Herbs Properties & Combo Cards

Front 1

fù zǐ (zhì fù zǐ) 製附子(制附子) // Aconiti Radix lateralis preparata // aconite root

Back 1

(1)Revives Yang & rescues from Rebellion (severely sick, near death; very stimulating to nervous system, endocrine system); Herb is VERY STRONG; warms at primal aspect of body (2)Warms Fire & assists Yang (weakness/deficiency of Ht/Sp/Kd Yang; weak immunity, diminished basic metabolic rate) (3)Disperses Cold, warms channels, & alleviates pain (great augmenting herb for Deficiency Bi esp. Cold-Damp Bi) (4)Hottest in group, drug like, historically used for Yang collapse // spicy, hot, toxic; HT, KD, SP [B.673]

Front 2

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 2

qián hú 前胡 // Peucedani Radix // hogfennel root

Hint 2

(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 3

Topical (TonYin)

Back 3

shé chuáng zǐ 蛇床子 // Cnidii Fructus // cnidium seed

Hint 3

(1)Dries Dampness, kills parasites, & stops itching (2)Disperses Cold, dispels Wind, & dries Dampness (3)Warms Kidneys & fortifies Yang // bitter, spicy, warm, slightly toxic; KD [B.1027]

Front 4

TonQi

Back 4

rén shēn 人參 (人参) // Ginseng Radix // ginseng root

Hint 4

(1)Powerfully tonifies Primal Qi (2)Strengthens Spleen & tonifies Stomach (3)Tonifies Lungs & augments Qi (4)Generates fluids & stops thirst (5)Benefits Heart Qi & calms Spirit // sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm; LU, SP [B.710]

Front 5

StaBi-Astring

Back 5

shān zhū yú 山茱萸 // Corni Fructus // cornus fruit

Hint 5

(1)Stabilizes Kidneys & secures Jing (2)Stops excessive sweating & supports that which has collapsed (3)Tonifies and augments Liver and Kidneys (4)Stabilizes menses & stops bleeding // sour, slightly warm; KD, LV [B.857]

Front 6

RelFoodSt (RegQi)

Back 6

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

Hint 6

(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 7

RelExt-WC

Back 7

má huáng 麻黄 // Ephedrae Herba // Ephedra stem

Hint 7

(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 8

RegQi

Back 8

chén pí 陳皮 (陈皮) // Citri reteculatae Pericarpium // aged tangerine peel

Hint 8

(1)Regulates Qi & transforms Phlegm (2)Dries Dampness & Strengthens Spleen (3)Treats excess, great for nausea, vomiting especially due to Stomach Cold, can also be used with Stomach Heat vomiting with huáng lián; moves and disperses Qi; is often used to counter heaviness of meat // bitter, spicy, warm, aromatic; LU, SP, ST [B.510]

Front 9

RegBl-StopBl

Back 9

sān qī (tiān qī, tiān sān qī) 三七 // Notoginseng Radix // pseudoginseng root

Hint 9

(1)Stops bleeding & transforms Blood Stasis (bleeding above/bleeding below) (2)Move Blood & alleviates pain (3)Very good stop bleeding herb; very strong; best for bleeding with Blood Stasis; moves and stops bleeding; good at treating Blood Stasis pain; promotes healing (4)Lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol // sweet, slightly bitter, warm; LV, ST [B.559]

Front 10

DrDamp-Diur

Back 10

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

Hint 10

(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 11

DoDr-Purg

Back 11

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

Hint 11

(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 12

DispWD

Back 12

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

Hint 12

(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 13

ClHt-DrFire (RelExt-WH)

Back 13

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

Hint 13

(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 14

CaSpir-AnchSet

Back 14

lóng gǔ 龍骨 (龙骨) // Fossilia Ossis Mastodi // dragon bone (fossil bones)

Hint 14

(1)Settles anxiety & calms Spirit (2)Calms Liver & anchors and preserves floating Yang (3)Prevents leakage of fluids (4)Topically for chronic non-healing sores and ulcers // sweet, astringent, neutral; HT, LV, KD [B.909]

