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Cong Zhi Tang
Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Early Stage Invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat

Actions:

* Unblocks Yang Qi, encourages sweating

Indications:

* Mild chills and fever, headache, stuffy nose, with no sweating

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Thin white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* None Noted

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Dosage is adjusted depending on wind-heat or wind-cold. Cook for no longer than 5-10 minutes. 15

Originally Appeared In:

* Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve (Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang)

Notes:

* Mainly a neutral formula, although it is more commonly used for Wind Cold.

Symptoms are marked by nasal congestion and headache.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (2 Total):

Cong Bai (Bulbus Allii Fistulosi)
Cong Bai (Scallion or Green Onion) 葱白
Qty: 9-12 grams, 3-5 stalks with the 'Root Beard'
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Bulbus Allii Fistulosi
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Dan Dou Chi (Semen Praeparatum Sojae)
Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) 淡豆敕
Qty: 12-30 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Neutral
Latin: Semen Praeparatum Sojae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Gui Zhi Tang
Formulas that Release Exterior Deficient Cold with Sweating that does not help

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Exterior Wind-Cold from Deficiency

Actions:

* Harmonizes the Ying and Wei Qi, releases the muscle layer

Indications:

* Deficient Wind Cold condition, chills and fever that are not alleviated by sweating, stiff neck, headache, aversion to wind

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Thin white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and Moderate
* Frail pulse

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Influenza
* Postpartum Care
* Morning Sickness
* Skin Diseases such as Frostbite, Eczema, and Tinea

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Not for exterior excess Wind Cold patterns or Wind Heat patterns
* Not for damp heat or internal heat patterns.
* Do not use while consuming alcohol.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Notes:

* This formula is best used when there is sweating with an exterior cold condition, the Wei (protective) Qi is unable to protect the exterior and the Ying (nutritive) Qi can not nurture the interior.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Heart, Bladder, Spleen, Liver, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 5-12 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Ma Huang Tang
Formulas that Release Excess Exterior Cold with no sweating

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Exterior Wind-Cold Excess

Actions:

* Promotes sweating to expel cold
* Calms wheezing
* Chills more than fever

Indications:

* Excess Wind Cold condition
* Chills and fever, no sweating, body aches, headache, wheezing, runny nose with clear discharge.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Thin white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and tight pulse

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Asthma
* Cough

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Used only in exterior excess Wind Cold, and it's use is ceased once sweating occurs
* Not for exterior deficient Wind Cold patterns.
* Not for exterior Wind Heat patterns.
* Not for patients that are prone to bleeding.
* Use caution in patients with Hypertension.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Notes:

* This formula is best used when there is NO sweating with an exterior cold condition.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Bladder, Heart, Large Intestine

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae)
Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem) 麻黄
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Bitter, Warm
Latin: Herba Ephedrae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae)
Xing Ren (Apricot Seed or Kernel) 杏仁
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LI, LU
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Warm, Slightly Toxic
Latin: Semen Pruni Armeniacae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Chái Gé Jiě Jì Tāng
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Wind-Cold (Tai Yang) transforming into Interior Heat (Yang Ming)

Actions:

* Releases pathogens from the muscle layer
* Clears internal heat.
* Relieves pain.

Indications:

* Increasing fever with decreasing chills and aversion to cold
* Eye Pain, dry nasal passages, insomnia, irritability, and a bitter taste in the mouth
* Muscle aches and pains.
* Aching and stiffness in the extremities.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with a thin yellow tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating, rapid, and slightly forceful pulse
* Slippery and rapid

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Toothache
* Trigeminal Neuralgia
* Influenza

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of external Wind Heat, exterior Wind Cold in the Tai Yang stage, or Yang Ming organ heat with constipation

Originally Appeared In:

* Six Texts of Cold Induced Disorders (Shang Han Liu Shu)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Stomach, Spleen, Kidneys, Lungs, Large Intestine, Heart

Substances in this Formula (11 Total):

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae)
Ge Gen (Pueraria, Kudzu Root) 葛根
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Puerariae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Qiang Huo (Radix Et Rhizoma Notopterygii)
Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root) 羌活
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: BL, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Aromatic, Warm
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Notopterygii
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)
Bai Zhi (Angelica Root) 白芷
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Dahuricae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
Shi Gao (Gypsum) 石膏
Qty: 4.5-15 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Very Cold
Latin: Gypsum Fibrosum
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 2-3 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sang Ju Yin
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 5 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Early stage exterior Wind-Heat causing cough

Actions:

* Releases the exterior and clears Wind Heat
* Moves Lung Qi and stops cough.
* Diaphoretic

Indications:

* Cough
* Slight fever and thirst.
* Slight sore throat.
* Possible painful red eyes.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Thin white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Influenza
* Acute Early Stage Bronchitis
* Acute Tonsillitis
* Epidemic Conjunctivitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of cough due to Wind Cold
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Originally Appeared In:

* Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases (Wen Bing Tiao Bian)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Liver, Heart, Gall Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Sang Ye (Folium Mori Albae)
Sang Ye (White Mulberry Leaf) 桑叶
Qty: 7.5 grams
Chan: LIV, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Folium Mori Albae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii)
Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower) 菊花
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LIV, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae)
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) 连翘
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, GB
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Spicy, Cool
Latin: Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Eliminate Toxins
Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis)
Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha) 薄荷
Qty: 2.4 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Cool
Latin: Herba Menthae Haplocalycis
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae)
Xing Ren (Apricot Seed or Kernel) 杏仁
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LI, LU
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Warm, Slightly Toxic
Latin: Semen Pruni Armeniacae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis)
Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) 芦根
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 2.4 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Q
Yin Qiao San
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 6 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Exterior Wind-Heat with heat toxins

Actions:

* Releases the exterior and clears Wind Heat
* Relieves interior heat toxins.
*

Indications:

* Fever with slight chills or no chills
* Cough, sore throat, headache, and thirst.
* Sores or boils.
* No sweating or difficulty sweating.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tip tongue with a thin yellow or thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Influenza
* Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
* Acute Bronchitis
* Acute Endometriosis
* Measles
* Acute Tonsillitis
* Epidemic Encephalitis B or Meningitis
* Parotitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do use in external conditions with Wind Cold

Preparation Notes:

* Bo He should be added 5 minutes before the end of boiling. 15

Originally Appeared In:

* Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases (Wen Bing Tiao Bian)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Gall Bladder, Liver, Small Intestine, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (10 Total):

Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae)
Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower or Lonicera) 金银花
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LI, LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Flos Lonicerae Japonicae
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Eliminate Toxins
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae)
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) 连翘
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, GB
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Spicy, Cool
Latin: Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Eliminate Toxins
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii Lappae)
Niu Bang Zi (Great Burdock Fruit) 牛旁子
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Arctii Lappae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis)
Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha) 薄荷
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Cool
Latin: Herba Menthae Haplocalycis
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Dan Dou Chi (Semen Praeparatum Sojae)
Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) 淡豆敕
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Neutral
Latin: Semen Praeparatum Sojae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Jing Jie (Herba Seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae)
Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Bud or Stem) 荆芥
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Slightly Warm
Latin: Herba Seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Dan Zhu Ye (Herba Lophatheri Gracilis)
Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum Stem and Leaves) 淡竹叶
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, SI, ST
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Herba Lophatheri Gracilis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis)
Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) 芦根
Qty: 15-30 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Ge Gen Tang
Formulas for Wind Cold with joint point and body aches


(Kudzu Decoction)

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 7 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Excess Wind-Cold
* Simultaneous Tai Yang and Yang Ming Syndromes

Actions:

* Promotes sweating to dispel Wind Cold and release the exterior
* Generates fluids and releases the muscle layer.

Indications:

* Chills and fever without sweating, aversion to cold
* Rigid or stiff neck and upper back muscles.
* Possible diarrhea or nausea, irritability or insomnia, or headache with mixed Tai Yang and Yang Ming syndromes.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Normal to slightly red tongue with a thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and tight pulse

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Influenza
* Stomach Flu
* Acute Cervical Myositis
* Headache
* Stiff Neck
* Frozen Shoulder
* Urticaria
* Allergic Rhinitis
* Early Stage Polio or Encephalitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Use cautiously in cases with hypertension

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Lungs, Bladder, Heart, Liver

Substances in this Formula (7 Total):

Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae)
Ge Gen (Pueraria, Kudzu Root) 葛根
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Puerariae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae)
Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem) 麻黄
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Bitter, Warm
Latin: Herba Ephedrae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 12 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Ren Shen Bai Du San
(Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences)
Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Interior Deficiency


Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 8 of 8 in Formulas that Release the Exterior on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Early-Stage Exterior Disorders

Pattern:

* Invasion of Exterior Wind-Cold-Damp with underlying Qi Deficiency

Actions:

* Releases the exterior and dispels wind, cold, and damp
* Replenishes the Qi and strengthens the Spleen

Indications:

* High fever with severe chills
* No sweating.
* Aches, pains, and stiffness in the head and neck. Pain and soreness in the extremities.
* Rough sounding cough with expectoration of white sputum.
* Full sensation of the chest, nasal congestion, and sonorous breathing.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Normal color with white greasy tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and soggy pulse

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Influenza
* Malaria
* Early Stage Dysentery
* Early Stage Measles
* Suppurative Infections

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is drying and warming Do not use in excess or heat conditions.

Originally Appeared In:

* Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease Patterns (Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Kidneys, Bladder, Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (12 Total):

Qiang Huo (Radix Et Rhizoma Notopterygii)
Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root) 羌活
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: BL, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Aromatic, Warm
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Notopterygii
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis)
Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root) 独活
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Pubescentis
Cat: Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Zhi Ke (Fructus Citri Aurantii)
Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange Peel) 枳壳
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cool
Latin: Fructus Citri Aurantii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Qian Hu (Radix Peucedani)
Qian Hu (Hogfennel Root) 前胡
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Radix Peucedani
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis)
Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha) 薄荷
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Cool
Latin: Herba Menthae Haplocalycis
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 5 in Formulas that Clear Heat on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Pattern:

* 6 Stages: Yang Ming Channel Heat
* 4 Levels: Qi Level Heat

Actions:

* Clear Yang-Ming and Qi Level excess heat
* Generates fluids and stops thirst.
* Drains Stomach fire.

Indications:

* High fever, excess thirst, profuse sweating, irritability, dry mouth, and aversion to heat

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dry tongue

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Forceful
* Slippery and Rapid Pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of Stomach and Spleen deficiency with symptoms such as spontaneous sweating, fever, aversion to wind, fatigue, and a floating deficient pulse
* Do not use in cases of true cold and false heat.
* Do not use in exterior conditions.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Cook until rice is done and ingest liquid.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Notes:

* This formula is often described as treatng the "4 Bigs", which are big fever, big thirst, big sweat, big pulse.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Kidneys, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
Shi Gao (Gypsum) 石膏
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Very Cold
Latin: Gypsum Fibrosum
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis)
Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) 知母
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, ST, KI
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Geng Mi (Oryzae Semen)
Geng Mi (Rice)
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Cool
Latin: Oryzae Semen
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
(Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity)

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 5 in Formulas that Clear Heat on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Pattern:

* Fire toxins in all three Jiao

Actions:

* Drains fire and clears toxicity

Indications:

* High fever, irritability, dry mouth and throat, insomnia
* Hematemesis, epistaxis, or spitting of blood.
* Toxic swellings such as carbuncles, furuncles, other suppurative sores, and deep-rooted boils.
* Damp Heat Jaundice.
* Damp Heat Dysentery.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red and dry with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Rapid and forceful pulse

Western Uses:

* Septicemia
* Dysentery
* Pneumonia
* Acute Urinary Tract Infection
* Purulent Skin Lesions (Furuncles, Carbuncles, and Boils)

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Use only in cases where the patient has a strong constitution
* Do not use in cases where there is fluid or Yin deficiency.
* Do not use over a long period of time.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Modern dosage of Huang Lian is usually 50-75% less than the dosage indicated.

Originally Appeared In:

* Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library (Wai Tai Bi Yao)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Gall Bladder, Kidneys

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis)
Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) 黄连
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Coptidis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri)
Huang Bai (Phellodendron or Amur Cork tree Bark) 黄柏
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Cortex Phellodendri
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis)
Zhi Zi (Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit) 栀子
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, LU, ST, TB
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
(Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 5 in Formulas that Clear Heat on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Pattern:

* Excess Heat in the Liver and/or Gallbladder Channels
* Liver Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao.

