Fire, removes obstruction from the channelsand promotes the secretion of milk. It is thusindicated for mouth and tongue ulcers dueto Heart Fire, as well as for Febrile Bisyndromes and obstruction of milk secretion. Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis (Guan

Mu Tong) is toxic and it is therefore advisablenot to administer it in large doses.

Warm herbs that DRY Damp

Rhizoma AtractylodisCortex Magnoliae OfficinalisPericarpium Citri Reticulatae

Aromatic herbs that RESOLVE Damp

Herba AgastachisHerba EupatoriiFructus AmomiSemen Amomi CardamomiPericardium Citri Reticulatae

Bland herbs that DRAIN Damp

Poria, especially the peelPolyporus UmbellatusRhizoma AlismatisSemen CoicisSemen PlantaginisTalcumCaulis Clematidis ArmandiiHerba LysimachiaeSpora lygodiiFolium Pyrrosiae

Fig. 6.1 Three ways that herbs eliminate Damp.

Herbs that resolve and drain Dampness 25

mp-Heat

leat and-feat and:ated fores due tooductive

tends totion and

before

. is thusrleat andd beforeiking the

rs Heartchannels

It is thusleers due

ebrile Biilk secre-

is (Guanadvisable

amp.

HERBA LYSIMACHIAE, SPORALYGODII AND FOLIUM PYRROSIAE

Che Qian Zi, Hua Shi and Chuan Mu Tong

Similarities All clear heat, drain Dampness, dissolve

stones and relieve urinary disturbance andare thus indicated for urinary disturbancedue to heat or complicated by stones. Theyare commonly used in the treatment ofstones in the urinary tract.

Differences Herba Lysimachiae and Spora Lygodii are

major herbs for stones. Herba Lysimachiaeand Caulis Lygodii (Hai Jin Sha Teng) alsoclear heat, drain Dampness and relievejaundice and are thus indicated for Damp-

Heat jaundice. Folium Pyrrosiae also clears Lung Heat,

stops cough and wheeze, cools Bloodand stops bleeding. It is thus indicated forcough and wheeze due to Lung Heat, andfor Blood Heat giving rise to haemoptysis, epistaxis, haematuria and uterinebleeding.

RHI2OMA DIOSCOREAESEPTEMLOBAE AND HERBAARTEMISIAE CAPILLARISBi Xie and Yin Chen HaoHerba Artemisiae Capillaris clears heat,

drains Dampness and relieves jaundice. It isan important herb for jaundice.

Rhizoma Dioscoreae Septemlobae drainsTurbid Damp and is a major herb for turbidurine. It also eliminates Wind-Damp and is

thus indicated for Wind-Damp Bisyndromes.

Questions1. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Rhizoma Atractylodis andCortex Magnoliae Officinalis.2. How do Herba Agastachis, Herba Eupatorii

and Fructus Amomi differ in their actions?3. How do Poria, Polyporus Umbellatus,

Rhizoma Alismatis and Semen Coicis differin their actions?

4. How do Semen Plantaginis, CaulisClematidis Armandii, Herba Lysimachiae,Rhizoma Dioscoreae Septemlobae andHerba Artemisiae Capillaris differ in theiractions and indications?

26

7 Herbs that warm the Interiorand regulate Qi

\

\ ns and

shes Yinndicated:ficiency.

stines torated fori Blood

EX

egm andrestless-

:tive in:ated for

r uncon-le Heart.i, invigo-5 abscess

sion and

B. Herbs that calm the Liverand extinguish Wind

CONCHA HALIOTIDIS, CONCHA1OSTREAE, MARGARITA, CONCHAMARGARITIFERA USTA ANDHAEMATITUM

Shi Jue Ming, Mu Li, Zhen Zhu, Zhen ZhuMu and Dai Zhe Shi

Similarities All calm the Liver and suppress hyperactive

Yang and are thus indicated for headache,dizziness and vertigo due to Liver YangRising.

