RELEASE PROPERTIE CHANNEL ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: herbs release pathogen expel

EXTERIOR S S: through sweating; Treats wind-cold w/chills, mild fever, body

COLD Warm, acrid LU aches
BAI ZHI Warm, acrid, LU, ST, SP ▪ Disperses Wind Cold: exterior wind cold invasion causing
(Angelica root) aromatic yangming HA**
▪ Drains Damp, Opens Orifices: nasal congestion with yangming
HA
▪ Drain Damp, Stops Leukorrhea
CAN ER ZI Warm, acrid, LU ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Opens Nasal Passages: sinusitis with
(Xanthium fruit) sweet, bitter thick viscous discharge
▪ Dispels Wind-Damp: wind-damp bi or wind damp itching in skin
**contraindicated in pork
CHONG BAI Warm, acrid LU, ST ▪ Releases exterior, Promotes Sweating: esp. very early stage
(Scallions) wind-cold disease
▪ Dispels Cold, Unblocks Yang: abd. pain, distension, nasal
congestion from cold block
▪ Resolves Toxic Sores, Dispels Clumps: treat sores and abcesses
FANG FENG Warm, acrid, SP, LIV, UB ▪ Expels ALL Types Wind: exterior wind, wind bi, tremors hands and
(Ledebouriella sweet feet
root) ▪ Expels Intestinal Wind: abdominal pain, tenesmus, painful
diarrhea with blood
GAO BEN Warm, acrid, UB, GV ▪ Dispels Wind-Cold in Greater Yang: treat vertex headaches
(Chinese lovage aromatic (ascending nature)
root) ▪ Unblocks Painful Bi: wind-cold bi esp. in lower back
GUI ZHI Warm, acrid, LU, HT, UB ▪ Releases Muscle Layer: harmonize Ying and Wei Qi to squeeze
(Cinnamon Twig) sweet out cold pathogen
▪ Warms Channels, Moves Blood: wind cold bi, cold amenorrhea,
dysmenorrhea
▪ Warms Yang, Transforms Water: edema or palpations from yang
excess
JING JIE Warm, acrid, LU, LIV ▪ Releases Exterior, Dispels Wind: exterior pathogenic wind cold
(Schizopeta bud) aromatic or wind heat
▪ Vents Rashes, Stops Itch: early stage measles or itchy skin
lesions
▪ Stops bleeding: charred form to stop bleeding
MA HUANG Warm, acrid, LU, UB ▪ Induces Sweating, Releases Exterior: wind-cold pathogenic
(Ephedra stem) bitter invasion
▪ Disperses LU Qi, Calm Wheeze: cough, wheeze from wind cold
pathogen
▪ Promotes Urination, Reduces Edema
QIANG HUO Warm, acrid, KID, UB ▪ Releases Exterior: externally contracted wind cold
(Notopterygium bitter, aromatic ▪ Unblocks Painful Bi: treat damp-bi pain nape and upper limbs
root) (lightweight)
▪ Guides Qi to Greater Yang and Du Vessels: as envoy for other
herbs
SHENG JIANG Warm, acrid LU, SP, ST ▪ Releases Exterior Cold
(Ginger rhizome) ▪ Warms Lungs, Stops Cough: from wind-cold or chronic lung
disorder with phlegm
▪ Warm Middle, Stop Vomiting: esp. cold in stomach with vomiting
▪ Moderates toxicity of other herbs
XIANG RU Warm, acrid, LU, ST ▪ Releases Exterior, Induces Sweat: esp. wind-cold during
(Aromatic madder) aromatic summer with damp
▪ Promotes urination, Reduces Swelling: edema, dysuria asso.
w/exterior pathogen
XIN YI HUA Warm, acrid LU, ST ▪ Dispels Wind-Cold, Opens Nasal Passages: nasal congestion,
(Magnolia flower) sinus headaches**
ZI SU YE Warm, acrid, LU, SP ▪ Dispels Wind- Cold: exterior wind cold invasion
(Perilla leaf) aromatic ▪ Regulates Qi, Harmonizes Middle: SP/ST Qi stagnation
▪ Calms Restless Fetus
▪ Resolves Seafood Poisioning
RELEASE PROPERTIE ORGAN: ACTION/INDICATIONS: herbs release pathogen expel through
EXTERIOR S LU sweating; Treats wind-heat invasion, some vent rashes,
HEAT Cool, acrid treat eye problems
BO HE Cool, acid, LU, LIV ▪ Disperses Wind-Heat in Head, Eye and Throat: fever, cough,
(Peppermint) aromatic sore throat, red eyes
▪ Relieves LIV Qi stagnation: chest distension, irritable
▪ Expels turbid filth: summerheat gastric pain, vomiting, diarrhea
w/greasy yellow coat
▪ Vents rashes: makes early stage rashes come to surface to speed
recovery
CHAI HU Cool, acrid, PC, SJ, LIV, ▪ Resolves Shaoyang (Lesser Yang): alternating chills and fever
(Thorowax root) bitter GB ▪ Relieves LIV Qi stagnation
▪ Raises Yang Qi: prolapse, hemorrhoids, discharge, bleeding
CHAN TUI Cold, sweet, LU, LIV ▪ Dispels Wind, Clears Heat: wind-heat invasion with sore throat
(Cicadae salty and loss of voice
Perostracum) ▪ Clears Eyes, Removes Superficial Obstruction
▪ Extinguish Wind, Stops Spasms: childhood convulsions and
spasms, night terrrors
DAN DOU CHI Cool, sweet, LU, ST ▪ Releases Exterior: best treat exterior disorders with underlying yin
(Soybeans) bitter deficiency
▪ Stops Irritability: following a febrile disease
FU PING Cold, acid LU, UB ▪ Release Exterior, Strong Diaphoretic: wind-heat without
(Duck weed) sweating
▪ Promotes urination, Reduce Swelling: hot, superficial yang
edema
▪ Vents rashes and stops itching: has been used as a mosquito
repellant
GE GEN Cool, acid, SP, ST ▪ Releases Muscle Layer: pathogen in muscle layer w/fever,
(Kudzu root) sweet headache, stiff neck
▪ Generates fluids, Stop Thirst: thirst from exterior heat or wasting
and thirsting
▪ Raises Yang, Stops diarrhea: exterior disease causing dysentery
or SP Qi deficiency
JU HUA Cold, bitter, LU, LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Heat: wind-heat invasion with Sang Ye
(Chrysanthem sweet ▪ Calms LIV, Clears Eyes: treat red painful dry eyes from LIV yang
flower) rising**
▪ Calms LIV, Stops Wind: dizziness, headache, deafness from LIV
yang rising
**drink as tea everyday to facilitate Qi/Bl, lighten body, prevent aging
MAN JING ZI Bitter, sweet, LU, LIV, ST ▪ Dispels Wind-Heat in Head and Eyes: wind-heat headache, red,
(Vitex fruit) neutral swollen, tearing eyes
▪ Drains Wind-Damp Bi: esp. in limbs used with other herbs
MU ZEI Bitter, sweet, LU, LIV, GB ▪ Disperses Wind-Heat from Eyes: red, painful swelling eyes from
(Shave grass) neutral wind-heat
▪ Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding: stop bleeding hemorrhoid with other
herbs
NIU BANG ZI Cool, acid, LU, ST ▪ Benefits Throat: best treatment for sore throat**
(Great bordock bitter ▪ Moistens intestines: constipation from heat dries stool
fruit) ▪ Works as Envoy for other herbs
SANG YE Cold, bitter, LU, LIV ▪ Disperses, Scatters Wind-Heat: wind-heat invasion
(White mulberry sweet ▪ Clams LIV, Clears Eyes: LIV yang rising causing red, sore painful
leaf) dry eyes, floaters
▪ Moistens LU: dry cough or expectoration of thick yellow sputum
▪ Cools Blood, Stops Bleeding: mild vomiting of blood
SHENG MA Cold, acid, LU, LI, SP, ST ▪ Release Exterior: headache from exterior wind
(Black cohosh) sweet ▪ Raises Yang: sp qi deficiency causing SOB, fatigue, prolapse
▪ Clears Heat Toxins Upper Body: sore teeth, sore gums, canker
sores