Actions:

* Drains excess heat/fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
* Drains Damp and clears Heat from the lower burner.

Indications:

* Liver and Gallbladder Fire: Headache, tinnitus, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability and short temper, hypochondriac pain, red painful eyes, dizziness, deafness, and swelling of the ears
* Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao: Difficult urination with pain and heat sensation in the Urethra, turbid urine, foul smelling thick yellow leukorrhea, swollen and pruritus of the external genitalia, impotence, short menstrual cycle with dark flow.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with a greasy yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry, rapid, and forceful pulse

Western Uses:

* Migraine Headaches
* Intercostal Neuralgia
* Gallstones
* Acute Conjunctivitis
* Acute Otitis Media
* Boils and Carbuncles of the Vestibular and External Auditory Canal
* Hypertension
* Acute Icteric Hepatitis
* Acute Cholecystitis
* Herpes Zoster
* Herpes Simplex
* Acute Pyelitis
* Acute Cystitis
* Urethritis
* Acute Pelvic Inflammation
* Acute Prostatitis
* Scrotal Eczema
* Swollen Testes
* Hyperthyroidism

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of Stomach or Spleen Qi deficiency
* Do not use in cases with fluid deficiency.
* Do not use long term.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Long Dan Cao, Zhi Zi, and Sheng Di Huang are usually wine fried to aid in dispersing as well as draining.

Originally Appeared In:

* Analytic Collection of Medicinal Formulas (Yi Fang Ji Jie)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Gall Bladder, Liver, Lungs, Large Intestine, Heart, Small Intestine, Kidneys, Pericardium, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (10 Total):

Long Dan Cao (Radix Gentianae Longdancao)
Long Dan Cao (Chinese Gentian Root) 龙胆草
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Gentianae Longdancao
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis)
Zhi Zi (Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit) 栀子
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, LU, ST, TB
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Chuan Mu Tong (Caulis Clematidis Armandii)
Chuan Mu Tong (Clematis) 川木通
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: BL, HT, SI
Prop: Bitter, Cold, Bland
Latin: Caulis Clematidis Armandii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis)
Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed, Plantain Seed) 车前子
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: KI, BL, LIV, LU
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Semen Plantaginis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
(Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 5 in Formulas that Clear Heat on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Pattern:

* Heat trapped in the Lungs, with or without an external Wind-Heat condition

Actions:

* Releases the exterior, and clears Wind Heat
* Clears heat from the Lungs.
* Circulates the Lung Qi and stops wheezing by directing rebellious Lung Qi down.

Indications:

* Fever with or without sweating
* Coughing, wheezing, or asthma with difficult or labored breathing.
* Flaring and pain of the nostrils.
* Thirst with dry throat.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tip with a thin yellow or white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Rapid, slippery, and floating when presenting with external conditions

Western Uses:

* Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
* Lobar Pneumonia
* Bronchial Pneumonia
* Bronchial Asthma
* Pneumonitis from Measles
* Bronchiolitis
* Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
* Diphtheria

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of wheezing or asthma due to Wind Cold invasion
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Modern Dosage is usually 50% less than listed.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Notes:

* Especially useful in children.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae)
Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem) 麻黄
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Bitter, Warm
Latin: Herba Ephedrae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
Shi Gao (Gypsum) 石膏
Qty: 48 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Very Cold
Latin: Gypsum Fibrosum
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae)
Xing Ren (Apricot Seed or Kernel) 杏仁
Qty: 18 grams (50 pieces)
Chan: LI, LU
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Warm, Slightly Toxic
Latin: Semen Pruni Armeniacae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
(Artemisia Annua and Soft Shelled Turtle Shell Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from Deficiency

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 5 of 5 in Formulas that Clear Heat on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Pattern:

* Smoldering heat from Yin deficiency, usually during later stage febrile diseases

Actions:

* Nourishes Yin and clears deficient heat

Indications:

* Low grade night time fever and night sweats that clear by morning
* Emaciation with normal appetite.
* Possible afternoon fever.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with scanty coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Phthisis
* Summer Fever in Children
* Chronic Pyelonephritis
* Kidney Tuberculosis
* Chronic Nephritis
* Advanced Stages of Various Infectious Diseases

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where the heat in the Qi level
* Do not use in cases where there has been spasms or convulsions.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Add Qing Hao during the last 10 minutes of boiling.

Originally Appeared In:

* Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases (Wen Bing Tiao Bian)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Liver, Kidneys, Gall Bladder, Heart, Lungs, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Bie Jia (Carapax Amydae Sinensis)
Bie Jia (Chinese Soft Shelled Turtle Shell) 鳖甲
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Salty, Cold
Latin: Carapax Amydae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Qing Hao (Herba Artemisiae Apiaceae)
Qing Hao (Wormwood) 青蒿
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: KI, LIV, GB
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Herba Artemisiae Apiaceae
Cat: Herbs that Clear and Relieve Summerheat
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis)
Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) 知母
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, ST, KI
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Da Cheng Qi Tang
(Major Order the Qi Decoction)
Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation


Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 3 in Formulas that Drain Downward on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

* Yang Ming Organ Heat with Constipation or Diarrhea

Actions:

* Strongly purges accumulation and clears heat from the Stomach and the Intestines
* Activates Qi

Indications:

* Severe Constipation and flatulence
* Epigastric and abdominal focal distention and fullness.
* Firm abdomen with pain that is aggravated by pressure.
* Possible tidal fever, Profuse sweating from the hands and the feet, irritability, and delirious speech.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red with prickles with a dark dry yellow or dry black coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Submerged, forceful, rapid, slippery, and excess

Western Uses:

* Constipation
* Acute (simple) intestinal obstruction
* Acute Cholecystitis
* Acute appendicitis
* Acute Pancreatitis
* Roundworm in the bile duct
* Early stage dysentery
* Pneumonia
* Syncope
* Seizures

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Due to the strong nature of this formula it may cause diarrhea and vomiting
* Do not use during pregnancy.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Da Huang is added towards the end of cooking and Mang Xiao is dissolved in the strained decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Lungs

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei)
Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) 大簧
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei
Cat: Purgatives
Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas)
Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate, Mirabilite, Glauber's Salt) 芒硝
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: ST, LI.
Prop: Salty, Bitter, Very Cold
Latin: Natrii Sulfas
Cat: Purgatives
Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii)
Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) 枳实
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: LI, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 厚朴
Qty: 24 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
(Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction)
Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 3 in Formulas that Drain Downward on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

* Mild Yang Ming Organ Heat

Actions:

* Mildly purges formed heat accumulation

Indications:

* Constipation and irritability with no abdominal fullness or focal distention
* Also for epistaxis, swollen or bleeding gums, swollen throat, and petechiae due to Stomach heat.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with a yellow tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Acute Simple Intestinal Obstruction
* Acute Cholecystitis
* Acute Appendicitis
* Constipation

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use long term
* Use only in cases where there is constipation
* Do not use in cases where exterior pathogens have not been completely eliminated
* Use cautiously in weak patients.
* Do not use during pregnancy.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Add Mang Xiao to the final strained decoction of Da Huang and Gan Cao

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Notes:

* While there is no abdominal fullness or focal distention, there may be abdominal pain that is exacerbated with plapation.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Large Intestine, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei)
Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) 大簧
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei
Cat: Purgatives
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas)
Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate, Mirabilite, Glauber's Salt) 芒硝
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: ST, LI.
Prop: Salty, Bitter, Very Cold
Latin: Natrii Sulfas
Cat: Purgatives
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
(Minor Order the Qi Decoction)
Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation
Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 3 in Formulas that Drain Downward on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

* Mild Heat in the Yang-Ming (Organ Syndrome)

Actions:

* Clear Stomach and Intestinal Heat
* Moderately purges heat accumulation and moves the Qi.

Indications:

* Afternoon tidal fever, abdominal and focal distension, abdominal pain that does not increase with pressure, constipation or diarrhea, sweating, irritability or delirium, tenesmus

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dry, dirty, or old looking yellow tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Rapid and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Early Stage Dysenteric Disorders
* Acute Simple Intestinal Obstruction
* Acute Cholecystitis
* Acute Appendicitis
* Constipation

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use if external pathogens have not been released
* Use cautiously in patients with a weak constitution.
* Do not use during pregnancy.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Decoct with 4 cups of water. Boil down to 2 cups and divide into two doses.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei)
Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) 大簧
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei
Cat: Purgatives
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 厚朴
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii)
Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) 枳实
Qty: 3 pieces (6-9 grams)
Chan: LI, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
(Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 4 in Formulas that Harmonize on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

* Shao-Yang Stage Disorders

Actions:

* Harmonizes Shao Yang Stage disorders
* Harmonizes and Tonifies the Middle Jiao.

Indications:

* Alternating chills and fever, dry mouth and throat, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, dizziness, fullness and discomfort in the hypochondria and chest, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Normal with a thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry pulse

Western Uses:

* Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
* Influenza
* Bronchitis
* Pulmonary Tuberculosis
* Epidemic Parotitis
* Malaria
* Cholecystitis
* Hepatitis
* Jaundice
* Amenorrhea
* Post Partum Fever
* Lymphadenitis
* Intercostal Neuralgia

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* The ascending nature of this formula can injure Qi, possibly causing dizziness, headache, or gum bleeding if taken for a long period of time
* Do not use in cases where there is excess above and deficiency below.
* Do not use in cases of Liver fire, Liver yang rising, and hypertension.
* Do not use in cases of Yin deficiency with vomiting of blood.
* Possible side effects of this formula include chills, fever, and sweating.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. 2-3 Times the amount of Dang Shen can be substituted for Ren Shen. Chai Hu and Ban Xia are often reduced to 12 Grams, Zhi Gan Cao is often reduced to 6 Grams, and Da Zao to 4 Pieces.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (7 Total):

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 24 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 24 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 12 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Si Ni San
(Frigid Extremities Powder)
Formulas that Regulate and Harmonize the Liver and Spleen

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 4 in Formulas that Harmonize on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

* Liver (Qi Stagnation) attacking the Spleen and Stomach

Actions:

* Spreads Liver Qi and regulates the Spleen
* Eliminates internal heat and reduces stagnation.

Indications:

* Cool or cold extremities (fingers and toes)
* Possible irritability with distension and fullness in the epigastria and chest.
* Bitter taste in the mouth and dry throat.
* Possible abdominal pain with diarrhea.
* Dysmenorrhea and distending breast pain.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red or dusky tongue with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry pulse, possibly rapid

Western Uses:

* Gastritis
* Peptic Ulcer
* Cholecystitis
* Cholelithiasis
* Hepatitis
* Intestinal Obstruction
* Mastitis
* Breast Fibroids
* Hernia
* Pancreatitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where cold extremities are due to Blood deficiency from true heat and false cold
* Use with caution in cases of excess Yin with full cold or Yang deficiency with empty cold.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii)
Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) 枳实
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LI, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 12-24 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Xiao Yao San
(Rambling Powder, Free and Easy Wanderer)
Formulas that Regulate and Harmonize the Liver and Spleen

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 4 in Formulas that Harmonize on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

* Liver Qi Stagnation with Blood Deficiency

Actions:

* Spreads Liver Qi and relieves stagnation
* Tonifies the Spleen and nourishes the blood.

Indications:

* Irritability, depression, and moodiness
* Fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
* Hypochondriac fullness or pain.
* Breast distention, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea.
* Bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth and throat, and poor appetite.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale red tongue

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and deficient pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Hepatitis
* Pleurisy
* Chronic Gastritis
* Peptic Ulcer
* Irregular Menstruation
* Uterine Bleeding
* Leukorrhea
* Anemia
* Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
* Breast Fibroids
* Optic Nerve Atrophy
* Central Retinitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* None Noted

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Spleen, Heart, Stomach, Lungs

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis)
Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha) 薄荷
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Cool
Latin: Herba Menthae Haplocalycis
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3 grams (Roasted)
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng
(Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium)
Formulas that Harmonize the Stomach and Intestines

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 4 in Formulas that Harmonize on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

* Stomach and Intestinal Disharmony with Heat and Cold Complex in the Middle Jiao

Actions:

* Harmonizes the Stomach and descends rebellious Qi
* Disperses accumulation, masses, and clumping.
* Relieves fullness and focal distention.

