Actcm Intmed4 Seta Formu Ingred

Front 1

sweet, neutral
SP ST
TonQi, ClHt-Summer
B.739 C.862 Clin.40

Back 1

bái biǎn dòu 白扁荳
(biǎn dòu)
(1) Strengthens Spleen, nourishes Stomach, transforms Dampness, & harmonizes Middle
(2) Clears Summerheat accompanies by Dampness
(3) Treats poisoning

bái(white) biǎn(flat) dòu(bean)
Lablab Semen album
hyacinth bean

Front 2

bitter, sour, mildly cold
LV SP
TonBld
B.754 C.930 Clin.123

Back 2

bái sháo 白芍

(1) Nourishes Blood & regulates menses
(2) Calms and curbs Liver Yang & alleviates pain
(3) Preserves Yin & adjusts Ying and Wei levels
! def cold diarrhea, weak Yang, def cold

bái(white) sháo(Paeoniae)
Paeoniae Radix alba
white peony root

Front 3

bitter, sweet, warm
SP ST
TonQi
B.726 C.856 Clin.116

Back 3

bái zhú 白朮

(1) Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi
(2) Dries Dampness & promotes water metabolism
(3) Stabilizes Exterior & stops sweating
(4) Calms Fetus
! Yin def heat, injured fluids

bái(white) zhú(atractylodis, Asteracea family incl cang zhu, e zhu)
Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma
white atractylodes rhizome

Front 4

sweet, neutral
HT KD LI
CaSpir-Nour, Clinic-Refrig
B.930 C.765 Clin.R

Back 4

bǎi zǐ rén 柏子仁

(1) Nourishes Heart & calms Spirit
(2) Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels
(3) For night sweats due to Yin Deficiency
! diarrhea, phlegm
CTX loose stools or phlegm disorders
bǎi(cedar, cypress) zǐ(seeds) rén(seeds)
Platycladi Semen
Chinese arborvitae seeds

Front 5

spicy, warm, toxic
LU SP ST
TraPhlg-ColdPhlegm
B.413 C.682 Clin.72

Back 5

bàn xià 半夏
(zhì bàn xià)
(1) Dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, & descends Qi (very drying herb, for Cold-Phlegm)
(2) Harmonizes Stomach & stops vomiting (great herb for vomiting, Heat or Cold; severe morning sickness)
(3) Dissipates nodules & reduces distension (abnormal growth in fatty tissue)
(4) Raw is most toxic; ginger processed less toxic
! bleeding, Yin def cough, dehydration, Wu Tou, heat
CTX during pregnancy
bàn(half) xià(summer) [ie herb's harvest time]
Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum
pinellia rhizome

Front 6

spicy, aromatic, cooling
LU LV
RelExt-SpicyCool
B.47 C.68 Clin.8

Back 6

bò hé 薄荷

(1) Disperses Wind-Heat & clears and benefits head, eyes, and throat (redness, swelling, inflammation, sooths mucus membranes)
(2) vents rashes
(3) allows constrained Liver Qi to flow freely (relieves Liver Qi Stagnation/helps relieve stress/anxiety))
(4) expels turbid filth
(5) dilates esophageal sphincter so do not use with patients with acid reflux, for surface release add last to decoction
! ext def, Yin def heat, lactation

bò(weak, unkind, belittle, look down on) hé(lotus)
Menthae haplocalycis Herba
field mint

Front 7

bitter, spicy, cool
GB LV PC SJ
RelExt-SpicyCool
B.73 C.84 Clin.12

Back 7

chái hú 柴胡

(1) Resolves Shaoyang disorders and reduces fever (half interior/half exterior, Malaria)
(2) Spreads Liver Qi and relieves constraint (physical or mental symptoms)
(3) Raises and lifts Yang Qi, specifically Clear Qi of Stomach and Gall Bladder (prolapsed organs)
(4) In top 15 most prescribed herbs; only herb able to drive pathogens out of shaoyang; parasympathomimetic
! Yin def cough, LV fire rising, small dose if N/V

chái(firewood) hú(barbarians)
Bupleuri Radix
hare’s ear root

Front 8

sweet, cold
LV LU KD UB
DrDamp-Diur
B.277 C.391 Clin.55

Back 8

chē qián zǐ 車前子

(1) Promotes urination & clears Damp-Heat (UTIs, Lv/GB Damp-Heat)
(2) Promotes urination to solidify stools (one of few seeds use to dry Lower Jiao/stools)
(3) Clears eyes (excess Heat, Damp-Heat, Lv/Kd Yin Xu, redness, irritation, inflammation)
(4) Expels Phlegm & stops cough (Phlegm Heat in Lungs)
(5) Diuretic for Damp-Heat; eliminates Heat and drains Damp
! pregnancy, exhaust Yang Qi , K def spermatorrhea
CTX during pregnancy
chē(cart) qián(before) zǐ(seeds) ["before the cart" ie grows along the road]
Plantaginis Semen
plantago seeds