CLEAR HEAT, PROPERTIE ORGAN INDICATIONS/ACTIONS: treats heat injuring the nutritive
COOL BLOOD S: level, function to nourish yin & blood, cools heat from deficiency &
Cold, bitter, clears nutritive level
sweet
MU DAN PI Cold, bitter, HT, LIV, KD ▪ Clears Ying Level Heat: high fever ,thirst, hemorrhages,
(Peony Tree Cortex) Acrid frequent profuse menses
▪ Clears Deficiency Heat: esp. steaming bone disorder following
warm disease
▪ Moves Blood, Dispels Stasis: amenorrhea, abdominal masses,
lumps
▪ Clears Ascending LIV Fire: headache, eye pain, flank pain,
flushing
▪ Drains Pus, Reduces swelling when used topically firm non-
draining sores
SHENG DI Cold, bitter, HT, LIV, KD ▪ Clears Ying Level Heat: high fever ,thirst, hemorrhages, scarlet
HUANG sweet tongue
▪ Nourish Yin, Generate Fluids: heat injures fluids causing dry
(Chinese Foxglove)
mouth, constipation
SHUI NIU JIAO cool, salty HT, LIV, ST ▪ Clears Ying Level Heat: high fever ,thirst, hemorrhages, scarlet
(Water Buffalo Horn) tongue
▪ Stops Tremors: heat at ying level causing convulsions, seizures
XUAN SHEN Cold, bitter, LU, ST, KD ▪ Clears Ying Level Heat: high fever ,thirst, hemorrhages, scarlet
(Ningpo Figwort) salty, sweet tongue
▪ Nourish Yin: sequelae of warm disease causing constipation,
irritability
▪ Softens Hardness, Dispels Lumps: severe throat pain/swelling
ZI CAO Cold, sweet HT, LIV ▪ Vents Fire toxins in Skin: measles, chicken pox, very dark
(Groomswell Root) purple rashes
▪ Clears Damp-Heat in Skin: damp sores or vaginal discharge
▪ Promotes Urine, Unblocks Intestines (mild constipation from
heat)
CLEARS HEAT, PROPERTIES ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: intestines: dysentery, tenesmus,
DRIES DAMP : burning diarrhea, UB: dysuria, hematauria, LIV: hepatitis, jaundice,
cold, bitter CI SP/ST deficiency
HUANG BAI Cold, bitter KD, UB ▪ Drains Damp-Heat Lower Burners: thick yellow discharge, foul
(Phelloderdri Cortex) diarrhea, hot leg qi
▪ Drains KD fire from Deficiency: streaming bone, night sweats,
spermatorrhea
▪ Drains Fire Toxins: damp sores on skin
**Often combined with Huang Qin and Huang Bai for Damp-Heat
HUANG LAIN Cold, bitter HT, LIV, ST, LI ▪ Drains Damp-Heat Middle Burners: burning epi pain, bad
(Coptidis Rhizoma) **very drying breath, reflux, nausea
▪ Clears Heat, Stops MJ Bleeding: vomiting blood, blood stool or
urine
▪ Drains HT/ST Fire Toxins: high fever, irritable, delirium, rapid full
pulse
HUANG QI Cold, bitter LU, ST, GB, LI ▪ Drains Damp-Heat Upper Burners: fever, thirst, cough with
(Scuttelariae Radix) thick yellow sputum
aka: Skullcap Root ▪ Clears Heat, Stops UJ Bleeding: vomiting blood, nosebleeds,
coughing blood
▪ Calms restless fetus: restless, kicking fetus from heat
▪ Calms LIV Yang Rising: headache, irritable, red eyes, flushed
face, bitter taste
LONG DONG Cold, bitter GB, LIV, ST ▪ Drains LIV/GB Damp-Heat: red swollen ears, deafness, jaundice,
SHO painful genitals
▪ Drains, Pacifies LIV Fire: HA, red eyes (flaring up); spasms,
convulsion (LIV wind)
KU SHEN Cold, bitter HT, LIV, ST, ▪ Best Damp-Heat in Lower Burners: jaundice, dysentery,
(Sophorae Radix) SI, LI, UB vaginal dc, sores
Aka: Sophoria Root ▪ Kills Parasites, Stop Itch: damp sores with chronic itching or
vaginal discharge
▪ Promotes Urination: damp-heat SI, UTI or hot edema
QIN PI Cold, bitter, LIV, GB, ST, LI ▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Stops Diarrhea: esp. diarrhea w/blood
(Fraxini Cortex) astringent (dysentery)
Aka: Korean Ash ▪ Drains LIV fire, Clears Eyes: red, painful swollen eyes, as
Bark eyedrop
▪ Dispels Wind-Damp Bi: esp. hot type painful obstruction
▪ Calms Wheeze, Cough from LU heat (relationship w/LI)

CLEARS FIRE PROPERTIE ORGAN INDICATIONS: interior heat- fever without chills, dry mouth, thirst,
S irritability ,scanty dark urine, yellow coat, constipation or diarrhea,
abdominal distension
DAN ZHU YE Cold, bland, ST, HT, SI ▪ Clears HT/ST Heat ,Stops Irritability: irritable, thirst, mouth ulcers,
(Bamboo Leaf) sweet swollen gums
▪ Promote Urination, Clears Damp-Heat: scanty painful urination; esp.
if heat in SI