Indications:

* Epigastric fullness, tightness, stuffiness, or focal distention with very little or no pain
* Dry heaves, retching, or vomiting.
* diarrhea with borborygmus.
* Loss of appetite.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Thin, yellow, greasy tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and Rapid Pulse

Western Uses:

* Acute Gastroenteritis
* Chronic Gastritis
* Chronic Hepatitis
* Early stage Cirrhosis
* Hyper-Secretion of Acid Causing Gastric Ulcers

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is drying Do not uses in cases of Stomach Yin Deficiency with dry heaves or nausea.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Modern dosage of Ban Xia is often increased by 3 Grams, Zhi Gan Cao is often reduced by 3 grams, and only 4 pieces of Da Zao are used.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder, Liver

Substances in this Formula (7 Total):

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome) 干姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Hot
Latin: dry Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis)
Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) 黄连
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Coptidis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 12 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Wu Ling San
(Five Ingredient Powder with Poria)
Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Water Accumulation

Actions:

* Promotes urination, drains damp, and strengthens the Spleen
* Warms the Yang and promotes transformation of Bladder Qi.

Indications:

* Accumulation of cold water in the Lower Jiao, possibly with external Wind Cold: Difficult urination, fever, irritability, strong thirst with vomiting after drinking, and headache
* Spleen Qi deficiency causing internal accumulation of water and dampness: General muscle and skin edema with a sensation of heaviness, difficult urination, diarrhea, and vomiting.
* Accumulation of fluids in the Lower Jiao (Tai Yin Syndrome): A pulsing or throbbing sensation below the umbilicus, frothy saliva, dizziness, vertigo, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Thick white greasy tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Nephritic Edema
* Acute Gastritis
* Cardiac Edema
* Gastrectasis
* Ascites due to Liver Cirrhosis
* Urine Retention
* Scrotal Hydrocele
* Acute Enteritis
* Meniere's Disease
* Neurogenic Bladder Syndrome

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is warming and drying and should be used with caution in cases of difficult urination presenting with Yin and fluids deficiency
* Do not use long term with Kidney Qi or Spleen Qi deficiency. Possible side effects may include: Loss of appetite, dizziness, vertigo, and a bland taste in the mouth.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Modern formulations usually have a 4 fold increase in dosages. Do not cook for more than 20 minutes.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Bladder, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 4 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 2.3 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhu Ling (Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati)
Zhu Ling (Polyporus Sclerotium) 猪苓
Qty: 2.3 grams
Chan: SP, KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cool (or Neutral)
Latin: Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 2.3 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 1.5 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Wu Pi San (Wu Pi Yin)
(Five Peel Powder)
Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Damp Accumulation (Skin Edema) due to Spleen Qi deficiency

Actions:

* Promotes urination and drains dampness to reduce edema
* Regulates the Qi and tonifies the Spleen.

Indications:

* Generalized edema and pitting edema with a fullness, distension, or heaviness in the abdomen and epigastria
* Difficult urination and heavy or labored breathing.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale swollen tongue with teeth marks and a greasy white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Deep, moderate, and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Edema
* Edema from Pregnancy
* Protein Deficiency Edema
* Ascites from Cirrhosis
* Congestive Heart Failure
* Urticaria
* Menopausal Edema

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula does not strongly Tonify the Spleen, so the use of additional Spleen Tonifying herbs is recommended

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Treasury Classic (Zhong Zang Jing)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Large Intestine, Small Intestine

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Sang Bai Pi (Cortex Radicis Mori Albae)
Sang Bai Pi (Bark of Mulberry Root) 桑白皮
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Cortex Radicis Mori Albae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Sheng Jiang Pi (Pericarpium Zingiberis Recens)
Sheng Jiang Pi (Fresh Ginger Rhizome Skin) 生姜皮
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Cool
Latin: Pericarpium Zingiberis Recens
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Fu Ling Pi (Sclerotii Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling Pi (Poria Skin) 茯苓皮
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Sclerotii Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Da Fu Pi (Pericarpium Arecae Catechu)
Da Fu Pi (Betel Husk) 大腹皮
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LI, SI, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Warm
Latin: Pericarpium Arecae Catechu
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zhu Ling Tang
(Polyporus Decoction)
Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness
Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Water Accumulation with interior heat

Actions:

* Promotes urination, drains dampness, and clears heat
* Nourishes Yin and Fluids.

Indications:

* Urinary difficulty with fever, thirst, and a desire to drink fluids, irritability, and insomnia
* Other possible symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, cough, painful and bloody urination with pain and abdominal fullness.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red with a dry yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Urinary Tract Infections
* Nephritis
* Dysuria
* Hemorrhagic Shock

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases with thirst from excess heat in the Yang Ming stage

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Add E Jiao to the final strained decoction. Modern formulations usually increase the dosage 2-3 times the amounts listed.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs, Heart, Stomach, Liver

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Zhu Ling (Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati)
Zhu Ling (Polyporus Sclerotium) 猪苓
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: SP, KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cool (or Neutral)
Latin: Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Hua Shi (Talcum)
Hua Shi (Talcum) 滑石
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: ST, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Talcum
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
E Jiao (Gelatinum Corii Asini)
E Jiao (Ass Hide Glue, Donkey Hide Gelatin) 阿胶
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: KID, LIV, LU
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Gelatinum Corii Asini
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
(Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi)
Formulas that Transform Damp Turbidity
Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* External Wind-Cold with internal turbid dampness

Actions:

* Releases the exterior and resolves turbid dampness
* Activates the Qi and harmonizes the Middle Jiao.

Indications:

* Headache, chills and fever, aversion to cold, a sensation of oppression and fullness in the chest, nausea and vomiting, abdominal and epigastric pain, loss of appetite, loss of taste, diarrhea, borborygmus, flatulence

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Slightly pale tongue with a white and greasy coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and tight pulse
* Soggy and moderate pulse

Western Uses:

* Influenza
* Intestinal Flu
* Non-specific Acute Colitis
* Acute Gastroenteritis
* Acute Diarrhea

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is warm and drying, thus it should not be used in cases of Wind Heat with dampness or Yin deficiency with heat
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Usually cooked on high heat for approximately 10-20 minutes.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Heart

Substances in this Formula (11 Total):

Huo Xiang (Herba Agastaches Rugosus, Herba Pogostemonis)
Huo Xiang (Patchouli, Agastache) 藿香
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Warm
Latin: Herba Agastaches Rugosus, Herba Pogostemonis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 厚朴
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zi Su Ye (Perillae Folium)
Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) 紫苏叶
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Warm
Latin: Perillae Folium
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)
Bai Zhi (Angelica Root) 白芷
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Dahuricae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Da Fu Pi (Pericarpium Arecae Catechu)
Da Fu Pi (Betel Husk) 大腹皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LI, SI, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Warm
Latin: Pericarpium Arecae Catechu
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Da Jian Zhong Tang
(Major Construct the Middle Decoction)
Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 4 in Formulas that Warm Interior Cold on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Pattern:

* Cold from Yang Deficiency with upward movement of cold

Actions:

* Tonifies and warms the middle burner (SP/ST)
* Moves rebellious Qi downward.
* Alleviates pain.

Indications:

* Severe abdominal and epigastric pain that is aggravated with pressure
* A strong cold sensation in the abdomen.
* Nausea and vomiting causing an inability to eat.
* Flatulence.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with a moist coat
* Pale tongue with a greasy white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Tight pulse
* Slow and wiry pulse
* Deep and thready pulse in severe cases

Western Uses:

* Chronic gastritis
* Chronic Pancreatitis
* Chronic Cholecystitis
* Urinary calculi
* Uncomplicated intestinal obstruction
* Abdominal pain with spasms
* Biliary Ascariasis
* Duodenal ulcer
* Vomiting

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of Blood and Yin Deficiency, with Damp Heat conditions, or internal clumping
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Yi Tang is added to the final strained decoction.
* In modern formulations, Dang Shen is often substituted for Ren Shen with 2-3 times the dosage, a lower dosage of Chuan Jiao can be used, and half the listed dosage of Gan Jiang and Yi Tang are used.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Kidneys, Lungs, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Chuan Jiao (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani)
Chuan Jiao (Fruit of Szechuan Pepper) 川椒
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: KI, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Hot, Slightly Toxic
Latin: Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome) 干姜
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Hot
Latin: dry Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Yi Tang (Saccharum Granorum)
Yi Tang (Barley Malt Sugar, Maltose) 饴糖
Qty: 18-30 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Saccharum Granorum
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Li Zhong Wan
(Regulate the Middle Pill)
Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 4 in Formulas that Warm Interior Cold on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Pattern:

* Middle Jiao (SP, ST) Yang deficiency with cold

Actions:

* Warms the Middle Jiao and dispels cold
* Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.

Indications:

* Watery diarrhea, undigested food in the stool, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, lack of thirst, abdominal pain that is relieved by warmth, poor appetite, and fatigue

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Deep, slow, and weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Acute and Chronic Gastroenteritis
* Gastro-Duodenal Ulcers
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome
* Gastrectasis
* Gastroptosis
* Chronic Colitis
* Cholera
* Vomiting
* Anemia
* Chronic Bronchitis
* Oral Herpes
* Functional Uterine Bleeding

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is warm and drying it should not be used in cases with Yin deficiency and heat
* Do not use in cases where external pathogens are present.

Preparation Notes:

* Pills. Grind all herbs into an even powder and use honey to form into pills. Take in 9 gram doses 2-3 times a day.
* In all but acute cases Dang Shen is substituted for Ren Shen.
* This formula can also be prepared as a decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome) 干姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Hot
Latin: dry Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
(Evodia Decoction)
Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 4 in Formulas that Warm Interior Cold on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Pattern:

* Middle Jiao Cold (ST) from deficiency with Liver or Kidney Channel Cold

Actions:

* Tonifies and warms the Liver and Stomach
* Descends rebellious Stomach Qi and stops vomiting.

Indications:

* Stomach Cold with rebellious Qi: Immediate nausea and vomiting after eating, acid reflux, abdominal or epigastric pain or fullness, and gnawing hunger
* Jue Yin Channel Cold (Liver): Vertex headache, dry heaves, or spitting of clear fluids.
* Shao Yin Channel Cold (Kidney): Watery diarrhea and vomiting with cold hands and feet. Severe mental agitation.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale with a white slippery coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry slow pulse
* Weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Acute and Chronic Gastritis
* Cholecystitis
* Morning Sickness
* Neurogenic Headache
* Meniere's Disease
* Hypertension
* Trigeminal Neuralgia

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of acid regurgitation or vomiting due to heat
* In cases of severe vomiting, this formula should be taken at room temperature to help prevent vomiting of the formula.
* Possible side effects of this formula include dizziness, headache, and chest discomfort.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Modern dosage is usually decreased to protect the middle burner.
* Dang Shen can be substituted for Ren Shen with 2-3 times the dosage, and Da Zao is usually decreased to 4 pieces.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae)
Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 吴茱萸
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: KI, LIV, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Hot, Slightly Toxic, Very Dry
Latin: Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 18 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 12 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Si Ni Tang
(Frigid Extremities Decoction)
Formulas that Rescue Devastated Yang

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 4 in Formulas that Warm Interior Cold on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold

Pattern:

* Kidney Yang deficiency with internal cold

Actions:

* Tonifies Kidney Yang and rescues devastated Yang
* Warms the Middle Jiao and relieves abdominal pain and stops diarrhea.

Indications:

* Very cold extremities, intolerance of cold, a desire to lie down or sleep and curl in a fetal position, cold abdominal pain, diarrhea with undigested food, vomiting, no thirst, and somnolence
* Devastated Yang symptoms may include profuse cold sweat, cold limbs, pale face, weak breath, and fainting.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale or dusky with a white slippery coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Minute and deep pulse
* Floating weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Prostration
* Acute Myocardial Infarction
* Cardiac Insufficiency
* Acute or Chronic Gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea
* Hypopituitarism
* Hypothyroidism
* Adrenal Insufficiency
* Intractable Arthritis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of cold limbs due to true heat and false cold, Blood deficiency, or Qi stagnation
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Cook Fu Zi 30-60 minutes (depending on the dosage) before adding Gan Jiang and Gan Cao.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
Fu Zi (Processed Aconite) 附子
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, KI, SP
Prop: Spicy, Hot, Toxic
Latin: Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome) 干姜
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: HT, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Hot
Latin: dry Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bǔ Zhōng Yì Qì Tāng
(Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)
* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

* Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach) Qi Deficiency

Actions:

* Tonifies Spleen Qi and the Middle Jiao
* Raises sunken Yang and counters prolapse.