Front 15

Arom-TrDamp

Back 15

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

Hint 15

(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]

Front 16

WarInt-ExpC

Back 16

gān jiāng 乾薑 (干姜) // Zingiberis Rhizoma // dried ginger rhizome

Hint 16

(1)Warms Middle & expels Cold ( esp. Sp/St; really wakes up appetite) (2)Rescues devastated Yang & expels Interior Cold (not as strong as zhì fù zǐ) (3)Warms Lungs & transforms thin mucus (frequent coughing/wheezing, thin lung phlegm, weakness of vitality of Lungs) (4)Warms channels & stops bleeding (esp. Cold in Lower Jiao: extended periods, uterine bleeding) (5)Warms and restores // spicy, hot; HT, LU, SP, ST [B.681]

Front 17

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 17

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

Hint 17

(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 18

TonQi

Back 18

dǎng shēn 黨參 (党参) // Codonopsis Radix // codonopsis root

Hint 18

(1)Tonifies Middle Jiao & augments Qi (2)Tonifies Lungs (3)Use with herbs that Release Exterior or Drain Downward when there is Qi Deficiency // sweet, neutral; LU, SP [B.714]

Front 19

StaBi-Astring

Back 19

wǔ wèi zǐ 五味子 // Schisandrae Fructus // schisandra fruit

Hint 19

(1)Contains leakage of Lung Qi & stops coughs (2)Tonifies Kidneys, binds up Jing, & stops diarrhea (3)Inhibits sweating & generates fluids (4)Quiets Spirit while calming and containing Heart Qi // sweet, sour, warm; KD, HT, LU [B.860]

Front 20

RelFoodSt

Back 20

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

Hint 20

(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 21

RelExt-WC

Back 21

guì zhī 桂枝 // Cinnamomi Ramulus // Cinnamon twig

Hint 21

(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 22

DoDr-Purg

Back 22

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

Hint 22

(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 23

ClHt-DrFire

Back 23

zhī mǔ 知母 // Anemarrhenae Rhizoma // anemarrhena rhizome

Hint 23

(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 24

CaSpir-AnchSet (ExWin-StTrem)

Back 24

mǔ lì 牡蠣 (牡蛎) // Ostreae Concha // oyster shell

Hint 24

(1)Heavily settles and calms Spirit (2)Benefits Yin and anchors floating Yang (3)Prevents leakage of fluids (4)Softens hardness & dissipates nodules (5)Absorbs acidity & alleviates pain // salty, astringent, cool; LV, KD [B.913]

Front 25

Arom-TrDamp

Back 25

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

Hint 25

(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 26

WarInt-ExpC

Back 26

ròu guì pí 肉桂 (肉桂皮) // Cinnamomi Cortex // cinnamon bark

Hint 26

(1)Fortifies Kidney and Spleen Yang, warms Heart Yang, & fortifies Yang (Cold in Lower Jiao: weak libido, impotence, poor appetite, Cold Deficiency Heart: angina, brachycardia) (2)Disperses deep Cold, warms channels, unblocks channels and vessels, & alleviates pain (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, Cold-Damp Bi) (3)Leads Fire back to its source (False Heat, True Cold or Heat Above, Cold Below) (4)Encourages generation of Qi and Blood // spicy, sweet, hot; HT, KD, LV, SP [B.684]

Front 27

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 27

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

Hint 27

(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 28

StaBi-Astring

Back 28

wū méi 烏梅 (乌梅) // Mume Fructus // mume fruit

Hint 28

(1)Inhibits leakage of Lung Qi & stops coughs (2)Generates fluids & alleviates thirst (3)Expels roundworms & alleviates pain (4)Binds up Intestines & stops diarrhea (5)Stops bleeding (6)Topically to treat corns and warts // sour, astringent, warm; LV, LU, SP, LI [B.864]

Front 29

RelFoodSt (RegQi)

