Herbs Ii - Final Exam Identification

Front 1

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 1

qián hú 前胡 // Peucedani Radix // hogfennel root

Hint 1

(1)Directs Qi downward & expels Phlegm (Wind-Heat, Lung Heat; cough) (2)Releases Exterior Wind (3)Very strong at transforming Phlegm; like chái hú (4)Raw is best to release the Exterior, honey roasted is better for chronic cough, deficiency cough (5)For Wind-Heat is often paired with bò hé and niú bàng zǐ (6)Better quality is firm, dry, dark skin, pale flesh, with oily spots // bitter, spicy, slightly cold; LU [B.376]

Front 2

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 2

chuān bèi mǔ 川貝母(川贝母) // Fritillariae cirrhosae Bulbus // Sichuan fritillaria bulb

Hint 2

(1)Transform Phlegm & stop cough (moistens Lungs for Deficiency cough and dry cough; acute or chronic) (2)Reduce swelling & dissipates nodules (enlarged glands, breast and lung abscesses, lipoma) (3)Also treats depression, insomnia, palpitations, poor memory – Phlegm in Heart; often used to tonify; very expensive // bitter, sweet, slightly cold; HT, LU [B.378]

Front 3

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 3

zhè bèi mǔ 浙貝母(浙贝母) // Fritillariae thunbergii Bulbus // Zhejiang fritillaria bulb

Hint 3

(1)Clears Phlegm-Heat (yellow thick Phlegm; often used with qián hú) (2)Clears Heat & dissipates nodules (more effective, stronger for nodules since draining; goiter) (3)Bigger than chuān bèi mǔ, less expensive; does not tonify, mainly draining herb; since alkaline often used to treat acid regurgitation // bitter, cold; HT, LU [B.381]

Front 4

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 4

guā lóu 瓜蔞 (瓜蒌) // Trichosanthis Fructus // trichosanthes fruit

Hint 4

(1)Clears Heat & transforms Phlegm-Heat (2)Expands chest & dissipates nodules (3)Reduces abscesses & dissipates nodules (breast abscesses – early stage) (4)Can moisten Intestines and unblock bowels but requires very large dose; equals ⅓ guā lóu pí + ⅔ guā lóu rén // sweet, cold; LU, LI, ST [B.383]

Front 5

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 5

guā lóu pí 瓜蔞皮(瓜蒌皮) // Trichosanthis Pericarpium // trichosanthes peel

Hint 5

(1)Clears Lungs & transforms Phlegm (usually Heat Phlegm, for Phlegm blocking Lung – cough, wheezing) (2)Regulates Qi & expands chest (for chest fullness) (3)Very good for thick, yellow Phlegm // sweet, cold; LU, LI, ST [B.386]

Front 6

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 6

guā lóu rén 瓜蔞仁(瓜蒌仁) // Trichosanthis Semen // trichosanthes seed

Hint 6

(1)Moistens Lungs & transforms Phlegm (Lungs dry from Heat {Excess or Deficiency}) (2)Moistens Intestines & opens bowels (for Deficiency constipation, soften stools and move) (3)Since sweet tonifying; for Excess Heat Phlegm or Yin Deficiency Phlegm // sweet, cold; LU, LI, ST [B.388]

Front 7

RelExt-WC

Back 7

bái zhǐ 白芷 // Angelicae dahuricae Radix // Angelica root

Hint 7

(1)Expels Wind, eliminates Dampness, unblocks nasal passages, and alleviates pain (2)reduces swelling and expels pus (such as acne) (3)expels Dampness and alleviates discharge (improves circulation and reabsorbs dampness) (4)exerts spicy/warm to face esp. sinuses; strong anti-microbial (shigella, salmonella) // spicy, warm; LU, ST, SP [B.24]

Front 8

DrDamp-Diur

Back 8

chē qián zǐ 車前子(车前子) // Plantaginis Semen // plantago seeds

Hint 8

(1)Promotes urination & clears Damp-Heat (UTIs, Lv/GB Damp-Heat) (2)Promotes urination to solidify stools (one of few seeds use to dry Lower Jiao/stools) (3)Clears eyes (excess Heat, Damp-Heat, Lv/Kd Yin Xu, redness, irritation, inflammation) (4)Expels Phlegm & stops cough (Phlegm Heat in Lungs) (4)Diuretic for Damp-Heat; eliminates Heat and drains Damp // sweet, cold; LV, LU, KD, UB [B.277]

Front 9

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 9

zhú rú 竹茹 // Bambusae Caulis in taeniam // bamboo shavings

Hint 9

(1)Clears Phlegm-Heat (Phlegm-Heat in Lung) (2)Clears Heat & stops vomiting (Phlegm-Heat in Stomach or Gallbladder) (3)Cool Blood & stop bleeding (minor function) // sweet, slightly cold; LU, ST, GB [B.393]

