Pinyin: Dang Gui  Chinese: 當歸
Pharmaceutical: Radix Angelicae sinensis
Taxonomy: Angelica sinensis
English: Chinese Angelica Root / Tang-Kuei / Dong Quai Root

Tastes: Sweet, Pungent, Warm
Meridians Entered: Heart and Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Blood and regulates the menses
   Blood Deficiency, especially when affecting the Heart and Liver with pale, ashen complexion, lusterless nails, tinnitus, blurred vision and palpitations
   Blood Deficiency associated irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea
2. Invigorates and harmonizes the Blood and disperses Cold (stops pain due to Blood Stasis)
   Blood Stasis causing abdominal pain and carbuncles and pain due to Blood Stasis from traumatic injury, especially when accompanied by Deficiency Cold
   Postpartum menstruation
   Pregnancy (use with caution)
   Blood Deficiency with chronic Wind-Damp-Bi
3. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
   Dry Intestines due to Blood Deficiency
4. Reduces swelling, expels pus, generates flesh and alleviates pain
   Sores and abscess (Chuang Yung), internally and topically
5. Stops coughing and treats dyspnea
   Used adjunctively for coughing
6. Tonifies the Blood while suppressing Parasites
   Gu Sydnrome (Fruehauf, 1998)
   Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)

Standard Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of Damp-Heat stagnating in the Middle, Lung Heat with Phlegm Fire, and Yin deficiency with effulgent Yang because it is warm and sweet in properties. In addition, it should be used with caution in cases of loose stool because it can moisten intestines to smooth stool.

Many sources recommend using caution, avoiding or only taking under guidance of a TCM physician during pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions. However, there are no studies supporting this and the only scientific literature seems to suggest that Z-Ligustilide has anti-spasmodic activities that alleviate dysmenorrhoea by inhibiting uterine contractions (Du et al., 2006; Dietz et al., 2016).

Caution is also advised in breast cancer patients due to its oestrogen stimulating activity. This based upon Lau et al (2005) who found it may stimulate breast cancer growth in vitro, however Yue et al, (2019) demonstrated that it is not that stimulatory in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo through a series of tests, although they suggested it should still be used with caution in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Conversely, a large population study in Taiwan by Wu et al (2014) found it reduced the subsequent risk of endometrial cancer in breast cancer survivors taking tamoxifen, especially in those of reproductive age.

Pinyin: Ru Xiang  Chinese: 乳香
Pharmaceutical: Olibanum
Taxonomy: Boswellia serrata
English: Frankincense

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

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates the Blood and promotes the movement of Qi
   Pain due to Blood Stasis from traumatic injury
   Early stage toxic sores, carbuncles, swellings and pain
   Blood Stasis with chest, epigastric or abdominal pain
2. Relaxes the sinews, activates the channels and alleviates pain
   Wind-Damp Bi with rigidity and spasms
3. Reduces swelling and generates flesh
   Topically as an ointment or powder to reduce swelling, generate flesh, alleviate pain and promote healing of sores, carbuncles, and traumatic injury
   Pain, redness and swelling of the gums, mouth and throat

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: This herb is drasticly pungent with strong stimulation to stomach and easily causes nausea and vomiting. So it should not be taken by large dose or for a long time. Use with cautions for patients with weak stomach; prohibited for pregnant women.

Pinyin: Mo Yao  Chinese: 沒藥
Pharmaceutical: Resina Commiphorae
Taxonomy: Commiphora mukul
English: Myrrh

Tastes: Pungent, Bitter, Neutral
Meridians Entered: Heart, Liver and Spleen

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood Stasis, alleviates pain and reduces swelling
   Blood Stasis with pain from trauma, sores, carbuncles, swellings, fixed abdominal masses, painful obstruction, chest pain, abdominal pain and amenorrhea
2. Generates flesh and promotes healing
   Chronic non-healing sores

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decocotion.
Cautions: Like Ru Xiang this herb is drastically pungent with strong stimulation to stomach and easily causes nausea and vomiting. It should not be taken by large dose or for a long time. Use with cautions for patients with weak stomach; prohibited for pregnant women.

Pinyin: Chuan Xiong  Chinese: 川芎
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Ligusticum
Taxonomy: Ligusticum chuanxiong syn. striatum syn. wallichii
English: Sichuan Lovage root / Cnidium root

Tastes: Pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver and Pericardium

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates the Blood and promotes the movement of Qi
   Blood Stasis, especially in gynecology with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, difficult labor or retained lochia
   Qi and Blood Stagnation with pain and soreness in the chest, flanks and hypochondria
2. Expels Wind and alleviates pain
   Externally contracted Wind with headache, dizziness or painful obstruction (Bi Syndrome) - especially useful for headaches due to Wind-Heat, Wind-Cold or Blood Deficiency (depending on the combination)
   Wind skin disorders
3. Relieves the symptoms of Gu Syndrome while suppressing parasites (Fruehauf, 1998)
   Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for headache due to Liver Yang rising or Yin deficiency with effulgent Fire because of its warm and dry properties.
Use with caution during pregnancy or in those who bruise or bleed easily.
May have synergistic effects in those taking anticoagulant drugs.

