Pinyin: Bai Zhu  Chinese: 白朮
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Atractylodes macrocephalae
Taxonomy: Atractylodes macrocephala
English: Largehead Atracylodes Rhizome

Tastes: Sweet, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen and Stomach

Actions & Indications:

1. 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
2. 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
3. Stabilizes the Exterior and stops sweating
   Qi Deficiency with spontaneous sweating (Wei Qi Deficiency)
   With appropriate herbs, other types of sweating
4. Calms the fetus
   Restless fetus disorder due to Spleen Qi Deficiency
   With appropriate herbs, other types of Restless Fetus Disorder
5. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, make the body light, prolong life and make one free from hunger. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Standard Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Cautions: Use with cautions in cases of yin deficiency with fluid injury by dryness-heat pathogen.

Pinyin: Qing Pi  Chinese: 青皮
Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride
English: Unripe Tangerine Peel

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen and Stomach

Actions & Indications:

1. Spreads Liver Qi and breaks up Stagnant Qi
   Liver Qi Stagnation with chest, hypochondriac and breast distention and pain or bulging disorder
2. Dissipates accumulations and reduces Food Stagnation
   Food Stagnation with accumulation manifesting as pain, distention or a stifling sensation in the epigastrium
   Severe Food Stagnation
   Qi Stagnation which leads to Blood Stagnation with masses
3. Dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
   Phlegm-Damp with malarial disorders
   Breast abscess

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Pinyin: Sheng Di Huang  Chinese: 生地黃
Pharmaceutical: Radix Rehmanniae
Taxonomy: Rehmannia glutinosa
English: Chinese Foxglove Root / Rehmannia Root

Tastes: Sweet, bitter, cold
Meridians Entered: Heart, Liver, Stomach and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Clears Heat and cools the Blood
   Ying Stage Heat with high fever, thirst and a scarlet tongue
   Xue Stage Heat
   Hemorrhage due to Blood Heat
2. Nourishes Yin, generates fluids, increases saliva and treats wasting and thirsting
   Yin Deficiency with Heat signs
   Injury to fluids
   Throat pain due to Yin Deficiency
   Wasting and thirsting disorder (消渴 Xiao Ke - diabetes)
3. Cools Heart Fire
   Heart Fire
4. Calms the Spirit agitated by Parasites damaging the Yin
   Gu Sydnrome (Fruehauf, 1998)
   Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)
5. Breaks up Blood Stasis, expels Cold and Hot Bi, replenishes Bone Marrow and promotes the growth of Muscles and Flesh
   Broken bones or severed sinews from falls and a damaged center (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing)
6. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, make the body light, and prevent forgetfulness. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Standard Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of diarrhea, abdomen distention due to spleen deficiency.

Pinyin: Hou Po  Chinese: 厚朴
Pharmaceutical: Cortex Magnoliae
Taxonomy: Magnolia officinalis
English: Magnolia Bark

Tastes: Bitter, pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine

Actions & Indications:

1. 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.
2. Promotes the movement of Qi downward, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
   Dampness or Phlegm Obstructing the Middle Jiao with distention, fullness, nausea and diarrhoea
3. Descends Rebellious Qi, reduces Phlegm and calms wheezing
   Cough and wheezing due to Phlegm congesting the Lungs
4. Expels Wind, scatters Cold and regulates the Blood
   The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing places in the middle class of woods and says "It mainly treats Wind-stroke, Cold damage, headache, Cold and Heat, fright qi, blood Bi and dead muscles."
5. Removes the Three Worms
   The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing also says that it "removes the Three Worms." These may refer to difficult to treat metabolic disorders caused by overindulgence and should be accompanied by fasting, meditation and exercise regimes.

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.

Pinyin: Du Zhong  Chinese: 杜仲
Pharmaceutical: Cortex Eucommiae
Taxonomy: Eucommia ulmoides
English: Hardy Rubber Tree / Chinese Rubber Tree

Tastes: Sweet, warm
Meridians Entered: Kidney and Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Kidneys and Liver and strengthens the sinews and bones
   Kidney and Liver Deficiency with a weak, sore or painful lower back and knees, fatigue and urinary frequency
   Weakness of sinews and bones
2. Aids the smooth flow of Qi and Blood
   Promotes circulation for weak sinews and bones
3. Calms the fetus
   Deficiency Cold patterns with bleeding during pregnancy
   Prevents miscarriage when the fetus is agitated or restless and when a pregnant woman has significant back pain or presents with a deficient condition
   Threatened abortion
4. Lowers blood pressure
   Hypertension with dizziness and light-headedness due to Liver Yang Rising
5. Tonifies Kidney Yang
   Reproductive and urinary disorders such as impotence and incontinence
6. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, make the body light and slow ageing. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Standard Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.