Back 29

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

Hint 29

(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 30

RegBl-StopBl

Back 30

qiàn cǎo (gēn) 茜草根 // Rubiae Radix // madder root

Hint 30

(1)Cools Blood & stops bleeding (bleeding due to Heat, bleeding above/below) (2)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (bleeding due to Blood Stasis, injuries) (3)Since red good for blood; raw for Blood Stasis, charred for bleeding; often used for menstrual bleeding issues // bitter, cold; LV, HT [B.564]

Front 31

ClHt-DrFire

Back 31

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

Hint 31

(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 32

AroOpOrif

Back 32

bīng piàn 冰片 // Borneolum // borneol

Hint 32

(1)Opens Orifices, awakens Spirit, & unblocks closed disorders (2)Clears Heat, drains Fire, resolves Toxicity, clears eyes, removes superficial visual obstruction, & stops pain (3)Clears Heat, alleviates pain, dissipates nodules, & alleviates itching // bitter, spicy, mildly cold; HT, LU, SP [B.953]

Front 33

WarInt-ExpC

Back 33

wú zhū yú 吳茱萸(吴茱萸) // Evodiae Fructus // evodia fruit

Hint 33

(1)Warms Middle, disperses Cold, promotes movement of Qi, & alleviates pain (Cold Stagnation/pain, hernia pain, genital pain, cold dysmenorrhea) (2)Warms Spleen, stops diarrhea, & expels Cold-Dampness (3)Redirects Rebellious Qi downward & stops vomiting (caused by Cold only) (4)Basically is a Liver governing herb (5)Leads Fire Downward (sores of mouth and tongue)(Smells like cannabis flowers) // bitter, spicy, hot, slightly toxic; LV, SP, ST [B.687]

Front 34

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 34

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

Hint 34

(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 35

TonQi

Back 35

huáng qí 黃耆 (黄芪) // Astragali Radix // astragalus root

Hint 35

(1)Tonifies Qi and Blood (2)Tonifies Spleen & raises Yang (3)Augments Wei Qi & stabilizes Exterior (4)Promotes urination & reduces edema (5)Promotes discharge of pus & generates flesh // sweet, slightly warm; LU, SP [B.722]

Front 36

RelExt-WC

Back 36

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

Hint 36

(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 37

DispWD

Back 37

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

Hint 37

(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 38

AroOpOrif

Back 38

shí chāng pú 石菖蒲 // Acori tatarinowii Rhizoma // acorus

Hint 38

(1)Opens Orifices, dislodges Phlegm, removes filth, & quiets Spirit (2)Transforms Turbid Dampness, awakens Spleen, &promotes movement of Qi (3)Promotes Blood flow & reduces swelling // bitter, spicy, warm, aromatic; HT, ST [B.956]

Front 39

Arom-TrDamp

Back 39

huò xiāng 藿香 // Pogostemonis Herba // patchouli

Hint 39

(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 40

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 40

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

Hint 40

(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 41

TonQi

Back 41

shān yào 山藥 (山药) // Dioscoreae Rhizoma // Chinese Yam

Hint 41

(1)Tonifies and augments Spleen and Stomach (2)Tonifies Lung Qi & augments Lung Yin (3)Tonifies Kidneys & stabilizes and binds // sweet, neutral; LU, SP, KD [B.723]

Front 42

RelFoodSt (RegQi)

Back 42

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

Hint 42

(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 43

RelExt-WC

Back 43

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

Hint 43

(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 44

DoDr-Lax

Back 44

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

Hint 44

(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 45

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 45

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

Hint 45

(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 46

TonQi

Back 46

bái zhú 白朮 // Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma // white atractylodes rhizome

Hint 46

(1)Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi (2)Dries Dampness & promotes water metabolism (3)Stabilizes Exterior & stops sweating (4)Calms Fetus // bitter, sweet, warm; SP, ST [B.726]

Front 47

RelExt-WC

Back 47

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

Hint 47

(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 48

DrDamp-Diur

Back 48

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

Hint 48

(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 49

DispWD

Back 49

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

Hint 49

(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 50

TonQi

Back 50

dà zǎo (hóng zǎo) 大棗 (大枣) // Jujubae Fructus // jujube

Hint 50

(1)Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi (2)Nourishes Blood & calms Spirit (3)Moderates and harmonizes harsh properties of other herbs // sweet, warm; SP, ST [B.730]