Front 9

bitter, spicy, warm, aromatic
LU SP ST
RegQi
B.510 C.479 Clin.84

Back 9

chén pí 陳皮

(1) Regulates Qi & transforms Phlegm
(2) Dries Dampness & Strengthens Spleen
(3) Treats excess, great for nausea, vomiting especially due to Stomach Cold, can also be used with Stomach Heat vomiting with huáng lián; moves and disperses Qi; is often used to counter heaviness of meat
! Yin/Qi def dry cough, heat s/s
Caution: Overuse can deplete Qi especially in background of Qi Deficiency
chén(arrange, display) pí(bark, skin) [ie sections/arrangements within fruit]
Citri reteculatae Pericarpium
aged tangerine peel

Front 10

sour, bitter, sl cold
LV SP
RegBl-Invig
B.622 C.162 Clin.107

Back 10

chì sháo 赤芍
(sháo yào)
(1) Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood Stasis (promotes circulation through tissues, dissolves clots, clears dead rbcs)
(2) Clears Heat and cools Blood (wide range of Heat in Blood, very good for clearing Heat from Blood, Liver, skin)
(3) Moderate anti-inflammatory (gout, arthritis, arthralgia), antibiotic, antifungal, antispasmodic, lowers body temp and blood pressure through vasodilatation, relaxes smooth muscle, thins blood, anti-clotting effect
! Bl def
Caution during pregnancy since vitalizes Blood
chì(red) sháo(Paeoniae)
Paeoniae Radix rubra
red peony root

Front 11

bitter, cold, sl toxic
LV ST SI UB
RegQi
B.544 C.503 Clin.91

Back 11

chuān liàn zǐ 川楝子
(Jīn líng zĭ 金鈴子)
(1) Also called Jīn Líng Zǐ (Golden Bell Seed/Fruit)
(2) Smooth Liver & regulate Qi; treats Liver Heat conditions
(3) Kills parasites & heals tinea (not truly strong enough to kill parasites – helps relieve abdominal pain from worms; apply topically to scalp to treat tinea)
! SP/ST def cold
Caution: whole tree especially seeds are toxic; because it is cold it is used in spite of toxicity
chuān(Sichuan territory) liàn(toosendan, chinaberry) zǐ(seeds)
Toosendan Fructus
Sichuan chinaberry

Front 12

spicy, warm
LV GB PC
RegBl-Invig
B.599 C.614 Clin.104

Back 12

chuān xiōng 川芎

(1) Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (hypochondriac pain, Bi pain, tumors, masses, menstrual disorders); major herb for moving Blood; recently used for heart conditions as a blood thinner
(2) Expels Wind & alleviates pain (moving pain); major herb for menstrual issues/headaches
! Yin def heat, LV Yang rising HA, Qi def, excessive menstrual bleeding, OD=vomiting, dizziness
CTX during pregnancy and Liver Yang Rising
chuān(Sichuan territory) xiōng(lovage root, Chuanxiong)
Chuanxiong Rhizome
Sichuan lovage root

Front 13

sweet, warm
SP ST
TonQi, Clinic-Refrig
B.730 C.872 Clin.R

Back 13

dà zǎo 大棗
(hóng zǎo)
(1) Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi
(2) Nourishes Blood & calms Spirit
(3) Moderates and harmonizes harsh properties of other herbs
! exc damp, food stag, parasites, damp phlegm w/bloating

dà(big) zǎo(Jujubae)
Jujubae Fructus
jujube

Front 14

bitter, sl cold
LV HT PC
RegBl-Invig
B.602 C.636 Clin.103

Back 14

dān shēn 丹參

(1) Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (Ht/Pc-chest pain, Lv-menstrual issues, Blood Stasis due to Heat); profuse menses
(2) Cools Blood & clears Heat (Heat in Heart – mental issues, skin issues); for mild hypertension, preventative for heart health
(3) Nourishes Blood & calms spirit (tonifies Blood calming Spirit – insomnia, palpitations)
! No congealed blood
CTX during pregnancy
dān(cinnabar) shēn(root)
Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix
salvia root

Front 15

spicy, sweet, warm
LV SP HT
TonBld
B.750 C.918 Clin.121

Back 15

dāng guī 當歸

(1) Tonifies Blood & regulates menses
(2) Invigorates and harmonizes Blood & disperses Cold
(3) Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels
(4) Reduces swelling, expels pus, generates flesh, & alleviates pain
(5) Treats coughs
! Yin def heat; *diarrhea, abdominal distention d/t damp obstruction

dāng(state of, should or ought to be) guī(return)
Angelicae sinensis Radix
Chinese angelica root