Front 10

RelExt-WC

Back 10

shēng jiāng 生薑 (生姜) // Zingiberis Rhizoma recens // fresh ginger rhizome

Hint 10

(1)Releases Exterior and disperses Cold (fresh ginger moves, dried ginger stays) (2)warms middle jiao and alleviates vomiting (due to Cold, promotes downward movement) (3)warms Lungs and stop cough (dries and promotes downward movement) (4)resolves toxicity (esp. from overdose of herbs) // spicy, slightly warm; LU, SP, ST [B.30] /// Special: add last to decoction, do not overcook esp. for releasing function

Front 11

DrDamp-Diur

Back 11

huá shí 滑石 // Talcum: Mg3(Si4O10)(OH)2 // talcum (mineral)

Hint 11

(1)Clears Heat & facilitates resolution of Dampness (UTIs; frequency and volume of urination) (2)Clears Summerheat & facilitates resolution of Dampness (not real drying, rebalances fluids) (3)Absorbs Dampness (topically for Damp-Heat in skin: diaper rash, eczema, damp sores, prickly heat (4)Strong diuretic (5)Great at protecting mucus membranes of GI track – ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease // sweet, bland, cold; ST, UB [B.280]

Front 12

Arom-TrDamp

Back 12

bái dòu kòu 白豆簆 // Amomi Fructus rotundus // round or white cardamom

Hint 12

(1)Promotes movement of Qi, transforms Dampness, & strengthens Stomach (2)Warms Middle Jiao & causes Rebellious Qi to descend (Spleen Cold diarrhea) (3)Better at treating nausea; crush in motor and pestle, add last // spicy, warm, aromatic; SP, ST, LU [B.481]

Front 13

ClHt-Blood

Back 13

shēng dì huang 生地黃(生地黄) // Rehmanniae Radix // Chinese Foxglove root

Hint 13

(1)Clears Heat and cools Blood (quenches thirst and helps stop bleeding) (2)Nourishes Yin and generates Fluids (primary use, very good for Liver) (3)Lessens Heart Fire (insomnia, restlessness, etc.) (4)Protects Liver tissue, protects liver’s glycogen stores, shrinks enlarged liver, balances serum glucose levels (diabetes), cools and moistens Liver/Blood/Skin (5)Very good for Deficient Heat, can also nourish Blood // sweet, bitter, cold; HT, KD, LV [B.120]

Front 14

RelExt-WC

Back 14

xīn yí huā 辛夷花 // Magnoliae Flos // Magnolia flower

Hint 14

(1)Expels Wind-Cold and unblocks nasal passages (once crushed contains many very aromatic volatile oils) (2)aromatic nature causes opening and dilation (not good for chronic sinus conditions, is drying) // spicy, warm; LU, ST [B.42] /// Special: must be added last to decoctions

Front 15

RelExt-WH

Back 15

bò hé 薄荷 // Menthae haplocalycis Herba // field mint

Hint 15

(1)Disperses Wind-Heat & clears and benefits head, eyes, and throat (redness, swelling, inflammation, sooths mucus membranes) (2)vents rashes (3)allows constrained Liver Qi to flow freely (relieves Liver Qi Stagnation/helps relieve stress/anxiety)) (4)expels turbid filth (5)dilates esophageal sphincter so do not use with patients with acid reflux, for surface release add last to decoction // spicy, aromatic, cooling; LU, LV [B.47]

Front 16

ClHt-Blood

Back 16

mǔ dān pí 牡丹皮 // Moutan Cortex // tree peony root bark

Hint 16

(1)Clears Heat and cools Blood (esp. skin) (2)Clears Deficiency Fire (Yin Deficiency fever) (3)Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood Stasis (disperses, downward clearing, menstrual issues, abdominal masses, fibroids, ovarian cysts, traumatic injury) (4)Clears ascending Liver Fire (Yang or Fire) (5)Drains pus and reduces swelling (acne, sores, boils, carbuncles) // spicy, bitter, slightly cold; HT, LV, KD [B.126] /// CTX during pregnancy/excessive menstrual bleeding; Caution: lowers blood pressure and body temperature, tranquilizing

Front 17

ClHt-Blood

Back 17

xuán shēn 玄參 (玄参) // Scrophulariae Radix // scrophularia

Hint 17

(1)Clears Heat and cools Blood (2)Nourishes Yin (not as good as shēng dì huáng, fluid deficient constipation, moistens stools, febrile diseases causing constipation) (3)Softens Hardness and dissipates nodules (swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, Yin Deficiency, Fire Toxins), vasodilator, anti-hypertension, antimicrobial // bitter, sweet, salty, cold; KD, LU, ST [B.123]

