lesson 3: herbs that clear heat · • with ce bai ye (cacumen siotae orientalis) and sheng di...

Traditional Chinese Materia Medica Lesson 3: Herbs that clear heat

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The Wild Rose College of Natural Healing,

Terry Willard Ph.D Cl.H, Melonie Jensen R.Ac TCMD & Tiffany Freeman R.Ac TCMD Cl.H ©2011

!"

LESSON 3: Herbs that Clear Heat

Herbs that clear heat are cold or cool in nature and often have a bitter

flavour. When we discuss herbs that clear heat we are referring to their

actions at the interior of the body, versus lesson 2 herbs that release

exterior heat - they are acting on the exterior of the body. Heat may be

internally generated (from organ dysfunction, improper diet, emotional

disturbance, external heat and cold moving internally, etc.) or due to an

external attack. Herbs that clear heat are divided into 5 categories, they

are:

1. Clear heat and drain fire

2. Clear heat and cool blood

3. Clear heat and dry damp

4. Clear heat and relieve toxicity

5. Clear summer heat

Herbs that clear heat and drain fire

These herbs are cold in nature, and have a strong tendency to move

downward, hence their draining action. Fire is an extreme of heat and

moves upward and outward. This movement settles in the yang part of the

body superficially and upper body. Fire gives rise to symptoms of high

fever, irritability, mania and delirium, dry mouth, dry throat and eyes,

severe headaches, burning pain, burning urination, deeply red complexion

and excessive sweating. These herbs are considered antibiotic, anti-

inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipyretic.

Herbs discussed in this section are:

- Shi Gao, Gypsum/Calcium Sulphate

- Zhi Zi, Gardenia jasminoidis

Herbs that cool blood

In the 4 levels (wei, qi, ying and blood) of disease diagnosis, these herbs

act on the heat that has penetrated to the blood level. This is the deepest

level and includes heat that affects the organs. The result of this deeply

rooted heat is erratic movement of blood that tends to escape the vessels

and cause bleeding form the orifices, excessive menstruation, blood in the


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

urine and stools. Other signs of blood heat include a reddish purple

tongue, night sweats, afternoon fever and delirium, as well rashes and

other hot and red skin ulcers and disorders. Infectious diseases that are

not resolved at the exterior move internally and enter the blood level. In

these cases blood cooling herbs reduce the heat and consolidate the

vessels to contain the blood, they also promote coagulation.

The herbs we will discuss in this section are:

- Mu Dan Pi, Paeonia suffruticosa

- Xuan Shen, Scrophularia ningpoensis

Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness

Damp-heat is obviously, dampness in combination with heat. Signs and

symptoms include the presentation of heat (redness, fever, etc.) with the

concurrent signs of dampness: presence of phlegm that is yellow, a thick

greasy tongue coating, and includes disorders such as jaundice, eczema

that is suppurative and red, sores, ulcers and carbuncles containing yellow

purulent pus. The herbs discussed here are more specifically antimicrobial,

anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

These herbs will include:

- Huang Lian, Rhizoma Coptidis

- Huang Qin, Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis

- Long Dan Cao, Radix Gentianae

*Caution must be used with these herbs - due to the presence of damp we

can infer there is likelihood of a spleen deficiency and the cold nature of

the herbs will further injure the spleen, creating more dampness.

Herbs that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity

This section is an extension of damp-heat; toxicity refers to bacterial and

viral presence. The herbs used in this section have been found to have

antiviral and antimicrobial effects. They address signs and symptoms with

severe heat and swelling, fever, etc. This group of herbs is indicated for

abscesses, infections that become systemic, and a large gamut of

disorders involving infection, such as mastitis, appendicitis, encephalitis,

etc.

Herbs to be examined here are:

- Jin Yin Hua, Lonicera japonica

- Lian Qiao, Forsythia suspense


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

Herbs that Relieve Summerheat

This final category of herbs refers to the seasonal affliction of summerheat,

characterized by intense fever, sweating, irritability, diarrhea and thirst.

This group of herbs is diuretic and antipyretic as well as generates fluids

and relieves thirst.

In this section we will limit our discussion to:

- Lu Dou, Phaseolus radiatus/mungo


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

Shi gao Gypsum fibrosum Family: Mineral

石高

Other names: Calcium Sulfate, stone paste, crystalline

gypsum, sekko (japanese), seokgo (korean)

Description: White and fibrous crystals

Part used: crystals

Habitat, ecology and distribution: through out China

History: Divine Husbandman's Classic of Materia Medica

Constituents: Calcium Sulfate

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: sweet, pungent and extremely cold,

entering the lung, kidney and stomach meridians

Actions and Indications: antipyretic, sedative, antiphlogistic, astringent1

Medical Research:

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: Contraindicated when there is deficiency of

the stomach, spleen or yang deficiency, as well as cold. Long time use blocks calcium

absorption and decreases functions of the glands.