Front 51

RelExt-WC

Back 51

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

Hint 51

(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 52

RegQi

Back 52

zhǐ shí 枳實 (枳实) // Aurantii Fructus immaturus // unripe bitter orange

Hint 52

(1)Transforms Phlegm AND moves Qi (2)Moves Qi & releases distention (strong herb for moving Qi - good for tough cases; focuses on digestive system; is special since is Cool yet moves Qi) (3)Transforms Phlegm & unblocks Bí (is an important herb for treating Phlegm) (4)Expel stagnation & open bowels (5)Often used in prolapse conditions // bitter, spicy, slightly cold; SP, ST, LI [B.516]

Front 53

ExPar

Back 53

bīng láng 檳榔 (槟榔) // Arecae Semen // betel nut

Hint 53

(1)Kills parasites (tapeworm, roundworm, pinworm; up to 30 grams; acts as laxative to expel worms and eggs) (2)Moves Qi & unblocking bowels (diarrhea, dysenteric disorders, flush out bowels) (3)Promotes urination (very strong, very draining) (4)Treats malarial disorders (not very good here) // bitter, spicy, warm; LI, ST [B.1008]

Front 54

DrDamp-Diur

Back 54

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

Hint 54

(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 55

ClHt-DrFire

Back 55

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

Hint 55

(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 56

CaSpir-Nour

Back 56

suān zǎo rén 酸棗仁 (酸枣仁) // Ziziphi spinosae Semen // sour jujube seed

Hint 56

(1)Nourish Heart Yin, augments Liver Blood, & quiets Spirit (2)Prevents abnormal sweating // sweet, sour, neutral; HT, SP, LV, GB [B.928]

Front 57

Arom-TrDamp

Back 57

shā rén 砂仁 // Amomi Fructus // amomum fruit

Hint 57

(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 58

StaBi-Astring

Back 58

lián zǐ 蓮子 (莲子) // Nelumbinis Semen // lotus seeds

Hint 58

(1)Tonifies Spleen & stops diarrhea (2)Tonifies Kidneys & stabilizes Jing (3)Nourishes Heart & calms Spirit // sweet, astringent, neutral; HT, KD, SP [B.881]

Front 59

DrDamp-Diur

Back 59

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

Hint 59

(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 60

Arom-TrDamp

Back 60

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

Hint 60

(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 61

TraPhleg-CooHt

Back 61

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

Hint 61

(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 62

TonQi

Back 62

gān cǎo 甘草 // Glycyrrhizae Radix // licorice root

Hint 62

(1)Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi (2)Moistens Lungs & stops coughs (3)Moderates spasms & alleviates pain (4)Clears Heat & resolves Fire Toxicity (5)Moderates and harmonizes characteristics of other herbs // sweet, neutral (sheng), sweet, warm (zhi); HT, LU, SP, ST [B.732]

Front 63

RelExt-WC

Back 63

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

Hint 63

(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 64

DrDamp-Diur

Back 64

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

Hint 64

(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 65

CaSpir-Nour

Back 65

yuǎn zhì 遠志(远志) // Polygalae Radix // polygala root

Hint 65

(1)Calms Spirit & quiets Heart (2)Expels Phlegm, clears orifices, & stops coughs (3)Reduces abscesses & dissipates swelling // bitter, spicy, slightly warm; HT, LU [B.932]

Front 66

TonQi

Back 66

zhì gān cǎo 炙甘草 // Glycyrrhizae Radix // licorice root honey fried (prepared)

Hint 66

(1)Tonifies Spleen & augments Qi (2)Moistens Lungs & stops coughs (3)Moderates spasms & alleviates pain (4)Clears Heat & resolves Fire Toxicity (5)Moderates and harmonizes characteristics of other herbs // sweet, neutral (sheng), sweet, warm (zhi); HT, SP, ST, LU [B.734]