Front 18

TraPhleg-WarCld

Back 18

zhì bàn xià (bàn xià) 製半夏(制半夏) // Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum // prepared pinellia rhizome

Hint 18

(1)Dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, & descends Qi (very drying herb, for Cold-Phlegm) (2)Harmonizes Stomach & stops vomiting (great herb for vomiting, Heat or Cold; severe morning sickness) (3)Dissipates nodules & reduces distension (abnormal growth in fatty tissue) (4)Raw is most toxic; ginger processed less toxic // spicy, warm, toxic; LU, SP, ST [B.413]

Front 19

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 19

huáng lián 黃連 (黄连) // Coptidis Rhizoma // coptis rhizome

Hint 19

(1)Clears Heat and drains Dampness (esp. St, LI = dysentery) (2)Drains Fire and resolves Fire Toxicity (bladder/kidney infection, yeast infection, boils, carbuncles, acne, abscesses, hot Bi in joints, internal or external) (3)Clears Heat and stops bleeding (4)Clears Heat topically (5)Clears Heart Heat (irritability, insomnia, restlessness) (6)Strong affinity for middle jiao, broad spectrum antibiotic, antifungal/amebic dysentery, TB, typhoid fever, scarlet fever; anti-inflammatory=ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease // bitter, cold; HT, LI, LV, ST [B.134]

Front 20

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 20

huáng bǎi 黃柏 (黄柏) // Phellodendri Cortex // phellodendron bark

Hint 20

(1)Drains Damp-Heat, particularly from lower jiao (urogenital region, dysentery, nephritis, pyelonephritis, orchitis) (2)Drains Kidney Fire (clears Kidney Yin Deficiency Heat/Fire) (3)Drains Fire and resolves Fire Toxicity (internally/externally, skin lesion conditions) (4)Affinity for lower jiao, UTIs, bladder/kidney infections, leukorrhea, skin conditions, Deficient Heat // bitter, cold; KD, UB [B.138]

Front 21

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 21

lóng dǎn cǎo 龍膽草(龙胆草) // Gentianae Radix // Chinese gentian root

Hint 21

(1)Drains Damp-Heat from Liver and Gallbladder channels (jaundice, herpes, hepatitis, cholecystitis, Liver Yang/Fire Rising) (2)Drains and pacifies excessive Liver Fire (migraines, etc.) (3)“Dragon Gallbladder Herb”; primary herb for draining Fire from Lv/GB // bitter, cold; GB, LV, ST [B.141]

Front 22

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 22

kǔ shēn 苦參 (苦参) // Sophorae flavescentis Radix // sophora root

Hint 22

(1)Clears Heat and dries Dampness (dysentery, toxic sores on skin, problematic Damp-Heat Leukorrhea) (2)Disperses Wind, kills parasites, and stops itching (bacteria, fungi, yeast, parasites) (3)Clears Heat and promotes urination (UTIs, kidney infections, hot edema, Hot Bi) (4)Great external antibiotic, anti-fungal // bitter, cold; UB, HT, LV, ST, LI, SI [B.144] /// Special: “bitter root”; best not used in decoction since VERY BITTER

Front 23

RelExt-WH

Back 23

gé gēn 葛根 // Puerariae Radix // Kudzu root

Hint 23

(1)Discharges Exterior conditions and releases muscles (Wind-Heat in muscles causing stiffness, tight, pain) (2)Relieves Heat and generates fluids (restores Stomach Yin, moistens Stomach; good for Stomach Flu) (3)Vents and discharges measles (4)Raises Yang and stops diarrhea (firms stools, common side effect) (5)Treats symptoms of hypertension (opens up muscle layer) // sweet, spicy, cool; SP, ST [B.70]

Front 24

TraPhleg-WarCld

Back 24

jié gěng 桔梗 // Platycodi Radix // platycodon root

Hint 24

(1)Opens Lung Qi & expels Phlegm (makes Phlegm thinner so easier to cough up) (2)Promotes discharge of pus (carbuncles, boils, lung abscess) (3)Benefits throat (sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice) (4)Directs effect of other herbs to upper regions of body (5)Wild is best; is often paired with pàng dà hǎi // bitter, spicy, neutral; LU [B.429]

Front 25

TraPhleg-WarCld

Back 25

xuán fù huā 旋覆花 // Inulae Flos // inula flower

Hint 25

(1)Directs Qi downward & expels Phlegm (Lung) (2)Stops vomiting & calms Rebellion (Stomach, Wood attack Earth, plumb-pit Qi) (3)Every flower goes up except this // bitter, spicy, slightly warm; LV, LU, SP, ST [B.432]