Indications:

* Fever that is worse upon exertion
* Weariness, fatigue, weak limbs, and headache.
* Watery, soft, or loose stools.
* Spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, pale complexion, tendency to curl up, and laconic speech.
* Dislike of cold and a desire for warm drinks.
* Absence of taste.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale swollen tongue with teeth marks and white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Empty, weak, and flooding pulse

Western Uses:

* Gastroptosis
* Rectum and Uterus Prolapse
* Uterine Bleeding
* Myasthenia Gravis
* Recurrent Miscarriage
* Chronic Bronchitis
* Leukorrhea
* Chronic Hepatitis
* Corneal Ulcers
* Cerebral Arteriosclerosis
* Pernicious Anemia
* Leukopenia
* Chronic Nephritis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of heat due to Yin Deficiency

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. 2-3 times the dosage of Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ren Shen.

Originally Appeared In:

* Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach (Pi Wei Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Large Intestine, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪
Qty: 12-24 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae)
Sheng Ma (Black Cohosh Rhizome, Bugbane Rhizome) 升麻
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Rhizoma Cimicifugae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Sheng Mai San
(Generate the Pulse Powder)
* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

* Qi and Yin deficiency of the Lungs

Actions:

* Tonifies Qi, stops excess sweating, and alleviates fatigue
* Nourishes Yin and Fluids and moistens dryness.

Indications:

* Chronic cough with scanty sputum that is difficult to expectorate, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, and a dry tongue and mouth
* Possible other symptoms include palpitations, insomnia, and fatigue.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale red or red tongue with thin dry coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Empty, thin, possibly weak and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Bronchitis
* Pulmonary Tuberculosis
* Supraventricular Arrhythmias
* Rheumatic Heart Disease
* Angina Pectoris
* Coronary Artery Disease
* Post-Bypass Debility

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use this formula in cases where Qi and Yin deficiency are accompanied by exogenous pathogens
* Do not is cases with high fever or summer heat fever where there is no impairment of Qi and fluids.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Xi Yang Shen or Dang Shen at 2-3 times the Ren Shen dosage can be substituted if the condition is mild.

Originally Appeared In:

* Clarifying Doubts About Injury from Internal and External Causes (Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Kidneys

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 麦门冬
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST, HT (LU)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) 五味子
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LU
Prop: Sour, Warm
Latin: Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Si Jun Zi Tang
(Four Gentlemen Decoction)
* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

* Spleen Qi deficiency

Actions:

* Tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Indications:

* Loose stool, pale complexion, weak limbs, low energy, poor appetite, and soft voice

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Weak, thin pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Gastritis
* Gastric and Duodenal Ulcer
* Neurasthenia
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome
* Diabetes Mellitus
* Periodic Paralysis
* Uterine Fibroids
* Reduces Recovery Time after gastric surgery

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use this formula in cases of excess heat or deficient heat
* Do not use this formula when irritability, thirst, bloating and constipation present together.
* This formula may cause irritability and dry mouth if use for a prolonged period of time.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Ren Shen is usually replaced with 2-3 times the dosage of Dang Shen.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Si Wu Tang
(Four Substance Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Blood

Pattern:

* Liver Blood Deficiency

Actions:

* Tonifies and invigorates the blood
* Regulates the Liver, harmonizes the menses, and alleviates pain.

Indications:

* Irregular menstruation with scanty flow, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, lower abdominal or periumbilical pain, and PMS
* Dizziness, fatigue, tinnitus, blurred vision, palpitations, and pale nails and complexion
* Painful and hard abdominal masses, threatened miscarriage, and lochioschesis.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale, purple, or dusky tongue

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and thin pulse
* Choppy and thin pulse

Western Uses:

* Dysmenorrhea
* Irregular Menstruation
* Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
* Anemia
* Threatened Miscarriage
* Post Partum Weakness
* Insufficient Lactation
* Urticaria
* Neurogenic Headache

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is heavy and cloying and should not be used in cases with loose stool, poor appetite, and indigestion due to Spleen Qi/Yang deficiency
* Do not use in cases of acute or severe blood loss.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia) 熟地黄
Qty: 9-21 grams
Chan: LIV, KI, (HT)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Guī Pí Tāng
(Restore the Spleen Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi and Blood

Pattern:

* Spleen Qi deficiency with Heart Blood and Yin deficiency

Actions:

* Tonifies Blood and Qi
* Nourishes the Heart and strengthens the Spleen.

Indications:

* Fatigue, poor memory, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, phobias, poor sleep or dream disturbed sleep, poor appetite, sallow complexion, withdrawal, low-grade fever, and night sweating
* Early periods with loss of excess pale blood, continuous spotting, blood in the stool, leukorrhea, metrostaxis, and metrorrhagia.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with a thin white coat, possibly swollen

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Neurasthenia
* Psycho-Emotional Disorders
* Post concussion Syndrome
* Myasthenia Gravis
* Congestive Heart Disease
* Supraventricular Tachycardia
* Anemia
* Thrombocytopenic or Allergic Purpura
* Cervicitis
* Functional Uterine Bleeding

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of interior full heat, or Yin deficient heat with a rapid and thin pulse

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Ren Shen is commonly replaced by 2-3 times the dosage of Dang Shen, and Fu Shen is often substituted for Fu Ling.

Originally Appeared In:

* Formulas to Aid the Living (Ji Sheng Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Gall Bladder, Liver, Large Intestine

Substances in this Formula (12 Total):

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae)
Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed, Zizyphus - Raw Herb Shown) 酸枣仁
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: GB, HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Semen Zizyphi Spinosae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Long Yan Rou (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae)
Long Yan Rou (Flesh of the Longan Fruit) 龙眼肉
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, SP
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Arillus Euphoriae Longanae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Mu Xiang (Radix Auklandiae Lappae)
Mu Xiang (Costus Root, Saussurea) 木香
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: GB, LI, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Auklandiae Lappae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae)
Yuan Zhi (Chinese Senega Root) 元志
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 5 pieces
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 1 piece
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
(All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi and Blood

Pattern:

* Qi and Blood deficiency with internal cold

Actions:

* Tonifies Qi and Blood and alleviates fatigue
* Warms the Yang and dispels cold.

Indications:

* Chronic coughing that is worse after exertion, shortness of breath, weariness, fatigue, weakness of the lower extremities, cold extremities, poor appetite, pale complexion, palpitations, spermatorrhea, slow speech, chronic abscesses, non-healing sores, continuous spotting, and dysmenorrhea

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale with a thin white coat, possibly dusky

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Deep and weak pulse, possibly slow

Western Uses:

* Cardiac Failure
* Anemia
* Uterine Bleeding
* Chronic Abscesses

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is warm and drying and should not be used in cases of heat from Yin deficiency or in excess conditions

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.
* Double or triple the dosage of Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ren Shen

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (12 Total):

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia) 熟地黄
Qty: 15-18 grams
Chan: LIV, KI, (HT)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Rou Gui (Inner Bark of Saigon Cinnamon) 肉桂
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Hot
Latin: Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪
Qty: 15-18 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3 pieces
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 2 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Liù Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
(Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)
Formulas that Nourish and Tonify the Yin
* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Actions:

* Enriches and nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin

Indications:

* Weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees
* Lightheadedness, dizziness, or vertigo, tinnitus or hearing loss, nocturnal emissions, night sweats, chronic sore and/or dry throat, hot palms and soles, painful or difficult scanty urination, wasting and thirsting, and tidal fever.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with little coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Retarded Growth of Children
* Lumbago
* Optic Neuritis
* Central Retinitis
* Pulmonary Tuberculosis
* Diabetes
* Hyperthyroidism
* Addison's Disease
* Hypertension
* Neurasthenia
* Functional Anovular Uterine Bleeding
* Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
* Deafness

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is cloying, it should be avoided in cases of diarrhea due to Spleen Qi deficiency, or Damp-Phlegm conditions with a white greasy coat

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease Patterns (Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Bladder

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia) 熟地黄
Qty: 21-24 grams
Chan: LIV, KI, (HT)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis)
Shan Zhu Yu (Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit, Cornus) 山茱萸
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sour, Slightly Warm
Latin: Fructus Corni Officinalis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae)
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam Rhizome, Dioscorea) 山药
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: KI, LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
(Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
Formulas that Warm and Tonify the Yang

Actions:

* Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
* Dispels Cold.
* Drains damp and water accumulation and promotes urination.

Indications:

* Yang Deficiency Cold: Weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, tenderness or tense feeling in the lower abdomen, a cold feeling in the lower half of the body, impotence, spermatorrhea, palpitations, clear and profuse urination possibly with incontinence, water retention, irritability with a difficulty or inability to lay down
* Kidney Yang Deficiency with Damp and Water Accumulation: Wasting and Thirsting disorder with thirst and copious and frequent urination. Leg Qi with sore, weak, numb, and swollen lower limbs and difficulty walking.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Swollen and pale tongue, possibly with teeth marks

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Weak and deep pulse, possibly thin or empty

Western Uses:

* Diabetes Mellitus and Insipidus
* Hyperaldosteronism
* Hypothyroidism
* Neurasthenia
* Chronic Nephritis
* Chronic Bronchitis
* Asthma
* Pulmonary Emphysema
* Urinary Retention
* Climacteric Syndromes

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is warming, it should be avoided in patients with Yin deficiency and dryness, empty heat, or fluid impairment.
* Also, do not use in cases with Damp-Phlegm conditions presenting with a greasy tongue coat.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Shu Di Huang is commonly substituted for Sheng Di Huang.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Bladder

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 24 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis)
Shan Zhu Yu (Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit, Cornus) 山茱萸
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sour, Slightly Warm
Latin: Fructus Corni Officinalis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae)
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam Rhizome, Dioscorea) 山药
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: KI, LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
Fu Zi (Processed Aconite) 附子
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, KI, SP
Prop: Spicy, Hot, Toxic
Latin: Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Bàn Xià Hòu Pò Tāng
(Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction)
* Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi

Pattern:

* Qi Stagnation with Phlegm, Plum-Pit Qi

Actions:

* Moves Qi and disperses nodules
* Descends rebellious Qi.
* Resolves phlegm.