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat, especially of the stomach, and drains fire. Shi gao clears heat by moving

the heat and fire to the surface to be resolved, Clears heat at qi level

• Indicated for lung heat presenting as cough and wheezing with thick yellow sputum

• Stomach heat with symptoms of: headache, red painful swollen gums, thirst and

restlessness

• Used topically for burns, eczema and ulcerated sores. 23

Pharmacy and dosage: 9-30 g for internal dosage, up to 90g for severe fever or

external application


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

Major Combinations:

• With zhi mu (Rhizome Anemarrhenae asphodeloidis) for high fever associated with

yang ming stage and qi level heat, irritability and strong thirst

• With ma huang (Ephedra sinica) for cough and nasal flaring due to obstruction of

externalIy contracted heat

• With xi xin (Herba cum Radice Asari) for toothache and swollen gums

• With dan zhu ye (Herba Lophatheri Gracilis) for lingering fever from sequelae of febrile

disease

• With shu di huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Conquitae) for yin deficiency thirst

• With xi jiao (Cornu Rhinoceri) for dampheat presenting with high fever, loss of

consciousness, nosebleed and rash * for reference only, not used (endangered)

• With huang bai (Cortex Phellodendri) topically for burns and eczema4

REFERENCES 1http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.eduicore9/phalsalllstudpages/friedberg/shigaocap.htm

2 Macciocia, Giovanni; The Practice of Chinese Medicine; Churchill Livingstone, 1997, p804

3 Bensky, D. and Gamble, A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle, 1993,

p56 4 Bensky, D. and Gamble, A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle,

1993, p56

Image: www.unet.univie.ac.at


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

Zhi zi Fructus Gardeniae jasminoidis Family: Rubiaceae

執字

Other names: Shan zhi zi, shan zhi, cape jasmine fruit,

gardenia

Plant description: Prolate-ovoid or ellipsoid, 1.5-3.5 cm

long, 1-1.5 cm in diameter. The outer surface reddish-

yellow or brownish-red, with 6 longitudinal winged ribs and

a conspicuous longitudinal and branched vein between two ribs. Summit bearing

remains of sepals, base somewhat tapering and having a remain of fruit stalk. Pericarp

thin and brittle, somewhat lustrous; the inner surface relatively pale in colour, lustrous,

with 2-3 raised false septa. Seeds numerous, flattened dovoid, aggregated into a mass,

deep red or reddish-yellow, with fine and dense

warts on the surface.1

Part used: Fruit and seedpod

Habitat, ecology and distribution: found in the provinces of Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei,

Zhejiang, Fujian, this herbs is harvested in September thru to November when the fruit

and skin turn reddish yellow


Constituents: gardenin, crocin, crocetin, D-mannitol, sitosterol, gardenoside,

geniposide, genipin-1-glucoside, genepin-1-B-D-gentiobioside, shanzhiside

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: bitter and cold, entering the heart,

liver, lung, stomach and triple burner meridians

Actions and Indications: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, increases bile production,

mild sedative, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial and increases circulation

Medical Research:

Intravenous administration to rabbits showed increase in bile production for up to 1

hour, however the same solution orally had no effect on bile production

• Oral administration to humans showed gallbladder contraction for 20-40 minutes after

ingestion

• Oral administration to rabbits with biliary ligation showed reduced bilirubin levels

• In combination with Chinese wormwood, this herb increases liver cell regeneration.

This herb has also been shown to increase bile secretion.2


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: contraindicated in cases of spleen

deficiency diarrhea and loss of appetite

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat and reduces irritability, effective for heat and fire that rises to the head

causing headache, insomnia, mania and restlessness

• Drains damp-heat, cools blood and stops bleeding

• Reduces swelling and hematomas, apply as a poultice mixed with egg white and

vinegar. 3

Pharmacy and dosage: 3-12g, partially charring will help to stop bleeding, crushing

and dry frying will decease this herb's tendency to cause diarrhea

Major Combinations:

• With dan dou chi (Semen Sojae Praeparatum) for deficiency yin heat causing

insomnia and irritability

• With hua shi (Talcum) for painful urination due to damp-heat in the lower burner

