Cang Zhu
| 3g | |
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Pinyin: Cang Zhu
Chinese: 蒼朮
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Atractylodes
Taxonomy: Atractylodes lancea seu chinensis seu japonica
English: Black Atractylodes / Gray Atractylodes / Sword-like Atractylodes root
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Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Lung and Liver
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Actions & Indications:
- Strongly dries Dampness and tonifies the Spleen
Dampness Obstructing the Middle Jiao and blocking transformative and transportive functions of the Spleen with anorexia, diarrhoea, epigastric distention and pressure, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and a thick, greasy tongue coat
- Induces sweating and expels Wind-Dampness
Wind-Cold Dampness and Wind-Dampness with chills and fever, headache, body aches and nasal congestion
Painful extremities due to Wind-Damp Bi
- Clears Dampness from the Lower Jiao
Damp-Heat Pouring Downward with Leg Qi, some forms of atrophy disorders, vaginal discharge, swollen, sore joints
- Improves vision
Night blindness and diminished vision with a rough sensation in the eyes
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Standard Dosage: 5-10g in decoction.
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Bai Zhu
| 3g | |
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Pinyin: Bai Zhu
Chinese: 白朮
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Atractylodes macrocephalae
Taxonomy: Atractylodes macrocephala
English: Largehead Atracylodes Rhizome
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Tastes: Sweet, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen and Stomach
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Actions & Indications:
- Tonifies the Spleen and augments Qi
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency with diarrhoea, fatigue, a sallow complexion and lack of appetite
Spleen Yang failure to rise
- Dries Dampness and promotes water metabolism
Spleen Damp or accumulation of fluids affecting the digestion
Edema and reduced urination due to Spleen Deficiency (failure to transform and transport)
Tan Yin, masses, swelling
Auxiliary for Damp painful obstruction
- Stabilizes the Exterior and stops sweating
Qi Deficiency with spontaneous sweating (Wei Qi Deficiency)
With appropriate herbs, other types of sweating
- Calms the fetus
Restless fetus disorder due to Spleen Qi Deficiency
With appropriate herbs, other types of Restless Fetus Disorder
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Standard Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Cautions: Use with cautions in cases of yin deficiency with fluid injury by dryness-heat pathogen. |
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Fu Ling
| 3g | |
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Pinyin: Fu Ling
Chinese: 茯苓
Pharmaceutical: Poria
Taxonomy: Poria cocos syn. Wolfiporia extensa
English: China-Root / Hoelen / Tuckahoe / Indian Bread
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Tastes: Sweet, bland, neutral
Meridians Entered: Heart, Spleen, and Kidney
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Actions & Indications:
- Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Middle Jiao
Spleen Deficiency Dampness with anorexia, diarrhoea and epigastric distention
- Strengthens the Spleen
Phlegm Dampness due to Spleen Deficiency with thin mucus in which Phlegm moves upward manifesting as palpitations, headache, dizziness and a thick, greasy tongue coat
- Promotes urination and leaches out Dampness
Urinary difficulty, diarrhoea or oedema due to Stagnation of Fluids or Dampness
- Quiets the Heart, calms the Spirit and soothes the nerves
Palpitations, insomnia or forgetfulness due to either Spleen and Heart Insufficiency or Internal Obstruction of Turbid Phlegm
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Standard Dosage: 9-15g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for spermatorrhea due to deficiency-cold. |
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Chen Pi
| 3g | |
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Pinyin: Chen Pi
Chinese: 陈皮
Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
English: Aged Tangerine Peel
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Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen and Lung
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Actions & Indications:
- Regulates Qi, adjusts the Middle and relieves the diaphragm
Spleen/Stomach Qi Stagnation with epigastric or abdominal distention, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting
Relieves the symptoms of Gu Sydnrome while suppressing parasites (Fruehauf, 1998)
Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)
- Dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
Phlegm-Damp Obstructs the Lung with coughing, a stifling sensation in the chest and/or diaphragm and copious, viscous sputum
Turbid Damp Obstructs the Middle with a stifling sensation in the chest, abdominal distention, anorexia, fatigue, loose stools and a thick, greasy tongue coat
- Helps prevent Stagnation from tonic herbs
Tonic herbs causing Stagnation
- Descends Qi
Qi Rebellion
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
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Hou Po
| 3g | |
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Pinyin: Hou Po
Chinese: 厚朴
Pharmaceutical: Cortex Magnoliae
Taxonomy: Magnolia officinalis
English: Magnolia Bark
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Tastes: Bitter, pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine
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Actions & Indications:
- Promotes the movement of Qi in the Middle Jiao and resolves Stagnation
Abdominal, epigastric, and/or chest fullness, bloating, loss of appetite, poor digestion, constipation
Plum Pit Qi, a feeling of a lump in throat, usually considered psychosomatic today (globus hystericus). Hou Po has modern indications as neuroprotective and also features in formulas like Da/Xiao Cheng Qi Tang which deal with neuropsychiatric symptoms like delirium.