Indications:

* Plum-Pit Qi - A subjective feeling that something is stuck in the throat, usually due to emotional upset
* A fullness, oppression, or stifling sensation in the chest and hypochondria.
* Cough with white sputum, nausea and vomiting.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dusky or normal with a greasy or moist white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Globus Hystericus
* Hysteria
* Gastro-intestinal Neurosis
* Esophagospasm
* Chronic Laryngitis
* Tracheitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in Yin Deficient patients
* Do not use with patients who have a bitter taste in the mouth, flushed face, and a red tongue with scanty coat.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Large Intestine, Heart

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 厚朴
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Zi Su Ye (Perillae Folium)
Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) 紫苏叶
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Warm
Latin: Perillae Folium
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Yue Ju Wan
(Escape Restraint Pill)
* Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi

Actions:

* Activates Qi, releases constraint, and reduces stagnation of Qi, Blood, Damp, Phlegm, Heat, and Food

Indications:

* Focal Distension, fullness in the abdomen and chest, hypochondriac distension and pain, belching, vomiting, indigestion, acid regurgitation, nausea, reduced appetite, distending breast or lower abdomen pain, dysmenorrhea, and possible cough with copious sputum

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Purple, red, or dusky tongue body with a greasy white or yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery and wiry pulse, possibly rapid

Western Uses:

* Gastrointestinal Neurosis
* Gastric or Duodenal Ulcer
* Chronic Gastritis
* Infectious Hepatitis
* Cholecystitis
* Cholecystolithiasis
* Intercostal Neuralgia

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of Qi stagnation from deficiency

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Teachings of Dan Xi (Dan Xi Xin Fa)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, San Jiao, Lungs, Heart

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis)
Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizone) 苍术
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi)
Xiang Fu (Nut Grass Rhizome) 香附
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: LIV, SJ, SP
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Warm, Slightly Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis)
Zhi Zi (Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit) 栀子
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, LU, ST, TB
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Shen Qu (Massa Medica Fermentata)
Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) 神曲
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Warm
Latin: Massa Medica Fermentata
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Ding Chuan Tang
(Arrest Wheezing Decoction)
Formulas that Direct Rebellious Qi Downward

Actions:

* Descends and circulates Lung Qi to stop wheezing, mildly clears heat, transforms phlegm and releases wind cold

Indications:

* Wheezing and coughing with thick, profuse, and yellow sputum, dyspnea, and possible fever and chills

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with a greasy yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Rapid and slippery Pulse

Western Uses:

* Asthma
* Chronic Bronchitis
* Bronchial Asthma
* Pulmonary Emphysema

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of dyspnea or wheezing from Qi deficiency, or when internal Phlegm-Heat is not present
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Exquisite Formulas for Fostering Longevity (Fu Shou Jing Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Bladder, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (9 Total):

Bai Guo (Semen Ginkgonis Bilobae)
Bai Guo (Ginkgo Nut) 白果
Qty: 9 grams (9 pieces)
Chan: LU
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Astringent, Neutral, Slightly Toxic
Latin: Semen Ginkgonis Bilobae
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae)
Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem) 麻黄
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Bitter, Warm
Latin: Herba Ephedrae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Zi Su Zi (Fructus Perillae Frutescentis)
Zi Su Zi (Purple Perilla Fruit, Perilla Seed) 紫苏子
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LI, LU
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Fructus Perillae Frutescentis
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Kuan Dong Hua (Tussilaginis Farfarae Flos)
Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot Flower) 款冬花
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Tussilaginis Farfarae Flos
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae)
Xing Ren (Apricot Seed or Kernel) 杏仁
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: LI, LU
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Warm, Slightly Toxic
Latin: Semen Pruni Armeniacae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Sang Bai Pi (Cortex Radicis Mori Albae)
Sang Bai Pi (Bark of Mulberry Root) 桑白皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Cortex Radicis Mori Albae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
(Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shavings Decoction)
Formulas that Direct Rebellious Qi Downward

Actions:

* Directs rebellious Stomach Qi downward, clears heat, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, stops hiccups, and augments the Qi

Indications:

* Dry heaves, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, dry mouth, appetite loss, and thirst

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red, tender, and dry tongue with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Weak and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Hiccups

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of cold from deficiency or heat from excess

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Gall Bladder, Heart

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis In Taeniam)
Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) 竹茹
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: GB, LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Cold
Latin: Bambusae Caulis In Taeniam
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 5 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
(Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downward)
Formulas that Direct Rebellious Qi Downward
Pattern:

* Phlegm Cold congesting the Lungs and the Kidneys not grasping the Qi (Excess above, Deficiency below)

Actions:

* Descends rebellious Lung Qi to arrest wheezing and stop cough
* Warms and Transforms Phlegm-Cold.

Indications:

* Wheezing, coughing with copious and watery sputum, dyspnea, shortness of breath with easy exhalation and difficult inhalation, a feeling of fullness or oppression in the chest, edema of the extremities, fatigue, possible weakness, aching, or pain in the lower back, legs, or knees

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Slightly pale body with a slippery or greasy white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery and weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Bronchial Asthma
* Chronic Bronchitis
* Pulmonary Emphysema

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where there is no external pathogenic influences, or where cough and wheezing are due to Lung Heat
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Liver, Kidneys

Substances in this Formula (11 Total):

Zi Su Zi (Fructus Perillae Frutescentis)
Zi Su Zi (Purple Perilla Fruit, Perilla Seed) 紫苏子
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LI, LU
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Fructus Perillae Frutescentis
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3-4.5 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 厚朴
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Qian Hu (Radix Peucedani)
Qian Hu (Hogfennel Root) 前胡
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Radix Peucedani
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Rou Gui (Inner Bark of Saigon Cinnamon) 肉桂
Qty: 1.5-3 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Hot
Latin: Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 2 Slices
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 3 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zi Su Ye (Perillae Folium)
Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) 紫苏叶
Qty: 5 Leaves
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Warm
Latin: Perillae Folium
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
(Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis

Actions:

* Breaks Blood stagnation and drains heat

Indications:

* Blood stagnation in the Lower Jiao with heat: Acute lower abdominal pain, constipation, irritability, restlessness, night fevers, and thirst Amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, and in severe cases mania or delirium.
* Blood stagnation with heat: Severe pain caused by traumatic injury, toothache, headache and red eyes, nosebleeds or coughing of blood, and constipation.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Purple tongue with yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Deep, forceful, and choppy pulse

Western Uses:

* Irregular Menstruation
* Dysmenorrhea
* Amenorrhea
* Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
* Retention of Lochia
* Intestinal Obstruction

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula moves blood and is a strong purgative, do not use during pregnancy, or in cases with diarrhea
* If an exterior condition is present, release it before using this formula.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Wine treated Da Huang can be used to enhance the Blood invigorating properties of the formula.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Large Intestine, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Tao Ren (Semen Pruni Persicae)
Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 桃仁
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Semen Pruni Persicae
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei)
Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) 大簧
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei
Cat: Purgatives
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas)
Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate, Mirabilite, Glauber's Salt) 芒硝
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: ST, LI.
Prop: Salty, Bitter, Very Cold
Latin: Natrii Sulfas
Cat: Purgatives
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
(Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction)
* Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis

Actions:

* Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stagnation
* Spreads Liver Qi, unblocks the channels, and relieves pain.

Indications:

* Chronic headache, sharp and fixed chest and hypochondria pain, constant hiccups, a sensation of choking when drinking, dry heaves, irritability, depression, restlessness, restless sleep, insomnia, palpitations, dysmenorrhea, evening tidal fever, and possible purple lips or complexion (cyanosis)

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dark red or purple tongue with dark spots on the sides of the tongue, possible yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Tight and wiry pulse
* Choppy pulse

Western Uses:

* Coronary Heart Disease
* Angina Pectoris
* Rheumatic Heart Disease
* Cartilage Costalgia
* Functional Neurosis
* Post Trauma or Post Concussion Syndrome
* External Chest Injury

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula moves blood, do not use during pregnancy, or with patients who have heavy menstrual flow
* Do not use when there are signs of hemorrhaging present.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Corrections of Errors Among Physicians (Yi Lin Gai Cuo)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs

Substances in this Formula (11 Total):

Tao Ren (Semen Pruni Persicae)
Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 桃仁
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Semen Pruni Persicae
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii)
Hong Hua (Safflower Flower) 红花
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Flos Carthami Tinctorii
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Chi Shao (Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Chi Shao (Red Peony Root) 赤芍
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Sour, Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathula Officinalis)
Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root) 川牛膝
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LIV, KI
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Radix Cyathula Officinalis
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) 柴胡
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: Radix Bupleuri
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Zhi Ke (Fructus Citri Aurantii)
Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange Peel) 枳壳
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cool
Latin: Fructus Citri Aurantii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
(Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)
Formulas that Warm the Menses and Dispel Blood Stasis

Actions:

* Invigorates the blood and transforms blood stagnation
* Regulates the menses and reduces lower abdominal lumps and masses that are fixed in nature.

Indications:

* Blood stagnation in the Uterus: Fixed lumps or masses in the lower abdomen with pain and tenderness, especially with pressure Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, uterine fibroids, and postpartum retention of the lochia.
* Blood stagnation in the uterus during pregnancy: Persistent but mild uterine bleeding during pregnancy with purple or dark blood. Abdominal pain and spasms, abdominal tension and tenderness, and restless fetus syndrome.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Purple tongue body with dark or purple spots on the sides

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Choppy pulse, possibly wiry, and slippery when pregnant

Western Uses:

* Endometritis
* Adnexitis (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
* Hysteromyoma
* Ovarian Cyst
* Dysmenorrhea
* Infertility
* Post Partum Bleeding
* Retention of Lochia
* Irregular Menstruation

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Use with extreme caution during pregnancy, only after confirming diagnosis

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Bai Shao or Chi Shao can be used depending on the nature of the condition.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Heart, Bladder, Spleen, Liver, Kidneys, Large Intestine, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Tao Ren (Semen Pruni Persicae)
Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 桃仁
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Semen Pruni Persicae
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang
(Warm the Menses Decoction)
Formulas that Warm the Menses and Dispel Blood Stasis


Actions:

* Dispels cold, warms and harmonizes the menses, nourishes the blood, dispels blood stagnation, and tonifies the Qi of the Middle Jiao

Indications:

* Early or late menses Persistent but mild uterine bleeding, continuous or extended menstrual flow. Bleeding or spotting between cycles. Distension, pain, and cold in the lower abdomen. Low grade fever in the evenings. Dry mouth and lips, warm feeling in the palms and soles. Infertility.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dusky tongue with thin coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Weak, deep, thin, and slow Possibly choppy.

Western Uses:

* Irregular Menstruation
* Dysmenorrhea
* Uterine Bleeding
* Infertility
* Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases that involve excess heat or in cases where there are abdominal masses from blood stagnation due to excess
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Double or triple the dosage of Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ren Shen. E Jiao should be dissolved in the final strained decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Heart, Bladder, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (12 Total):

Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae)
Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 吴茱萸
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: KI, LIV, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Hot, Slightly Toxic, Very Dry
Latin: Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
E Jiao (Gelatinum Corii Asini)
E Jiao (Ass Hide Glue, Donkey Hide Gelatin) 阿胶
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: KID, LIV, LU
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Gelatinum Corii Asini
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 麦门冬
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: SP, ST, HT (LU)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Yu Ping Feng San
(Jade Windscreen Powder)
Formulas that Stabilize the Exterior and the Lungs
Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 3 in Formulas that Stabilize and Bind on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Stabilize the Exterior and the Lungs

Pattern:

* Wei Qi Deficiency with an unstable and weak exterior

Actions:

* Tonifies the Qi, stabilizes the exterior, and arrests sweating

Indications:

* Spontaneous sweating, frequent colds, aversion to wind, fatigue, and a pale and shiny complexion

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with a thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating, soggy, and weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Common Cold
* Influenza
* Chronic Rhinitis
* Allergic Rhinitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where there are night sweats due to Yin deficient heat

Preparation Notes:

* Powder. Grind all herbs into an even powder.
* Take in 6-9 gram doses with warm water
* Appropriately reduce dosages to prepare a decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Teachings of Dan Xi (Dan Xi Xin Fa)

Notes:

* This formula is only for fairly acute conditions.

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Bladder, Liver

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪
Qty: 60-180 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 60 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae)
Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root) 防风
Qty: 60 grams
Chan: BL, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Si Shen Wan
(Four Miracle Pill)
Formulas that Restrain Leakage from the Intestines

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 3 in Formulas that Stabilize and Bind on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Stabilize the Exterior and the Lungs

Actions:

* Tonifies and warms the Spleen and Kidneys.
* Astringes the intestines and stops diarrhea.

Indications:

* Diarrhea with undigested food that occurs around sunrise (cocks-crow diarrhea).
* Loss of appetite, cold limbs, soreness in the lower back, fatigue, lethargy, and possible abdominal pain with a sensation of cold.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slow, deep, and weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic or Habitual Diarrhea Before Dawn in Chronic Colitis
* Chronic Dysentery
* Intestinal Tuberculosis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where diarrhea is due to Damp-Heat or food stagnation
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Pills. Grind all ingredients into an even powder, cook with 240 grams of Sheng Jiang and 100 pieces of Da Zao. After cooking, remove Sheng Jiang and form the rest of the ingredients into pills.
* 9-12 grams are taken at bedtime.
* Can be prepared as a decoction with an appropriate reduction in dosages.

Originally Appeared In:

* Standards of Patterns and Treatments (Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Kidneys, Stomach, Liver, Large Intestine, Lungs, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Bu Gu Zhi (Fructus Psoraleae Corylifoliae)
Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) 补骨脂
Qty: 120 grams
Chan: KI, SP
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Very Warm
Latin: Fructus Psoraleae Corylifoliae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yang
Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae)
Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 吴茱萸
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: KI, LIV, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Hot, Slightly Toxic, Very Dry
Latin: Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Rou Dou Kou (Semen Myristicae Fragrantis)
Rou Dou Kou (Nutmeg Seeds) 肉豆蔻
Qty: 60 grams
Chan: LI, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Semen Myristicae Fragrantis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) 五味子
Qty: 60 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LU
Prop: Sour, Warm
Latin: Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Si Wu Tang
(Four Substance Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Blood

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 8 in Formulas that Tonify on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Tonify the blood

Pattern:

* Liver Blood Deficiency

Actions:

* Tonifies and invigorates the blood
* Regulates the Liver, harmonizes the menses, and alleviates pain.