Front 26

ClHt-Toxic

Back 26

lián qiào 連翹 (连翘) // Forsythiae Fructus // forsythia fruit

Hint 26

(1)Clears Heat & resolves Toxicity (sores, boils, carbuncles, sore throat) (2)Reduces abscesses & dissipates clumps (puffiness and swelling of mucus membranes: nasopharynx, sinuses; external sores, internal abscesses, scrofula) (3)Expels externally contracted Wind-Heat, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes; cystic acne, soothes, tightens, shrinks puffy, swollen, inflamed mucus membranes // bitter, slightly spicy, slightly cold; HT, LU, GB [B.153]

Front 27

TraPhleg-CouWh

Back 27

xìng rén 杏仁 // Armeniacae Semen // apricot seed

Hint 27

(1)Stops coughing and wheezing (very commonly used, for all types of coughing/wheezing; is #1 herb for coughing/wheezing) (2)Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels (3)There are two varieties: nán – sweet, less or non-toxic and bèi – bitter and more toxic // bitter, slightly warm, slightly toxic; LU, LI [B.437]

Front 28

RelExt-WH

Back 28

shēng má 升麻 // Cimicifugae Rhizoma // black cohosh rhizome, bugbane rhizome

Hint 28

(1)Discharges Exterior conditions and vents measles (2)Clears Heat and resolves toxicity (3)Raises Yang and lifts what has sunken // sweet, spicy, slightly cold; LI, LU, SP, ST [B.78] /// Caution: “Ascending Hemp”; will aggravate herpes zoster/shingles

Front 29

RelExt-WH

Back 29

chái hú 柴胡 // Bupleuri Radix // hare’s ear root

Hint 29

(1)Resolves Shaoyang disorders and reduces fever (half interior/half exterior, Malaria) (2)Spreads Liver Qi and relieves constraint (physical or mental symptoms) (3)Raises and lifts Yang Qi, specifically Clear Qi of Stomach and Gall Bladder (prolapsed organs) (4)In top 15 most prescribed herbs; only herb able to drive pathogens out of shaoyang; parasympathomimetic // bitter, spicy, cool; GB, LV, PC, SJ [B.73]

Front 30

TraPhleg-CouWh

Back 30

zǐ sū zǐ (sū zǐ) 紫蘇子(紫苏子) // Perillae Fructus // perilla fruit

Hint 30

(1)Stops coughing and wheezing (only Cold with profuse sputum) (2)Moistens Intestines (3)Directs Qi downward // spicy, warm; LU, LI [B.444]

Front 31

ClHt-Toxic

Back 31

bǎn lán gēn (nán bǎn lán gēn) 板藍根(南板蓝根) // Baphicacanthis cusiae Rhizoma et Radix // baphicacanthus root

Hint 31

(1)Clears Heat, Resolves Toxicity (2)Cools Blood (3)Reduces swelling // bitter, cold; ST, HT, LV [B.160]

Front 32

DrDamp-Diur (DispWD)

Back 32

hàn fáng jǐ (fáng jǐ) 漢防己(汉防己) // Stephaniae tetrandrae Radix // stephania root

Hint 32

(1)Promotes urination & reduces edema (2)Expels Wind-Dampness & alleviates pain (3)Diuretic, Damp Bi // bitter, spicy, cold; UB, SP, KD [B.313]

Front 33

ClHt-Toxic

Back 33

jīn yín huā 金銀花(金银花) // Lonicerae Flos // honeysuckle flower

Hint 33

(1)Clears Heat & resolves Fire Toxicity (sores, boils, carbuncles, infected bites/cuts, sore throat) (2)Vents and disperses externally contracted Wind-Heat (since flower, affinity for surface, drives off//out pathogens) (3)Clears Damp-Heat from xia jiao (UTI, usually not strong enough for dysentery) (4)Good for acne, infected cuts/bites, colds/flus, can be boiled and used as eye drops for conjunctivitis, moderate antimicrobial, outward moving // sweet, cold; LI, LU, ST [B.148]

Front 34

DrDamp-Diur

Back 34

yīn chén hāo (yīn chén, mián yīn chén) 茵陳蒿(茵陈蒿) // Artemisiae scopariae Herba // virgate wormwood

Hint 34

(1)Clears Heat, resolves Dampness, & reduces jaundice (cholecystitis, all types of jaundice – acute, chronic, Yang, Yin) (2)Clears Heat & facilitates resolution of Dampness (for skin and lower body only) (3)For Damp-Heat in Spleen (pancreatitis) (4)Great and beneficial for Liver-increases bile flow, promotes normal contraction of gallbladder, lowers liver cell death, promotes hepatic cell regeneration, great for treating all types of hepatitis // bitter, slightly cold; LV, GB, SP, ST [B.310]