GU JING CAO Neutral, sweet LV, ST ▪ Clears Wind-Heat from Eyes: red, swollen eyes, tearing, visual
(Eriosaculi Flos) obstruction ▪ Clears Wind-Heat
from Head: headache, toothache, sore throat

JUE MING ZI Cold, biiter, LIV, LI, KD ▪ Clears LIV Heat affecting Eyes: treats all eye problems caused by
(Cassiae Semen) sweet, salty heat** ▪ Calms Liver, Anchors Yang:
headaches, dizziness
▪ Moistens the Intestines: treat dry constipation

LIAN ZI XIN Cold, bitter HT, PC ▪ Clears HT/PC fire: heat pathogen invading PC causing mental
(Nelumbinis confusion, delirium
plumula) ▪ Stops Bleeding, Binds the Essence: vomiting blood, spermatorrhea as
powder

LU GEN Cold, sweet LU, ST ▪ Clears LU/ST Heat, Generates Fluids: upward surge rebellious Qi
(Reed Rhizome) causing thirst ▪ Promotes Urination: dark, scanty
urine or bloody urine esp. with irritability and thirst
▪ Vents Rashes: encourages expression of rashes

MI MENG HUA Cold, sweet LV ▪ Clears LIV, Improves Vision: used LIV Yin/Blood deficiency injured by
(Buddlejae Flos) heat causing red, swollen painful eyes, blurry vision,
obstruction, gradual loss of vision, floaters, tearing

QING XIANG ZI Cold, sweet LV ▪ Clears Wind-Heat, Improve Vision: wind-heat invasion red, swollen
(Celosiae Semen) eyes
▪ Drains LIV Fire, Improves Vision: painful, red, swollen eyes, blurry
vision

SHI GAO Cold, acrid, LU, ST ▪ Clears LU/ST Heat at the Qi level: treat Yang Ming stage febrile
(Gypsum Fibrosum) sweet disease (4 Bigs) ▪ Clears Stomach Fire #1: big
appetite, ulcers, bleeding gums and toothache
▪ Clears Lung Heat: cough, wheeze with thick viscous yellow sputum
▪ Burns, Abscesses, and Eczema, apply topically as a powder

XIA KU CAO Cold, acrid, LV, GB ▪ Clears LIV Fire, Brightens Eyes: red, painful eyes (LIV fire); eye pain
(Purella Spika) bitter at night (LIV yin def) ▪ Eliminates Nodules: when
phlegm is thickened by heat causing scrofula, lipomas, goiter

YE MING SHA Cold, acrid LV ▪ Clears LIV Heat, Improves Vision: night blindness, cataracts, visual
(Bat Feces) obstructions ▪
Dispels Blood Stasis and Accumilations: trauma or childhood
accumulation disorders

ZHI MU Cold, bitter, LU, ST, KID ▪ Clears LU/ST Heat: high fever, irritability, thirst, cough thick yellow
(Anemarrhena sweet sputum
Rhizome) ▪ Nourishes Yin, Moistens Dryness: treat LU/KD Yin deficiency
▪ Generates Fluids: treat ST heat with oral ulcers, inflammation gums

ZHI ZI Cold, bitter LU, ST, HT, ▪ Drains HT/LIV Fire, Stop Irritability: fever, irritable, restless,
(Gardeniae fructus) LV, SJ insomnia, delirium
aka Gardina fruit ▪ Drains Damp-Heat Toxins: in all burners; UJ: nose, eyes; MJ: jaundice;
LJ: UTI ▪ Cools Blood, Stops Bleeding when charred,
nosebleed, vomiting blood, blood stool or urine ▪ Reduces
Swelling, Blood Stasis: esp. from trauma when applied topically
CLEAR HEAT, PROPERTIE ORGAN ACTION/INDICATIONS : Toxin is infectious disease makes person
DRAIN S: sick, ex) sores, mastitis, appendicitis, dysentery,
TOXICITY Cool, bitter viral infections, encepalitis

BAI HUA SHE Cold, bitter, LIV, ST, SI, ▪ Strongly Resolve Fire Toxins, Reduces Abscesses: intestinal
CAO sweet LI abscesses, ulcers, sores
▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: hot painful urine, jaundice
(Heydytotis)
BAI JIANG Cold, bitter, LIV, ST, LI ▪ Clears Fire Toxins, Expels Pus: internal abscesses, external toxic sores
CAO acrid ▪ Dispels Blood Stasis, Stops Pain: heat induced stasis, esp. abdomen,
chest, post-partum
(Patriniae Herba)
BAI TOU Cold, bitter ST, LI ▪ Clear Damp-Heat Toxins in Stomach: primary as enema for dysentary
WENG
(Pulsatilla)
BAI XIAN PI Cold, bitter SP, ST ▪ Clears Damp-Heat Toxin, Stops Itching: vaginal itching and discharge
(Dictamnus Root ▪ Expels Wind, Dries Damp: wind-heat or damp-heat sores, boils or
Bark) rashes
BAN LAN Cold, bitter LU, HT, ST ▪ Clears Heat Toxin, Benefits Throat: wind-heat or toxins causing
GEN swollen sore throat
BAN ZHI LIAN Cool, bitter, LU, LIV, ST ▪ Clears Heat Toxins, Reduces Swelling: carbuncles, boils, sores,
(Barbat Skullcap) acrid trauma
▪ Promotes Urination, Reduce Edema: edema, ascites, cirrhosis
▪ Dispel Blood Stasis, Stop Bleeding: trauma, vomiting blood,
nosebleeds, bloody urine
CHUAN XIN Cold, bitter LU, ST, SI, LI ▪ Clears Heat Toxins: toxic heat LU, throat, urinary tract, skin sores and
LIAN ulcers, snakebites
▪ Dispels Damp, Stops Diarrhea: diarrhea, painful urinary dirbble from
(Andrographis)
damp
DA QING YE Cold, bitter, LU, HT, ST ▪ Resolve Heat Toxins: treat severe contagious diseases,
(Indigo) salty esp. in the thorat
▪ Cools Blood, Dissipates Macules: macules from heat in blood
JIN YIN HUA Cold, sweet LU, LI, ST ▪ Resolve Heat Toxin: hot painful sores and swellings, esp. breast, throat
(Honeysuckle) and eyes
▪ Expel Exterior Wind-Heat: wind-heat invasion w/fever, chills,
sore throat
▪ Clear Lower Jaio Damp-Heat: dysentery, Lin
Syndrome
LIAN QIAO Cold, bitter, LU, HT, GB ▪ Resolves Heat Toxins, Reduces Abscesses and Clumps: toxic
(Forsythiae Fruit) acrid sores and abscesses
▪ Expels Exterior Wind-Heat: fever, chills, sore
throat,HA
LOU LU Bitter, cold, ST, LI ▪ Clears Heat Toxins in Breast: sore, swollen tender breast
(Rhaponticum salty ▪ Descends Milk: encourages lactation when there is heat; NOT insuff.
root) Lactation dt deficiency
MA BO Cold, bitter LU ▪ Clears Heat Toxins from LU and Throat: toxic swelling (tonsillitis), loss
(Puffball Fruiting of voice (laryngitis)
body) ▪ Stops Bleeding: esp. from the mouth, lips or bleeding gums from
frostbite
MA CHI XIAN Cold, sour, LIV, LI ▪ Resolves Fire Toxins, Cools Blood, Stops Bleeding: bloody hot
(Purslane) slippery diarrhea or urination
▪ Clears Damp-Heat Sores
▪ Treats Snake bites, Wasp Stings
PU GONG Cold, bitter, LIV, ST ▪ Reduces Abscesses, Dissipates Nodules: internally or externally esp.
YING sweet if hard and firm
▪ Calm LIV to Clear Eyes: red, swollen eyes
(Dandilion)
▪ Clears LIV Damp-Heat: jaundice, painful urinary dribble
QING DAI Cold, salty LU, LIV, ST ▪ Clears Heat Toxins, Reduces Maculae: heat in blood causing maculae,
(Indigo) nosebleeds
▪ Dispel Summerheat stirring LIV Wind: red eyes, sore throat,
convulsions
▪ Drains LIV Fire Attacking LU: cough, chest pain, red eyes
REN DONG Cold, sweet LU, LI, ST ▪ Resolves Heat Toxins: various sores
TENG ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp from Sinews: wind-damp hot bi syndrome
▪ Cools Blood: used in combination for early menses and mastitis
(HoneySuckle
Vine)

