Herb ID/Post-Midterm Flashcards by L von Miller

Da Huang

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma

Downward Draining Purgative

Bitter, Cold

HT, LV, ST, LI

*One of the best herbs for yang-ming bowel syndromes

*Most widely used herb in category

*Should cook 15-20 min for best purgative results

*Used as a “three yellow,” but is more powerful

Purges accumulations

Drains Fire

Clears heat, transforms damp and promotes urination

Drains heat from blood; can stop bleeding without causing blood stasis

Invigorates bood and dispels blood stasis

Reduces fire toxicity

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Mang Xiao

Natrii Sulfas

Downward Draining Purgative

Acrid, Bitter, Salty, Very Cold

ST, LI

*Able to soften because salt creates hypertonic environment in intestines by absorbing water into GI tract

*Works well with Da Huang

Purges accumulations and guides out stagnation

Clears heat and drains fire

Reduces swelling

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Fan Xie Ye

Sennae Folium

Downward Draining Purgative

Bitter, Sweet, Cold

*Mild laxative

Drains downward and guides out stagnation

Can be used for acute and chronic problems

Often used alone

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Lu Hui

Aloe

Downward Draining Purgative

Bitter, Cold

LV, LI, ST

Drains fire and guides out accumulations

Clears heat and cools the liver

Kills parasites and strengthens the stomach

*Does not actually “strengthen” the stomach; by draining out parasites, you are bringing the stomach back to balance

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Huo Ma Ren

Cannabis Semen

Downward Draining, Moist Laxatives

Sweet, Neutral

SP, ST, LI

Nourishes and moistens the intestines

Nourishes the yin

Clears heat and promotes healing of sores

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Yu Li Ren

Pruni Semen

Downward Draining Moist Laxatives

Acrid, Bitter, Sweet, Neutral

SP, LI, SI

Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels

Promotes urination and reduces edema

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Feng Mi

Mel (Honey)

Downward Draining Moist Laxatives

Sweet, Neutral

SP, LU, LI

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Gan Sui

Kansui Radix

Downward Draining, Harsh Expellants

Biter, Sweet, Cold, Toxic

KD, LU, LI

.5-1.5g

Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus

Drives out phlegm

Clears heat and reduces swelling

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Qian Niu Zi

Pharbitidis Semen

Downward Draining, Harsh Expellants

Acrid, Bitter, Cold, Slightly Toxic

KD, LI, LU, SI

Unblocks and drains via urine and stool

Drains water and promotes urination

Drives out phlegm and thin mucus

Unblocks the bowels and removes accumulation

Expels intestinal parasites and reduces stagnation

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Hong Da Ji

Knoxiae/Euphorbiae Radix

Downward Draining, Harsh Expellants

Acrid, Bitter, Cold, Slightly Toxic

KD, LI, SP

1.5-3g

Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus

Reduces swelling and dissipates nodules

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Ba Dou

Crotonis Fructus

Downward Draining, Harsh Expellants

Acrid, Hot, Toxic

ST, LI, LU

Today we only use in more mild form - Ba Dou Sheng

Warmly unblocks and vigorously purges

Drives out water and reduces edema

Breaks up clogged phlegm and improves the condition of the throat

Promotes the healing of abscesses and ulcers

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Fu Ling

Poria

Drains Dampness

LU, SP, KD, HT

Sweet, Bland, Neutral

Tonifies the spleen

Promotes urination and leaches out dampness

Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes middle burner

Quets the heart and calms the spirit

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Yi Yi Ren

Coicis Semen

Drain Dampness

SP, ST, LU, KD

Bland, Sweet, Slightly Cold

Drain Dampness

Tonifies/strengthens the spleen, but less so than Fu Ling

Leaches dampness out of the bones, sinews and muscles to treat painful obstruction disorder

Clears heat and expels pus

Clears damp-heat

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Hua Shi

Talcum

Drains Dampness

UB, ST

Sweet, Bland, Cold

Clears summerheat

Can be applied topically for damp-heat rashes and sores

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Zhu Ling

Polyporus

Drain Dampness

SP, UB, KD

Bland, Sweet, Slightly Cool

Promotes urination and leaches out dampness

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Han Fang Ji

Stephaniae Tetrandrae Rhizoma

Drain Dampness

UB, SP, KD

Acrid, BItter, Cold

Promotes urination and reduces edema (esp. in lower body)