Differences Concha Haliotidis is more effective in

calming the Liver and suppressing hyperactive Yang. It also clears Liver Heat andimproves vision. It is thus indicated forredness, swelling and pain of the eyes due toflaring of Liver Fire and for blurring ofvision due to Deficiency of Liver Yin. Concha Ostreae soothes the Heart, calms the

Mind, astringes discharges and softens hardmasses. It is thus indicated for restlessness,spontaneous sweating, night sweats,spermatorrhoea, leucorrhoea and tuberculosis of lymph nodes. Margarita and Concha Margaritifera Usta

both soothe the Heart, calm the Mind andimprove vision. Margarita also stops convulsion and astringes ulcers and is thusindicated for infantile convulsions, epilepsyand chronic festering ulcers and boils.Concha Margaritifera Usta is more effectivein soothing the Heart, calming the Mind,calming the Liver and suppressing hyperactive Yang. Haematitum conducts Rebellious Qi

downward, stops vomiting, relieves asthma,soothes the Heart and calms the Mind. It alsostops bleeding by sending Qi and Firedownward. Os Draconis and ConchaOstreae both calm the Liver and suppress

hyperactive Yang, soothe the Heart and calmthe Mind. Os Draconis is more effective insoothing the Heart and calming the Mind,while Concha Ostreae is more effective incalming the Liver and suppressing hyperactive Yang. Concha Ostreae also astringesdischarges and softens hard masses.

CORNU ANTELOPIS, RAMULUSUNCARIAE CUM UNCIS ANDRHIZOMA GASTRODIAE

Ling Yang Jiao, Gou Teng and Tian Ma

Similarities All calm the Liver and extinguish Wind

and are indicated for headache, dizzinessand vertigo due to Liver Yang Rising andfor dizziness and convulsion due to LiverWind.

Differences Cornu Antelopis strongly clears Liver Fire,

suppresses hyperactive Liver Yang andextinguishes Liver Wind. It also clears LiverHeat and improves vision, and clears Heatand Fire Poison. Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis clears Liver

Heat and extinguishes Liver Wind and isthus indicated for stirring of Liver Wind dueto Heat or excessive Yang. It is added at theend of a decoction. Rhizoma Gastrodiae extinguishes Wind

and removes obstruction from thechannels and is thus indicated for Wind-Damp Bi syndromes, numbness andtetanus.

FRUCTUS TRIBULI AND FOLIUMAPOCYNIVENETI Ci Ji Li and Luo Bu Ma

Similarities Both suppress hyperactive Liver Yang and

extinguish Liver Wind and are thusindicated for headache, dizziness andvertigo due to Liver Yang Rising andupward stirring of Liver Wind.

Differences Fructus Tribuli expels External Wind,

improves vision and soothes the Liver. It isthus indicated for eye disorders due toWind-Heat and hypochondriac pain due toStagnation of Liver Qi. Folium Apocyni Veneti promotes diuresis,

relieves swelling and stops cough andwheeze. It is indicated for hypertension,bronchitis, oedema and heart disease with

palpitations.

38 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

l >

scorpio, scolopen6ra, bombyxbatryticatus and lumbricus Quan Xie, Wu Gong, Jiang Can and

DiLong

Similarities All extinguish Wind and stop convulsion

and are thus indicated for convulsions dueto Liver Wind, Wind-Stroke due to Heatstirring Liver Wind, infantile convulsions,epilepsy and tetanus.

