Properties: Sweet, neutral

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart, Liver and Lung

1. Calms the Spirit and relieves constraint
   Constrained emotions with bad temper, depression, insomnia, irritability, and poor memory
2. Invigorates and harmonizes the Blood, stops pain and reconnects sinews and bones
   Mildly treats pain and swelling due to trauma including fractures
3. Regulates Qi, alleviates pain, dissipates swellings and reduces abscesses
   Pain and swelling of abscesses (internally and externally)
4. 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, brighten the eyes, and feel as if one had acquired whatever one desired. 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).

Suggested Daily Dosage: 6-15g in decoction.

Cautions: It should be used with cautions for pregnant women.

Notes:

He Huan Pi is a nyctinastic herb, meaning that it moves in response to the alternation of day and night. This gives these herbs a particular affinity for treating problems of circadian rhythms such as insomnia.