Pinyin: Chuan Niu Xi  Chinese: 川牛膝
Pharmaceutical: Radix Cyathulae
Taxonomy: Cyathula officinalis
English: Hookweed Root / Cyathula Root

Tastes: Sweet, slightly bitter, neutral
Meridians Entered: Liver and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood Stasis and unblocks the menses
   Blood Stasis leading to dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea
   Pain due to traumatic injury
2. Expels Wind and drains Dampness
   Wind-Damp Bi pain (especially in the lower back) and atrophy and spasm of the lower extremities
3. Promotes urination and treats dysuria
   Painful urinary dysfunction
4. Descends Blood and Fire
   Abnormal bleeding due to Fire Flaring Upwards with hematemesis, epistaxis, toothache ulceration of the mouth and tongue, dizziness and headache
5. Tonifies the Kidneys and Liver and strengthens the tendons and bones
   Lower back and knee soreness, weakness and pain

Standard Dosage: 6-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for menorrhagia, pregnancy and spermatorrhea.

Pinyin: Wu Shao She  Chinese: 烏梢蛇
Pharmaceutical: Zaocys
English: Garter Snake

Tastes: Pungent, Sweet, Mild
Meridians Entered: Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Strongly unblocks the channels and extinguishes Wind
   Chronic Wind-Damp Bi with numbness and weakness of the limbs and cramps of the sinews (generally used for stubborn cases)
2. Dispels Wind from the skin
   Tinea, dermatosis, skin numbness, rashes
3. Dispels Wind from the sinews, strengthens tendons and bones and settles jitteriness and convulsions
   Spasms, tremors, or seizures Wind-Stroke with facial paralysis and hemiplegia

Standard Dosage: 9-12g in decoction.
Cautions: Animal products are prohibited from use in the UK under the Medicines Act 1968 ch. 67 which restricts herbalists to the use of plant products only. It is generally substituted with Hai Tong Pi.

Pinyin: Xue Jie  Chinese: 血竭
Pharmaceutical: Sanguis Draconis
Taxonomy: Calamus draco seu rotang seu didymophyllus seu Dracaena draco seu cinnabaris seu cochinchinensis seu Croton lechleri seu draconoides seu palanostigma seu perpecosus seu rimbachii seu sampatik seu erythrochilus seu Pterocarpus officinalis
English: Dragon's Blood / Calamus Resin / Dracaena Resin / Croton Resin

Tastes: Sweet, salty, neutral
Meridians Entered: Heart and Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood Stasis and alleviates pain
   Pain from Blood Stasis, especially due to traumatic injury such as injury from falls, fractures, contusions and sprains
2. Stops bleeding
   Applied topically for bleeding due to external injury
3. Protects the surface of ulcers, prevents decay and generates flesh
   Chronic non-healing ulcers and cancers

Standard Dosage: 1-2g in pill or powder for internal use.

Pinyin: Su Mu  Chinese: 苏木
Pharmaceutical: Lignum Sappan
English: Sappan Wood / Indian Redwood

Tastes: Sweet, salty, pungent, neutral
Meridians Entered: Heart and Liver

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates Blood circulation, dispels Blood Stasis, reduces swellings, opens the channels and alleviates pain
   Blood Stasis such as postpartum abdominal pain and amenorrhea Pain and swelling due to Blood Stasis from fall, fractures, contusions or sprains
2. Stops bleeding
   Excessive postpartum bleeding

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Pinyin: Xu Duan  Chinese: 续断
Pharmaceutical: Radix Dipsaci
English: Himalayan Teasel Root

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

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys and strengthens the sinews and bones
   Liver and Kidney Deficiency with sore and painful lower back and knees, stiffness in the joints and weakness in the legs
   Urinary dribbling from Kidney Deficiency
   The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing places it in the middle class of herbs and says "It mainly treats cold damage, supplements insufficiency, [treats] incised wounds and welling abscesses, joins broken sinews and bones."
2. Stops uterine bleeding, calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage
   Bleeding during pregnancy
   Restless fetus
   Threatened miscarriage
   Ren channel Deficiency related uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge
   The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing says that it resolves "difficult lactation in females."
3. Promotes the movement of Blood, alleviates pain, generates flesh and reconnects the sinews and bones
   Trauma (topical and internal) especially pain and swelling in the lower back and limbs
   External sores (topical)
   Bi pain
4. Reduces swellings, abscesses and sores
   Toxic abscesses and sores
5. Expels Gu Parasites
   Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)
6. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a herb which can, with protracted taking, boost the Qi and physical strength. 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: Gou Ji  Chinese: 狗脊
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Cibotii
English: Chain Fern Rhizome