• With yin chen hao (Herba Artemisia Yinchenhao) and da huang (Radix et Rhizoma

Rhei) for damp-heat jaundice

• With mu dan pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) to treat dysmenorrhea, headache, dry

scratchy eyes and intercostal pain

• With ce bai ye (Cacumen Siotae Orientalis) and sheng di huang (Radix Rehmanniae

Glutinosa) for bleeding (vomiting blood, nosebleed, blood in urine and stools) due to

heat

REFERENCES

I http://www.herbasin.comldatabaselzhizi.htm

2 http://www.thewolfec\inic.comlliver.html


pS8

Image: www.plumdragonherbs.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

Mu dan pi Peonia suffruticosa Family: Ranunculaceae

畝蛋皮

Other names: dan pi, fen dan pi, cortex of tree

peony root, moutan

Plant description: Quilled or semi-quilled,

longitudinally fissured, somewhat involute or

opened, 5-20 cm long, 5-12 mm in diameter, 1-4 mm

thick. Outer surface greyish-brown or yellowish-

brown, showing numerous transverse lenticels and rootlet scars, the exposed surface

where cork fallen off appearing pink; inner surface pale greyish-yellow or pale brown,

with obvious fine longitudinal striations, usually showing bright crystals. Texture hard

and fragile, easily broken, fractures relatively even, mealy, pale pink.

Part used: stem and branch

Habitat, ecology and distribution: through out China, especially An Hui, also found in

Henan, Shaanxi, Shandong, Gansu and Guizhou

History: Pouch of Pearls, 1186 CE

Constituents: paeonol, paeonoside, paeonolide, paeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin,

campesterol

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: pungent, bitter, and cool; mu dan pi

enters the heart, liver and kidney meridians

Actions and Indications: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, antihypertensive,

analgesic, sedative

Medical Research:

• In vitro inhibitory effect against various bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus

subtilis and Salmonella typhi)

• Intravenous injection lowered blood pressure in anesthetized dogs, cats and rats

(orally had similar effects, though more gradual)

• Paeonol decreased edema in the feet of rats as well as deceasing permeability of

capillaries

• In an experiment with 20 hypertensive patients given mu dan pi, with in 33 days all

diastolic readings had dropped 10-20 mm Hg. and accompanying symptoms had

decreased

• Decreased temperature of normal mice and those with artificially induced fevers


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"

• Had a tranquilizing, hypnotic and analgesic effect when given intraperitoneally or

orally.

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: when there is a yin deficiency with night

sweats, in cold disorders and during pregnancy.

Mu dan pi counteracts Tu si zi (Semen Cuscutal Chinesis), Bei mu (Bulbus Fritillariae),

and Da huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), and avoid when using garlic.

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat and cools blood (heat at blood level causing bleeding and excessive

menstruation)

• Clears deficiency heat

• Invigorates blood and dispels stasis (especially in amenorrhea due to liver blood

stasis

• Clears liver fire (especially for headaches and eye pain)

• Drains pus and decreases swelling - topically or internally

Pharmacy and dosage: 6-12g, raw to cool blood, dry fry to invigorate blood, charred to

stop bleeding 0

Major Combinations:

• With Chi shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubrae) for heat at blood level or deficiency heat

causing dysmenorrhea

• Bai mao gen (Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae) due to heat caused bleeding

• Qing hao (Herba Artemisiae Annuae) for yin deficiency - bone steaming fever

• With Tao ren (Semen Persicae) for blood stasis due to traumatic injury

• With Gui zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae) for chest and abdominal pain due to

blood stasis obstruction of the meridians

• With Da huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) for unsupperated intestinal abscesses

causing abdominal pain, constipation and low grade fever

• Ju hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii) for liver fire rising and causing dizziness and red

burning eyes

REFERENCES 1. http://www.herbasin.com/database/mudanpi.htm

2. Bensky, D and Gamble. A, Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, Eastland press, Seattle,1993; p70-71

3. http://alternativehealing.org/dan_pi.htm Image: www.scarfamilyditdajow.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Xuan shen Scrophularia ningpoensis Family: Scrophulariaceae

玄參

Other names: yuan shen, hei shen, hei xuan shen,

ningpo, figwort root, scrophularia

Plant description: Scrophularia is a coarse erect

perennial with thick, sharply square, fleshy stems.

Growing up to 150cm tall, it arises from a knotted

horizontal rootstock. The leaves are opposite, short-

stemmed ovate at base, lanceolate near the top, with toothed margins. The flowers are

in loose cymes in pyramidal or oblong panicles; each flower is globular, five green

sepals encircling a green or purple flower, giving way to an egg-shaped seed capsule. It

grows in moist and cultivated waste ground, in woodlands and copses throughout the

northern hemisphere except western North America. Good quality is thick and hard with

thin skin and black colour.