Expels wind-damp and alleviates pain

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Dong Kui Zi

Malvae Fructus

Drain Dampness

LI, SI, UB

Sweet, Cold

Benefits the breasts

Moistens the intestines and unblocks bowels

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Shi Wei

Pyrosiae Folium

Drain Dampness

LU, UB

Bitter, Sweet, Slightly Cold

Halts bleeding due to heat / stops bleeding

C;ears damp-heat and unblocks painful urinary dribbling

Clears the lungs, expels phlegm and stops coughs

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Mu Tong

Akebiae Caulis

Drain Dampness

UB, SI, HT

Slightly Cold, Bitter

Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dribbling

Drains heat from the heart via the SI

Promotes lactation and unblocks the blood vessels

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Yin Chen

Artemisiae Scopariae Herba

Drains Dampness

LV, GB, ST, SP

Bitter, Slightly Cold

Clears heat, resolves dampness, and reduces jaundice

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Dong Gua Zi

Benincasae Semen

Drain Dampness

ST, LI, SI, LU

Sweet, Cold

Clears heat, expels phlegm, and promotes the discarge of pus

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Di Fu Zi

Kochiae Fructus

Drains Dampness

UB, KD

Sweet, Bitter, Cold

Clears wind-heat affecting the eyes and head

Clears damp-heat and promotes urination

Expels dampness and stops itching (can be used topically for this)

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Deng Xin Cao

Junci Medulla

Drains Dampness

HT, LU, SI

Bland, Sweet, Slightly Cold

Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dribbling

Clears the heart and directs fire downward

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Ze Xie

Alismatis Rhizoma

Drains Dampness

KD, UB

Sweet, Bland, Cold

Promotes urination and leaches out dampness

Settles ministerial fire in the kidneys by draining damp-heat from the lower burner

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**Qu Mai** **Dianthi Herba** **Drains Dampness** **HT, SI, UB** **Bitter, Cold** Clears damp-heat, promotes urination, and unblocks painful urinary dribbling Breaks up blood stasis

**Bi Xie** **Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma** **Drains Dampness** **UB, LV, ST** **Bitter, Neutral** Separates clear from turbid Expels wind-dampness, relazes the sinews, unblocks the collaterals Clears damp-heat from the skin

**Che Qian Zi** **Plantaginis Semen** **Drain Dampness** **UB, KD, LV, LU** **Sweet, Cold** Promotes urination and clears damp-heat Promotes uriantion to solidify the stool Clears the eyes Expels phlegm and stops cough

**Bian Xu** **Polygoni Avicularis Herba** **Drains Dampness** **UB** **Bitter, Slightly Cold** Clears damp-heat from the bladder, promotes urination, and unblocks painful urinary dribbling Expels parasites and stops itching

**Hai Jin Sha** **Lygodii Spora** **Drain Dampness** **UB, SI** **Bland, Cold, Sweet** Promotes urination, unblocks painful urinary dribbling, expels stones Reduces edema and decreases jaundice

**Du Huo** **Angelicae Pubescentis Radix** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Acrid, Bitter, Warm** **KD, UB** Drying herb which can injure yin When compared to Qing Huo, treats painful obstruction better in lower burner Used for shao yin headache (beacuse goes to foot shao yin channel)

**Wei Ling Xian** **Clematidis Radix** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Acrid, Salty, Warm** **UB** Strongly mobilizes all twelve channels to unblock painful obstruction Softens and transforms fish bones Used for focal distention and accumulations in the middle burner b.c. it reduces phlegm and pathogenic water

**Hai Tong Pi** **Erythrinae Cortex** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Bitter, Acrid, Neutral** **LV, SP, KD** Treats wind-dampness in the lower half of the body Unblocks the channels and collaterals Can be used for patterns of either hot or cold Promotes urination and reduces edema Treats itching skin lesions Used as a gargle for toothache due to dental caries

**Mu Gua** **Chaenomelis Fructus** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Sour, Warm** **LV, SP** Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels Harmonizes the stomach and transforms dampness Reduces food stagnation

**Can Sha** **Bombycis Faeces** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Acrid, Sweet, Warm** **LV, SP, ST** Dispels wind and eliminates dampness Harmonizes the stoamch and transforms turbid dampness

**Sang Ji Sheng** **Taxilli Herba** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Bitter, Sweet, Neutral** **LV, KD** Tonifies the liver and kidneys Strengthens the sinews and bones Nourishes the blood Calms the womb Benefits the skin

**Wu Jia Pi** **Eleutherococci Gracilistyli Cortex** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Acrid, Bitter, Warm** **LV, KD** Strengthens sinews and bones Reduces swelling

**Qin Jiao** **Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Acrid, Bitter, Slightly Cold** **LV, GB, ST** Dispels wind-dampness and sooths the sinews and collaterals Clears heat from deficiency Reduces Jaundice Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels

