Properties: Pungent, warm
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart, Liver and Spleen
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Strongly opens the Orifices and Luo vessels, revives the Spirit and unblocks closed disorders
Ying Stage Heat Attacks the Pericardium due to a Warm pathogen disease with convulsions, delirium, stupor and fainting
Closed disorders (Yang Obstruction, Yin Obstruction, Phlegm Obstruction) Tetanic collapse Seizures
- Invigorates the Blood, dissipates masses, reduces swellings, detoxifies, opens the channels and alleviates pain
Severe problems due to Blood Stasis including fixed palpable masses, toxic sores and carbuncles
Obstructions of the channels and collaterals due to traumatic injury or painful obstruction
Coronary artery disease
- Hastens delivery and facilitates the passage of stillborns (induces abortion)
Labour
Dead fetus or placenta fail to descend
- Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of animal parts which can, with protracted taking, eliminate evils, and stop dreams (梦) and waking from nightmares (寤魇寐). 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).
- 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.
Suggested Daily Dosage: 0.03-1g as pills or powder. Should not be decocted.
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 Shi Chang Pu and Ru Xiang.
Appears in 18 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
An Gong Niu Huang Wan (Calm the Palace Pill with Ox Gallstone)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)
Bao Long Wan (Embrace the Dragon Pill)
From: Craft of Medicines and Patterns for Children by Qian Yi (1119)
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (Tangkuei, Gentian and Aloe Pill)
From: Formulas from the Discussion Illuminating the Yellow Emperor's Basic Questions (1172) by Liu Wan-Su
Ding Zhi Wan (Settle the Emotions Pill)
From: Yang Family Formulas (1178) by Yang Tan
Hui Chun Dan (Special Pill to Restore Life)
From: Medicinal Teachings from the Respectfully Decorated Hall (late 18th Century)
Huo Xue Jiu (Quicken the Blood Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various
Jia Wei Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Augmented Six Ingredient Rehmannia Pill)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)
Liu Shen Wan (Six Divine Pill)
From: Lei Yin-Shang's Song-Fen Pharmacy (Founded 1734)
Miao Xiang San (Marvellously Fragrant Powder)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)
Niu Huang Cheng Qi Tang (Ox Gallstone Decoction to Order the Qi)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)
Qi Li San (Seven Thousands of a Tael Powder)
From: Collection for the Common Pursuit of Longevity (1762)
Qi Zheng Fang (Strange Disease Formula)
From: Collection of Strange Conditions by Shen Yuan (1786)
Shu Huo Jiu (Soothing Wine)
From: A+ Medical Encyclopedia (2011)
Su He Xiang Wan (Liquid Styrax Pill)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)
Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang (Unblock the Orifices and Invigorate Blood Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)
Zhi Bao Dan (Greatest Treasure Special Pill)
From: Fine Formulas by Su and Shen (1075)
Zi Xue Dan (Purple Snow Special Pill)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)
Zia Wei Xian Fei Zao Fang (Reinforced Cosmetic Soap)
From: Studies of the Imperial Medical Files of the Qing Dynasty (Qing Dynasty)
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