Differences Scorpio and Scolopendra have a strong

action in extinguishing Liver Wind andstopping convulsion. They also removeobstruction from the channels, relieve pain,clear Fire Poison and disperse masses. Theyare thus indicated for stubborn Wind-Damp

Bi syndromes, chronic or unilateralheadache, hemiplegia, tuberculosis of thelymph nodes, carbuncles, boils, ulcers andcancer. Scorpio is more effective in extinguishing Wind while Scolopendra is more

effective in clearing Fire Poison. Bombyx Batryticatus eliminates Wind-Heat,

resolves Phlegm and disperses masses. Itis thus indicated for Wind-Heat patternswith symptoms of sore throat, rubella,

redness of the eyes or headache and forsubcutaneous nodules or tuberculosis of the

lymph nodes. Lumbricus clears Heat, soothes asthma,

removes obstruction from the channels andpromotes diuresis. It is thus indicated forasthma with sputum due to Lung Heat,

Febrile Bi syndromes and dysuria andoedema due to retention of Heat in theBladder.

Questions1. Cinnabaris, Semen Biotae and Semen

Ziziphi Spinosae all calm the Mind. In whatdifferent ways do they do this? What otheractions do each of them have?2. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Os Draconis and ConchaOstreae.3. Compare and contrast the actions and

indicationsHaematitum.

of Magnetitum and

Herbs that Suppress Liver Yang and/orExtinguish Liver Wind

CinnabarisMagnetitumOs DraconisSuccinumConcha HaliotidisConcha OstreaeConcha Margaritifera Usta

HaematitumCornu Antelopis

Ramulus Uncaria cum UncisRhizoma Gastrodiae

Fructus TribuliScorpioScolopendra

Bombyx BatryticatusLumbricus

Herbs that Nourish Heart Blood and Yin

Semen Ziziphi SpinosaeSemen Biotae

Herbs that Resolve Phlegm

Radix PolygalaeCortex Albiziae

Bombyx Batryticatus

Herbs that Resolve StagnationCortex AlbiziaeFructus TribuliRadix Polygalae

Fig. 9.1 Herbs that calm the Mind: a comparabletable of actions.

4. Compare and contrast the actions andindications of Rhizoma Gastrodiae andRamulus Uncariae cum Uncis.5. Compare and contrast the actions and

indications of Scorpio, Scolopendra, BombyxBatryticatus and Lumbricus.

39

Tonics

parable

tions andxliae and

rtions anda, Bombyx

10

A. Qi Tonics

RADIX GINSENG, RADIX PANACISQUINQUEFOLII, RADIX CODONOPSISPILOSULAE, RADIXPSEUDOSTELLARIAE AND RADIX

ASTRAGALI SEU HEDYSARI Ren Shen, Xi Yang Shen, Dang Shen, Tai Zi

Shen and Huang Qi

Similarities All tonify Spleen and Lung Qi and are thus

indicated for Spleen Qi Deficiency, Lung QiDeficiency and other patterns of QiDeficiency. By tonifying Qi they alsoproduce Blood and are thus indicated for

Blood Deficiency.

Differences Radix Ginseng strongly tonifies Source

(Yuan) Qi and is used to treat Collapse of Qi.It is the strongest of the Qi tonics and is an

important herb for shock. It also producesBody Fluids, calms the Mind and improvesintelligence and is thus indicated for thirstdue to consumption of Body Fluids, Wastingand Thirsting syndromes, palpitations, poormemory and insomnia. By tonifying Qi italso controls Blood and is thus indicated forhaemorrhagic patterns. Radix Ginseng Rubra (Hong Shen) is warm in

nature, while Radix Ginseng Alba (Bai Shen)is neutral. Radix Ginseng should bedecocted separately from other ingredientsof a prescription by simmering. Radix Panacis Quinquefolii strongly

nourishes Yin. It also clears Fire and is thusindicated for Empty Fire due to Lung andStomach Yin Deficiency. Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae and Radix