SHAN DOU Cold, bitter LU, LI ▪ Clears Heat Toxins from Throat: swollen painful throat, as a gargle
GEN ▪ Disperses Heat Toxic Swellings: lung abscesses, throat/lung cancer
(hold in mouth, swallow juice)
(Bushy Sophora)
SHE GAN Cold, bitter LU ▪ Clears Fire Toxins from Throat: swollen, painful throat, obstructions
(Belamcanda ▪ Transforms LU Phlegm Heat: treat cough and wheeze from phlegm
Rhizoma) obstruction, widely used
SHI SHANG Bitter, cold, LIV ▪ Clears Heat Toxins in LU and Throat: cough, sore swollen throat
BAI sweet, acrid, ▪ Clears LIV Damp-Heat: Jaundice, ascites caused cirrohsis
neural
(Selaginella)
TU FU LNIG Neutral, sweet, LIV, ST ▪ Resolves Damp Toxins: joint pain, turbid urination, jaundice
(Smooth bland ▪ Clears Damp-Heat from Skin: recurrent ulcers and hot skin lesions
Greenbrier)
TU NIU XI Bitter, sour, LIV, KD ▪ Drains Fire Toxins from Throat: sore, swollen throat, esp. diptheria
(Achyranthis Root) neutral ▪ Clears Heat Toxins from Skin: abscess or sores
▪ Invigorates Blood, Dispels Stasis: esp. GYN, dysmenorrheal,
amenorrhea
▪ Treats Painful Urinary Dribble (enters KD)
YA DAN ZI Cold, bitter, LIV, LI ▪ Treats Dysentery: esp. chronic cold stagnation that wax and wanes
(Brucea fruit) toxic ▪ Treats Intermitted Fever and Chills: malaria
▪ Topically for Corns and warts topically, Recently for Colon and
Breast CA
YE JU HUA Cold, LU, LIV ▪ Clears Fire Toxins in Skin: carbuncles, furuncles, sores, sore tho
(Wils bitter,acrid ▪ Treats Wind Fire (excessive wind heat) causing red eyes and sore throat
Chrysanthem)
YU XING CAO Cool, acrid LU, LI ▪ Clears Heat Toxins, Reduces Abscesses: LU abcesses w/ cough,
(Houttuynia) yellow, thick green sputum
▪ Drains Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: damp-heat diarrhea or
urination
ZI HUA DI Cold, bitter, LU, LIV ▪ Clears Heat Toxins: esp. red swollen eyes, throat, mumps, snake bites
DING acrid ▪ Treats Hot Sores, especially on head and back
(Violet)

CLEAR PROPERIE ORGAN ACTION/INDICATIONS : clear summerheat –severe heat and damp
SUMMERHE S
AT
HE YE Bitter, sweet, HT, SP, ▪ Clears Summerheat: fever, irrtabillty, excess sweating, scanty urine,
(Lotus Leaf) neutral LIV diarrhea
▪ Raises SP Clear Yang, Stop Diarrhea: summerheat invasion causing
SP Qi Deficiency
LU DOU Cold, sweet HT, ST ▪ Clears Summerheat: esp. with thirst (made into tea to prevent
Aka: Mung Bean summerheat in summer)
▪ Clears Heat Toxins: sores and swellings (made into powder and drank as
a tea)
▪ Antidote for Aconite Poisoning

CLEAR PROPERTIE ORGAN ACTION/INDICATIONS: enter the yin to treat KID/LIV Yin deficiency
DEFICIENCY S leading to deficiency heat with s/s: streaming bone, tidal fever, 5 palm heat,
HEAT night sweats
BAI WEI Cold, bitter, LU, ST, KID ▪ Clear Ying or Xue Heat: summertime fever, post-partum fever, lingering
(Cynanchi Root) salty fever after disease
▪ Cools Blood, Promotes urination: hot bloody painful urine esp. before
or after giving birth
DI GU PI Cold, sweet, LU, LIV, KID ▪ Clear KID Fire, Reduces Steaming Bone: heat in bones, night sweats,
(Wolfberry) bland low fever
▪ Clears LU Heat: cough, wheeze
HU HUANG Cold, bitter ST, LIV, LI ▪ Clears Yin Deficiency Heat
LIAN ▪ Drains Damp-Heat: dysentery disorders and damp sores
▪ Reduced Childhood Nutritional Impairment: esp. with distension,
(Picrorhiza
fevers and dysentary
rhizome)
QING HAO Cold, bitter LIV, GB, KID ▪ Clears Summerheat: esp. low fever, headache, dizziness, chest
(Wormswood) oppression
▪ Clears Deficiency Fever: esp. steaming bone disorders w/out sweating
▪ Cools Blood, Stops bleeding: purpura, epistaxis from heat in blood
▪ Malarial disorders: alternating fever and chills
YIN CHAI HU Slightly cold, ST, LIV ▪ Recedes Yin Deficiency Fever: any yin deficiency fever, streaming bone
(Stellaria root) sweet ▪ Reduces Childhood Nutritional Impairment: fever, thirst, irritability dt
heat accumilation