Part used: root

Habitat, ecology and distribution: Mainly in zhe jiang province, but also in Hu Bei,

Jiang Su, Jiang Xi and Sichuan. The root is harvested in winter.


Constituents: 1-asparagine, oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid and carotene

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: Salty, sweet and bitter are this herb's

tastes, its nature is cold and it enters the kidney, lung and stomach meridians.

Actions and Indications: antimicrobial, vasodilator, antibacterial, anti- inflammatory,

sedative, antipyretic, diuretic and anodyne.

Medical Research: Xuan shen is shown to have a strong in vitro inhibitory effect

against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also effective for renal hypertension. Several studies

of formulas containing xuan shen have shown positive results for the oral glucose

tolerance test (implies improvement for diabetes mellitus) and decreased blood glucose

levels.

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: Use cautiously for spleen and stomach

dampness, or diarrhea due to spleen deficiency. This herb may be antagonistic to

huang qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei), Gan Jiang (Rhizoma lingiberis Officinalis), Da

Zao (Fructus lizyphi Jujubae), Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis) and is considered


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!!"

incompatible with Li Lu (Rhizoma et Radix Veratri). Li Lu, Ku Shen and Xuan Shen may

trigger irregular heart rate.

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat and cools blood (heat signs at blood level)

• Nourishes yin (due to depletion of fluids from febrile disease)

• Drains fire and relieves toxicity (causing sore, swollen throat, red irritated eyes)

• Softens masses and dissipates nodules (toxic fire build up that causes masses and

nodules in the neck)

Pharmacy and dosage: 9-30g. Dry frying in salt increases this herbs ability to nourish

yin.

Major Combinations:

• With Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) for red purulent rashes

• With Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii Lappae) and Lie geng (Platycodi Grandiflori) for

painful and swollen throat and for purpuric rashes

• With Mu Li (Concha Ostreae) and Zhi Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii) for

scrofula, goiter and other phlegm nodules

• With Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae ]aponicae) and Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinesis)

for recalcitrant ulcerated sores due to toxicity and blood stagnation

REFERENCES 1. Benski D. and Gamble A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle W A;

1993, P69-70

2. httr://alternativehcali11l.!.org/xuall shen.htm

3. http://www.blucroppy.com/press/downJoadiarticlcsidiaqucII syndrome x.cfrn

4. http://www.chincserncdicaJdiabetes.com/articles!articles/m1icleigt.html

5. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/figwort.htm

Image www.picsaweb.google.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Huang lian Coptis chinensis Family: Ranunculaceae

!"

Other names: chuan lian, wei lian, ya lian, yun

lian, goldenthread, cankerroot

Plant description: Dainty, half-inch white

blossoms adorn this delicate little wildflower of

cool, moist woodlands. The glossy, evergreen

leaves form a low mat, with long, thread-like,

yellow rootlets, attached to a slender, terete

rhizome, mixed with trifoliate leaves. The underground stem resembles a golden yellow

thread and reportedly has been chewed as a remedy for mouth sores. Good quality is

thick, strong and solid with many interconnections. The cross section should be reddish

yellow (C. chinensis) or yellow (C.deltoidea).

Part used: rhizome

Habitat, ecology and distribution: Sichuan (C. chinensis, C. deltoidea, C. omeiensis),

hubei, shaanxi, Ganxu, Yunnan (C. teetoides). Harvested from October to November.


Constituents: berberine C20H17N03, coptisine C19H15NO5, worenine C21H15N04,

palmatine C21H25N05, columbamine, obacunone, obaculactone, palmatine,

jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, ferulic acid.

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: bitter and cold, entering the heart,

large intestine, liver and stomach meridians.

Actions and Indications: antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory,

vasodilator, anticancer

Medical Research:

• Antimicrobial effects were observed in vitro against Streptococcus pheumoniae,

Neisseria meningitides, and Staphylococcus aureas, and inhibit the bacteria that

cause dysentery, especially Shigella dysenteriae and S. flexneri. Berberine is the

constituent considered to be antimicrobial, proving effective against streptomycin and

chloramphenicol resistant bacteria. It is considered more effective than sulfa drugs, but

less effective than streptomycin and chloramphenicol.

• Berberine has shown an in vitro inhibitory effect against pathogenic fungi, such as

Leptosplra.


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

• Huang lian is effective against various influenza viruses and the Newcastle virus. In

vitro studies showed Huang lian to be more effective than streptomycin and

chloramphenicol against Hemophilus pertussis; however a test done on guinea pigs

given oral Huang lian showed no morbidity of Hemophilus p.