Pseudostellariae are similar to RadixGinseng in action but are weaker. They are

indicated for patterns of general Qi

Deficiency. Radix Pseudostellariae is lesseffective in tonifying Qi than RadixCodonopsis Pilosulae, but it is neutral in

nature and also produces Body Fluids and isthus indicated for patterns of combined Qiand Yin Deficiency.Radix Astragali seu Hedysari is similar toRadix Codonopsis Pilosulae in tonifying Qi.It also lifts Yang, promotes diuresis, consolidates the Exterior and promotes thedrainage of pus and tissue regeneration. It isthus indicated for Sinking of Qi and oedemadue to Spleen Deficiency, spontaneoussweating in Deficiency-type Exteriorpatterns, frequent invasion by Externalpathogenic factors due to Qi Deficiency,chronic carbuncles due to Qi and BloodDeficiency, and Fire Poison at a deep level.Its raw form goes to the surface and thus actsto consolidate the Exterior, promote diuresisand the draining of pus and speed tissueregeneration. Its treated form goes to theInterior and thus acts to tonify the MiddleBurner, benefit Qi and lift Yang (Fig. 10.1).

RHIZOMA ATRACTYLODISMACROCEPHALAE, RHIZOMADIOSCOREAE AND SEMENDOLICHORIS

Bai Zhu, Shan Yao and Bian Dou

Similarities All tonify Qi and invigorate the Spleen and

Raw

Consolidates theExteriorPromotes tissue

regeneration

Toasted

Tonifies the MiddleBurnerLifts Yang

Fig. 10.1 Actions of Astragali seu Hedysari.

40 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

are thus indicated !for diarrhoea, loosestools and leucorrhoea due to Spleen Qi

Deficiency.

Differences Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae is dry

in nature. It dries Dampness, promotesdiuresis, stops sweating and preventsmiscarriage. It is indicated for retention offluid and Dampness due to SpleenDeficiency and for spontaneous sweatingand threatened abortion. Both RhizomaAtractylodis and Rhizoma AtractylodisMacrocephalae dry Dampness and invigorate the Spleen, but Rhizoma AtractylodisMacrocephalae is more effective intonifying Qi and invigorating the Spleenwhile Rhizoma Atractylodis is more effective in drying Dampness. The latter alsodisperses External Dampness and Wind-Damp. Rhizoma Dioscoreae is moist in nature and

nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin. It is thusindicated for patterns of Lung and KidneyYin Deficiency such as diabetes. Semen Dolichoris eliminates Summer Heat

and Dampness and is thus indicated fordiarrhoea due to Summer Heat andDampness. It is less effective in tonifying Qiand invigorating the Spleen than RhizomaAtractylodis Macrocephalae and RhizomaDioscoreae.

RADIX GLYCYRRHIZAE, FRUCTUSZIZIPHIJUJUBAE, MEL AND

SACCHARUM GRANORUM Gan Cao, Da Zao, Feng Mi and Yi Tang

Similarities All tonify the Middle Burner and relieve

spasm and are thus indicated for weaknessof the Spleen and Stomach and abdominalpain due to deficiency of the Middle

Burner. Because they can cause fullnessand Dampness in the Middle Burner, theyare contraindicated in cases of stuffinessof the chest and abdominal distensiondue to Stagnation of Qi and excessive

Dampness.

Differences Radix Glycyrrhizae and Fructus Ziziphi

Jujubae both regulate the Middle Burner and

harmonize the ingredients of a prescription.Radix Glycyrrhizae also tonifies Heart Qiand stops cough. Its treated form (Zhi Gan

Cao) tonifies the Middle Burner and benefitsQi; its raw form (Sheng Gan Cao) clears

Fire and Fire Poison. Fructus ZiziphiJujubae tonifies the Spleen and nourishes

Blood. Mel and Saccharum Granorum both moisten

the Lung and stop cough. Mel is more effective in providing moisture; it also moistensthe intestines to relieve constipation.Saccharum Granorum is more effective intonifying the Middle Burner and relievingspasm and is thus often used in the treatment of abdominal pain due to deficiency ofthe Middle Burner.

6. Blood tonics

RADIX ANGELICAE SINENSIS ANDRADIX PAEONIAE ALBA

Dang Gui and Bai Shao

Similarities Both tonify Blood and are thus indicated

for Deficient Blood patterns. They also tonifyQi and relieve pain and are thus indicatedfor abdominal pain due to deficiency ofthe Middle Burner. In addition, theyregulate Blood and stop dysentery and arethus indicated for dysentery with bloodystool.