Pinyin: Bu Gu Zhi  Chinese: 補骨脂
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Psoraleae
Taxonomy: Psoralea cordyfolia
English: Psoralea Fruit / Scurf Pea Berry / Po Gu Zhi 破故紙

Tastes: Sweet, bitter, astringent, warm
Meridians Entered: Kidney, Spleen, Lung, Pericardium

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens Yang, stabilizes Jing and astringes urine
   Impotence, premature ejaculation, enuresis, urinary frequency, a cold and painful lower back and extremities
   Wheezing and shortness of breath due to Kidneys not grasping the Lung Qi
   Weakening of Ming Men Fire
2. Tonifies and warms Spleen and Kidney Yang to stop diarrhoea
   Diarrhoea with borborygmus and abdominal pain
   Cock-crow diarrhoea
   Most appropriate for those with both Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
3. Warms the skin and regulates the blood (soaked in wine and applied topically)
   Cold-type psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema
   Hyperpigmentation
   Dry, dull or loose skin with fine lines or rough texture

Standard Dosage: 5-15g in decoction.
Cautions: Contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency with effulgent Fire and constipation.

Due to the psoralen content which increases the response to UV light, patients should be advised to avoid excessive exposure to the sun or discontinue taking if traveling to a hot climate.

Pinyin: Chen Pi  Chinese: 陈皮
Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Taxonomy: Citrus spp.
English: Aged Tangerine Peel

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen and Lung

Actions & Indications:

1. Regulates Qi, adjusts the Middle and relieves the diaphragm
   Spleen/Stomach Qi Stagnation with epigastric or abdominal distention, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting
2. 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
3. Helps prevent Stagnation from tonic herbs
   Tonic herbs causing Stagnation
4. Descends Qi
   Qi Rebellion
5. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, remove foul breath, precipitate the Qi, and enable one to communicate with spirits. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).
6. Suppresses Gu Parasites
   Gu Sydnrome (Fruehauf, 1998)
   Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Pinyin: Hua Jiao / Chuan Jiao  Chinese: 花椒 / 川椒
Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Zanthoxyli
Taxonomy: Zanthoxylum bungeanum seu schinifolium
English: Sichuan Pepper

Tastes: Pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Warms the Middle Jiao, disperses Cold, dispels Dampness, relieves diarrhoea and alleviates pain
   Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold with Cold and pain in the abdomen, vomiting and diarrhoea
2. Kills Parasites and alleviates abdominal pain
   Abdominal pain due to roundworms
   Moist dermal ulcers
   Gu Parasites / chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)

Standard Dosage: 3-6g in decoction.

Pinyin: Da Qing Yan  Chinese: 大青鹽
Pharmaceutical: Halitum
English: Halite

Tastes: Salty, cold
Meridians Entered: Heart, Kidney and Bladder

Actions & Indications:

1. Clears Heat and cools the Blood, improves eyesight and moistens dryness
   Hematemesis, hematuria, bleeding gums, sore gums, toothache, dry stool, swelling and pain of eyes, blepharitis ciliaris

Standard Dosage: 1.2-2.5g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated to people with edema.

Pinyin: Hei Dou  Chinese: 黑豆
Pharmaceutical: Semen Sojae nigrum
English: Black Soy Bean

Tastes: Sweet, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Kidneys and relieves low back and knee pain
   Low back and knee pain and arthralgia
   Fidgeting, night sweats and Heat sensations due to Yin Deficiency
2. Nourishes the skin and muscles
   Physical appearance
3. Clears Heat and relieves toxicity
   Poisoning, hyperhydrosis
   Overdose
4. Nourishes Blood and Jing and clears vision
   Dizziness

Standard Dosage: 15-30g or up to half a cup, eaten as food.
Cautions: Beans generally have a high FODMAP score and soy beans in particular have no low FODMAP threshold (George Eats, April 2024) and so should be avoided in cases of abdominal distension due to Spleen Dampness.