• Huang lian and berberine have proven effective for bacillary dysentery and typhoid

fever.

• Huang lian given to patients with pulmonary tuberculosis showed 30 of the 30 patients

had improvement of symptoms after a 3 month course of treatment and 83.3% had no

sputum.

• For scarlet fever a 10% solution of huang lian was given to 44 patients, all were

recovered and the solution was as effective as penicillin or a combination of penicillin

and a sulfa drug.

• It successfully treated diphtheria; subduing the fever in 1-3 days. It reduces the

incidence of infection when applied as anointment to first and second degree burns.

• It lowered the blood pressure of cats, dogs and rats when given orally and injected,

decrease in blood pressure was attributed to the vasodilator effect of berberine. It had

an anti-adrenaline effect that was short lived and it counteracts the arrhythmic of

adrenaline and other compounds.

• Berberine stimulated smooth muscle contraction in the organ specimens and intact

organs of the uterus, bladder and bronchioles.

• Berberine stimulates bile production and reduces its viscosity, making it effective for

chronic cholecystitis.

• When given to rats orally and intramuscularly berberine lowers serum cholesterol, in

rabbits on a high cholesterol diet or given a thyroidectomy it normalizes

cholesterol/phosphate ratio and lowers serum triglycerides; rats

• In small doses berberine stimulates the cerebral cortex and in large doses is inhibitory.

• An ethanol extraction of huang lian showed anti-inflammatory effects, when given

locally it reduces granulomas induced by cotton oil in rats.

• 15/18 cases of ulcerative colitis were cured (improvement of symptomology and repeat

endoscopy) with a course of treatment involving local administration of preparations of

huang lian.

• In one study a 10% solution of huang lian and huang bai (Cortex Phellondendri)

applied repeated with increasing pressure over anal fissures showed very good

success. The studied involved 20 cases, bleeding stopped and itching decreased in 1-

2 treatments and in 2-5 treatments the fissures had completely healed.

• In 49 cases of Trichomonas infections of the vagina, a 20% solution of huang lian

applied locally was 95% curative.

• 5-10% solution of huang lian was effective for conjunctivitis and superficial keratitis

• Local and oral administration of huang lian was effective in the treatment of exudative

erythema multiforme, and as ear drops for supperative otitis media.

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: up to 2g berberine and 100g huang lian,

separately, have been taken orally with no side effects. Huang lian is contraindicated

when there is a yin deficiency, stomach cold from deficiency and diarrhea due to spleen


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

or kidney deficiency. Long term use will injure the spleen and stomach. This herb is

antagonistic with ju hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Moriflorii), bai xian pi (Cortex dictamni

dasycarpi Radicis), xuan shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis) and jiang can

(Bonbyx Batryticatus - silk worm). It counteracts the effects of kuan dong jua (Flos

Tussilagi Farfarae) and niu xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae). Some say it should not be

taken with pork.

Medicinal uses:

• Drains fire and relieves toxicity for excess heat causing delirium, high fever, irritability,

red tongue and a rapid and full pulse, as well as sore throat, boils, carbuncles and

abscesses.

• Clears heat and drains dampness of the stomach and intestines, as with diarrhea,

dysentery and vomiting or acid regurgitation.

• Clears heart fire causing insomnia and irritability

• Clears heat and stops bleeding

• Clears heat topically for red irritated eyes and mouth sores.

Pharmacy and dosage: 1.5-9g, dry fried to increase the herbs cold properties, with

ginger juice to ease vomiting and diarrhea, and frying with evodia will help to treat damp

heat diarrhea, vomiting and belching at the qi level.

Major Combinations:

• With huang qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) and zhi zi (Fructus Gardeniae

]asminiodis) for toxic fire in the triple burners

• With sheng di huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae) for heat at the nutritive level

• With mu xiang (Radix Aucklandiae Lappae) for hot dysenteric disorders

• With wu zhu yu (Fructus Evodia Rutaecarpae) for fire of the liver assaulting the

stomache.

• With rou gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae) to re-establish communication between the

heart and kidneys.

• With xi xin (Herb cum Radice Asari) and shi gao (gypsum) for stomach fire causing

toothache, mouth ulcers and painful, bleeding gums. REFERENCES

1. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle, 1993; p

77-78.

2. http://www.health-dictionarv.com/cancer term details/Huang Lian

3. 3. http://alternativehealing.org/huanglian.htm

4. http://www.tripplebrookfarm.com/iplants/Coptis.html

5. http://www.ibibl io.org/herbmed/ec lectic/sayrc/coptis. lltm I

6. http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/berb.html Image: www.tcm.health_info.org


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Huang qin Scutellaria baicalensis Family: Labiatae

黄芩

Other names: tiao qin, ku qin, pian qin, nen qin, dan

qin, baical skullcap root, scutellaria, scute root

Plant description: Good quality is long, thick, solid,

yellow and with out a cortex.