Differences Radix Angelicae Sinensis activates Blood

circulation, regulates menstruation, relievespain and moistens the intestines. It isindicated for various gynaecologicalpatterns of Blood Deficiency; Blood Stasis,pain due to Qi and Blood Stagnation, anddry constipation. Radix Paeoniae Alba nourishes and

astringes Yin, stops sweating, nourishes andcalms the Liver and relieves spasm. It isindicated for Liver Yin Deficiency, LiverYang Rising, spontaneous sweating, nightsweats, spasmodic pain, hypochondriacpain due to Liver Blood Deficiency andconstraint of Liver Qi.

Tonics 41

icriptkm.rieart Qi(Zhi GanI benefits

o) clearsZiziphilourishes

1 moistenore effec-

moistensstipation.:ective in

relievingthe treat-iciency of

VND

indicatedilso tonify

indicatedciency ofon, theyy and are:h bloody

tes Bloodn, relieves

les. It isecological>od Stasis,ation, and

;hes andrishes and

asm. It isncy, Liver

ing, night>chondriac

iency and

RADIX REHMANNIAE PRAEPARATA,COLLA CORII ASINI AND RADIXPOLYGONI MULTIFLORI

Shu Di, E Jiao and He Shou Wu I

Similarities All tonify Blood and Liver and Kidney Yin

and are thus indicated for patterns of BloodDeficiency and Liver and Kidney YinDeficiency.

Differences Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata is more effec

tive in tonifying Liver and Kidney Yin and isa major herb for tonifying Kidney Yin. Radix Rehmanniae and Radix Rehmanniae

Praeparata both tonify Yin. RadixRehmanniae Praeparata is slightly warm innature and also tonifies Blood. RadixRehmanniae is cold in nature and coolsBlood, stops bleeding, clears heat andpromotes Body Fluids. Colla Corii Asini is an important herb for

Blood tonification. It also nourishes Yin,moistens dryness and stops bleeding and isthus indicated for dryness arising from Lungand Kidney Yin Deficiency and for haemor-rhagic patterns. It is either stir-baked topearls before adding to a decoction or ismelted and administered separately fromother ingredients of a prescription. Radix Polygoni Multiflori in its treated form

tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, while its rawform moistens the intestines, relieves constipation, clears Fire Poison and treats malaria.

C. Yin tonics (Fig. 10.2)

RADIX GLEHNIAE, RADIXADENOPHORAE, RADIXOPHIOPOGONIS, RADIX ASPARAGI,HERBA DENDROBII, RHIZOMAPOLYGONATI ODORATI ANDRHIZOMA POLYGONATI

Bei Sha Shen, Nan Sha Shen, Mai Dong,Tiati Dong, Shi Hu, Yu Zhu and Huang Jing

Similarities All are sweet and cold in nature and nourish

Lung and Stomach Yin and promote BodyFluids. They are thus indicated for Deficient

Lung and Stomach Yin, and consumption ofBody Fluids.

Differences Radix Glehniae is more effective in

nourishing Yin while Radix Adenophoraealso resolves Phlegm. Radix Ophiopogonis nourishes Heart Yin

while Radix Asparagi nourishes Kidney Yin. Herba Dendrobii is more effective in

nourishing Stomach Yin and promotingBody Fluids. It also improves vision andstrengthens tendons and bones and is thusindicated for eye disorders due to LiverDeficiency and for muscular atrophy andmotor impairment due to Kidney Deficiency. Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati and Rhizoma

Polygonati are similar in their action ofnourishing Lung and Stomach Yin, butRhizoma Polygonati Odorati is more effective in nourishing Yin while RhizomaPolygonati also benefits Qi and invigoratesthe Spleen. At present Rhizoma PolygonatiOdorati is used similarly to RadixOphiogonis in the treatment of cardiac insuf

ficiency with symptoms of Heart YinDeficiency.