Front 35

RelExt-WH

Back 35

jú huā 菊花 // Chrysanthemi Flos // chrysanthemum flower

Hint 35

(1)Disperses Wind and clears Heat (eyes, headaches) (2)Calms Liver and clears eyes (lowers ascendant Yang due to Liver Yin Deficiency) (3)Calms Liver and extinguishes Wind (good stress reducer, suppresses sympathetic nervous system) (4)Resolves Toxicity (5)Strong ability to lower blood pressure! (6)Light, soothing, easing // sweet, bitter, slightly cold; LU, LV [B.58]

Front 36

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 36

huáng qín 黃芩 (黄芩) // Scutellariae Radix // baical skullcap root

Hint 36

(1)Clears Heat and Dries Dampness (St, Intestines, anti-inflammatory to GI/Respiratory tracts, dysentery, food poisoning, cholecystits, hepatitis, jaundice (2)Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity (esp. upper jiao, bronchitis, sinus/ear/throat infection, acne) (3)Clears Heat and stops bleeding (4)Clears Heat and calms fetus (5)Sedates ascendant Liver yang (irritability, red eyes, flush face, headache) (5)Potent broad spectrum antibiotic, inhibits excessive peristalsis, antispasmodic, diuretic, lowers blood pressure // bitter, cold; LU, ST, GB, LI [B.131]

Front 37

DrDamp-Diur

Back 37

yì yǐ rén 薏苡仁 // Coicis Semen // Job’s Tears

Hint 37

(1)Facilitates resolution of Dampness & strengthens Spleen (must be dry fried first) (2)Facilitates resolution of Dampness & eliminates painful obstruction (supporting role, lower extremities) (3)Clears Heat & expels pus (mild, not aggressive or strong) (4)Clears Damp-Heat (Stomach/Intestines, Lower Jiao) (5)Good diuretic, assists in treating edema in lower extremities, constitutional Dampness, Damp-Heat // sweet, bland, slightly cold; LU, KD, SP, ST [B.275]

Front 38

ClHt-DrFire

Back 38

tiān huā fěn 天花粉 // Trichosanthis Radix // trichosanthes root

Hint 38

(1)Drains Heat and generates Fluids (cools/moistens febrile diseases, Stomach Heat/Fire, good for thirst) (2)Clears and drains Lung Heat, transforms phlegm, and moistens Lung Dryness (dry cough, bronchitis, good for breaking up phlegm and phlegm nodules) (3)Resolves toxicity and expels pus (sores, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, antimicrobial) (4)Lowers hCG, anti-cancer, slippery in nature, helps relieve hangover // bitter, slightly sweet, cold; LU, ST [B.108] /// CTX during pregnancy

Front 39

Arom-TrDamp

Back 39

shā rén 砂仁 // Amomi Fructus // amomum fruit

Hint 39

(1)Promotes movement of Qi, transforms Dampness, & strengthens Spleen (2)Warms Middle & stops diarrhea (Spleen Cold diarrhea) (3)Calms fetus (morning sickness, restless fetus) (4)Used in herbal formulas with tonifying herbs (to prevent them from causing stagnation) (4)Jack of all trades herb, can do a little of everything, no specific/special function, best at doing a little of everything; crush in motor and pestle, add last // spicy, warm, aromatic; SP, ST [B.479]

Front 40

RelExt-WC

Back 40

qiāng huó 羌活 // Notopterygii Rhizoma seu Radix // notopterygium root

Hint 40

(1)Releases Exterior and disperses Cold (cold achiness in upper body) (2)unblocks painful obstruction and alleviates pain (Wind-Cold-Damp Bi pain in upper body) (3)guides Qi to Taiyang channels and Du Mai (guides herbs to Taiyang channels and Du Mai) (4)use to help guide other herbs to upper body // spicy, bitter, aromatic, warm; UB and KD [B.19]

Front 41

DrDamp-Diur

Back 41

zé xiè 澤瀉(泽泻) // Alismatis Rhizoma // water plantain

Hint 41

(1)Promotes urination & leaches out Dampness (dysuria, edema, painful urinary dribbling, diarrhea, Damp-Heat in lower jiao; acute/chronic prostatitis/orchitis) (2)Settles Ministerial Fire in Kidneys by draining Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao (Yin Xu leading to Excess Yang – elevated libido, premature ejaculation, etc.) (3)Removes swelling/drains dampness; drains Fire from Kidney through urination // sweet, bland, cold; KD, UB [B.272]