**Sang Zhi** **Mori Ramulus** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **Bitter, Neutral** **LV** Unblocks the channels and collaterals Benefits the joints Used for edema, esp. when accompanied by joint pain

**Xi Xian Cao** **Siegesbeckiae Herba** **Dispel Wind-Damp** **LV, KD** **Bitter, Cold** Unblocks the channels and collaterals Clears heat and pacifies the liver Clears and transforms damp-heat Used for hypertension (due to liver yang rising)

**Qian Hu** **Peucedani Radix** **Herbs that Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Acrid, Bitter, Slightly Cold** **LU** Directs qi downward and dispels phlegm Disperses and scatters wind-heat

**Chuan Bei Mu** **Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus** **Herbs that Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Bitter, Sweet, Slightly Cold** **HT, LU** Coears heat and transforms phlegm Clears heat and dissipates nodules \*Compared to Zhe Bei Mu, it is better for lung

**Zhe Bei Mu** **Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus** **Herbs that Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Bitter, Cold** **HT, LU** Clears and transforms phlegm-heat Clears heat and dissipates nodules \*When compared to Chuan Bei Mu, this herb is better at dissipating nodules

**Gua Lou** **Trichosanthis Fructus** **Herbs that Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Sweet, Cold** **LU, ST, LI** Clears heat and transforms phlegm heat Unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules Reduces abscesses and dissipates nodules

**Gua Lou Pi** **Trichosanthis Pericarpium** **Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Sweet, Cold** **LU, ST, LI** Clears the lungs and transforms phlegm Regulates the qi and expands the chest \*Best at expanding the chest compared to other Gua Lou herbs

**Gua Lou Ren** **Trichosanthis Semen** **Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Sweet, Cold** **LU, ST, LI** Clears and transforms phlegm-heat Expands the chest Promotes the healing of sores \*Best at moistening the intestines compared to the other Gua Lou herbs

**Zhu Ru** **Bambusae Caulis In Taenim** **Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Sweet, Slightly Cold** **LU, ST, GB** Clears and transforms phlegm-heat Clears heat and stops vomiting

**Kun Bu** **Eckioniae Thallus** **Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Salty, Cold** **KD, LV, ST** Reduces phlegm and softens areas of hardness Promotes urination and reduces swelling

**Hai Zao** **Sargassum** **Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat** **Bitter, Salty, Cold** **KD, LV, LU, ST** Reduces phlegm and softens areas of hardness Promotes urination and reduces edema

**Bai Jie Zi** **Sinapis Semen** **Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Warm** **LU** Warms the lungs, regulates Qi, and expels phlegm Promotes movement of qi, disperses clumps, unblocks the collaterals, and stops pain

**Bai Qian** **Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma** **Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Sweet, Slightly Warm** **LU** Redirects the qi downward, disperses phlegm, stops cough

**Jie Geng** **Platycodi Radix** **Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Bitter, Neutral** **LU** Opens up and disseminates the lung qi, dispels phlegm, and benefits the throat Pushes out pus Opens up and raises the lung qi which also directs the actions of other herbs to the upper regions of the body \*Used for LU or HT

**Xuan Fu Hua** **Inulae Flos** **Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Bitter, Salty, Slightly Warm** **LU, LV, SP, ST** Reduces phlegm and promotes the dissipation of pathogenic water Redirects the qi downward and stops vomitting

**Zhi Ban Xia** **Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum** **Herbs that Warm and transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Warm, Toxic** **LU, SP, ST** Dries damp, transforms phlegm and causes rebellious qi to descend Stops vomiting Dissipates nodules and reduces clumps Also for focal distention in the chest and epigastrum \*Bensky says this herb is slippery, bitter, and used for thin-phlegm (\*Dr.Pai says this herb isnt really slippery, it is more drying in nature, and technically ALL herbs are some-what bitter)

**Zhi Tian Nan Xing** **Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum** **Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Bitter, Warm, Toxic** **LU, LV, SP** Dries dampness and expels phlegm Disperses wind-phlegm and stops spasms Reduces swelling and alleviates pain \*One of the most drying herbs in...category? Bile-prepared version (Dan Nan Xing) is made to reduce the severity of Tian Nan Xing and cool it down a bit. This process enhances its bitterness. It can then be used for the elderly, weak, and children.