Part used: root

Habitat, ecology and distribution: Huang qin is found in the provinces of Hubei,

Shanxi, Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin. Baical skullcap thrives on sunny

grassy slopes and in open areas between 350 ft. (100 m) and 8,000 ft. (2,000 m) above

sea level. Baical skullcap is propagated from seed sown in autumn and the root of 3- to

4-year-old plants is harvested in autumn or spring.1

History: First appeared in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of Materia Medica.

Constituents: baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, neobaicalein, oroxylin

aglucuronide, camphesterol, betasitosterol and benzoic acid

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: bitter and cold, entering the

gallbladder, large intestine, lung and stomach meridians

Actions and Indications: anti-allergic, bronchodilator, antibiotic, antimicrobial,

antipyretic, antihypertensive, diuretic, increases bile production and reduces cholesterol

Medical Research:

• Baicalein showed and inhibitory affect on the skin reaction of guinea pigs to passive

allergic and histamine tests. Baicalein and baicalin also showed bronchiole dilation in

guinea pigs with allergic asthma. Both substances also showed inhibition of

angioedema and reduced capillary permeability in mice. Baicalin prevented pulmonary

edema in mice subjected to extremely low pressure.

• In vitro inhibitory effect against: Staphylococcus aureaus, Corynebacterium

diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria

meningitides and many dermatomycoses, and showed the ability to kill Leptospira.

Tests involving Mycobacterium tuberculosis have shown mixed results.

• When Huang qin was given to 100 patients with Bacillary dysentery the mean

recovery times were 2.5 days until resolution of symptoms, 3.3 days until normal

examination of stool and 4.3 days until negative stool cultures.

• Dating back to 1935, there is evidence huang qin had an antipyretic effect, though

studies since have been inconclusive, perhaps due to varying botanical specimens.


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

• Decoctions, tinctures, infusions and both alcohol and water extractions lowered blood

pressure of dogs, cats and rabbits.

• It showed a diuretic effect in dogs and humans.

• A 1:1:1 ratio of huang lian, huang qin and da huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) lowered

cholesterol of rabbits given a 7 week high cholesterol diet, as well as those with a

thyroidectomy.

• There was in increase in bile flow of rabbits and dogs when given decoction or alcohol

extraction of huang qin.

• Tinctures and decoctions of huang qin inhibited intestinal movement, and the effect of

pilocarpine.

• Baicalin reduced movement and reflexes of mice in a dosage related manner.2

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: contraindicated for yin deficiency heat, any

type of cold in the middle burner and restless fetus due to cold in the blood.

Huang qin is thought to counteract mu dan pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) and Ii lu

(Rhizoma et Radix Veratri)

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat and drains fire, especially excess heat in the upper burner, it may be

applied topically or orally for sores of the mouth and nose

• Clears heat and dries dampness, mainly of the stomach and intestines. It may be

used as an assistant herb when treating jaundice

• Clears heat and stops bleeding, in particular of the upper and lower burners (blood in

vomit, cough, stools and urine)

• Clears heat and calms the fetus, when the fetus is restless due to heat

• Sedates excessive liver yang that is rising

Pharmacy and dosage: 6-15g, dry frying will reduce its cooling properties and helps it

enter the blood level (use this when it is meant to move to the lower burner or to calm

restless fetus), wine frying makes it more ascending for the upper burner, and charring

helps its ability to stop bleeding.

Major Combinations:

• With huang lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) for excess heat

• With fang feng (Radix Ledebouriellae) for intestinal wind with blood in stools

• For damp-heat dysentery use with bai shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), add zhi zi

(Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis), yin chen hao (Herba Artemisiae Yinchenhao) and

Huang bai (Cortex Phellodendri) for damp-heat jaundice, when there is nosebleed and

vomiting blood add mu dan pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) and da huang (Radix et

Rhizoma Rhei)


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

• With zhi mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis) for lung heat cough

• With bai mao gen (Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae) and sheng di huang (Radix

Rhemanniae Glutinosae) for blood heat causing bleeding

• With bai zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) and dang gui (Radix Angelicae

Sinensis) for restless fetus - due to heat

• With xia ku cao (Sica Prunellae Vulgaris) for liver fire causing dizziness and

headache, add mu Ii (Concha Ostreae) for scrophula (accumulations due to heat)3

REFERENCES 1 http://ww\\.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbsbaicalskullcap.htm#baical skullcap research