- Promotes the movement of Qi downward, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
Dampness or Phlegm Obstructing the Middle Jiao with distention, fullness, nausea and diarrhoea
- Descends Rebellious Qi, reduces Phlegm and calms wheezing
Cough and wheezing due to Phlegm congesting the Lungs
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used with cautions for the syndrome of qi deficiency and fluid consumption, and in pregnant women. Due to some of the anticoagulant effects of its constituents it should be used with caution in conjunction with blood thinners. |
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Xiang Fu
| 2.4g | |
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Pinyin: Xiang Fu
Chinese: 香附
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Cyperi
English: Nut-Grass Rhizome
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Tastes: Pungent, slightly bitter and sweet, bland
Meridians Entered: Liver and Triple Energizer
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Actions & Indications:
- Spreads and regulates Liver Qi
Liver Qi Stagnation with hypochondriac pain and epigastric distention
Disharmony between the Liver and Spleen/li>
- Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain
Gynecological disorders due to Liver Qi Stagnation with dysmenorrhea or irregular menstruation
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Standard Dosage: 6-10g in decoction.
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Zhu Ling
| 2.4g | |
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Pinyin: Zhu Ling
Chinese: 猪苓
Pharmaceutical: Polyporus Sclerotium
Taxonomy: Polyporus umbellatus / Grifola frondosa
English: Umbrella Polypore Mushroom
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Tastes: Sweet, bland, neutral
Meridians Entered: Kidney, and Bladder
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Actions & Indications:
- Promotes urination and leaches out Dampness
Dampness (Fluid Stagnation) with oedema, scanty urination, vaginal discharge, turbid painful urinary dysfunction (Milky Lin), jaundice and diarrhoea
Can be used alone for Lin Syndrome during pregnancy
- Dispels Damp-Heat
Damp-Heat with turbid painful urinary dysfunction (Milky Lin) and jaundice
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Standard Dosage: 6-12g in decoction. Mushrooms should ideally be decocoted for at least 40 minutes and preferably 1-2 hours to fully extract the polysaccharides from within the chitin cell walls.
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Ze Xie
| 2.4g | |
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Pinyin: Ze Xie
Chinese: 澤瀉
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Alismatis
Taxonomy: Alisma plantago-aquatica seu orientale
English: Water Plantain Rhizome
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Tastes: Sweet, bland, cold
Meridians Entered: Kidney and Bladder
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Actions & Indications:
- Promotes urination and leaches out Dampness
Stagnation due to Dampness with urinary difficulty, painful urinary dysfunction, diarrhoea and dizziness
Especially useful for Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
- Settles Ministerial Fire in the Kidneys by draining Damp-Heat from the lower Jiao
Spermatorrhea due to Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao disturbing the ministerial Fire of the Kidneys
- Drains Kidney Fire
Kidney Yin Deficiency with Fire Rising
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Standard Dosage: 4.5-15g in decoction. Sometimes up to 30g in extreme cases.
Cautions: Overdose, extended use or combination with diuretic drugs could cause electrolyte imbalance due to diuretic effect. |
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Zhi Shi
| 3g | |
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Pinyin: Zhi Shi
Chinese: 枳实
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Aurantii Immaturus
Taxonomy: Citrus aurantium
English: Immature Seville Orange / Immature Bitter Orange / Immature Sour Orange
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Tastes: Pungent, bitter, slightly cold
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine
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Actions & Indications:
- Breaks up Stagnant Qi, reduces accumulation, descends Qi, unblocks the bowels and removes Stagnant Food
Qi Stagnation and accumulation with epigastric or abdominal pain and distention or indigestion with focal distention or gas
Food Stagnation
- Transforms Phlegm, reduces distention and resolves hardenings
Turbid Phlegm Obstructing the Qi with focal distention and fullness in the chest and epigastrium
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used with cautions for pregnant women. |
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Da Fu Pi
| 2.4g | |
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Pinyin: Da Fu Pi
Chinese: 大腹皮
Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Arecae
English: Betel Husk
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Tastes: Pungent, slightly warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Small Intestine
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Actions & Indications:
- Descends Qi and eases the Middle
Damp Stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines, Food Stagnation or Qi Stagnation in the Middle with epigastric and abdominal distention, focal distention, a stifling sensation and belching with acid regurgitation
Especially useful when the above conditions are accompanied by incomplete or irregular bowel movements
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
Abdominal distention accompanied by oedema, especially superficial oedema or symptoms of Food Stagnation
Damp leg Qi
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Standard Dosage: 5-10g in decoction.