Indications:

* Irregular menstruation with scanty flow, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, lower abdominal or periumbilical pain, and PMS
* Dizziness, fatigue, tinnitus, blurred vision, palpitations, and pale nails and complexion
* Painful and hard abdominal masses, threatened miscarriage, and lochioschesis.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale, purple, or dusky tongue

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and thin pulse
* Choppy and thin pulse

Western Uses:

* Dysmenorrhea
* Irregular Menstruation
* Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
* Anemia
* Threatened Miscarriage
* Post Partum Weakness
* Insufficient Lactation
* Urticaria
* Neurogenic Headache

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is heavy and cloying and should not be used in cases with loose stool, poor appetite, and indigestion due to Spleen Qi/Yang deficiency
* Do not use in cases of acute or severe blood loss.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia) 熟地黄
Qty: 9-21 grams
Chan: LIV, KI, (HT)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Guī Pí Tāng
(Restore the Spleen Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi and Blood

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 5 of 8 in Formulas that Tonify on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

* Spleen Qi deficiency with Heart Blood and Yin deficiency

Actions:

* Tonifies Blood and Qi
* Nourishes the Heart and strengthens the Spleen.

Indications:

* Fatigue, poor memory, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, phobias, poor sleep or dream disturbed sleep, poor appetite, sallow complexion, withdrawal, low-grade fever, and night sweating
* Early periods with loss of excess pale blood, continuous spotting, blood in the stool, leukorrhea, metrostaxis, and metrorrhagia.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with a thin white coat, possibly swollen

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and weak pulse

Western Uses:

* Neurasthenia
* Psycho-Emotional Disorders
* Post concussion Syndrome
* Myasthenia Gravis
* Congestive Heart Disease
* Supraventricular Tachycardia
* Anemia
* Thrombocytopenic or Allergic Purpura
* Cervicitis
* Functional Uterine Bleeding

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of interior full heat, or Yin deficient heat with a rapid and thin pulse

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Ren Shen is commonly replaced by 2-3 times the dosage of Dang Shen, and Fu Shen is often substituted for Fu Ling.

Originally Appeared In:

* Formulas to Aid the Living (Ji Sheng Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Gall Bladder, Liver, Large Intestine

Substances in this Formula (12 Total):

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae)
Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed, Zizyphus - Raw Herb Shown) 酸枣仁
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: GB, HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Semen Zizyphi Spinosae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Long Yan Rou (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae)
Long Yan Rou (Flesh of the Longan Fruit) 龙眼肉
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, SP
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Arillus Euphoriae Longanae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Mu Xiang (Radix Auklandiae Lappae)
Mu Xiang (Costus Root, Saussurea) 木香
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: GB, LI, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Auklandiae Lappae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae)
Yuan Zhi (Chinese Senega Root) 元志
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 5 pieces
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 1 piece
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
(All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi and Blood

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 6 of 8 in Formulas that Tonify on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

* Qi and Blood deficiency with internal cold

Actions:

* Tonifies Qi and Blood and alleviates fatigue
* Warms the Yang and dispels cold.

Indications:

* Chronic coughing that is worse after exertion, shortness of breath, weariness, fatigue, weakness of the lower extremities, cold extremities, poor appetite, pale complexion, palpitations, spermatorrhea, slow speech, chronic abscesses, non-healing sores, continuous spotting, and dysmenorrhea

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale with a thin white coat, possibly dusky

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Deep and weak pulse, possibly slow

Western Uses:

* Cardiac Failure
* Anemia
* Uterine Bleeding
* Chronic Abscesses

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is warm and drying and should not be used in cases of heat from Yin deficiency or in excess conditions

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.
* Double or triple the dosage of Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ren Shen

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Pericardium, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (12 Total):

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia) 熟地黄
Qty: 15-18 grams
Chan: LIV, KI, (HT)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Rou Gui (Inner Bark of Saigon Cinnamon) 肉桂
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Hot
Latin: Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪
Qty: 15-18 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3 pieces
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 2 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Liù Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
(Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)
Formulas that Nourish and Tonify the Yin

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 7 of 8 in Formulas that Tonify on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Actions:

* Enriches and nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin

Indications:

* Weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees
* Lightheadedness, dizziness, or vertigo, tinnitus or hearing loss, nocturnal emissions, night sweats, chronic sore and/or dry throat, hot palms and soles, painful or difficult scanty urination, wasting and thirsting, and tidal fever.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with little coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Retarded Growth of Children
* Lumbago
* Optic Neuritis
* Central Retinitis
* Pulmonary Tuberculosis
* Diabetes
* Hyperthyroidism
* Addison's Disease
* Hypertension
* Neurasthenia
* Functional Anovular Uterine Bleeding
* Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
* Deafness

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is cloying, it should be avoided in cases of diarrhea due to Spleen Qi deficiency, or Damp-Phlegm conditions with a white greasy coat

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease Patterns (Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Bladder

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia) 熟地黄
Qty: 21-24 grams
Chan: LIV, KI, (HT)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis)
Shan Zhu Yu (Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit, Cornus) 山茱萸
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sour, Slightly Warm
Latin: Fructus Corni Officinalis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae)
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam Rhizome, Dioscorea) 山药
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: KI, LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
(Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
Formulas that Warm and Tonify the Yang

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 8 of 8 in Formulas that Tonify on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Actions:

* Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
* Dispels Cold.
* Drains damp and water accumulation and promotes urination.

Indications:

* Yang Deficiency Cold: Weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, tenderness or tense feeling in the lower abdomen, a cold feeling in the lower half of the body, impotence, spermatorrhea, palpitations, clear and profuse urination possibly with incontinence, water retention, irritability with a difficulty or inability to lay down
* Kidney Yang Deficiency with Damp and Water Accumulation: Wasting and Thirsting disorder with thirst and copious and frequent urination. Leg Qi with sore, weak, numb, and swollen lower limbs and difficulty walking.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Swollen and pale tongue, possibly with teeth marks

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Weak and deep pulse, possibly thin or empty

Western Uses:

* Diabetes Mellitus and Insipidus
* Hyperaldosteronism
* Hypothyroidism
* Neurasthenia
* Chronic Nephritis
* Chronic Bronchitis
* Asthma
* Pulmonary Emphysema
* Urinary Retention
* Climacteric Syndromes

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is warming, it should be avoided in patients with Yin deficiency and dryness, empty heat, or fluid impairment.
* Also, do not use in cases with Damp-Phlegm conditions presenting with a greasy tongue coat.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Shu Di Huang is commonly substituted for Sheng Di Huang.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Bladder

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 24 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis)
Shan Zhu Yu (Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit, Cornus) 山茱萸
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sour, Slightly Warm
Latin: Fructus Corni Officinalis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae)
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam Rhizome, Dioscorea) 山药
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: KI, LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
Fu Zi (Processed Aconite) 附子
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, KI, SP
Prop: Spicy, Hot, Toxic
Latin: Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig) 桂枝
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, LU, BL
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma) 泽泻
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Alismatis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Radicis Moutan)
Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) 牡丹皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, KI
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool
Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
(Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction)
Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 3 in Formulas that Calm the Spirit on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

Pattern:

* Restless Organ Syndrome (Zang Zao)

Actions:

* Nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit
* Harmonizes the Middle Jiao.

Indications:

* Depression, moodiness, frequent melancholy and crying, sadness, frequent yawning, restless sleep with possible sweating, in severe cases there can be abnormal speech and behavior

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with thin coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Hysteria
* Mania
* Convulsions

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where abnormal behavior is caused by Liver Qi stagnation or Phlegm

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Xiao Mai (Fructus Levis Tritici Aestivi)
Fu Xiao Mai (Wheat Grain (Not Yet Ripe)) 浮小麦
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: HT
Prop: Sweet, Salty, Cool
Latin: Fructus Levis Tritici Aestivi
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 10 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Suan Zao Ren Tang
(Sour Jujube Decoction)
Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 3 in Formulas that Calm the Spirit on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

Pattern:

* Liver Blood Deficiency with Heat from Deficiency

Actions:

* Nourishes Liver and Heart blood Nourishes Yin. Clears deficient heat and calms the spirit.

Indications:

* Anxiety, irritability, restlessness, inability to or difficulty in falling asleep, palpitations, night sweats, dizziness, vertigo, thirst, dry mouth and throat

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dry and red tongue with little coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry, then, and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Insomnia
* Neurasthenia

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of insomnia due to Phlegm-Heat

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Heart, Gall Bladder, Liver, Lungs, Stomach, Kidneys, Pericardium

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae)
Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed, Zizyphus - Raw Herb Shown) 酸枣仁
Qty: 15-18 grams
Chan: GB, HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Semen Zizyphi Spinosae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis)
Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) 知母
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, ST, KI
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
(Emperor of Heaven's Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)
Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 3 in Formulas that Calm the Spirit on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

Pattern:

* Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Actions:

* Nourishes the Blood and Yin, Tonifies the Heart and Kidneys, clears deficient heat, and calms the spirit

Indications:

* Anxiety, irritability, palpitations, fatigue, insomnia, easily wakened, restless sleep, inability to think clearly, trouble with concentration, poor memory, forgetfulness, nocturnal emissions, dry throat and mouth, and possible mouth and tongue sores

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with little coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Neurasthenia
* Insomnia
* Hypertension
* hyperthyroidism

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* The original formula contains toxic substances (Cinnabar) and thus should not be taken for long periods of time This formula can now be found without Cinnabar.
* This formula is cloying and should be avoided in cases of Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency and Damp-Phlegm accumulation.

Preparation Notes:

* Pills. Grind all herbs into an even powder and use honey to form into pills. The pills were traditionally coated with Zhu Sha.
* Take 9 grams, 2-3 times a day with warm water on an empty stomach.
* Double or triple the dosage of Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ren Shen
* Appropriately reduce dosages to prepare a decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Secret Investigations into Obtaining Health (She Sheng Mi Pou)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Pericardium, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (13 Total):

Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 120 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Tian Men Dong (Tuber Asparagi Cochinensis)
Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Tuber) 天门冬
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: KI, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Very Cold
Latin: Tuber Asparagi Cochinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 麦门冬
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: SP, ST, HT (LU)
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis)
Xuan Shen (Ningpo Figwort Root) 玄参
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: KI, LU, ST
Prop: Salty, Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Dan Shen (Salvia Root) 丹参
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: HT, PER, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae)
Yuan Zhi (Chinese Senega Root) 元志
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: HT, LU, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) 五味子
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LU
Prop: Sour, Warm
Latin: Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi)
Bai Zi Ren (Arbor Vitae Seed, Biota Seed) 柏子仁
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LI.
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Semen Platycladi
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae)
Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed, Zizyphus - Raw Herb Shown) 酸枣仁
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: GB, HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Semen Zizyphi Spinosae
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Xiao Feng San
(Eliminate Wind Powder from True Lineage)
Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 3 in Formulas that Expel Wind on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels

Pattern:

* Exterior invasion of Wind-Heat or Wind Damp battling with interior Damp heat injuring Blood and Yin

Actions:

* Disperses wind and eliminates damp Clears heat, cools and nourishes the blood.

Indications:

* Weeping and itching skin rashes over a large part of the body, and possible subcutaneous bleeding

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue body with a yellow or white greasy coating

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Eczema
* Urticaria
* Rubella
* Allergic Dermatitis
* Neurogenic Dermatitis
* Drug Related Dermatitis
* Tinea Capitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is dispersing, it should not be used in cases of severe blood or Qi deficiency

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Take on an empty stomach.
* Can also be used topically (wait for the brew to cool).