Front 67

RegQi

Back 67

xiāng fù 香附 // Cyperi Rhizoma // nut-grass rhizome

Hint 67

(1)Smooth Liver & regulate Qi (2)Moves Blood & regulates menstruation (3)Female health - moves Qi and Blood, very important herb (4)Raw form is more moving, for upper body and surface of body; fried then treated with salty water targets Blood more, guides to blood; process with vinegar for masses and Blood Stasis; processed with ginger juice for moving Qi; dry fried/charred for bleeding // spicy, slightly bitter, slightly sweet, neutral; LV, SJ [B.527]

Front 68

RegQi

Back 68

mù xiāng 木香 // Aucklandiae Radix // costus root

Hint 68

(1)Moves Qi & stops pain (2)Very good herb for treating pain - chest, hypochondrium, abdomen (3)Abdominal pain + diarrhea, dysenteric disorders; consolidates intestines for diarrhea, dysenteric disorders (4)Often is used with tonifying herbs to help prevent stagnation // bitter, spicy, warm; GB, LI, SP, ST [B.529]

Front 69

RegBl-StopBl

Back 69

ài yè 艾葉 (艾叶) // Artemisiae argyi Folium // mugwort leaf

Hint 69

(1)Warms meridians & stops bleeding (for bleeding due to Cold esp. menstrual) (2)Expels Cold & stops pain (Cold obstruction causing pain – dysmenorrhea) (3)Eliminates Dampness & stops itching (breaks up obstruction and moves Qi/Blood) // bitter, spicy, warm; LV, SP, KD [B.594]

Front 70

RelExt-WC

Back 70

xì xīn 細辛 (细辛) // Asari Radix et Rhizoma // Chinese wild ginger

Hint 70

(1)Disperses Cold and releases Exterior (2)dispels Wind, disperses Cold, and relieves pain (pain anywhere in body esp. head) (3)warms Lungs and transforms thin mucus (4)unblocking and facilitating orifices (powdered and snorted for sinuses or applied directly for toothache) (5)very strong analgesic properties; very powerful penetrating properties/penetrates into severe stagnation // spicy, warm; LU, HT, KD [B.42] /// Caution: contains chemicals which damage kidneys

Front 71

RegBl-Invig

Back 71

chuān xiōng 川芎 // Chuanxiong Rhizome // Sichuan lovage root

Hint 71

(1)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (hypochondriac pain, Bi pain, tumors, masses, menstrual disorders); major herb for moving Blood; recently used for heart conditions as a blood thinner (2)Expels Wind & alleviates pain (moving pain); major herb for menstrual issues/headaches // spicy, warm; LV, GB, PC [B.599]

Front 72

ClHt-Blood

Back 72

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

Hint 72

(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 73

TonBld

Back 73

shú dì huáng 熟地黃(熟地黄) // Rehmanniae Radix preparata // prepared Chinese Foxglove root

Hint 73

(1)Tonifies Blood (2)Nourishes Yin (3)Strongly enriches Yin & relieves wasting and thirsting disorder (4)Nourishes Blood & tonifies Jing // sweet, slightly warm; LV, KD, HT [B.744]

Front 74

RelExt-WC

Back 74

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

Hint 74

(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 75

RegBl-Invig

Back 75

dān shēn 丹參 (丹参) // Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix // salvia root

Hint 75

(1)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (Ht/Pc-chest pain, Lv-menstrual issues, Blood Stasis due to Heat); profuse menses (2)Cools Blood & clears Heat (Heat in Heart – mental issues, skin issues); for mild hypertension, preventative for heart health (3)Nourishes Blood & calms spirit (tonifies Blood calming Spirit – insomnia, palpitations) // bitter, slightly cold; LV, HT, PC [B.602]

Front 76

TonBld

Back 76

hé shǒu wū 何首烏(何首乌) // Polygoni multiflori Radix preparata // processed fleeceflower root