CALM THE PROPERTIES ORGAN ACTION/INDICATIONS: enter the HT and/or LIV to treat
SPIRIT HT-houses irritability, insomnia, anxiety, insanity by anchoring the spirit or
shen nourishing the heart
LIV-houses ▪ anchoring herbs are heavy and cold so should combo with herbs
hun nourish SP/ST
SUBSTANCE ANCHOR, SETTLE AND CALM SPIRIT
▪ Minerals and shells with a function related to weight and density to calm spirit descend yang, decend rebellious LU Qi
and ST Qi
▪ Caution: minerals can injure ST Qi causing indigestion and loss of appetite  Combine w/herb tonify SP/ST, only take
for short time
HU PO Neutral, sweet HT, LIV, UB ▪ Stops Tremors and Palpitations: palpitations, childhood seizures,
(Amber) easily frightened
▪ Invigorates Blood, Dispels Stasis, Unblocks Menses:
amenorrhea w/palpable masses
▪ Promotes Urination, Unblocks Painful Urine: urine retention or
dribble w/blood
▪ Promotes healing, Reduces swellings (topically)
ZHEN ZHU Cold, sweet, salty HT, LIV ▪ Settle Tremors and Palpitations:
(Pearl) ▪ Eliminate Superficial Visual Obstructions: blurry vision from
pterygium
 ▪ Promotes Healing, Generates Flesh (topically)
▪ Clears Dark discolorations of Skin, commonly used in skin
creams
LONG GU Neutral, sweet, HT, LIV, KID ▪ Settle Anxiety: restless, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, seziures
(Dragon bone) astringent ▪ Anchors Floating Yang: irritability, dizziness, blurry vision, easily
angered
▪ Prevents Leakage of Fluids: spermatorrhea, sweats, vaginal dc,
uterine bleeding
MU LI Cool, salty, LIV, KID ▪ Heavily Calms Spirit: palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia
(Oyster shell) astringent ▪ Anchors Floating Yang: irritability, dizziness, blurry vision, easily
**don’t need for angered
Melinda’s test ▪ Prevents Leakage of Fluids: spermatorrhea, sweats, vaginal dc,
uterine bleeding
▪ Soften Hardness and Dissipates Nodules: all types lumps, esp.
lumps in neck
▪ Absorbs Acidity, Stops Pain: stomach pain with sour taste
ZHEN ZHU Cold, sweet, salty HT, LIV ▪ Settle Tremors and Palpitations:
(Pearl) ▪ Eliminate Superficial Visual Obstructions: blurry vision from
pterygium
▪ Promotes Healing, Generates Flesh (topically)
▪ Clears Dark Discolorations of Skin, commonly used in skin
creams
NOURISH HEART, CALMS SPIRIT
▪ Plants with sweet, moist properties that Nourish HT, LIV, Tonify Blood and Yin to calm the spirit treat general malaise,
palpitations, irrit., insomnia
▪ Sour –contracts to treat expansion of spirit with s/s excessive laughter, hyperactivity, mania
▪ Acrid –spreads to treat contraction of spirit with s/s constraint, depression
SUAN ZAO Neutral, sweet, HT, SP, LIV, ▪ Nourishes HT Yin, LIV Blood: irritability, insomnia, palpitations
REN sour GB with anxiety
▪ Prevents Abnormal Sweating: spontaneous sweating, night
(Sour Jujube seed)
sweats
**Widely used in formulas to treat shen disorder from HT/LIV blood deficiency
YUAN ZHI Warm, acrid, LU, HT ▪ Quiets Heart: insomina, palp. w/anxiety, restless, pent-up emotions
(Polygala root) bitter ▪ Establish HT/KID Disharmony
▪ Expels HT Phlegm: angina, mania, seizures
▪ Expels LU Phlegm: copious sputum difficult to expectorate
▪ Reduces Abscesses, Dissipates Swellings: boils, sores, breast
abscesses
BAI ZI REN Neutral, sweet HT, KID, LI ▪ Nourishes HT: irritability, insomnia, forgetful, palpitations
(Biota seed) w/anxiety (HT Yin/Bld def)
▪ Moistens Intestines: constipation in elderly and post-partum from
blood def.
▪ Treats Night Sweats: from yin deficiency
HE HUAN PI Neutral, sweet HT, LIV ▪ Relieves Constraint: bad temper, depression, insomnia,
(Silktree bark) irritability, poor memory
▪ Harmonizes Blood, Stops Pain, Reconnects Sinews/Bones:
pain, swelling trauma
▪ Reduces Abscesses, Dispel Swelling: external, internal pain and
swellings

OPEN PROPERTIES: ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: strongly dispersing pathogens causing

ORFICES aromatic phlegm to envelop the heart or close the orifices
causing hot or cold closed dos
BING PIAN Cold, acrid, bitter LU, HT, SP ▪ Opens Orifices, Clears Mind: PC heat w/LOC, fainting, stroke,
(Borneol-menthol) closed dos
▪ Clears Toxic Heat: topically for sore throat, mouth sores, skin
sores, boils, sore eyes
▪ Stops Pain and Itching: toxic itchy swelling and accumulations
SHE XIANG Warm, acrid, HT, LIV, SP ▪ Strongly Opens ALL orifices: PC heat w/LOC, delirium, irrational
(Deer musk aromatic **all 12 speech, closed dos
**very intensely channels ▪ Moves Blood, Dispel Clumps: boils, masses, traumatic injury
secretions)
piercing aromatic causing blocked meridian
prop. ▪ Stops Pain: chest bi pain, pain from trauma (topically over UB15 for
angina)
▪ Dispels Dead Fetus: facilitates downward passage of dead fetus or
placenta
**chief herb for LOC, wind-stroke, phlegm collapse and high fever, trauma
 medicine, etc.