Originally Appeared In:

* True Lineage of External Medicine (Wai Ke Zheng Zong)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Liver, Spleen, Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Heart, Small Intestine, Kidneys

Substances in this Formula (13 Total):

Jing Jie (Herba Seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae)
Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Bud or Stem) 荆芥
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Slightly Warm
Latin: Herba Seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae)
Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root) 防风
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: BL, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii Lappae)
Niu Bang Zi (Great Burdock Fruit) 牛旁子
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Arctii Lappae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Chan Tui (Periostracum Cicadae)
Chan Tui (Circada Moulting) 蝉蜕
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Salty, Slightly Cold
Latin: Periostracum Cicadae
Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis)
Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizone) 苍术
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis)
Ku Shen (Sophora Root) 苦参
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: BL, HT, LIV, LI, SI
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Sophorae Flavescentis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Chuan Mu Tong (Caulis Clematidis Armandii)
Chuan Mu Tong (Clematis) 川木通
Qty: 1.5 grams
Chan: BL, HT, SI
Prop: Bitter, Cold, Bland
Latin: Caulis Clematidis Armandii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
Shi Gao (Gypsum) 石膏
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Very Cold
Latin: Gypsum Fibrosum
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis)
Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) 知母
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, ST, KI
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Hei Zhi Ma (black Semen Sesame Indici)
Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame Seeds) 黑芝麻
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: black Semen Sesame Indici
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 1.5 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Xiao Huo Luo Dan
(Minor Invigorate the Collaterals Special Pill)
Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 3 in Formulas that Expel Wind on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels

Actions:

* Invigorates the blood, warms and unblocks the channels, dispels wind and damp, and transforms phlegm

Indications:

* Wind Damp Cold blocking the channels: Severe migrating or fixed pain in the joints and bones with stiffness and a reduced range of motion
* Wind Phlegm blockage with Blood stagnation in the channels (Wind Stroke): Chronic weakness, numbness, and pain of the extremities. Possible paralysis. Wind stroke.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale or purple tongue with a white and moist coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Apoplexy
* Arthritis
* Cerebral Vascular Accident

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is very invigorating and pungent, it should only be used in patients with a strong constitution
* Do not use during pregnancy.
* Do not use in hypertensive patients.
* Do not use in cases where there is yin or blood deficiency.
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Grind the ingredients in to a powder, add honey, and form in to pills.
* Take 3 Grams, 2 times daily on an empty stomach with water or wine.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Bladder

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Cao Wu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Preparata)
Cao Wu (Prepared Wild Aconite)
Qty: 180 grams (prepared)
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Hot, Extremely Toxic
Latin: Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Preparata
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Chuan Wu (Radix Aconiti Preparata)
Chuan Wu (Prepared Sichuan Aconite)
Qty: 180 grams (prepared)
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Hot, Extremely Toxic
Latin: Radix Aconiti Preparata
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Zhi Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma preparatum)
Zhi Tian Nan Xing (Prepared Jack in the Pulpit Rhizome) 制天南星
Qty: 180 grams
Chan: LIV, LU, SP
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Arisaematis Rhizoma preparatum
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Mo Yao (Resina Myrrhae)
Mo Yao (Myrrh) 没药
Qty: 66 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Neutral
Latin: Resina Myrrhae
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Ru Xiang (Resina Olibani)
Ru Xiang (Frankincense Resin) 乳香
Qty: 66 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Resina Olibani
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Di Long (Lumbricus)
Di Long (Earthworm) 地龙
Qty: 180 grams
Chan: BL, LIV, LU, SP
Prop: Salty, Cold
Latin: Lumbricus
Cat: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
(Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction)
Formulas that Extinguish Internal Wind

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 3 in Formulas that Expel Wind on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels

Pattern:

* Rising Liver Yang with Liver Wind

Actions:

* Sedates the Yang, calms the Liver, and extinguishes internal wind
* Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, invigorates the Blood, and clears heat.

Indications:

* Headache, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, blurry vision, a sensation of heat rising to the head, insomnia, nightmares, possible numbness, tingling, twitching, or spasms in the extremities

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue body with a possible yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and possibly rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Hypertension
* Puerperal Eclampsia
* Hemiplegia
* Trigeminal Neuralgia

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where internal wind is due to deficiency

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Cook Shi Jue Ming before adding the remaining ingredients. Gou Teng should be added towards the end of the decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* New Significance of Patterns and Treatment in Miscellaneous Diseases (Za Bing Zheng Zhi Xin Yi)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Liver, Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder, Pericardium, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (11 Total):

Tian Ma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae)
Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome) 天麻
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LIV
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Rhizoma Gastrodiae
Cat: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors
Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis)
Gou Teng (Gambir Vine Stems and Thorns) 钩藤
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: HT, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Cool
Latin: Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis
Cat: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors
Shi Jue Ming (Concha Haliotidis)
Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) 石决明
Qty: 18-24 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Salty, Cold
Latin: Concha Haliotidis
Cat: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors
Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis)
Zhi Zi (Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit) 栀子
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, LU, ST, TB
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Yi Mu Cao (Herba Leonuri Heterophylli)
Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort) 益母草
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, BL, PER
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Herba Leonuri Heterophylli
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathula Officinalis)
Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root) 川牛膝
Qty: 12 grams
Chan: LIV, KI
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Radix Cyathula Officinalis
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis)
Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) 杜仲
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Spicy, Warm
Latin: Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yang
Sang Ji Sheng (Ramulus Loranthi Seu Visci)
Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe Stems) 桑寄生
Qty: 9-24 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Neutral
Latin: Ramulus Loranthi Seu Visci
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Ye Jiao Teng (Polygoni Multiflori Caulis)
Ye Jiao Teng (Fleeceflower Vine, Polygonum Vine) 夜交藤
Qty: 9-30 grams
Chan: HT, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Neutral
Latin: Polygoni Multiflori Caulis
Cat: Herbs that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Fu Shen (Scierotium Pararadicis Poriae Cocos)
Fu Shen (Poria Spirit) 茯神
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Pararadicis Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Er Chen Tang
(Two Cured Decoction)
Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm


Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 5 in Formulas that Treat Phlegm on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Actions:

* Dries dampness, reduces phlegm, regulates the Qi, and harmonizes the Middle Jiao

Indications:

* Nausea, vomiting, cough with easy expectoration of copious white sputum Epigastric and chest distension and fullness. Palpitations and dizziness.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Swollen tongue with teeth marks and a thick white greasy coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Tracheitis
* Bronchitis
* Pulmonary Emphysema
* Goiter

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where there is phlegm heat, dry cough, or dry phlegm due to Lung Qi Deficiency
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Chen Pi can be substituted for Ju Hong.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Ju Hong (Exocarpium Citri Rubrum)
Ju Hong (Outermost Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel, Orange Peel) 橘红
Qty: 15 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Exocarpium Citri Rubrum
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Wen Dan Tang
(Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Transform Phlegm

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 2 of 5 in Formulas that Treat Phlegm on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Actions:

* Clears Gallbladder heat, regulates Qi, reduces phlegm, and regulates the stomach

Indications:

* Nausea and vomiting, bitter taste, sour regurgitation, dizziness, vertigo, anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, slight thirst, and gnawing hunger
* Seizures with copious sputum and focal distension in the chest.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red with a greasy yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Rapid and slippery pulse
* Rapid wiry pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Tracheitis
* Bronchitis
* Pulmonary Emphysema
* Insomnia
* Timidity

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases where insomnia or palpitations are due to Blood deficiency, or in dizziness due to Yin deficiency
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. Da Zao is only sometimes added.

Originally Appeared In:

* Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition (Yi Zong Jin Jian)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Gall Bladder, Large Intestine, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis In Taeniam)
Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) 竹茹
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: GB, LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Cold
Latin: Bambusae Caulis In Taeniam
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii)
Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) 枳实
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LI, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 3-5 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bèi Mǔ Guā Lóu Sàn
(Fritillaria and Trichosanthes Fruit Powder)
Formulas that Moisten Dryness and Transform Phlegm


Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 5 in Formulas that Treat Phlegm on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Pattern:

* Lung Dryness with Phlegm

Actions:

* Moistens and nourishes the Lungs
* Clears heat.
* Regulates Qi, Stops, cough, and transforms phlegm.

Indications:

* Dry cough with deep-seated and difficult to expectorate white sputum
* Dyspnea and wheezing.
* Dry mouth and throat.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Dry and red tongue with little coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Thin and rapid pulse
* Thin slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Sore Throat
* Bronchitis
* Tracheitis
* Aphonia
* Pulmonary Emphysema

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do use in cases of Yin Deficiency with symptoms such as dry cough, thirst, and night sweating

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Medical Revelations (Yi Xue Xin Wu)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Heart, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Chuan Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae)
Chuan Bei Mu (Tendrilled Fritillaria Bulb) 川贝母
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: HT, LU
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Cool
Latin: Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii)
Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit) 栝楼
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LI, LU, ST
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Kirlowii Radix)
Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root) 天花分
Qty: 2.4 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Sweet, Cold
Latin: Trichosanthis Kirlowii Radix
Cat: Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 2.4 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Ju Hong (Exocarpium Citri Rubrum)
Ju Hong (Outermost Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel, Orange Peel) 橘红
Qty: 2.4 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Exocarpium Citri Rubrum
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 2.4 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Bàn Xià Bái Zhú Tiān Má Tāng
(Pinellia, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Gastrodia Decoction)
Formulas that Transform Phlegm and Extinguish Wind


Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 4 of 5 in Formulas that Treat Phlegm on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Pattern:

* Internal Wind Phlegm

Actions:

* Strengthens the Spleen and dispels dampness
* Extinguishes Liver wind.
* Transforms phlegm.

Indications:

* Vertigo, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting
* Distension and fullness in the chest and epigastria.
* Profuse expectoration of Sputum.
* Hypertension.
* Deviation of the eyes or mouth.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Swollen with teeth marks and a white sticky coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery and wiry pulse

Western Uses:

* Meniere's Disease

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use for vertigo due to rising Liver Yang or Blood Deficiency
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Medical Revelations (Yi Xue Xin Wu)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Liver, Heart

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 4.5 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Tian Ma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae)
Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome) 天麻
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LIV
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Rhizoma Gastrodiae
Cat: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 18 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Ju Hong (Exocarpium Citri Rubrum)
Ju Hong (Outermost Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel, Orange Peel) 橘红
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Exocarpium Citri Rubrum
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 1.5 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 1 Slice
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 2 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhi Sou San
(Stop Coughing Powder)
Formulas that Transform Phlegm and Extinguish Wind


Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 5 of 5 in Formulas that Treat Phlegm on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Pattern:

* Wind attacking the Lungs

Actions:

* Releases the exterior, disseminates Lung Qi, resolves Phlegm, and stops cough Dispels external Wind Cold.

Indications:

* Cough, itchy or sore throat, possible slight fever and chills, aversion to wind

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Normal body with white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Floating pulse

Western Uses:

* Cough
* Whopping Cough
* Flu
* Chronic Tracheitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* As this formula is drying, it should be avoided in patients with Yin deficient cough, Lung Heat, and Lung Phlegm Heat cough

Preparation Notes:

* Powder. Grind all herbs into an even powder.
* Take 9 grams after meals and before bed with warm water.
* Appropriately reduce dosages to prepare a decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Medical Revelations (Yi Xue Xin Wu)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Lungs, Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (7 Total):

Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)
Jie Geng (Root of the Balloon Flower) 桔梗
Qty: 960 grams
Chan: LU (ST)
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Neutral
Latin: Platycodi Radix
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Jing Jie (Herba Seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae)
Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Bud or Stem) 荆芥
Qty: 960 grams
Chan: LU, LIV
Prop: Spicy, Aromatic, Slightly Warm
Latin: Herba Seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Zi Wan (Radix Asteris Tatarici)
Zi Wan (Purple Aster Root) 紫菀
Qty: 960 grams
Chan: LU
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Warm, Sweet
Latin: Radix Asteris Tatarici
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Bai Bu (Radix Stemonae)
Bai Bu (Stemona Root) 百部
Qty: 960 grams
Chan: LU
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Slightly Warm (or Neutral)
Latin: Radix Stemonae
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
Bai Qian (Radix Et Rhizoma Cynanchi Baiqian)
Bai Qian (Root and Rhizome of Cynanchum) 白前
Qty: 960 grams
Chan: LU
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Neutral (or Slightly Warm)
Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Cynanchi Baiqian
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 360 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 480 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Bǎo Hé Wán
(Preserve Harmony Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 1 in Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation

Pattern:

* Acute and mild food stagnation

Actions:

* Promotes digestion and reduces food stagnation
* Dries damp and clears heat.