Front 42

DispWD

Back 42

sāng jì shēng 桑寄生 // Taxilli Herba // mulberry mistletoe

Hint 42

(1)Tonifies Liver and Kidneys, strengthens sinews and bones, & expels Wind-Dampness (2)Nourishes Blood & calms Womb (Yin/Blood Deficiency during pregnancy: restless fetus, uterine bleeding during pregnancy) (3)Nourishes Blood & benefits skin (dry/flakey/scaly skin due to Blood Deficiency esp. Winter skin dryness) (4) Balances over-drying aspects of other herbs in this group, said to make skin glow, increases circulation to channels/collaterals (5)Lowers blood pressure (6)Considered invasive species // bitter, sweet, neutral; KD, LV [B.335]

Front 43

RelFoodSt (RegQi)

Back 43

lái fú zǐ 萊菔子 // Raphani Semen // radish seed

Hint 43

(1)Transforms Food Stagnation & eliminates accumulation (for Food Stagnation with significant Qi Stagnation) (2)Transforms Phlegm, stops cough, & alleviates wheezing (Phlegm blocks Qi preventing Qi from descending often caused by Qi Stagnation) (3)Is a Qi Mover // spicy, sweet, neutral; LU, SP, ST [B.502]

Front 44

RelExt-WC

Back 44

fáng fēng 防風 (防风) // Ledebouriellae Divaricatae, Saposhnikoviae Radix // Siler, Saposhnikovia, Ledebouriella Root

Hint 44

(1)Releases Exterior and expels Wind (2)expels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain (Wind-Damp Bi Symdrome); expels Wind and relieves spasms (3)consolidates & rebalances surface (if pores are closed, opens; if open, closes) // spicy, sweet, slightly warm; UB, LV, SP [B.16]

Front 45

DoDr-Lax

Back 45

huǒ má rén (dà má rén) 火麻仁 (大麻仁) // Cannabis Semen // cannabis/hemp seeds

Hint 45

(1)Nourishes and moistens Intestines (Moist Laxative; best herb for lubricating intestines) (2)Nourishes Yin (3)Clears Heat & promotes healing of sores (ulcerations, dry sores), also very good for skin (4)Very high in omega-3 oils // sweet, neutral; LI, SP, ST [B.245]

Front 46

RelExt-WC

Back 46

jīng jiè 荊芥 // Schizonepetae Herba // schizonepeta stem or bud (use just flowers)

Hint 46

(1)Releases Exterior and dispels Wind (2)vents rashes and alleviates itching (due to lack of blood to surface layer) (3)flushes blood out to skin, 1st choice as diaphoretic (4)stops bleeding // spicy, slightly warm; LU, LV [B.14] /// Special: add last 10 minutes if for releasing exterior

Front 47

DispWD

Back 47

mù guā 木瓜 // Chaenomelis Fructus // Chinese quince fruit

Hint 47

(1)Relaxes sinews & unblocks channels (ease, loosen, soften; effective) (2)Harmonizes Stomach & transforms Phlegm (and regulates Qi; abdominal pain, spasms/cramps in calves, leg qi edema) (3)Reduces food Stagnation // sour, warm; LV, SP [B.331]

Front 48

Arom-TrDamp

Back 48

huò xiāng 藿香 // Pogostemonis Herba // patchouli

Hint 48

(1)Aromatically transforms Dampness, releases Exterior, & dispels Summerheat (vaporizes Dampness, rids Spleen of Turbid Dampness which is dulling Spleen) (2)Harmonizes Middle Jiao & stops vomiting (best in group for queasiness, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, etc.) (3)Treats dermatosis (4)Great for reviving/awakening Spleen // spicy, slightly warm; SP, ST, LU [B.473]

Front 49

ClHt-Toxic (ClHt-DryDamp)

Back 49

bái xiān pí 白鮮皮(白鲜皮) // Dictamni Cortex // dictamnus root bark

Hint 49

(1)Clears Heat, resolves Fire Toxicity, expels Wind, and dries Dampness (good at treating Bi Syndrome – joint inflammation, chronic sinusitis, goes to muscle/flesh and joints) (2)Clears Damp-Heat and stops itching (“White Flesh Bark” means it is very good for skin conditions) (3)Does not stress St/Sp (4)Gynecological conditions // bitter, cold; SP, ST [B.197]

Front 50

ClHt-Toxic

Back 50

tǔ fú ling 土茯苓 // Smilacis glabrae Radix // smilax

Hint 50

(1)Resolves Toxicity & eliminates Dampness (2)Clears Damp-Heat from skin (yeast, fungi in skin, jock itch, jungle rot) (3)Used to treat Damp in extremities, Damp-Heat in skin; strong diuretic (4)Use for severe Dampness (for minor Dampness use bai xian pi) // sweet, bland, neutral; LV, ST [B.199] /// Caution: Very drying - prolonged use can damage fluids

Front 51

RelFoodSt (RegQi)