SHI CHANG Warm-gently, HT, ST ▪ Opens Orifices, Calms Mind: coma, seizures= cold closed dos,
PU acrid, autism
bitter, aromatic ▪ Expels Phlegm Blocking Ascent Clear Yang: dizziness, deaf, poor
(Sweet Flag
memory, dull senses
Rhizome)
▪ Harmonize SP: distension, abdominal pain from retained damp in
middle
▪ Expel Wind, Cold, Damp: cold wind damp bi, joint pain, arthritis
▪ Reduces Swellings: scabies, boils, eczema
SU HE XIANG Warm, acrid, HT, SP ▪ Opens Orifices, Expels Phlegm: cold closed dos, wind stroke,
(Styrax-Liquid sweet, aromatic COMBO: She heart attack w/phlegm
Xiang
Amber) ▪ Stops Pain and Constraint: abdominal or chest pain (angina)

DOWN PROPERTIE ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: These herbs have strong heat

DRAINING, S: ST, LI clearing properties, best to treats interior heat causing
PURGATIVES Cold, bitter constipation; CI: pregnancy, SP/ST deficiency
DA HUANG Cold, bitter ST, LI, HT, LIV ▪ Drains Heat, Purges Accumulations: constipation from heat
(Rhubarb root) ▪ Drains Fire: high fever, sore throat, red swollen eyes asso. with
constipation
▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: edema, jaundice,
painful urine/diarrhea
▪ Dispel Blood Stasis: amenorrhea, fixed abdominal masses,
trauma
FAN XIE YE Cold, bitter, LI ▪ Drains Down, Guides out Stagnation: acute or chonic
(Senna) sweet constipation dt heat
LU HUI Cold, bitter ST, LI, LIV ▪ Drains Fire, Purges Accumulations: constipation from heat
(Aloe leaf juice) with LIV/HT Fire
▪ Cools Liver: irritability, dizziness, headache, tinnitus with
constipation
▪ Kills parasites, Strengthen ST: childhood impairment esp. with
roundworms
MANG XIAO Very cold, bitter, ST, LI ▪ Moistens Dryness, Purges Accumulations: constipation from
(Glauber’s Salt) acrid, salt heat
▪ Clears Heat, Reduces Swelling: red, swollen eyes, ulcers
mouth, throat, mastitis

DOWN PROPERTIE ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: nuts or seeds that lubricate

DRAINING, S: SP, LI intestines, best for debilitated and elderly patients constipation; CI:
MOIST neutral, sweet pregnancy, SP/ST deficiency
LAXATIVE
HUO MA REN Neutral, sweet SP, ST, LI ▪ Moistens intestines, Nourish Yin: constipation from blood/yin
(Cannabis/Hemp def.
seed)
YU LI REN Neutral, sweet, SP, SI, LI ▪ Moistens intestine: constipation from Qi stagnation in intestines
(Bush Cherry Pit) acid, bitter ▪ Promotes Urine, Reduce Edema: leg qi or edema with dysuria
and constipation

DOWN PROPERTIE ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: strong, harsh drive out excess

DRAINING, S: water to treats severe constipation dt stagnated fluids, Caution:
HARSH **very harsh causes explosive diarrhea, pregnancy
EXPELLANTS
BA DOU Hot, acrid, LU, ST, LI ▪ Drives Out Water: esp. ascites from late stage schistosomiatisis
(Croton Seed) toxic ▪ Expel Phlegm in the Throat: dypena, wheeze, chest distension
▪ Healing of Abscesses and Ulcers
GAN SUI Cold, bitter, LU, LI, KID ▪ Drains and Expels Water: fluid chest and abdomen, general
(Kansui Root) sweet, toxic edema
▪ Drives Out Phlegm: wind-phlegm seziures or withdraw mania
JING DA JI (Da Ji) Cold, bitter, SP, LI, KID ▪ Drains and Expels Water: : fluid chest and abdomen, general
(Japanese Thistle) acrid, toxic edema
▪ Reduces Swelling and Nodules: red, swollen painful sores
topicall
YUAN HUA Warm, bitter, LU, LI, KID ▪ Drains and Expels Water: : fluid chest and abdomen, general
(Genkwa flower) acrid, toxic edema
▪ Dispels Phlegm, Stop Cough: chronic bronchitis taken alone
with sugar
▪ Kills parasites

TRANSFORMS PROPERTIES: CHANNEL ACTION/INDICATIONS: transform damp, resolves qi and

DAMPNESS warm, acrid, (SP/ST) strengthen SP/ST to treat distention, nausea, reflux, loose stool,
aromatic anorexia, lassitude
**Caution: very drying, can easily exhaust Qi and injure the yin
BAI DOU KOU Warm, acrid, SP, ST, LU ▪ Moves Qi, Transforms Damp: chest, epigastric or abdomen
(Round Cardamom) aromatic distention
▪ Warms and Strengthen ST to Descend Rebellion: all types
vomiting from cold
CANG ZHU Warm, acrid, SP, ST ▪ Strongly Dries Damp, Strengthens Spleen: damp obstructing
(Black Rhizome) bitter, t/t of spleen
aromatic ▪ Dispels Exterior Wind-Damp: fever, chills, headache, nasal
congestion
▪ Clears Lower Jaio Damp: damp heat pouring down leg qi,
vaginal discharge
▪ Improves Vision: night blindness, decrease vision with rough
sensation in eyes
CAO DOU KOU Warm, acrid, SP, ST ▪ Warms Middle, Dries Damp: SP/ST cold damp with diarrhea,
(Katsumada Seed) aromatic vomiting
▪ Warms Middle, Stops Vomiting
CAO GUO Warm, acrid, SP, ST ▪ Warms Middle, Strongly Dries Damp: SP/ST cold damp with
(Tasaoko Fruit) aromatic diarrhea, vomiiting
▪ Dissolves Stagnation: indigestion from meat stagnation, local
distension
▪ Treats Malaria: alternating fevers and chills esp. dt cold-damp
HOU PO Warm, bitter, SP, ST ▪ Moves Qi, Transforms Damp: best herb for distention dt Qi
(Magnolia Bark) spicy, stagnation**
aromatic ▪ Dries SP Damp, Transforms Phlegm: distention, fullness,
nausea, diarrhea
▪ Descends LU Qi, Transforms Phlegm: cough, wheeze dt
phlegm clogging lungs
HUO XIANG Warm, spicy SP, ST, LU ▪ Transform Damp, Dispels Summerheat: middle damp or
(Patchouli) summerheat damp
▪ Harmonize Middle, Stop Vomiting: n/v dt damp obstructing
middle
▪ Treat Dermatosis: affecting hands and feet
PEI LIAN Neutral, spicy SP, ST ▪ Transform Damp, Dispels Summerheat: middle damp or
(Eupatorium) summerheat damp
▪ Awaken SP, Regulates Middle: damp obstructing middle
▪ Dispels Turbid Filth, Unbinds ST: damp increasingly thickens
to binding ST Qi
SHA REN Warm, acrid, SP, ST ▪ Moves Qi, Transforms Damp: distention in epigastric and
(Cardamom) aromatic abdomen
▪ Warms Middle, Stops Diarrhea: diarrhea dt cold
▪ Calms fetus