Hint 76

(1)Tonifies Liver and Kidney, nourishes Blood, & augments Jing (2)Expels Wind from skin by nourishing Blood // bitter, sweet, astringent, slightly warm; LV, KD [B.746]

Front 77

RelExt-WH

Back 77

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

Hint 77

(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 78

ClHt-Blood

Back 78

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

Hint 78

(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 79

TonBld

Back 79

dāng guī 當歸 (当归) // Angelicae sinensis Radix // Chinese angelica root

Hint 79

(1)Tonifies Blood & regulates menses (2)Invigorates and harmonizes Blood & disperses Cold (3)Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels (4)Reduces swelling, expels pus, generates flesh, & alleviates pain (5)Treats coughs // spicy, sweet, warm; LV, SP, HT [B.750]

Front 80

RegBl-Invig

Back 80

yán hú suǒ 延胡索 // Corydalis Rhizoma // corydalis rhizome

Hint 80

(1)Invigorates Blood, moves Qi, & alleviates pain (treats pain anywhere due to Blood Stasis/Qi Stagnation) (2)Very commonly used, moves Blood and Qi (3)Calms therefore good for insomnia // bitter, spicy, warm; LV, HT, ST [B.606]

Front 81

ClHt-Blood

Back 81

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

Hint 81

(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 82

TonBld

Back 82

bái sháo 白芍 // Paeoniae Radix alba // white peony root

Hint 82

(1)Nourishes Blood & regulates menses (2)Calms and curbs Liver Yang & alleviates pain (3)Preserves Yin & adjusts Ying and Wei levels // bitter, sour, mildly cold; LV, SP [B.754]

Front 83

RegQi

Back 83

chuān liàn zǐ 川楝子 // Toosendan Fructus // Sichuan chinaberry

Hint 83

(1)Also called Jīn Líng Zǐ (Golden Bell Seed/Fruit) (2)Smooth Liver & regulate Qi; treats Liver Heat conditions (3)Kills parasites & heals tinea (not truly strong enough to kill parasites – helps relieve abdominal pain from worms; apply topically to scalp to treat tinea) // bitter, cold, slightly toxic; LV, ST, SI, UB [B.544]

Front 84

RegBl-Invig

Back 84

yù jīn 鬱金 (郁金) // Curcumae Radix // curcuma tuber

Hint 84

(1)Moves Blood & stops pain (good at moving Blood but only ok for pain; good for amenorrhea, abdominal masses) (2)Cools Blood & clears Heat (cools Heart, bleeding form Heat, clears Heat/Phlegm form Heart (3)Smooth Liver & release constraint (Liver Qi Stagnation, depression, breast tenderness, PMS) (4)Benefits Gallbladder & reduces jaundice (both, better if Yang) (5)Good as Gold in treating depression (6)Lowers blood cholesterol // bitter, spicy, cold; LV, HT, LU [B.609]

Front 85

TraPhleg-WarCld

Back 85

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

Hint 85

(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 86

TonBld

Back 86

sháo yào (bái sháo, bái sháo yào) 芍藥 (白芍藥) // Paeoniae Radix alba // white peony root

Hint 86

(1)Nourishes Blood & regulates menses (2)Calms and curbs Liver Yang & alleviates pain (3)Preserves Yin & adjusts Ying and Wei levels // bitter, sour, mildly cold; LV, SP [B.754]

Front 87

RelExt-WH

Back 87

jú huā 菊花 // Chrysanthemi Flos // chrysanthemum flower

Hint 87

(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 88

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 88

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

Hint 88

(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 89

RegBl-Invig

Back 89

yì mǔ cǎo 益母草 // Leonuri Herba // Chinese motherwort

Hint 89

(1)Moves Blood and Qi; a very commonly used herb (2)Moves Blood & regulates menses (3)Promotes urination & reduces edema (by regulating Qi) (4)Cools Blood & eliminates rashes (for skin conditions, also itching) (5)Lowers blood pressure // bitter, spicy, slightly cold; LV, HT, UB [B.614]