Radix Glehniae

Radix Adenophorae

Radix OphiopogonisRadix Asparagi

Herba DendrobiiRhizoma Polygonati OdoratJ

Rhizoma PolygonatiFructus Comi

z>-oz_l

12>-I-ccLU

Zi

-

LU

9

Fructus Lyeii

Fructus Lkjustri Lucidi

Herba Ecliptae

Plastrum Testudinis

Carapax Trionycis

Fig. 10.2 Yin tonics.

42 Part 1: Actions and indications of some common Chinese herbs

FRUCTUS CORNI, FRUCTUS LYCII,FRUCTUS LIGUSTRI LUCIDI AND

HERBA ECLIPTAE Shan Zhu Yu, Gou Qi Zi, Nu Zhen Zi and

Mo Han Liati

Similarities All nourish Liver and Kidney Yin and are

thus indicated for patterns of Deficient Liverand Kidney Yin.

Differences Fructus Corni strongly nourishes Liver and

Kidney Yin, but especially Liver Yin. It is animportant astringent herb and is indicated

for spermatorrhoea, nocturnal enuresis,spontaneous sweating, night sweats andshock due to excessive sweating. Fructus Lycii nourishes the Liver and

improves vision. It is an important herb foreye disorders due to Liver Blood and YinDeficiency. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Herba Ecliptae

both have a slow action in nourishing Liverand Kidney Yin. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi is

more effective in nourishing the Liver andKidney while Herba Ecliptae also coolsBlood and stops bleeding.

FLASTRUMTESTUDINISANDCARAPAX TRIONYCIS

Gui Ban and Bie }ia

Similarities Both nourish Yin, clear Empty Heat and

suppress hyperactive Yang and are thusindicated for tidal fever due to Liver andKidney Yin Deficiency, dizziness andblurring of vision due to Yin Deficiency and

hyperactive Yang, tremor due to Liver Wind,and a deep red tongue.

Differences Plastrum Testudinis strongly nourishes

Kidney Yin. It strengthens bones, consolidates the Chong and Ren channels and stopsbleeding and is thus indicated for atrophic

debility of bones due to Kidney Deficiency,delayed closure of fontanelles, chondro-

pathy and uterine bleeding due to weaknessof the Chong and Ren channels. Carapax Trionycis is more effective than

Plastrum Testudinis in clearing Empty Heat.It also softens hard masses and is thusindicated for palpable abdominal masses,and malaria with splenomegaly.

D. Yang tonics

CORNU CERVI PANTOTRICHUM,CORNU CERVI AND COLLA CORNUSCERVI

Lu Rong, Lu Jiao and Lu Jiao Jiao

Similarities All tonify Kidney Yang, invigorate Yang,

benefit Essence CJing) and Blood andstrengthen tendons and bones. They are

indicated for Kidney Yang Deficiency,impotence, infertility, sore and weak backand knees, osteoporosis, muscular weaknessand atrophy and Deficiency of KidneyEssence with resulting Blood Deficiency.

Differences Of the three, Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum has

the strongest action and is often administered in the form of pills or powder. CornuCervi also has a strong action; it activates

Blood circulation and reduces swelling andis indicated for Yin jaundice and swellingdue to Stagnation of Blood. Colla Cornus Cervi is similar to Cornu Cervi

and is more effective in nourishing Essenceand Blood. It also stops bleeding and is thusindicated for haemorrhagic patterns due to

Deficiency and Cold.

RADIX MORINDAE OFFICINALIS,HERBA CISTANCHIS AND HERBA

CYNOMORII Ba ]i Tian, Rou Cong Rong and Suo Yang

Similarities All tonify Kidney Yang and are indicated for

impotence and premature ejaculation due toKidney Yang Deficiency and for infertilitydue to retention of Cold in the uterus.