Front 16

salty, cold
LV LU SP UB
ExWin-StTrem
B.981 C.794 Clin.156

Back 16

dì long 地龍

(1) Drains Heat, settles convulsions, extinguishes Wind, & stops spasms
(2) Clears Heat & unblocks and promotes movement in channels and collaterals
(3) Clears Heat & calms wheezing
(4) Clears Heat & promotes urination
(5) For hypertension with Ascendant Liver Yang
! No true heat

dì(earth) long(dragon)
Pheretima
earthworm

Front 17

sweet, sl spicy, warm
KD LV
TonYang
B.792 C.901 Clin.125

Back 17

dù zhòng 杜仲

(1) Tonifies Liver and Kidneys & strengthens sinews and bones
(2) Aids in smooth flow of Qi and Blood
(3) Calms fetus
(4) For dizziness and lightheadedness
! Yin def heat

dù(restrict, prevent, fabricate) zhòng(second in seniority)
Eucommiae Cortex
eucommia bark

Front 18

sweet, neutral
LV KD LU
TonBld
B.758 C.935 Clin.124

Back 18

ē jiāo 阿膠

(1) Tonifies Blood
(2) Nourishes Blood & stops bleeding
(3) Nourishes and moistens Yin

ē(is a prefix, familiarity) jiāo(gelatin, glue)
Asini Corii Colla
donkey-hide gelatin

Front 19

sweet, bland, neutral
HT SP KD LU
DrDamp-Diur
B.267 C.383 Clin.44

Back 19

fú líng 茯苓

(1) Promotes urination & leaches out Dampness (mild diuretic: dysuria, diarrhea, edema, bloating)
(2) Strengthens Spleen & harmonizes Middle Jiao
(3) Strengthens Spleen & transforms Phlegm
(4) Quiets Heart & calms Spirit (poor memory, insomnia, palpitations)
(5) Primary herb for Dampness in Spleen; gently presses water out of body
! copious urine d/t def cold, large dose, long term

fú(poria) líng(tuber, fungus)
Polyporaceae (fungus)
poria

Front 20

sweet, neutral (sheng), sweet, warm (zhi)
HT LU SP ST
TonQi
B.732 C.866 Clin.117

Back 20

gān cǎo 甘草

(1) Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi
(2) Moistens Lungs & stops coughs
(3) Moderates spasms & alleviates pain
(4) Clears Heat & resolves Fire Toxicity
(5) Moderates and harmonizes characteristics of other herbs
! exc damp, N/V, Jing Da Ji, Yuan Hua, Gan Sui, Hai Zao

gān(sweet) cǎo(herb)
Glycyrrhizae Radix
licorice root

Front 21

spicy, hot
HT LU SP ST
WarInt-ExpCold
B.681 C.450 Clin.119

Back 21

gān jiāng 乾薑

(1) Warms Middle & expels Cold ( esp. Sp/St; really wakes up appetite)
(2) Rescues devastated Yang & expels Interior Cold (not as strong as zhì fù zǐ)
(3) Warms Lungs & transforms thin mucus (frequent coughing/wheezing, thin lung phlegm, weakness of vitality of Lungs)
(4) Warms channels & stops bleeding (esp. Cold in Lower Jiao: extended periods, uterine bleeding)
(5) Warms and restores
! Yin def heat, reckless hot Bl, pregnancy
Caution during pregnancy
gān(dried) jiāng(ginger, Zingiberis)
Zingiberis Rhizoma
dried ginger rhizome

Front 22

sweet, neutral
LV KD LU
TonYin, TonBld
B.761 C.957 Clin.122

Back 22

gǒu qǐ zǐ 枸杞子

(1) Nourishes and tonifies Liver and Kidneys
(2) Benefits Jing & brightens eyes
(3) Enriches Yin & moistens Lungs
! Ext exc heat; SP def w/ damp & loose stools

gǒu qǐ(Lycii fructus) zǐ(seeds)
Lycii Fructus
Chinese wolfberry

Front 23

spicy, sweet, warm
HT LU UB
RelExt-SpicyWarm
B.8 C.40 Clin.1

Back 23

guì zhī 桂枝

(1) Releases Exterior and assists Yang
(2) warms and unblocks channels and collaterals
(3) warms Yang and transforms thin mucus
(4) assists Heart Yang and unblocks Yang Qi of chest
(5) adjusts Ying Qi and Wei Qi (helps to release muscle layer)
(6) warms middle and directs turbid Yin downward
(7) half dispersing/half tonifying
! warm febrile, Yin def heat, heat in Bl w/vomiting, pregnancy, exc menstruation

guì(cinnamomi) zhī(twig)
Cinnamomi Ramulus
Cinnamon twig

Front 24

spicy, warm
LV HT
RegBl-Invig
B.627 C.640 Clin.105

Back 24

hóng huā 紅花
(zang hóng huā)
(1) Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, long cycles, post partum pain, heavy clotting; Blood Stasis pain), profuse menses
CTX during pregnancy; Special: small doses tonify Blood, large doses move Blood; is often paired with táo rén
hóng(red) huā(flower)
Carthami Flos
safflower (saffron)