Back 51

mài yá 麥芽 (麦芽) // Hordei Fructus germinatus // barley/wheat sprouts/malt

Hint 51

(1)Transforms Food Stagnation & eliminates accumulation (2)Restrains lactation (60-120 grams in tea per day) (3)Facilitates smooth flow of Liver Qi (4)Lowers blood sugar (5)Especially good for complex carbohydrate Food Stagnation // sweet, neutral; LV, SP, ST [B.497]

Front 52

ClHt-DrFire

Back 52

zhī zǐ (shān zhī zǐ) 山梔子(山栀子) // Gardeniae Fructus // gardenia fruit

Hint 52

(1)Drains Heat and eliminates irritability (2)Clears Heat and resolves Dampness (UTI, hepatitis, jaundice, cholecystitis) (3)Cools Blood and resolves toxicity (skin conditions due to heat/toxins, pulls Heat out of skin and Blood – acne; good anti-microbial) (4)Reduces swelling and moves Blood Stasis due to trauma (external application only, sprains, strains, bruises, etc.) (5)Clears Heat from all 3 jiao – upper, middle, lower; very good for taking Heat out without messing anything else up, just takes Heat out // bitter, cold; HT, LU, ST, LV, SJ [B.95]

Front 53

RelFoodSt

Back 53

shén qū 神麴 (神曲) // Massa medicate fermentata // medicated leaven

Hint 53

(1)Transforms Food Stagnation & eliminates accumulation (all types of Food Stagnation especially those caused grains) (2)Strengthens Spleen & harmonizes Stomach (promotes digestion; Sp/St disharmony with Exterior Condition i.e. Stomach Flu) (3)Balancing herb, helps aid Sp/St, helps protect Sp/St; aid to help digest heavy mineral/shell herbs // spicy, sweet, warm; SP, ST [B.495]

Front 54

RelExt-WC

Back 54

guì zhī 桂枝 // Cinnamomi Ramulus // Cinnamon twig

Hint 54

(1)Releases Exterior and assists Yang (2)warms and unblocks channels and collaterals (3)warms Yang and transforms thin mucus (4)assists Heart Yang and unblocks Yang Qi of chest (5)adjusts Ying Qi and Wei Qi (helps to release muscle layer) (6)warms middle and directs turbid Yin downward (7)half dispersing/half tonifying // spicy, sweet, warm; HT, LU, UB [B.8]

Front 55

ClHt-Defic (ClHt-Toxic)

Back 55

qīng hāo 青蒿 // Artemisiae annuae Herba // sweet wormwood

Hint 55

(1)Clears Summerheat (light aromatic quality, lowers fever, eases headache, dizziness) (2)Clears fever from Deficiency (tidal fever, steaming bone syndrome) (3)Cools Blood & stops bleeding (bloody noses, purpura, rashes, etc.) (4)Checks malarial disorders & resolves Heat (balances fever and chills but does not kill parasite) (5)Good antimicrobial, anti yeast/fungi, is in the product Paragard // bitter, spicy, cold; KD, LV, GB [B.219] /// Special: add last to decoction since aromatic

Front 56

DoDr-Purg

Back 56

máng xiāo 芒硝 // Natrii Sulfas Na2SO4•10 H2O // Sodium Sulfate

Hint 56

(1)Purgative, Purges accumulation & guides out Stagnation (Excess Heat in Stomach, Large Intestines) (2)Clears Heat & drains Fire (bronchitis, pneumonia, Excess Heat in Stomach: mouth sores, vomiting) (3)Clears Heat & reduces swelling (4)Brings fluids into intestines; opens and clears stagnation // bitter, spicy, salty, very cold; ST, LI [B.240]

Front 57

ClHt-DrFire

Back 57

zhī mǔ 知母 // Anemarrhenae Rhizoma // anemarrhena rhizome

Hint 57

(1)Clears Heat and drains Fire (equal in strength to shí gāo) (2)Enriches Yin and moistens Dryness (Deficient Kd Yin not moistening Lung, classic Deficient Heat symptoms) (3)Generates Fluids and clears Heat (St Yin Deficiency, diabetes) (4)Ameliorates Dryness of tonifying or warming substances (helps balance very drying herbs) // bitter, sweet, cold; LU, ST, KD [B.92] /// Caution: May cause loose stools esp. for patients with weak St/Sp Qi – fry in slat water targets Kd

Front 58

Arom-TrDamp

Back 58

hòu pò 厚朴 // Magnoliae officinalis Cortex // Chinese Magnolia Bark

Hint 58

(1)Promotes movement of Qi in Middle Jiao (is best for dispelling distension, food stagnation, abdominal distension; helps restore downward movement of Stomach) (2)Promotes movement of Qi downward, dries Dampness, & transforms Phlegm (resolves Dampness/Phlegm in digestive tract) (3)Directs Qi downward, reduces Phlegm, & calms wheezing (eases and helps conduct Lung Qi downward) // bitter, spicy, warm; SP, ST, LU, LI [B.470]