Front 90

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 90

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

Hint 90

(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 91

TonBld

Back 91

gǒu qǐ zǐ 枸杞子 // Lycii Fructus // Chinese wolfberry

Hint 91

(1)Nourishes and tonifies Liver and Kidneys (2)Benefits Jing & brightens eyes (3)Enriches Yin & moistens Lungs // sweet, neutral; LV, KD, LU [B.761]

Front 92

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 92

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

Hint 92

(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 93

RegBl-Invig

Back 93

chì sháo (sháo yào) 赤芍 (芍藥) // Paeoniae Radix rubra // red peony root

Hint 93

(1)Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood Stasis (promotes circulation through tissues, dissolves clots, clears dead rbcs) (2)Clears Heat and cools Blood (wide range of Heat in Blood, very good for clearing Heat from Blood, Liver, skin) (3)Moderate anti-inflammatory (gout, arthritis, arthralgia), antibiotic, antifungal, antispasmodic, lowers body temp and blood pressure through vasodilatation, relaxes smooth muscle, thins blood, anti-clotting effect // sour, bitter, slightly cold; LV, SP [B.624]

Front 94

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 94

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

Hint 94

(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 95

RegBl-Invig

Back 95

táo rén 桃仁 // Persicae Semen // peach kernal

Hint 95

(1)Moves Blood & expels Stasis (menstrual/birth, lower abdominal Blood Stasis, and injuries/bruises/pain/ abscesses); one of most commonly used Blood Mover; best for older patients since gentle (2)Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels (mild not very good) (3)Good for tumors (blood level), more lower body // bitter, sweet, neutral; LV, HT, LU, LI [B.624]

Front 96

ClHt-DryDamp

Back 96

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

Hint 96

(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 97

RelExt-WH

Back 97

gé gēn 葛根 // Puerariae Radix // Kudzu root

Hint 97

(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 98

RegBl-Invig

Back 98

hóng huā (zang hóng huā) 紅花 (红花) // Carthami Flos // safflower (saffron)

Hint 98

(1)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, long cycles, post partum pain, heavy clotting; Blood Stasis pain), profuse menses // spicy, warm; LV, HT [B.627]

Front 99

DrDamp-Diur

Back 99

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

Hint 99

(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 100

TraPhleg-WarCld

Back 100

jié gěng 桔梗 // Platycodi Radix // platycodon root

Hint 100

(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 101

RelExt-WH

Back 101

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

Hint 101

(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 102

DrDamp-Diur (DispWD)

Back 102

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

Hint 102

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

Front 103

ClHt-Toxic

Back 103

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

Hint 103

(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 104

TraPhleg-WarCld

Back 104

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

Hint 104

(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 105

RelExt-WH

Back 105

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

Hint 105

(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 106

TonYang

Back 106

ròu cōng róng 肉蓯蓉(肉苁蓉) // Cistanches Herba // cistanche

Hint 106

(1)Tonifies Kidney Yang & augments Jing and Blood (2)Moistens Intestines & facilitates passage of stools // sweet, salty, warm; KD, LI [B.775]

Front 107

ClHt-Toxic

Back 107

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

Hint 107

(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 108

TraPhleg-CouWh

Back 108

xìng rén 杏仁 // Armeniacae Semen // apricot seed

Hint 108

(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 109

TonYang

Back 109

yín yáng huò 淫羊藿 // Epimedii Herba // epimedium

Hint 109

(1)Tonifies Kidneys & fortifies Yang (2)Dispels Wind-Cold-Dampness & warms and unblocks flow of Yang Qi // spicy, sweet, warm; KD, LV [B.778]

Front 110

RegBl-Invig

Back 110

chuān niú xī (niú xī) 川牛膝 // Cyathulae Radix // cyathula root

Hint 110

(1)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (chronic low back/knee pain) (2)Expels Wind & drains Dampness // bitter, sweet, neutral; LV, KD [B.641]

Front 111

TonYang

Back 111

bā jǐ tiān 巴戟天 // Morindae officinalis Radix // Morinda root

Hint 111

(1)Tonifies Kidneys & fortifies Yang (2)Disperses Wind-Dampness & strengthens sinews and bones // spicy, sweet, slightly warm; KD [B.780]