2 Bensky, D. and Gamble, A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle, 1993; p

75-77


75-77 Image www.ironpalm.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Long dan cao Gentiana scabra Family: Gentianaceae

!"#

Other names: long dan, cao long dan, dan cao, ku

dan, ling you, guan yin, Chinese gentian root,

gentiana

Plant description: Rhizome vertically grown,

irregular masses, 1-3 cm long, 0.3- 1.0 cm in

diameter; stem base and scar remained at the

upper end, numerous slender roots growing around

the lower parts; annular wrinkles appearing on the upper part and longitudinal wrinkles

on the lower part. Good quality is long, thick, Intact and yellow or brownish yellow.

Part used: root

Habitat, ecology and distribution: G. scabra found mainly in NE China; G. triflom

found mainly in NE China and Inner Mongolia; G. manshurica found in NE and E China;

G. regescens found in Yunnan.

History: first appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of Materia Medica

Constituents: gentianine, gentiopicrin, gentianose

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: bitter and cold entering the liver,

gallbladder and stomach meridians

Actions and Indications: antibiotic, cholagogue, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,

antispasmodic, hepatobiliary sedative, anti-inflammatory, laxative 2,3

Medical Research:

• Small doses 1/2 hour before meals increases gastric juices, while taken after meals

reduced gastric juices, effects were noticed only when taken orally and not

sublingually or intravenously

• In vitro inhibitory effect against many bacteria

• 23 cases of encephalitis B (11 severe, 6 moderate, 6 mild) were treated with a

preparation of long dan cao in addition to normal western protocol, 15 had normal

temperatures in 3 days, and only 1 had sequelae 4

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: contraindicated in cases of spleen and

stomach deficiency


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Medicinal uses:

• Drains damp heat from liver and gallbladder meridians, especially at the sinuses and

lower burner

• Drains and pacifies excessive liver fire, and extinguishes excess liver wind

Pharmacy and dosage: 3-9g

Major Combinations:

• With chai hu (Radix Bupleuri) and huang qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) for liver

fire and liver fire due to liver qi stagnation

• With yin chen hao (Herba Artemisiae Yinchenhao) and zhi zi (Fructus Gardeniae

Jasminoidis) for jaundice

• With ku shen (Radix Sophorae Flvescentis), huang bai (Cortex Phellodendri) and che

qian zi (Semen Plantaginis) for wind damp heat of the liver and gallbladder meridians,

symptoms of eczema or vaginal itching and discharge

REFERENCES

1 http://alternativehealing.orgllong_dan_cao.htm

2 http://www.holistic-online.com!Herbal-Medl_Herbs/h355.htm

3 http://www.lstchineseherbs.comigentian _chinese _ root.html


82

Image www.plumdragonherbs.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Jin Yin Hua Lonicera japonica Family: Caprifoliaceae

金!花

Other names: yin hua, ren dong hua, shuang hua, er

hua, er bao hua, honey suckle flower, lonicera

Plant description: Good quality has many big, soft, pale

yellow buds, and is aromatic.

Part used: flower

Habitat, ecology and distribution: grown through out China, especially in the

provinces of Shandong and Henan. It is harvested before the flowers bloom in may.

History: Tang Materia Medica (tang ben cao), also known as Newly Revised Materia

Medica (xin xiu ben cao), 659 (Tang Dynasty) 1

Constituents: luteolin, inositol, tannin

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: sweet and cold, entering the large

intestine, lung and stomach meridians

Actions and Indications: Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-microbial2

Medical Research:

• Jin yin hua shows a strong in vitro inhibitory effect against Salmonella Typhi,

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pneumoniae

• In vitro inhibitory effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

• Reduced serum cholesterol levels when administered simultaneous large doses of

cholesterol and a preparation of jin yin hua

• Effective in the treatment of appendicitis with perforation, mastitis and erysipelas, as

well as chronic conjunctivitis, keratitis and corneal ulcers 3

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: contraindicated in cases of spleen

deficiency diarrhea, qi deficiency ulcers (clear exudate) and yin ulcers (cold type)

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat and relieves toxic fire, for abscesses and yang sores

• Expels external wind heat, i.e.: heat at the yang ming stage or at the defensive and qi

levels

• Clears damp heat from the lower burner


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#


Major Combinations:

• With lian qiao (Fructus Porsythiae Suspensae) and many other herbs for varied heat

disorders

• With Huang qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) for supperative boils that have not

ulcerated or are not discharging pus

• With di yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis) and huang qin (Radix Scutellariae

Baicalensis) for intestinal abscesses dysentery involving bleeding and damp heat4

REFERENCES 1 http://www.newchinesemedic.comlenlhistory4.html

2 http://www.holistic-online.comlHerbal-Med/_Herbs/h357.htm


p85-86 4 Bensky, D. and Gamble, A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle,

1993, p85

Image www.plumdragonherbs.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!!"