Front 25

bitter, cold
HT LI LV ST
ClHt-DryDamp
B.134 C.141 Clin.23

Back 25

huáng lián 黃連

(1) Clears Heat and drains Dampness (esp. St, LI = dysentery)
(2) Drains Fire and resolves Fire Toxicity (bladder/kidney infection, yeast infection, boils, carbuncles, acne, abscesses, hot Bi in joints, internal or external)
(3) Clears Heat and stops bleeding
(4) Clears Heat topically
(5) Clears Heart Heat (irritability, insomnia, restlessness)
(6) Strong affinity for middle jiao, broad spectrum antibiotic, antifungal/amebic dysentery, TB, typhoid fever, scarlet fever; anti-inflammatory=ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
! Yin def, ST def cold N/V, SP/K def diarrhea, long term use

huáng(yellow) lián(links, successive)
Coptidis Rhizoma
coptis rhizome

Front 26

sweet, sl warm
LU SP
TonQi
B.722 C.847 Clin.114

Back 26

huáng qí 黃耆

(1) Tonifies Qi and Blood
(2) Tonifies Spleen & raises Yang
(3) Augments Wei Qi & stabilizes Exterior
(4) Promotes urination & reduces edema
(5) Promotes discharge of pus & generates flesh
! ext exc, Qi stag, damp obstruction, food stag, Yin def heat, skin lesions

huáng(yellow) qí(man 60 or 70 years of age)
Astragali Radix
astragalus root

Front 27

bitter, cold
LU ST GB LI
ClHt-DryDamp
B.131 C.137 Clin.23

Back 27

huáng qín 黃芩

(1) Clears Heat and Dries Dampness (St, Intestines, anti-inflammatory to GI/Respiratory tracts, dysentery, food poisoning, cholecystits, hepatitis, jaundice
(2) Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity (esp. upper jiao, bronchitis, sinus/ear/throat infection, acne)
(3) Clears Heat and stops bleeding
(4) Clears Heat and calms fetus
(5) Sedates ascendant Liver yang (irritability, red eyes, flush face, headache)
(6) Potent broad spectrum antibiotic, inhibits excessive peristalsis, antispasmodic, diuretic, lowers blood pressure
! def heat in LU, cold in MJ, restless fetus d/t cold Bl

huáng(yellow) qín(scutellaria)
Scutellariae Radix
scutellaria, baical skullcap root

Front 28

bitter, spicy, neutral
LU
TraPhlg-HotPhlegm, TraPhlg-ColdPhlegm
B.429 C.696 Clin.73

Back 28

jié gěng 桔梗

(1) Opens Lung Qi & expels Phlegm (makes Phlegm thinner so easier to cough up)
(2) Promotes discharge of pus (carbuncles, boils, lung abscess)
(3) Benefits throat (sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice)
(4) Directs effect of other herbs to upper regions of body
(5) Wild is best; is often paired with pàng dà hǎi
! Hemoptysis
Caution: do not use if coughing up blood
jié(platycodi) gěng(stem)
Platycodi Radix
platycodon root

Front 29

bitter, spicy, warm, (aromatic)
LU ST
RegQi, Not in Clinic
B.513 C.480

Back 29

jú hóng 橘紅

(1) Dries Dampness & transforms Phlegm (often used for phlegm, asthma, cough)
(2) Regulates Stomach Qi (often used for nausea, vomiting)
(3) More drying and aromatic then chén pí, less effective in harmonizing Middle and regulating Stomach/Spleen

jú(tangerine) hóng(red)
Citri reteculatae Exocarpium rubrum
red tangerine peel

Front 30

sweet, astring, neutral
HT KD SP
StaBi-Astring
B.881 C.1013 Clin.144

Back 30

lián zǐ 蓮子

(1) Tonifies Spleen & stops diarrhea
(2) Tonifies Kidneys & stabilizes Jing
(3) Nourishes Heart & calms Spirit
! abdominal distention, constipation

lián(lotus, Nelumbinis) zǐ(seeds)
Nelumbinis Semen
lotus seeds

Front 31

bitter, cold
GB LV ST
ClHt-DryDamp
B.141 C.148 Clin.22

Back 31

lóng dǎn cǎo 龍膽草

(1) Drains Damp-Heat from Liver and Gallbladder channels (jaundice, herpes, hepatitis, cholecystitis, Liver Yang/Fire Rising)
(2) Drains and pacifies excessive Liver Fire (migraines, etc.)
(3) “Dragon Gallbladder Herb”; primary herb for draining Fire from Lv/GB