Front 112

RegBl-Invig

Back 112

niú xī (huái niú xī) 懷牛膝(怀牛膝) // Achyranthis bidentatae Radix // achyranthes root

Hint 112

(1)Moves Blood & transforms Stasis (injuries, menstrual/birth, better at treating lower body) (2)Tonifies Liver and Kidneys & strengthens sinews and bones (3)Induces downward movement of Blood (nosebleed, vomiting blood, dizziness, blurred vision) (4)Promotes urination & reduces edema (5)More tonifying; very strong at causing downward movement; smoother and lighter in color // bitter, sour, neutral; LV, KD [B.641]

Front 113

TraPhleg-CouWh

Back 113

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

Hint 113

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

Front 114

ClHt-Toxic

Back 114

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

Hint 114

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

Front 115

TonYang

Back 115

bǔ gǔ zhī 補骨脂(补骨脂) // Psoraleae Fructus // psoralea fruit

Hint 115

(1)Tonifies Kidneys & fortifies Yang (2)Tonifies and warms Spleen Yang & stops diarrhea (3)Topically as tincture for vitiligo // bitter, spicy, very warm; KD, SP [B.786]

Front 116

TonYang

Back 116

dù zhòng 杜仲 // Eucommiae Cortex // eucommia bark

Hint 116

(1)Tonifies Liver and Kidneys & strengthens sinews and bones (2)Aids in smooth flow of Qi and Blood (3)Calms fetus (4)For dizziness and lightheadedness // sweet, slightly spicy, warm; KD, LV [B.792]

Front 117

TonYang

Back 117

xù duàn 續斷 (续断) // Dipsaci Radix // dipsacus

Hint 117

(1)Tonifies Liver and Kidneys & strengthens sinews and bones (2)Calms fetus & stops leakage (3)Promotes movement of Blood, alleviates pain, & reconnects sinews and bones // bitter, sweet, spicy, slightly warm; KD, LV [B.797]

Front 118

TonYang

Back 118

tù sī zǐ 菟絲子(菟丝子) // Cuscutae Semen // cuscuta seeds

Hint 118

(1)Tonifies Yang, augments Yin, & secures Jing and urine (2)Tonifies Liver and Kidneys & improves vision (3)Benefits Spleen and Kidneys & stops diarrhea (4)Calms fetus // spicy, sweet, neutral; KD, LV [B.802]

Front 119

TonYin

Back 119

běi shā shēn (shā shēn) 北沙參 (北沙参) // Glehniae Radix // glehnia root

Hint 119

(1)Nourishes Lung Yin & clears Lung Heat (2)Nourishes Stomach Yin & generates fluids // sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold; LU, ST [B.818]

Front 120

TonYin

Back 120

mài mén dōng 麥門冬(麦门冬) // Ophiopogonis Radix // ophiopogon tuber

Hint 120

(1)Moistens Lungs & nourishes Yin (2)Augments Stomach Yin & generates fluids (3)Moistens Intestines (4)Clears Heat & eliminates irritability // sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold; HT, LU, ST [B.824]

Front 121

TonYin

Back 121

tiān mén dōng 天門冬 (天门冬) // Asparagi Radix // asparagus tuber

Hint 121

(1)Nourishes Kidney Yin & clears Lung Heat (2)Moistens Lungs, nourishes Kidneys, & generates fluids // bitter, sweet, very cold; KD, LU [B.827]

Front 122

ClHt-Toxic (ClHt-DryDamp)

Back 122

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

Hint 122

(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 123

ClHt-Toxic

Back 123

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

Hint 123

(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 124

TonYin

Back 124

bǎi hé 百合 // Lilii Bulbus // lily bulb

Hint 124

(1)Moistens Lungs, clears Heat, & stops coughs (2)Clears Heart & calms Spirit // sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold; HT, LU [B.835]

Front 125

ClHt-Defic (ClHt-Toxic)

Back 125

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

Hint 125

(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