DRAINS PROPERTIES ORGAN ACTION/INDICATIONS: All herbs drain damp to treats edema
DAMPNESS neutral, swt, SI, UB below waist by promoting water metabolism by increasing
bland urination (diuretics).
Caution: yin deficiency or lack fluids
1) Drain Damp, Reduce Edema, (neutral, sweet, bland) used for difficult urination, diarrhea, phlegm retention
and fluid retention
CHI XIAO DOU Neutral, sour, HT, SI ▪ Drains Damp, Promotes Urination: ascites, leg qi edema (can
(Adzuki Beans) sweet be eaten as food)
▪ Resolves Damp-Heat Jaundice: for mild cases
▪ Resolves Fire Toxins and Swelling in Skin: sores, carbuncles
and furuncles (boils)
DONG GUA PI Slightly cold, LU, SI ▪ Drains Damp, Promotes Urination: esp. for edema from damp-
(Winter Melon Rind) bland, sweet heat
DONG GUA Cold, sweet LU, ST, SI, LI ▪ Drains Damp, Promotes Urination: diarrhea, vaginal
discharge, edema
ZI/REN ▪ Clears LU Heat, Expels Phlegm: expectoration thick yellow
(Winter Melon Seed) sputum
FU LING Neutral, bland, s LU, HT, SP, ▪ Drains Damp, Promotes Urination: dysuria, scanty urine,
(Psoria) weet KID diarrhea, edema
▪ Strengthens SP, Harmonizes Middle: SP Qi deficiency with
damp
▪ Quiets HT, Calms Mind: palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness
YI YI REN Slightly cold, LU, SP, ST ▪ Drains Damp, Promotes Urination: dysuria, scanty urine,
(Job’s Tears) bland, sweet diarrhea, edema
▪ Clears ALL Damp-Heat: damp-heat at any level with greasy
tongue and diarrhea** ▪ Strengthen SP, Stop Diarrhea: damp
diarrhea from Sp Qi deficiency
▪ Expels Damp Painful Bi: esp. for increasing joint mobility and
reducing spasms
· Clears Heat, Expels Pus: soft, pus-filled boils, lung and intestinal
abscesses
ZE XIE Cool, bland, KID, UB ▪ Drains Damp, Promote Urination: dysuria, scanty urine,
(Water Plantain) sweet diarrhea, edema
▪ Drains Lower Jaio Damp-Heat: treat spermatorrhea disturbing
KID Ministerial Fire
ZHU LING Slight cool, SP, KID, UB ▪ Drains Damp, Promotes Urination: dysuria, scanty urine,
(Polyporus) bland, sweet diarrhea, edema
**can be used alone for painful urinary dribble during pregnancy
2) Promote Urination, Remove Strangury (Painful Urinary Dribble/Lin Syndrome) black urine, stranguary
from heat, stone with blood, turbity
(CHUAN) MU Cold, bitter, HT, SI, UB ▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
TONG bland dribble
▪ Drains HT Heat via SI: irritable, scanty urine, sores mouth and
(Akebiae Caulis)
tongue
▪ Promotes Lactation
BI XIE Neutral, bitter ST, LIV, UB ▪ Separate Pure from Turbid, Promotes Urination: cloudy
(Tokoro) painful urinary dribble
▪ Expels Wind-Damp, Relax Sinews: wind-damp or damp-heat
bi
BIAN XU Cold, bitter UB ▪ Clear Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
(Knotgrass or dribble
Knotweed) ▪ Kills parasites, Stops itching: tinea, intestinal parasites,
tapeworms, hookworms
CHE QIAN ZI Cold, sweet LU, LIV, KID, ▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
(Plantago seeds) UB dribble, edema
▪ Stops Diarrhea: damp-heat or summerheat diarrhea
▪ Clears Eyes: eye disorders dt LIV/KID deficiency or heat LIV
channels
▪ Expels Phlegm, Stops Cough: cough with yellow copious
sputum
DI FI ZI Cold, bitter, KID, UB ▪ Clear Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
(Kochia Fruit) sweet dribble
▪ Expels Damp, Stops Itch: topically damp skin sores with
intense itching
DONG KUI GUO Cold, sweet SI, LI, UB ▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: hot, bloody or stone
(Mallow Fruit) urinary dribble
▪ Moistens intestines: adjunctive herb constipation from fluid
deficiency
▪ Promote Lactation
HAI JIN SHA Cold, bland, SI, UB ▪ Clear Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
(Lygodium Spore) sweet dribble, esp. with stones
▪ Reduces Edema, Decrease Jaundice: spleen damp edema or
damp-heat jaundice
HUA SHI Cold, bland, ST, UB ▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promote Urination: any do with painful
(Talcum) sweet urinary dribble**
▪ Dispels Summerheat: summertime fever, heaviness,
irrritabilty, thirst
▪ Resolves Damp Sores: eczema, damp sores
QU MAI Cold, bitter HT, SI, UB ▪ Clears Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
(Dianthus Herba) dribble, esp. with blood
▪ Breaks Blood Stasis: axillary herb for amenorrhea
SHI WEI Cold, bitter, LU, UB ▪ Clear Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: bloody or stone
(Pyrrosia Leaf) sweet painful urinary dribble
 ▪ Clears LU, Stop Cough: cough and wheeze from lung heat
▪ Cools Blood, Stops Bleeding: esp. bloody urine, cough blood
dt chaotic hot blood
TONG CAO Slightly cold, LU, ST ▪ Clear Damp-Heat, Promotes Urination: painful urinary
(Rice Paper Plant bland, sweet dribble
Pith) ▪ Promotes Lactation
3) Drain Damp, Eliminate Jaundice (bitter and cold, enters spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder) jaundice,
eczema, sores and carbuncles
JIN QIAN CAO Slightly cold, LIV, GB, KID, ▪ Clears LIV/GB Damp-Heat: jaundice, red swollen eyes,
(Lysimachia Herb) salty, sweet UB gallstones
▪ Expels Urinary or Gallstones, used alone in large doses as a
tea
▪ Reduces Toxic Swellings: snakebites, abscesses, trauma
YIN CHEN Slightly cold, SP, ST, LIV, ▪ Clears LIV/GB Damp-Heat or Cold-Heat: best herb to treat
(Wormwood) bitter GB jaundice***
▪ Resolves Damp Sores: esp. lower body as a wash

DISPEL WIND- PROPERTIES: ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: drying herbs dispel wind-damp