Differences Radix Morindae Officinalis tonifies Yang,

strengthens tendons and bones and elimi-

Tomes 43

pty Heat,is thusmasses,

RNUS

ate Yang,ood and

They are)eficiency,'eak back

weaknesst Kidneyiency.

chum hasadminis-ler. Comu

: activateselling andI swelling

irnu Cerviig Essence

nd is thusns due to

US,

o Yang

iicated forion due to

infertilityrus.

ifies Yang,and elimi

nates Wind-Damp. It is thus indicated forchronic Wind-Damp Bi syndromes, osteo

porosis and muscular weakness andatrophy. . Herba Cistanchis and Herba Cynomorii also

moisten the intestines and are thus indicatedfor dry constipation complicated withKidney Yang Deficiency.

RHIZOMA CURCULIGINIS ANDHERBA EPIMEDII

Xian Mao and Yin Yang Huo

Similarities Both warm the Kidneys, invigorate Yang,

eliminate Cold-Damp and strengthentendons and bones. They are indicated for

impotence, infertility and urinary frequencydue to Kidney Yang Deficiency and forchronic Cold-Damp Bi syndromes and weaktendons and bones.

Differences Rhizoma Curculiginis is warm and dry in

nature and has a strong action in eliminatingCold-Damp. Herba Epimedii strongly tonifies Yang. It

also lowers blood pressure and treatsDeficiency-type asthma.

PENIET TESTES CALLORHINI ANDHIPPOCAMPUS

Hai Gou Shen and Hai Ma

Similarities Both tonify the Kidneys and invigorate Yang

and are indicated for impotence and lack oflibido.

Differences Hippocampus also activates Blood circula

tion and resolves Blood Stasis and is thusindicated for palpable abdominal masses.

CORTEX EUCOMMIAE, RADIX DIPSACIAND RHIZOMA DRYNARIAE Du Zhong, Xu Duan and Gu Sui Bu

Similarities All tonify the Liver and Kidneys and

strengthen the tendons and bones. They are

thus indicated for chronic Wind-Damp Bisyndromes, osteoporosis, muscular

weakness and atrophy, and lumbago due toKidney Deficiency.

Differences Cortex Eucommiae tonifies the Kidneys,

prevents miscarriage and lowers bloodpressure. It is thus indicated for threatenedabortion or hypertension due to KidneyDeficiency. Radix Dipsaci is similar to Cortex

Eucommiae but is more effective in treatinginjury to the tendons and bones. It also stopsbleeding and is thus indicated for uterinebleeding or threatened abortion withbleeding. Rhizoma Drynariae is similar to Radix

Dipsaci in treating injury to the tendons andbones, and similar to Fructus Psoraleae in

tonifying the Kidneys and strengthening thelumbar region.

FRUCTUS PSORALEAE AND FRUCTUSALPINIAE OXYPHYLLAE Bu Gu Zhi and Yi Zhi Ren

Similarities Both tonify the Kidneys, invigorate Yang,

warm the Spleen and stop diarrhoea. Theyare indicated for diarrhoea due to Spleenand Kidney Yang Deficiency.

Differences Fructus Psoraleae is more effective in

wanning the Kidneys. It also tonifies theKidneys and invigorates Yang, assists reception of Qi to relieve asthma and strengthens

the lumbar region. Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae is more effec

tive in warming the Spleen and astringingdischarges and is thus indicated fordiarrhoea due to Spleen Deficiency and forexcessive salivation and nocturnal enuresis.

GECKO, CORDYCEPS AND SEMENJUGLANDIS Ge Jie, Dong Chong Xia Cao and Hu Tao

Rou

Similarities All tonify the Kidneys and benefit the Lungs

44 PI 'C

Radix Ginseng*-^

Radix Panads Quinquefol~

Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae i

Radix Pseudostellariae

Radix Astragali seu Hedysari :Rhizoma Atractytodis MacrocephalaeiRhizom