lóng(dragon) dǎn(gallbladder) cǎo(herb)
Gentianae Radix
Chinese gentian root

Front 32

sweet, warm
HT SP
TonBld, Clinic-Refrig
B.764 C.937 Clin.R

Back 32

lóng yǎn ròu 龍眼肉

(1) Tonifies and augments Heart and Spleen, nourishes Blood, & calms Spirit

lóng(dragon) yǎn(eye) ròu(flesh)
Longan Arillus
longan fruit

Front 33

sweet, sl bitter, sl cold
HT LU ST
TonYin
B.824 C.841 Clin.134

Back 33

mài mén dōng 麥門冬
(mài dōng)
(1) Moistens Lungs & nourishes Yin
(2) Augments Stomach Yin & generates fluids
(3) Moistens Intestines
(4) Clears Heat & eliminates irritability
! def cold diarrhea, congested fluids

mài(wheat) mén(gate; orig 虋 lush plant) dōng(winter)
Ophiopogonis Radix
ophiopogon tuber

Front 34

spicy, bitter, sl cold
HT LV KD
ClHt-Blood
B.126 C.160 Clin.18

Back 34

mǔ dān pí 牡丹皮

(1) Clears Heat and cools Blood (esp. skin)
(2) Clears Deficiency Fire (Yin Deficiency fever)
(3) Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood Stasis (disperses, downward clearing, menstrual issues, abdominal masses, fibroids, ovarian cysts, traumatic injury)
(4) Clears ascending Liver Fire (Yang or Fire)
(5) Drains pus and reduces swelling (acne, sores, boils, carbuncles)
! cold, pregnancy, exc menses, Yin def w/exc sweat, counteracts Tu Si Zi, Bei Mu, Da Huang
CTX during pregnancy/excessive menstrual bleeding; Caution: lowers blood pressure and body temperature, tranquilizing
mǔ(male, of a plant or animal) dān(red) pí(bark, skin)
Moutan Cortex
tree peony root bark

Front 35

bitter, sl cold
HT UB SI
DrDamp-Diur, Not in Clinic
B.283 C.395

Back 35

mù tōng 木通

(1) Promotes urination & unblocks painful urinary dribbling (UTIs, leukorrhea, nephritis, urinary blockage)
(2) Promotes urination & drains Heat from Heart via Small Intestine (Heart Fire – insomnia, mental issues)
(3) Promotes lactation & unblocks blood vessels (amenorrhea, pain/stiffness of joints)
(4) Great for Damp-Heat in Lower Jiao; is a strong diuretic
CTX during pregnancy; Caution: contains kidney toxin
mù(wood) tōng(unblocking)
Akebiae Caulis
akebia caulis

Front 36

spicy, hot
HT LU SP ST
WarInt-ExpCold, 0
B.683 C.451

Back 36

pào jiāng 炮薑
(added, )
(1) Warms Middle & expels Cold ( esp. Sp/St; really wakes up appetite)
(2) Rescues devastated Yang & expels Interior Cold (not as strong as zhì fù zǐ)
(3) Warms Lungs & transforms thin mucus (frequent coughing/wheezing, thin lung phlegm, weakness of vitality of Lungs)
(4) Warms channels & stops bleeding (esp. Cold in Lower Jiao: extended periods, uterine bleeding)
(5) Warms and restores
Caution during pregnancy
pào(gun, firecracker) jiāng(ginger) ["quick-fried ginger"]
Zingiberis Rhizoma
soaked ginger rhizome

Front 37

sweet, sl bitter, sl warm
LU SP
TonQi
B.710 C.835 Clin.113

Back 37

rén shēn 人參

(1) Powerfully tonifies Primal Qi
(2) Strengthens Spleen & tonifies Stomach
(3) Tonifies Lungs & augments Qi
(4) Generates fluids & stops thirst
(5) Benefits Heart Qi & calms Spirit
! Yin def heat, esc heat, absence of Qi def, LV yang rising hypertension

rén(human) shēn(root)
Ginseng Radix
ginseng root

Front 38

spicy, warm, aromatic
SP ST
Arom-TrDamp
B.479 C.371 Clin.80

Back 38

shā rén 砂仁

(1) Promotes movement of Qi, transforms Dampness, & strengthens Spleen
(2) Warms Middle & stops diarrhea (Spleen Cold diarrhea)
(3) Calms fetus (morning sickness, restless fetus)
(4) Used in herbal formulas with tonifying herbs (to prevent them from causing stagnation)
(5) Jack of all trades herb, can do a little of everything, no specific/special function, best at doing a little of everything; crush in motor and pestle, add last
! Yin def heat