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, sweet, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys and strengthens the sinews and bones
   Liver and Kidney Deficiency with stiffness, soreness or weakness in the lower back, spine and lower extremities
2. Expels Wind-Dampness and relieves Bi syndrome
   Wind-Damp Bi with pain, soreness or numbness
   Especially useful for those with Wind-Cold-Dampness with underlying Liver and Kidney Deficiency (chronic Bi)
3. Warms and stabilizes the Kidneys and prevents leakage
   Urinary incontinence, spermatorrhea and vaginal discharge due to Kidney Yang Deficiency
   Swelling of the legs after an illness

Standard Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used cautiously to patients with kidney deficiency accompanied with heat, difficulty in micturition or scanty deep-colored urine with pain.

Pinyin: Fang Feng  Chinese: 防风
Pharmaceutical: Radix Saposhnikoviae seu Ledebouriellae
English: Siler

Tastes: Pungent, sweet, slightly warm
Meridians Entered: Lung, Liver and Spleen

Actions & Indications:

1. Releases the Exterior and expels External Wind
   Wind-Cold with headache, chills, aversion to Cold, and body aches
2. Expels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain
   Wind-Damp Bi, especially with Wind predominant
3. Expels Internal Wind and stops spasms
   As an auxiliary for Liver Wind with trembling of hands and feet and tetany
   Intestinal-Wind due to imbalance between Spleen and Liver with recurrent tenesmus and painful diarrhoea with bright blood in the stool
   Migraine headaches
4. Relieves diarrhoea and stops bleeding
   Liver and Spleen Disharmony with recurrent painful diarrhoea, borborygmus and abdominal pain
5. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the middle 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: 5-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used with caution for blood deficiency and internal wind induced by heat because of its warm property.

Pinyin: Du Huo  Chinese: 独活
Pharmaceutical: Radix Angelicae pubescentis seu biserratae
Taxonomy: Angelica pubescens seu biserrata
English: Pubescent Angelica Root / Hairy Angelica Root / Double Teeth Angelica Root

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, slightly warm
Meridians Entered: Liver, Kidney, and Lung

Actions & Indications:

1. Dispels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain
   Wind-Cold-Damp painful obstruction (Bi Syndrome), especially in the low back and legs (acute and chronic).
2. Disperses Wind-Cold-Dampness and releases the Exterior
   Exterior Wind-Cold with Dampness
3. Treats Shaoyin Level headache and toothache
   Shaoyin Level headache and toothache
4. 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: 3-9g in decoction.
Cautions: Being pungent, fragrant, bitter and dry, it can easily damage yin and body fluid, so it should be used cautiously to treat patients with usual constitution of yin deficiency and blood dryness.

Pinyin: Qiang Huo  Chinese: 羌活
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii
Taxonomy: Notopterygium incisium, N. forbesii
English: Notopterygium Root and Rhizome

Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Bladder and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Releases the Exterior and disperses Cold
   Wind-Cold with chills, fever, headache, body aches and pains
   Usually used when accompanied by Dampness with joint pain, a general feeling of heaviness, sleepiness or occipital pain
2. Expels Wind-Cold-Dampness, unblocks painful obstruction and alleviates pain
   Wind-Cold-Damp Bi especially in the upper limbs and back
3. Guides Qi to the Taiyang and Du channels
   Directs the other herbs to the Taiyang and Du channels

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should be used with cautions for blood deficiency because of its strong pungent, fragrant, warm and dry property. It is not appropriate for weakness of spleen and stomach because large dose of this herb induces vomiting.

Pinyin: Ji Xue Teng  Chinese: 鸡血藤
Pharmaceutical: Caulis Spatholobi
English: Millettia Root and Vine

Tastes: Bitter, lightly sweet, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver and Kidney

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates and tonifies the Blood
   Blood Deficiency with dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, or amenorrhea along with abdominal pain
2. Activates the channels and relaxes the sinews
   Numbness of the extremities, lower back pain, knee pain or general soreness of the joints due to Wind-Damp Bi with either Blood Deficiency or Stasis
   Weak extremities in the elderly Paralysis and vertigo due to Blood Stasis or Wind-Stroke

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.