**Zi Wan** **Asteris Radix** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Acrid, Bitter, Slightly Warm** **LU** Relieves cough and expels phlegm

**Kuan Dong Hua** **Farfarae Flos** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Acrid, Warm** **LU** Moistens the lungs, directs qi downward, stops cough, and transforms phlegm

**Bai Bu** **Stemonae Radix** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Bitter, Sweet, Slightly Warm** **LU** Moistens the lungs and stops cough Expels parasites and kills lice

**Sang Bai Pi** **Mori Cortex** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Sweet, Cold** **LU** Drains heat from the lungs, stops cough, and calms wheezing Promotes urination and reduces edema Recently used for hypertension \*In past versions of the Materia Medica, this herb entered the SP as well

**Pi Pa Ye** **Eriobotrayae Folium** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Bitter, Neutral** **LU, ST** Transforms phlegm, clears lung heat, and redirects lung qi downward Harmonizes the stomach, clears stomach heat, and reduces stomach qi downward

**Xing Ren** **Armeniacae Semen** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Bitter, Slightly Warm, Slightly Toxic** **LU, LI** Stops cough and calms wheezing Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels

**Zi Su Zi** **Perillae Fructus** **Relieve Cough and Wheeze** **Acrid, Warm** **LU, LI** Stops cough and calms wheezing, redirects the qi downward, and dissolves phlegm Moistens the intestines and ublocks stool

**Zhi Bai Fu Zi** **Typhonii Rhizoma Preparatum** **Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold** **Acrid, Sweet, Warm, Toxic** **LV, SP, ST** Dries Damp, transforms phlegm, expels wind, stops spasms Resolves toxicity and dissipates nodules Dries damp and stops pain and itching

**Hou Po** **Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex** **Aromatic, Transform Damp** **Acird, Bitter, Warm** **LU, LI, ST, SP** Promotes the movement of qi in the middle burner and resolves stagnation Promotes the movement of qi downward, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm Directs qi downward, reduces phlegm, and calms wheezing

**Cang Zhu** **Atractylodis Rhizoma** **Aromatic, Transform Damp** **Acrid, Bitter, Warm** **SP, ST** Strongly dries dampness and strengthens the spleen Induces sweating and dispels wind-dampness Clears dampness from the lower burner Improves vision

**Huo Xiang** **Pogostemonis/Agastaches Herba** **Aromatic, Transform Damp** **Acrid, Slightly Warm** **LU, ST, SP** Aromatically transforms dampness, releases the exterior, and dispels summerheat Harmonizes the middle burner and stops vomiting Treats dermatosis

**Sha Ren** **Amomi Fructus** **Aromatic, Transform Damp** **Acrid, Aromatic, Warm** **SP, ST** Promotes the movement of qi, tranforms dampness, and strengthens the spleen Warms the middle and stops diarrhea Calms the fetus Also used in herbal prescriptions with tonifying herbs to preven them from causing stagnation

**Bai Dou Kou** **Amomi Fructus Rotundus** **Aromatic, Transform Damp** **Acrid, Aromatic, Warm** **LU, SP, ST** Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness, and strengthens the stomach Warms the middle burner and causes rebellious qi to descend

**Cao Dou Kou** **Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen** **Aromatic, Transform Damp** **Acrid, Aromatic, Warm** **SP, ST** Dries dampness and warms the middle

**Cao Guo** **Tsaoko Fructus** **Aromatic, Transforms Damp** **Acrid, Warm** **SP, ST** Strongly dries dampness and disperses cold Checks malarial disorders Dissolves stagnation and distention

**Shan Zha** **Crataegi Fructus** **Relieve Food Stagnation** **Sweet, Sour, Slightly Warm** **LV, SP, ST** Reduces food stagnaton and transforms accumulation Transforms blood stassis and dissipates clumps Stops Diarrhea Treats Hypertension

**Mai Ya** **Hordei Fructus Germinatus** **Relieve Food Stagnation** **Sweet, Neutral** **LV, SP, ST** Reduces food stagnation and strengthens the stomach Restrains lactation Facilitates the smooth flow of liver qi

**Lai Fu Zi** **Raphani Semen** **Relieve Food Stagnation** **Acrid, Sweet, Neutral** **LU, SP, ST** Reduces food stagnation and eliminates distention Causes qi to descend and reduces phlegm Recently used for hypertension

**Shen Qu** **Massa Medicata Fermentata** **Relieve Food Stagnation** **Acrid, Sweet, Warm** **SP, ST** Reduces Food stagnation and harmonizes the stomach Added to pills that contain minerals to aid in their digestion and absorption

**Gu Ya** **Setariae Fructus Germinatus** **Relieve Food Stagnation** **Sweet, Neutral** **SP, ST**

**Ji Nei Jin** **Gigeriae Galli Endothelium Corneum** **Relieve Food Stagnation** **Sweet, Neutral** **UB, SI, ST, SP** Strongly reduces food stagnation and improves the spleen's transportive function Secures the essence and stops enuresis Transforms hardness and dissolves stones

Herb ID/Post-Midterm Flashcards

(75 cards)