Lian Qiao Forsythia suspensa Family: Oleaceae

!"

Other names: bei lian qiao, forsythia fruit, golden bells,

weeping golden bell

Plant description:

Leaf: Opposite, simple, ovate to oblong, coarsely serrated, 2

1/2 to 4 inches long, green above, lighter below.

Flower: Light to dark yellow, 1 to 1 1/2 inch long, bell shaped

flowers, appearing in early spring.

Fruit: Dry, brown capsules, 2 cells, 1/3 inch long.

Twig: Moderate, light brown to yellow brown, sometimes square, numerous lighter

lenticels, pith hollow or chambered, buds small, brown cone shaped.

Bark: Light brown, raised lenticels, developing shallow splits.

Form: A shrub that is often shaped as a hedge. Naturally develops arching stems with

numerous straight suckering.1

Part used: fruit

Habitat, ecology and distribution: through out north eastern China, mainly Shanxi,

Shaanxi and Henan, harvested in the autumn


Constituents: phillyrin, matairesinoside, betulinic acid, phyillygenin, pinoresinol

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: bitter, slightly pungent and cool,

enters the heart, liver and gallbladder meridians

Actions and Indications: antiparasitic, antiemetic, diuretic, antimicrobial

Medical Research:

• Similar antimicrobial traits are observed between jin yin hua (Flos Lonicerae

Japonicae) and lian qiao, though lian qiao has a stronger effect against Shigella spp.

and Staphylococcus aureus. There has not been any proof on synergistic effects in

vitro.

• Weak in vitro inhibitory effect against Leptospirosis

• Proven to prevent vomiting in pigeons with digitalis toxicity, as well as other causes of

vomiting

• In cases of acute nephritis, lian qiao caused disappearance of edema and proteinuria


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

• In 2 cases of retinal hemorrhage at the macular region were treated with decoctions of

lian qiao, and with in 4 weeks there was marked reabsorption and an increase in

visual acuity

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: contraindicated when there is spleen

deficiency diarrhea, ulcerated boils and yin ulcers

Medicinal uses:

• Clears heat and toxins, and reduces hot nodules, sores and carbuncles

• Expels external wind heat


Major Combinations:

• With ban Ian gen (Radix Isatidis seu Saphicacanthi) for toxic heat disorders

• With ju hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici) for initial stages of an external heat disease

• With ma huang (Herba Ephedrae), chi shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubrae) and gan cao

(Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis) for allergic rashes

REFERENCES

1 http://www.cnr.vt.eduldendro/dendrology/syllabus/forsythiaspp.htm


p86-87

Image: www.tcm.health_info.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

Lu Dou Phaseolus mungo Family - Leguminosae

!"

Other names: mung bean, phaseolus

Part used: legume

Habitat, ecology and distribution: through out China,

harvested after the autumnal equinox - when ripe

History: Materia Medica of the Kai Bao Era, Mai Zhi 973

A.D.1

Constituents: phosphatidyl choline, phospatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine,

phosphatidic acid, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, carotene, thiamine (molecular

structure shown), nicotinic acid, riboflavin

Energetics Properties and Channels Entered: sweet and cool entering the heart and

stomach

Actions and Indications: Antipyretic, antihypertensive, antidote to toxic poisonings,

nutritive tonic 2

Medical Research:

• Shown good results for the treatment of poisoning due to pesticides

• Used in the treatment of 1st and mild 2nd degree burns. Lu dou was made into a

paste, powder and alcohol

Toxicity, Contraindications and cautions: contraindicated in the case of spleen

deficiency diarrhea

Medicinal uses:

• Clear summerheat, made as a decoction

• Antidote for fu zi (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparata)


Major Combinations:

• with Huang lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) and gan cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis) for

thirst and irritability associated with summerheat 3


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

REFERENCES 1 http://www.itmonline.org/arts/snakes.htm

2 http://www.holistic-online.com!Herbal-Medi_Herbsih363.htm

3 Bensky, D. and Gamble, A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle, 1993;

plG8

Image: www.whatsonxiamen.com


_________________________________________________________________________________________



!"#

lesson 3: herbs that clear heat · • with ce bai ye (cacumen siotae orientalis) and sheng di...

Documents