Cautions: This herb is prohibited from use in the UK under the banned and restricted herbal ingredients list issued by the MHRA and so is generally substituted with Zhi Shi and Yu Li Ren. |
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Sha Ren
| 2.1g | |
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Pinyin: Sha Ren
Chinese: 砂仁
Pharmaceutical: Fructus villosi
Taxonomy: Amomum villosum syn. Wurfbainia villosa
English: Villous Cardamom
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Tastes: Pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Kidney
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Actions & Indications:
- Promotes the movement of Qi, aromatically transforms Dampness, strengthens the Spleen and stops vomiting
Spleen/Stomach Qi Stagnation or Dampness Distressing the Spleen/ Stomach with distention and pain, in the epigastrium and abdomen, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Warms the Middle and stops diarrhoea
Diarrhoea from Spleen Cold
- Calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage
Restless fetus or morning sickness
- Prevents Stagnation from tonic herbs
Middle Jiao Stagnation due to herbal tonification
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Standard Dosage: 3-6g in decoction, added near end.
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Mu Xiang
| 0.9g | |
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Pinyin: Mu Xiang
Chinese: 木香
Pharmaceutical: Radix Aucklandiae
English: Costus Root
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Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Gall Bladder
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Actions & Indications:
- Promotes the movement of Qi and alleviates pain
Spleen/Stomach Qi Stagnation with anorexia, a feeling of food sitting in the Stomach, epigastric or abdominal pain or distention, nausea and vomiting
Liver or Gallbladder Qi Stagnation with flank pain, distention or soreness
Relieves the symptoms of Gu Sydnrome while suppressing parasites (Fruehauf, 1998)
Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)
- Adjusts and regulates stagnant Qi in the Intestines
Intestinal Qi Stagnation with diarrhoea or dysenteric disorders, abdominal pain and tenesmus
- Strengthens the Spleen and prevents Stagnation
Stagnation from tonic herbs, especially when the transportive and transformative functions of the Spleen are weak
- Dispels Damp-Heat and harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Disharmony of the Liver and Spleen with hypochondriac pain and distention, a bitter taste in the mouth, a yellow tongue coat and possibly jaundice
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
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Deng Xin Cao
| 1pc | |
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Pinyin: Deng Xin Cao
Chinese: 灯心草
Pharmaceutical: Medulla Junci
Taxonomy: Juncus effusus
English: Bulrush Pith / Rush Pith
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Tastes: Sweet, mild, slightly cold
Meridians Entered: Heart, Lung and Small Intestine
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Actions & Indications:
- Promotes urination, leaches out Dampness and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction
Heat Excess Hot painful urinary dysfunction with dark, scanty urination
- Clears Heat from the Heart channel by directing Fire downward and calms the Spirit
Pediatric sleep disorders with dark, scanty urine and irritability (especially at night) (can be used alone)
Lack of Communication between the Heart and Kidneys with insomnia and restless sleep
Heart Fire with Kidney Yin Deficiency
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
Small Intestine Shi Heat
- Clears Lung Heat
Sore throat (charred internally and topically relieves pain)
- Cools the Blood and stops bleeding
Use charred to stop bleeding
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Standard Dosage: 1-3g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in case of urinary incontinence or deficiency-cold in lower energizer. |
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Sheng Jiang
| 1pc | | |
Pinyin: Sheng Jiang
Chinese: 生姜
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens
Taxonomy: Zingiber officinale
English: Fresh Ginger
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Tastes: Pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Lung, Spleen and Stomach
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Actions & Indications:
- Releases the Exterior, induces perspiration and disperses Cold
Wind-Cold
- Warms the Middle and stops vomiting
Cold in the Stomach especially with vomiting
- Warms the Lungs and stops coughing
Cough due to Wind-Cold Cough due to Lung Deficiency with Phlegm
- Reduces the toxicity of other herbs and seafood
Herb toxicity or seafood poisoning
- Adjusts the Ying and Wei - normalizes the flow of Qi at the center
Taiyang Zhong Feng - Wind-Cold with Deficiency
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used with caution for yin deficiency with internal heat and heat exuberance because it helps promote fire and injure yin. |
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