Front 59

RelFoodSt (RegQi)

Back 59

shān zhā 山楂 // Crataegi Fructus // Chinese hawthorn fruit

Hint 59

(1)Transforms Food Stagnation & eliminates Accumulation (2)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (3)Stops diarrhea (4)Lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol (5)Like a very small apple; strong relieving Food Stagnation Herb, especially due to oily/greasy foods (fried foods, meat); good for Food Stag. + Phlegm; reducing herb for Excess // sweet, sour, slightly warm; LV, SP, ST [B.493]

Front 60

RelExt-WC

Back 60

má huáng 麻黄 // Ephedrae Herba // Ephedra stem

Hint 60

(1)Induces sweating and releases Exterior (2)disseminates and facilitates Lung Qi, calms wheezing and stops coughing (asthma), directs downward (3)promotes urination and reduces edema (superficial/floating) (4)warms and disperses Cold pathogens // spicy, slightly bitter, warm; LU, UB [B.3] /// CTX high blood pressure, sweating conditions, currently illegal to use

Front 61

DrDamp-Diur

Back 61

fú ling 茯苓 // Polyporaceae (fungus) // poria

Hint 61

(1)Promotes urination & leaches out Dampness (mild diuretic: dysuria, diarrhea, edema, bloating) (2)Strengthens Spleen & harmonizes Middle Jiao (3)Strengthens Spleen & transforms Phlegm (4)Quiets Heart & calms Spirit (poor memory, insomnia, palpitations) (5)Primary herb for Dampness in Spleen; gently presses water out of body // sweet, bland, neutral; HT, SP, KD, LU [B.267]

Front 62

DoDr-Purg

Back 62

dà huáng 大黃 (大黄) // Rhei Radix et Rhizoma // rhubarb root and rhizome

Hint 62

(1)Drains Heat & purges accumulations (4 Bigs) (2)Drains Fire (eyes, tongue, throat, mouth sores) (3)Clears Heat, transforms Dampness, & promotes urination (damp heat edema, jaundice, purge lower jiao) (4)Drains Heat from Blood (blood in stools, vomiting blood, nosebleeds; removes excess Damp-Heat, fire toxins) (5)Invigorates Blood & dispels Blood Stasis (amenorrhea, traumatic injury, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses) (6)Clears Heat & reduces Fire Toxicity (internally or topically, burns, heat from skin) (7)Lowers blood pressure; problematic constipation // bitter, cold; HT, LV, LI, ST [B.235]

Front 63

DispWD

Back 63

dú huó 獨活 (独活) // Angelicae pubescentis Radix // angelica root

Hint 63

(1)Dispels Wind-Dampness & alleviates pain (any Wind-Cold-Damp condition) (2)Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp & releases Exterior (3)Shaoyin headaches/toothaches (Kidney Channel) (4)Affinity for mid/lower back, hips, buttocks, lower extremities (5)Lowers blood pressure // bitter, spicy, warm; KD, UB [B.323]

Front 64

ClHt-DrFire (RelExt-WH)

Back 64

shí gāo 石膏 // Gypsum fibrosum // crystalline gypsum (sulfate mineral)

Hint 64

(1)Clears Heat and drains Fire (2)Clears Heat from Excess from Lungs (3)Clears Blazing Stomach Fire (4)For eczema, burns, and ulcerated sores (use as paste as well as internal) (5)4 Bigs: Fever, Thirst, Sweating, Pulse; Heat in Qi Level (4 Levels)/Yangming (6 Levels) // sweet, spicy, very cold; LU, ST [B.89] /// Caution Prolonged use can lead to deficiency condition!

Front 65

Arom-TrDamp

Back 65

cāng zhú 蒼朮 (苍术) // Atractylodis Rhizoma // Atractylodes Rhizome

Hint 65

(1)Strongly dries Dampness & strengthens Spleen (strengthens and wakes up Spleen to move Dampness) (2)Induces sweating & dispels Wind-Dampness (assisting herb in treating Wind-Damp-Cold Bi, mobilizes Qi to exterior/surface) (3)Clears Dampness from Lower Jiao (Damp Stagnation edema, swollen joints in lower extremities, leukorrhea esp. Damp-Cold; not for UTIs, bladder or kidney infections) (4)Improves vision (more side effect of moving Qi in Stomach Meridian) (5)Best herb for aggressively treating Dampness; best diuretic of group - clears Dampness even from extremities // bitter, spicy, warm; SP, ST [B.467]