Indications:

* Epigastric and abdominal distention (bloating) and fullness with intermittent pain
* Acid regurgitation, belching, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite.
* Constipation or Diarrhea.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Greasy yellow or sticky yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Diarrhea
* Indigestion
* Acute gastroenteritis
* Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Gastritis
* Hepatitis
* Acute Pancreatitis
* Acute or Chronic Cholecystitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use for similar symptoms caused by Spleen Qi deficiency
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Teachings of Dan Xi (Dan Xi Xin Fa)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Liver, Lungs, Heart, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (7 Total):

Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi)
Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit) 山楂
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP, ST
Prop: Sour, Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Fructus Crataegi
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Shen Qu (Massa Medica Fermentata)
Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) 神曲
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Warm
Latin: Massa Medica Fermentata
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Lai Fu Zi (Semen Raphani Sativi)
Lai Fu Zi (Daikon, Radish Seed) 莱菔子
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Semen Raphani Sativi
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae)
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) 连翘
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, GB
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Spicy, Cool
Latin: Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Eliminate Toxins
Bǎo Hé Wán
(Preserve Harmony Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 1 of 1 in Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation

Pattern:

* Acute and mild food stagnation

Actions:

* Promotes digestion and reduces food stagnation
* Dries damp and clears heat.

Indications:

* Epigastric and abdominal distention (bloating) and fullness with intermittent pain
* Acid regurgitation, belching, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite.
* Constipation or Diarrhea.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Greasy yellow or sticky yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Diarrhea
* Indigestion
* Acute gastroenteritis
* Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Gastritis
* Hepatitis
* Acute Pancreatitis
* Acute or Chronic Cholecystitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use for similar symptoms caused by Spleen Qi deficiency
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Teachings of Dan Xi (Dan Xi Xin Fa)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Liver, Lungs, Heart, Gall Bladder

Substances in this Formula (7 Total):

Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi)
Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit) 山楂
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: LIV, SP, ST
Prop: Sour, Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Fructus Crataegi
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Shen Qu (Massa Medica Fermentata)
Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) 神曲
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Warm
Latin: Massa Medica Fermentata
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Lai Fu Zi (Semen Raphani Sativi)
Lai Fu Zi (Daikon, Radish Seed) 莱菔子
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Semen Raphani Sativi
Cat: Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) 半夏
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae)
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) 连翘
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, GB
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Spicy, Cool
Latin: Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Eliminate Toxins
Ping Wei San
(Calm the Stomach Powder)
Formulas that Transform Damp Turbidity

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 5 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Damp Cold stagnation in the Middle Jiao

Actions:

* Dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen
* Activates and regulates the Spleen and Stomach Qi.
* Harmonizes the middle Jiao.

Indications:

* Fullness and distention in the abdomen and epigastria
* Loss of appetite and taste.
* Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loose stool, belching and acid regurgitation.
* Heavy sensation of the limbs, a desire to sleep, and fatigue.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Swollen tongue with teeth marks and thick white greasy coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery and possibly slow pulse

Western Uses:

* Acute and Chronic Gastroenteritis
* Functional Gastric Neurosis
* Peptic Ulcer Disease
* Infantile Indigestion
* Induce Labor

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* This formula is warm and drying and should be modified (or not used) in cases of Yin and Blood deficiency or pregnancy

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Stomach, Spleen, Lungs, Large Intestine

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis)
Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizone) 苍术
Qty: 12-15 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 厚朴
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) 陈皮
Qty: 9-12 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 3 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae)
Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣
Qty: 3 pieces
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Bā Zhèng Sàn
(Eight Herb Powder for Rectification)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 6 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao (UB)

Actions:

* Clears heat and drains damp in the lower burner
* Promotes urination.
* Unlocks painful urination.

Indications:

* Burning, painful, dark, bloody, scanty, turbid, and difficult urination
* Distension, pain, and bloating in the lower abdomen.
* Dry mouth and throat, thirst, and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red with a greasy yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Slippery and Rapid Pulse, possibly Forceful

Western Uses:

* Acute urinary tract infection
* Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)
* Cystitis
* Urethritis
* Acute Prostatitis
* Urinary tract stones
* Acute Nephritis
* Acute Pyelonephritis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Log term use can cause weakness, palpitations, dizziness, and loss of appetite
* Use with caution in weak patients or cold from deficiency.
* Do not use without modification during pregnancy.

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Stomach, Lungs, Kidneys, Liver, Large Intestine, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (9 Total):

Chuan Mu Tong (Caulis Clematidis Armandii)
Chuan Mu Tong (Clematis) 川木通
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: BL, HT, SI
Prop: Bitter, Cold, Bland
Latin: Caulis Clematidis Armandii
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Hua Shi (Talcum)
Hua Shi (Talcum) 滑石
Qty: 12-30 grams
Chan: ST, BL
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Latin: Talcum
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis)
Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed, Plantain Seed) 车前子
Qty: 9-15 grams
Chan: KI, BL, LIV, LU
Prop: Sweet, Cold
Latin: Semen Plantaginis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Qu Mai (Herba Dianthi)
Qu Mai (Aerial Parts of Fringed Pink or Chinese Pink Dianthus) 瞿麦
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: BL, HT, SI
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Herba Dianthi
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Bian Xu (Herba Polygoni Avicularis)
Bian Xu (Knotweed, Polygonum) 扁蓄
Qty: 6-12 grams
Chan: BL
Prop: Bitter, Slightly Cold
Latin: Herba Polygoni Avicularis
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis)
Zhi Zi (Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit) 栀子
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, LU, ST, TB
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis
Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire
Jiu Da Huang (Wine Treated Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei)
Jiu Da Huang (Wine Treated Rhubarb Root, Rhizome - Raw Herb Shown) 酒大黄
Qty: 6-9 grams
Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Wine Treated Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei
Cat: Purgatives
Deng Xin Cao (Medulla Junci Effusi)
Deng Xin Cao (Rush Pith, Juncus) 灯心草
Qty: 3-6 grams
Chan: HT, LU, SI
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Slightly Cold
Latin: Medulla Junci Effusi
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 甘草
Qty: 3-9 grams
Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST)
Prop: Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Zhen Wu Tang
(True Warrior Decoction)
Formulas that Warm and Transform Water and Dampness

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 7 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Kidney Yang deficiency with pathogenic fluid accumulation

Actions:

* Warms Spleen and Kidney Yang, promotes urination, and drains Water-Damp

Indications:

* Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency with water accumulation: Difficult urination, abdominal pain, aversion to cold, heavy and aching extremities, generalized body edema, loose stools or diarrhea, dizziness, palpitations, absence of thirst, heavy sensation in the head, coughing, and vomiting
* External disorder with overuse of diaphoretics: Fever that is not reduced by sweating, trembling, shivering, dizziness, and palpitations in the epigastria.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale swollen tongue with teeth marks and a slippery white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Deep, thready, and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Nephritis
* Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease
* Congestive Heart Failure
* Liver Cirrhosis
* Chronic Enteritis
* Intestinal Tuberculosis
* Meniere's Disease
* Primary Hypertension
* Primary Hyperaldosteronism
* Hypothyroidism
* Rheumatoid Arthritis
* Edema

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of Yin deficiency, Heat, or Damp Heat
* This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Spleen, Heart, Kidneys, Stomach, Lungs, Liver

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
Fu Zi (Processed Aconite) 附子
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, KI, SP
Prop: Spicy, Hot, Toxic
Latin: Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) 白术
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: SP, ST
Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LU, SP, ST
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
(Angelica Pubescens and Sangjisheng Decoction)
Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 8 of 8 in Formulas that Expel Dampness on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness

Pattern:

* Wind Damp Cold Bi with Liver and Kidney Deficiency

Actions:

* Dispels Wind, Cold, and Damp
* Relieves painful obstruction.
* Supplements Qi and Blood.
* Tonifies the Liver and Kidney.

Indications:

* Chronic joint pain or joint deformities Pain and heaviness in the lower back and lower extremities, accompanied by stiffness and weakness in the joints. Numbness in the limbs. Attraction to warmth with an intolerance of cold.
* Palpitations and shortness of breath.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Pale tongue with white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Weak, thin, and slow pulse

Western Uses:

* Chronic Rheumatic Arthritis
* Osteoarthritis
* Rheumatic Sciatica
* Chronic Lower Back Pain
* Sequelae of Poliomyelitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do not use in cases of heat Bi, acute arthritis, or Yin deficiency

Preparation Notes:

* Decoction. The modern dosage of Sang Ji Sheng is 15-30 grams, but Xu Duan is often substituted for this herb. Dang Shen usually replaces Ren Shen, increasing the dosage by 2 times.

Originally Appeared In:

* Thousand Ducat Formulas (Qian Jin Yao Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen, Bladder, Liver, Stomach, Gall Bladder, Heart, Pericardium

Substances in this Formula (15 Total):

Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis)
Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root) 独活
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Pubescentis
Cat: Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness
Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice)
Xi Xin (Chinese Wild Ginger, Asarum) 细辛
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, KI
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Herba Asari Cum Radice
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae)
Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root) 防风
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: BL, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae
Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae)
Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root) 秦艽
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: GB, LIV, ST
Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae
Cat: Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness
Sang Ji Sheng (Ramulus Loranthi Seu Visci)
Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe Stems) 桑寄生
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Neutral
Latin: Ramulus Loranthi Seu Visci
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis)
Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) 杜仲
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Spicy, Warm
Latin: Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yang
Huai Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae)
Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) 懷牛膝
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, KID
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Neutral
Latin: Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Rou Gui (Inner Bark of Saigon Cinnamon) 肉桂
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV, SP
Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Hot
Latin: Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae
Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) 当归
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, LIV, SP
Prop: Sweet, Spicy, Bitter, Warm
Latin: Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) 川芎
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, GB, PER
Prop: Spicy, Warm
Latin: Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae)
Sheng Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Rehmannia) 地黄
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae
Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: LU, SP
Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm
Latin: Radix Ginseng
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Fu Ling (Scierotium Poriae Cocos)
Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) 茯苓
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: HT, SP, LU
Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos
Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) 炙甘草
Qty: 6 grams
Chan: All 12 Channels
Prop: Sweet, Warm
Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
Gu Jing Wan
(Stabilize the Menses Pill)
Formulas that Stabilize the Womb

Previous Formula in CategoryNext Formula in Category Formula 3 of 3 in Formulas that Stabilize and Bind on the CA Board Exam

Sub-Category:

* Formulas that Stabilize the Exterior and the Lungs

Actions:

* Nourishes the Yin, clears deficient heat, stops bleeding, and stabilizes the menses

Indications:

* Uterine bleeding that alternates between light and heavy flow, continuous menstruation. The blood is thick red or purple with clots. There may also be irritability, a sensation of heat in the chest, lower abdominal pain, and dark urine.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

* Red tongue with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

* Wiry and rapid pulse

Western Uses:

* Menorrhagia
* Leukorrhea
* Uterine Bleeding

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

* Do no use when metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, or metrostaxis is due to Spleen Qi or Yang deficiency

Preparation Notes:

* Grind all herbs into an even powder and use wine to form into pills.
* Take 9 grams, twice a day with warm water
* Appropriately reduce dosages to prepare a decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

* Introduction to Medicine (Yi Xue Ru Men)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

* Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Gall Bladder, San Jiao

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis)
Gui Ban (Fresh Water Turtle Shell, Testudinis) 龟板
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: HT, KI, LIV
Prop: Salty, Sweet, Cold
Latin: Plastrum Testudinis
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 白芍
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: LIV, SP
Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis)
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) 黄芩
Qty: 30 grams
Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Chun Pi (Cortex Ailanthi Altissimae)
Chun Pi (Ailanthus Bark or Root Bark) 椿皮
Qty: 21 grams
Chan: LI, ST, LIV
Prop: Bitter, Astringent, Cold
Latin: Cortex Ailanthi Altissimae
Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri)
Huang Bai (Phellodendron or Amur Cork tree Bark) 黄柏
Qty: 9 grams
Chan: KI, BL
Prop: Bitter, Cold
Latin: Cortex Phellodendri
Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi)
Xiang Fu (Nut Grass Rhizome) 香附
Qty: 7.5 grams
Chan: LIV, SJ, SP
Prop: Spicy, Slightly Warm, Slightly Sweet, Neutral
Latin: Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi
Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi