Pinyin: Ju He  Chinese: 橘核
Pharmaceutical: Semen Citri Reticulatae
English: Tangerine Seed

Tastes: Bitter, bland
Meridians Entered: Liver

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

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Pinyin: Chuan Lian Zi  Chinese: 川楝子
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Meliae Toosendan
English: Sichuan Pagoda Tree Fruit / Sichuan Chinaberry / Melia Fruit

Tastes: Bitter, cold, mildly toxic
Meridians Entered: Liver, Stomach, Small Intestine and Urinary Bladder

Actions & Indications:

1. Dredges Liver Qi, releases Stagnation, stops pain and conducts Heat out from below
   Liver Qi Stagnation with pain in the chest and ribs, distention and pain from Liver/Stomach disharmony and bulging disorders
   It is most useful for problems involving Heat, but because it is very effective, it can also be used for Cold conditions with the appropriate herbs
2. Kills parasites and stops pain
   Roundworms and tapeworms
   Primarily used for abdominal pain associated with parasitic infestation
   Topically as a powder for dermatosis of the scalp
3. Kills fungus
   Topically, as a paste for fungal infections of the scalp
4. Removes the Three Worms
   Said in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 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 is bitter, cold and mildly toxic in property, so it can easily induce nausea, vomiting, etc. when overtaken.

Pinyin: Mu Xiang  Chinese: 木香
Pharmaceutical: Radix Aucklandiae
English: Costus Root

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Gall Bladder

Actions & Indications:

1. 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)
2. Adjusts and regulates stagnant Qi in the Intestines
   Intestinal Qi Stagnation with diarrhoea or dysenteric disorders, abdominal pain and tenesmus
3. Strengthens the Spleen and prevents Stagnation
   Stagnation from tonic herbs, especially when the transportive and transformative functions of the Spleen are weak
4. 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
5. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, prevent oppressive Ghost Dreams whether sleeping during the day or the night. 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: 3-10g in decoction.

Pinyin: Tao Ren  Chinese: 桃仁
Pharmaceutical: Semen Persicae
Taxonomy: Prunus persica
English: Peach Seed

Tastes: Bitter, sweet, neutral, lightly toxic
Meridians Entered: Heart, Liver, Lung and Large Intestine

Actions & Indications:

1. Breaks up Blood Stasis and invigorates Blood circulation
   Menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, traumatic injury, flank pain, Lung abscess and Intestinal abscess with fixed abdominal masses associated with Blood Stasis
2. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
   Constipation due to dry Intestines
3. Drains abscesses
   Lung and Intestinal abscesses

Standard Dosage: 5-10g in decoction.
Cautions: Prohibited for pregnant women. Use with cautions for loose stool. Not overuse because of its toxicity.

Pinyin: Yan Hu Suo / Xuan Hu Suo  Chinese: 延胡索 / 玄胡索
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Corydalis
Taxonomy: Corydalis yanhusuo seu ambigua seu glaucescens seu repens seu ternata seu turtschaninovii
English: Corydalis Rhizome

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver, Spleen

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates the Blood, regulates Qi and alleviates pain
   Chest and rib-side pain
   pain in stomach duct and abdomen, gastrointestinal spasm
   neuralgia
   Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, postpartum stasis stagnation abdominal pain
   Neuralgia
   Painful swelling from knocks and falls
2. Promotes sleep
   Insomnia

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy.

Pinyin: Rou Gui  Chinese: 肉桂
Pharmaceutical: Cortex Cinnamomi
Taxonomy: Cinnamomum cassia
English: Cinnamon Bark

Tastes: Pungent, sweet, hot
Meridians Entered: Kidney, Spleen, Heart and Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Warms the Kidneys, Spleen and Heart and strengthens Yang and Ming Men Fire
   Kidney Yang Deficiency and Deficiency of Ming-Men Fire with aversion to Cold, cold limbs, weak back, impotence and urinary frequency
   Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency with abdominal pain and Cold, reduced appetite and diarrhoea
   Kidney Unable to Grasp Qi
   Heart Yang Deficiency, particularly with chest Bi
2. Disperses deep Cold, warms the channels, unblocks the channels and vessels and alleviates pain
   Deep Cold causing Qi Stagnation or Blood Stasis with Cold in the Blood causing amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, Cold-Damp Bi, Yin-type boils (chronic sores that are usually concave and ooze a clear fluid) and sores or abscesses that do not heal
   It enters the Blood aspect and, in small amounts, enhances the Blood moving action of other substances
3. Leads the Fire back to its source
   Upward Floating of Deficient Yang (False Heat, True Cold or Heat Above and Cold Below) with flushed face, wheezing, severe sweating (the sweat pours out like oil), weak and cold lower extremities and a deficient and rootless pulse
   Any condition with Heat in the Upper body (dry mouth, sore throat, or teeth which is worse at night) and Cold in the Lower body (Lower back pain, cold lower extremities, diarrhoea and weakness in the proximal portion of the pulse)
4. Assists in the generation of Qi and Blood
   Chronic Qi and Blood Deficiency (auxiliary)
5. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, enable one to communicate with spirits, 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: 1-5g in decoction. It should be decocted later.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for syndrome of yin deficiency with fire effulgent, haemorrhage due to blood heat and pregnant women. It is incompatible with Chi Shi Zhi (nineteen incompatibilities).