shā(sand) rén(seeds)
Amomi Fructus
amomum fruit

Front 39

sweet, sl bitter, sl cold
LU ST
TonYin
B.818 C.940 Clin.133

Back 39

shā shēn 沙參
(nán shā shēn, běi shā shēn)
(1) Nourishes Lung Yin & clears Lung Heat
(2) Nourishes Stomach Yin & generates fluids

shā(sand) shēn(root)
Glehniae Radix
glehnia root

Front 40

sweet, neutral
LU SP KD
TonQi
B.723 C.860 Clin.116

Back 40

shān yào 山藥

(1) Tonifies and augments Spleen and Stomach
(2) Tonifies Lung Qi & augments Lung Yin
(3) Tonifies Kidneys & stabilizes and binds
! exc, fullness d/t damp, stag, accumulation

shān(mountain) yào(medicine, herb)
Dioscoreae Rhizoma
Chinese Yam

Front 41

sour, sl warm
KD LV
StaBi-Astring
B.857 C.1005 Clin.145

Back 41

shān zhū yú 山茱萸
(shān yú ròu)
(1) Stabilizes Kidneys & secures Jing
(2) Stops excessive sweating & supports that which has collapsed
(3) Tonifies and augments Liver and Kidneys
(4) Stabilizes menses & stops bleeding
! painful/difficult urination, damp heat

shān(mountain) zhū yú(Corni fructus; cornelian cherry)
Corni Fructus
cornus fruit

Front 42

sweet, bitter, cold
HT KD LV
ClHt-Blood
B.120 C.155 Clin.18

Back 42

shēng dì huáng 生地黃

(1) Clears Heat and cools Blood (quenches thirst and helps stop bleeding)
(2) Nourishes Yin and generates Fluids (primary use, very good for Liver)
(3) Lessens Heart Fire (insomnia, restlessness, etc.)
(4) Protects Liver tissue, protects liver’s glycogen stores, shrinks enlarged liver, balances serum glucose levels (diabetes), cools and moistens Liver/Blood/Skin
(5) Very good for Deficient Heat, can also nourish Blood
! SP def damp, Yang def, pregnancyw/Bl/SP/ST def

shēng(unprepared, raw) dì(earth) huang(yellow)
Rehmanniae Radix
Chinese Foxglove root

Front 43

spicy, sl warm
LU SP ST
RelExt-SpicyWarm
B.30 C.45 Clin.R

Back 43

shēng jiāng 生薑

(1) Releases Exterior and disperses Cold (fresh ginger moves, dried ginger stays)
(2) warms middle jiao and alleviates vomiting (due to Cold, promotes downward movement)
(3) warms Lungs and stop cough (dries and promotes downward movement)
(4) resolves toxicity (esp. from overdose of herbs)
! LU heat, ST heat w/vomiting
Special: add last to decoction, do not overcook esp. for releasing function
shēng(fresh, uncooked) jiāng(ginger, zingiberis)
Zingiberis Rhizoma recens
fresh ginger rhizome

Front 44

sweet, sl warm
LV KD HT
TonBld
B.744 C.924 Clin.123

Back 44

shú dì huáng 熟地黃
(shú dì)
(1) Tonifies Blood
(2) Nourishes Yin
(3) Strongly enriches Yin & relieves wasting and thirsting disorder
(4) Nourishes Blood & tonifies Jing
!SP/ST def, stag Qi/phlegm; OD=abdominal distention, loose stool.

shú(cooked) dì(earth) huáng(yellow)
Rehmanniae Radix preparata
prepared Chinese Foxglove root

Front 45

sweet, sour, neutral
HT SP LV GB
CaSpir-Nour
B.928 C.762 Clin.146

Back 45

suān zǎo rén 酸棗仁

(1) Nourish Heart Yin, augments Liver Blood, & quiets Spirit
(2) Prevents abnormal sweating
! severe diarrhea, exc heat

suān(sour) zǎo(date) rén(seed)
Ziziphi spinosae Semen
sour jujube seed

Front 46

bitter, sweet, neutral
LV HT LU LI
RegBl-Invig
B.624 C.643 Clin.R

Back 46

táo rén 桃仁

(1) Moves Blood & expels Stasis (menstrual/birth, lower abdominal Blood Stasis, and injuries/bruises/pain/ abscesses); one of most commonly used Blood Mover; best for older patients since gentle
(2) Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels (mild not very good)
(3) Good for tumors (blood level), more lower body
! Pregnancy
CTX during pregnancy, profuse menses
táo(peach, Persicae) rén(seed)
Persicae Semen
peach kernal