Pinyin: Ba Ji Tian  Chinese: 巴戟天
Pharmaceutical: Radix Morindae
Taxonomy: Mornida officinalis
English: Medicinal Indian Mulberry Root / Morinda Root

Tastes: Sweet, pungent, slightly warm
Meridians Entered: Kidney and Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens Yang
   Kidney Yang Deficiency with impotence, male or female infertility, premature ejaculation, urinary frequency, Incontinence, irregular menstruation and a cold and painful back
2. Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp and strengthens the sinews and bones
   Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with Kidney and Liver insufficiency with tight muscles of the lower back and legs, joint pain and difficulty moving

Standard Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.

Pinyin: Fu Ling  Chinese: 茯苓
Pharmaceutical: Poria
Taxonomy: Poria cocos syn. Wolfiporia extensa
English: China-Root / Hoelen / Tuckahoe / Indian Bread

Tastes: Sweet, bland, neutral
Meridians Entered: Heart, Spleen, and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Middle Jiao
   Spleen Deficiency Dampness with anorexia, diarrhoea and epigastric distention
2. 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
3. Promotes urination and leaches out Dampness
   Urinary difficulty, diarrhoea or oedema due to Stagnation of Fluids or Dampness
4. 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
5. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, quiet the Hun, nourish the Shen, make one free from hunger and prolong life. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Standard Dosage: 9-15g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for spermatorrhea due to deficiency-cold.

Pinyin: Xiao Hui Xiang  Chinese: 小茴香
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Foeniculi
Taxonomy: Foeniculum vulgare
English: Fennel Seed

Tastes: Pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver, Kidney, Spleen and Stomach

Actions & Indications:

1. Warms the Liver and Kidneys, expels Cold and alleviates pain
   Cold in the Lower Jiao with lower abdominal pain
   Cold Invading the Liver Channel with Cold bulging disorders
2. Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Stomach
   Stomach Cold with abdominal pain, indigestion, reduced appetite and vomiting

Standard Dosage: 3-6g in decoction.

Pinyin: Rou Cong Rong  Chinese: 肉蓯蓉
Pharmaceutical: Herba Cistanches
Taxonomy: Cistanche tubulosa seu deserticola
English: Broomrape Stem, "Ginseng of the deserts"

Tastes: Sweet, salty, warm
Meridians Entered: Kidney and Large Intestine

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens Yang, benefits Jing and marrow and warms the Womb
   Kidney Yang Deficiency with impotence, spermatorrhea, urinary incontinence, post-urinary dripping and Cold pain in the lower back and knees
   Cold from Deficiency of the Womb with infertility, excessive uterine bleeding or vaginal discharge
2. Moistens the Intestines and facilitates the passage of stool
   Constipation due to dry Intestines from inadequate fluids in elderly or debilitated people or people with Deficient Qi or Blood (with a large dosage, it can be used as a stand-alone herb)
3. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, make the body light. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Standard Dosage: 6-21g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of yin deficiency with effulgent fire, stagnation of excess heat, and loose stool because it can tonify yang and smooth stool.

Pinyin: Jiu  Chinese: 酒
Pharmaceutical: Alcohol
English: Rice Wine

Tastes: Hot, pungent, sweet, bitter, toxic
Meridians Entered: Stomach, Heart, Lung and Liver, but reaches every part of the body

Actions & Indications:

1. Nourishes and moves Blood and Qi, opens the Meridians
   Taken internally or applied topically as the medium for liniments in Blood stasis, especially from trauma or Bi syndromes in the elderly
2. Warms Yang and Expels Cold
   All Cold syndromes including Cold Bi, Interior Cold and Yang deficiency
   Often serves as the basis for longevity "elixirs" by soaking Yang tonifying herbs
3. Strengthens the Shen, dispels sorrow and promotes happiness
   Temporary low mood, celebration

Standard Dosage: 10-60ml, two to three times per day. Often combined with other herbs to bring out their Blood moving or warming aspects by washing them, or adding to a decoction, or soaking herbs in alcohol to make medicinal wines.
Cautions: Caution with Damp-Heat syndromes or long term consumption in the young and middle aged.

The Materia Dietetica (Shiwu Bencao 食物本草) by Lu He 卢和 from the Ming Dynasty says that excess drinking can hurt the spirit and consume blood, damage the stomach and deplete the body fluid, produce phlegm and induce fire.