Pinyin: Mu Tong  Chinese: 木通
Pharmaceutical: Caulis Akebiae seu Caulis Clematis
Taxonomy: Akebia trifoliata, A. quinata, A. trifoliata var. australis seu Clematis armandii
English: Akebia or Clematis Stem

Tastes: Bitter, cool
Meridians Entered: Heart, Small Intestine and Bladder

Actions & Indications:

1. Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction
   Damp-Heat Painful Urinary Dysfunction (Lin Syndrome) with dribbling, painful and rough urination
   Oedema and ascites
2. Drains Heart Heat through the Small Intestine
   Small Intestine Shi Heat with irritability accompanied by mouth or tongue sores and scanty urination
3. Promotes lactation and unblocks Blood vessels
   Lactation Insufficiency
   Amenorrhea and pain and stiffness of the joints (Heat Bi)

Standard Dosage: 3-6g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for qi deficiency, spermatorrhea and pregnant women.

This herb is prohibited from use in the UK under the banned and restricted herbal ingredients list issued by the MHRA because it can also refer to Aristolochia manshuriensis (Guan Mu Tong) which contains toxic aristolochic acid. In some European countries with statutory testing of imports the species can be identified but the UK has chosen to ban all species to avoid regulation. It is generally substituted with Qu Mai or Tong Cao.

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. Removes the Three Worms
   Said in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 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: Zhi Shi  Chinese: 枳实
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Aurantii Immaturus
Taxonomy: Citrus aurantium
English: Immature Seville Orange / Immature Bitter Orange / Immature Sour Orange

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, slightly cold
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine

Actions & Indications:

1. 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
2. Transforms Phlegm, reduces distention and resolves hardenings
   Turbid Phlegm Obstructing the Qi with focal distention and fullness in the chest and epigastrium

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used with cautions for pregnant women.

Pinyin: Hai Zao  Chinese: 海藻
Pharmaceutical: Sargassum
Taxonomy: Sargassum fusiforme
English: Hikiji

Tastes: Salty, cold
Meridians Entered: Liver, Stomach and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Reduces Phlegm and softens areas of hardness
   Phlegm nodules in the neck such as: tumors, scrofula and goiter
   Abdominal mass, carbuncle
   Bulging disorders, especially those involving the scrotum and testes
2. Promotes urination and reduces oedema
   Edema due to leg Qi or floating oedema

Standard Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.
Cautions: Contradicated to Gan Cao.

Rose et al (2007) found Japanese Hikiji (Sargassum fusiforme) contained high levels of inorganic arsenic associated with liver cancer which led the UK Food Standards Agency to warn against its consumption. Occasional consumption is unlikely to pose a health risk but it should be avoided for long term use, especially at high doses (above 4.7g per day according to Japanese authorities). Other forms of seaweed did not pose the same risk.

Pinyin: Kun Bu  Chinese: 昆布
Pharmaceutical: Thallus Eckloniae seu Saccharinae
Taxonomy: Ecklonia kurome seu Saccharina spp.
English: Konbu / Kelp

Tastes: Salty, cold
Meridians Entered: Liver, Stomach and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Resolves Phlegm and softens Phlegm nodules (areas of hardness)
   Phlegm Nodules in the neck (scrofula, goiter, sensation of fullness and obstruction in the chest)
   Thyroid tumors, tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, cirrhosis – with Blood movers
   Dysphagia
2. Promotes urination and reduces swelling
   Adjunct for oedema, fistula and Leg Qi

Standard Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Cautions: Although known for its use in iodine deficiency goiters, Miyai et al (2008) suggested that excessive iodine from seaweed consumption may actually suppress thyroid function.

Pinyin: Hai Dai  Chinese: 海带
Pharmaceutical: Laminariae
Taxonomy: Laminaria japonica
English: Kelp

Tastes: Salty, cold
Meridians Entered: Bladder

Actions & Indications:

1. Transforms Phlegm, cools and Transforms Phlegm-Heat and stops coughing, moistens Dryness, nourishes Fluids, promotes urination, softens hardened nodules and masses, and benefits the Kidneys
   Edema, goiter, tumors, nodules, abdominal mass

Standard Dosage: 6-15g in decoction.
Cautions: Although known for its use in iodine deficiency goiters, Miyai et al (2008) suggested that excessive iodine from seaweed consumption may actually suppress thyroid function.