Front 47

sweet, neutral
LV
ExWin-StTrem
B.972 C.785 Clin.154

Back 47

tiān má 天麻

(1) Calms Liver, extinguishes Wind, & controls spasms and tremors
(2) Extinguishes Wind & alleviates pain
(3) Disperses painful obstruction
! large dose=toxic

tiān(heaven) má(hemp)
Gastrodiae Rhizoma
gastrodia rhizome

Front 48

bitter, sweet, very cold
KD LU
TonYin
B.827 C.946 Clin.134

Back 48

tiān mén dōng 天門冬
(tiān dōng)
(1) Nourishes Kidney Yin & clears Lung Heat
(2) Moistens Lungs, nourishes Kidneys, & generates fluids

tiān(heaven) mén(gate; orig 虋 lush plant) dōng(winter)
Asparagi Radix
asparagus tuber

Front 49

sweet, sour, warm
KD HT LU
StaBi-Astring
B.860 C.985 Clin.145

Back 49

wǔ wèi zǐ 五味子

(1) Contains leakage of Lung Qi & stops coughs
(2) Tonifies Kidneys, binds up Jing, & stops diarrhea
(3) Inhibits sweating & generates fluids
(4) Quiets Spirit while calming and containing Heart Qi
! exc int heat, early cough/rash, ext condition

wǔ(five) wèi(flavor, taste) zǐ(seeds)
Schisandrae Fructus
schisandra fruit

Front 50

spicy, warm
SP LU KD UB
RegQi
B.534 C.497 Clin.87

Back 50

wū yào 烏藥

(1) Moves Qi & stops pain (for treating growing hernia)
(2) Warms Kidneys & expels Cold (treats Cold in Kidneys = frequent urination, enuresis, dysmenorrhea, incontinence)
(3) Covers Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao (best for treating Lower Jiao)
(4) Black/hard variety is stronger while lighter/softer is weaker but more popular

wū(raven-black) yào(medicine)
Linderae Radix
lindera root

Front 51

bitter, spicy, hot, sl toxic
LV SP ST
WarInt-ExpCold
B.687 C.452 Clin.119

Back 51

wú zhū yú 吳茱萸

(1) Warms Middle, disperses Cold, promotes movement of Qi, & alleviates pain (Cold Stagnation/pain, hernia pain, genital pain, cold dysmenorrhea)
(2) Warms Spleen, stops diarrhea, & expels Cold-Dampness
(3) Redirects Rebellious Qi downward & stops vomiting (caused by Cold only)
(4) Basically is a Liver governing herb
(5) Leads Fire Downward (sores of mouth and tongue)(Smells like cannabis flowers)
! long term, Yin def heat symptoms, OD=dry throat

wú zhū yú(Evodiae)
Evodiae Fructus
evodia fruit

Front 52

sweet, sl salty, cool
HT
StaBi-Astring, 0
B.896 C.1017

Back 52

xiǎo mài 小麥
(fú xiǎo mài)
(1) Inhibits sweating

xiǎo(little) mài(wheat)
Tritici Fructus levis
light wheat grain

Front 53

bitter, sweet, salty, cold
KD LU ST
ClHt-Blood
B.123 C.158 Clin.19

Back 53

xuán shēn 玄參
(xuán yuán shēn)
(1) Clears Heat and cools Blood
(2) Nourishes Yin (not as good as shēng dì huáng, fluid deficient constipation, moistens stools, febrile diseases causing constipation)
(3) Softens Hardness and dissipates nodules (swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, Yin Deficiency, Fire Toxins), vasodilator, anti-hypertension, antimicrobial
! SP/ST damp, SP def diarrhea

xuán(dark) shēn(root)
Scrophulariae Radix
scrophularia

Front 54

sweet, bland, sl cold
LU KD SP ST
DrDamp-Diur, Clinic-Refrig
B.275 C.389 Clin.R

Back 54

yì yǐ rén 薏苡仁

(1) Facilitates resolution of Dampness & strengthens Spleen (must be dry fried first)
(2) Facilitates resolution of Dampness & eliminates painful obstruction (supporting role, lower extremities)
(3) Clears Heat & expels pus (mild, not aggressive or strong)
(4) Clears Damp-Heat (Stomach/Intestines, Lower Jiao)
(5) Good diuretic, assists in treating edema in lower extremities, constitutional Dampness, Damp-Heat
! Pregnancy

yì(coicis) yǐ(barley) rén(seed)
Coicis Semen
Job’s Tears

Front 55

spicy, warm
KD SP
TonYang
B.789 C.911 Clin.128

Back 55

yì zhì rén 益智仁

(1) Warms Kidneys, retains Jing, & secures urine
(2) Warms Spleen, stops diarrhea, & controls salivation
! Spermatorrhea, frequent urination & vaginal discharge d/t heat

yì(benefit, increase) zhì(wisdom) rén(nut, seed)
Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus
black cardamon

Front 56

bitter, spicy, sl warm
HT LU
CaSpir-Nour
B.932 C.766 Clin.147

Back 56

yuǎn zhì 遠志

(1) Calms Spirit & quiets Heart
(2) Expels Phlegm, clears orifices, & stops coughs
(3) Reduces abscesses & dissipates swelling
! Yin def heat, ulcers, gastritis
CTX Yin Deficiency with Heat signs, peptic ulcers, or gastritis
yuǎn(profound; great ambition) zhì(will)
Polygalae Radix
polygala root

Front 57

sweet, bland, cold
KD UB
DrDamp-Diur
B.272 C.272 Clin.54

Back 57

zé xiè 澤瀉

(1) Promotes urination & leaches out Dampness (dysuria, edema, painful urinary dribbling, diarrhea, Damp-Heat in lower jiao; acute/chronic prostatitis/orchitis)
(2) Settles Ministerial Fire in Kidneys by draining Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao (Yin Xu leading to Excess Yang – elevated libido, premature ejaculation, etc.)
(3) Removes swelling/drains dampness; drains Fire from Kidney through urination

zé(marsh) xiè(drain)
Alismatis Rhizoma
water plantain

Front 58

spicy, warm, toxic
LU SP ST
TraPhleg-WarCld, 0
B.413 C.682

Back 58

zhì bàn xià 製半夏
(ban xia)
(1) Dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, & descends Qi (very drying herb, for Cold-Phlegm)
(2) Harmonizes Stomach & stops vomiting (great herb for vomiting, Heat or Cold; severe morning sickness)
(3) Dissipates nodules & reduces distension (abnormal growth in fatty tissue)
(4) Raw is most toxic; ginger processed less toxic
CTX during pregnancy
zhì(prepared) bàn(half) xià(summer) [ie herb's harvest time]
Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum
prepared pinellia rhizome

Front 59

sweet, neutral (sheng), sweet, warm (zhi)
HT SP ST LU
TonQi
B.734 C.871 Clin.117

Back 59

zhì gān cǎo 炙甘草

(1) Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi
(2) Moistens Lungs & stops coughs
(3) Moderates spasms & alleviates pain
(4) Clears Heat & resolves Fire Toxicity
(5) Moderates and harmonizes characteristics of other herbs

zhì(prepared) gān(sweet) cǎo(herb)
Glycyrrhizae Radix
licorice root honey fried (prepared)

Front 60

bitter, spicy, sl cold
SP ST LI
RegQi
B.516 C.483 Clin.85

Back 60

zhǐ shí 枳實

(1) Transforms Phlegm AND moves Qi
(2) Moves Qi & releases distention (strong herb for moving Qi - good for tough cases; focuses on digestive system; is special since is Cool yet moves Qi)
(3) Transforms Phlegm & unblocks Bí (is an important herb for treating Phlegm)
(4) Expel stagnation & open bowels
(5) Often used in prolapse conditions
! pregnancy, weak Qi, ST def cold
Caution during pregnancy
zhǐ(orange) shí(solid)
Aurantii Fructus immaturus
unripe bitter orange

Front 61

bitter, cold
HT LU ST LV SJ
ClHt-DrFire
B.95 C.121 Clin.14

Back 61

zhī zǐ 山梔子
(shān zhī zǐ)
(1) Drains Heat and eliminates irritability
(2) Clears Heat and resolves Dampness (UTI, hepatitis, jaundice, cholecystitis)
(3) Cools Blood and resolves toxicity (skin conditions due to heat/toxins, pulls Heat out of skin and Blood – acne; good anti-microbial)
(4) Reduces swelling and moves Blood Stasis due to trauma (external application only, sprains, strains, bruises, etc.)
(5) Clears Heat from all 3 jiao – upper, middle, lower; very good for taking Heat out without messing anything else up, just takes Heat out
! def cold loose stool, low appetite

shān(mountain) zhī(gardenia) zĭ(seed)
Gardeniae Fructus
gardenia fruit

Front 62

sweet, sl cold
LU ST GB
TraPhlg-HotPhlegm
B.393 C.710 Clin.68

Back 62

zhú rú 竹茹

(1) Clears Phlegm-Heat (Phlegm-Heat in Lung)
(2) Clears Heat & stops vomiting (Phlegm-Heat in Stomach or Gallbladder)
(3) Cool Blood & stop bleeding (minor function)

zhú(bamboo) rú(shavings)
Bambusae Caulis in taeniam
bamboo shavings

Front 63

sweet, cool, toxic
HT
CaSpir-AnchSet, ObsToxic, Not in Clinic
B.1045 C.755

Back 63

zhū shā 硃砂

(1) Sedates Heart & calms Spirit
(2) Expels Phlegm & sedates jitteriness and convulsions while stopping tremors
(3) Clears Heat, resolves toxicity, & prevents putrefaction
CTX Contains mercury, is toxic, should not be used in large amounts, do not heat to prevent mercury poisoning
zhū(vermillion=brilliant red from cinnabar) shā(sand)
Cinnabaris
cinnabar HgS