DAMP Aromatic, Warm from muscles, sinews, joints and bones to treats bi syndrome and
unblocks the channels.
Caution: very drying nature can injure yin and blood, becareful Yin/Blood
Deficiency
CAN SHA Warm, acrid, sweet SP, ST, LIV ▪ Expels Wind-Damp: wind-damp bi, wind-damp itchy rashes
(Silkworm Feces) ▪ Transforms Turbid Damp in ST: vomiting, diarrhea, cramps,
spasms calf
CHOU WU Cool, bitter, acrid, LIV ▪ Expel Wind-Damp: wind-damp bi esp. trunk or extremities,
TONG sweet hemiplegia
▪ Calms LIV Yang: headache, dizziness, HTN dt ascending LIV
(Clerodendron Leaf)
Yang
CHUAN SHAN Neutral, bitter, LU, LIV ▪ Dispel Wind-Damp: esp. hot bi w/skin numbness and lack
LONG toxic flexion and extension
▪ Moves Blood, Unblocks Collaterals: treat blood stasis from
(Japanese Dioscoria)
trauma
▪ Transforms Phlegm, Stop Cough
DU HUO Warm , bitter, acrid KID, UB ▪ Expel Wind-Damp, Stops Pain: wind-cold damp bi, esp. lower
(Angelica Root) back and legs
▪ Releases Exterior Wind-Cold Damp: lesser yinstage
headache
HAN FANG JI Acrid, bitter, cold UB, SP, KID, ▪ Expel Wind-Damp, Stops Pain: wind-damp heat in collateral
(Stephania Root) LU w/fever, hot joints
▪ Promote Urination, Reduces Edema: esp. lower leg edema,
damp leg qi, ascites
HAI FENG TENG Warm, bitter, acid LIV ▪ Expels Wind-Damp, Unblocks Collaterals: wind-cold damp bi
HAI TONG PI Neutral, bitter, SP, LIV, KID ▪ Expel Wind-Damp, Unblocks Collaterals: wind- damp bi, esp.
(Erythrina Bark) acrid lower back
▪ Promotes Urination, Reduces Edema: damp superficial
edema
▪ Gargle for toothache and dental caries
KUAN JIN TENG Cold, bitter LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Relaxes Sinews: hot bi with cramping
(Chinese Tinospora and stiffness
Stem) ▪ Unblocks Channels, Relaxes sinews: swelling, heat and pain
from trauma
LAO GUAN CAO Neutral, bitter, SP, LIV, KID ▪ Dispel Wind-Damp by Dredging, Unblocking Collaterals:
(Crane’s Bill) acrid severe bi pain**
▪ Resolves Heat Toxins, Generates Flesh: sore, abscesses, burns,
eczema
LIANG MIAN Warm, bit, acrid, ST, LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Stops Pain, used alone for generalized
ZHEN toxic pain

LUO SHI TENG Cold, bitter LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Unblocks Collaterals: hot wind-damp
(Star Jasmine Stem) with spasms
▪ Cools Blood, Reduces Swellings: treat hot painful sores,
painful throat obs.
MU GUA Warm, sour SP, LIV ▪ Relaxes Tendons, Unblocks Collaterals
(Papaya or Quince **no in book ▪ Dispels Damp, Harmonizes ST
fruit)
QI SHE Warm, salty, LIV ▪ Powerfully Dispels Wind-Damp, Unblocks Channel: esp. for
(Agkistrodon) sweet, toxic stubborn bi cases ▪ Dispels Wind in Sinews, Settles
Jitteriness: ANY kind spasms, tremors, seizures
▪ Dispels Wind in Skin: dermatosis, skin numbness, any kind of
rash
QIAN NIAN JIAN Warm, bitter, acid LIV, KID ▪ Expel Wind-Damp: pain, spasms and numb superficially
(Homalomena (sinews) or deep (bones)
Rhizome) ▪ Tonify LIV/KID, Strengthen Sinews/Bones: weak softened
bones in elderly
QIN JIAO Slightly cold, bitter, ST, LIV, GB ▪ Expels Wind-Damp, Relaxes Sinews: hot wind-damp bi with
(Gentiana acrid cramping
Macrophylla) ▪ Clears Deficiency Heat: afternoon fever, steaming bone
▪ Resolves Jaundice: esp. acute cases in infants
▪ Moistens Intestines: dry constipation (used counteract dryness
other herb)
QING FENG Neutral, bitter, SP, LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Stop Pain, used alone
TENG acrid

SANG JI SHENG Neutral, bitter, LIV, KID ▪ Expels Wind-Damp: wind-damp bi

(Mistletoe) sweet ▪ Tonify LIV/KID, Strengthen Sinews/Bones: sore LB/knees dt
Yin deficiency
▪ Nourish Blood, Benefits Skin: dry, scaly skin dt blood
deficiency
▪ Calm Restless Fetus
SANG ZHI Neutral, bitter LIV ▪ Expel Wind-Damp, Benefits Joints: wind-damp bi with spasms
(Mulberry Twig) esp. upper extrem.
▪ Reduces Edema: esp. good for edema with joint pain
SHE TUI neutral, salty, LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Stops Spasms: wind skin lesion and
(Snake Skin Slough) sweet childhood seizures
▪ Removes Visual Obstructions: pterygium or cornea disorders
SHEN JIN CAO Warm, bitter, acrid SP, LIV, KID ▪ Expel Wind-Damp: esp. problems flexing and extending
(Ground Pine) ▪ Relaxes Sinews, Invigorates Channel: swellings, pain dt
trauma, blood stasis
SONG JIE Warm, bitter LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Stops Pain: esp. when damp and/or cold
predominates
WE LING XIAN Warm, salty, acrid UB ▪ Expels Wind-Damp, Moves Qi, Stops Pain: esp. wind bi
(Clematis Root) ▪ Softens Fish Bones: treat fish bones stuck in throat
WU JIA PI Warm, bitter, acrid KID, LIV ▪ Expels Wind-Damp: chronic wind-damp bi elderly
(Eleutherococcus ▪ Tonify LIV/KID, Strengthen Sinews/Bones: chronic def. leads
Root) soft/weak bones
XI XIAN CAO Cold, bitter LIV, KID ▪ Expel Wind-Damp, Unblocks Collaterals: wind-damp bi joints
(Siegesbeckia) with spasms
▪ Calms LIV Yang: headache, dizziness, HTN dt ascending LIV
Yang
XIANG JIA PI Warm, bitter, acrid, HT, LIV, KID ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Strengthen Sinews/Bone: bi with joint
(Chinese Silk Vine toxic spasms and pain
Bark) ▪ Promotes Urination, Reduce Edema
XU CHANG Warm ,acrid ST, LIV ▪ Dispels Wind-Damp, Moves Blood, Stops Pain: wind-damp
QING bi and trauma
▪ Resolves Toxicity, Stops Itching, used alone itching of skin
(Paniculate Swallow-
Wort

Warm Herbs that Transform Cold Phlegm-

▪ Action warming lung, expel cold, dry damp, transforms phlegm, reduce swelling and alleviate pain used to treat cold or
damp phlegm
BAI FU ZI Warm, acrid, SP, ST, LIV ▪ Expel wind-phlegm, relieves spasms and stops pain
Sweet, toxic ▪ Detoxify and dispels mass
BAI JIE ZI Warm, acrid LU ▪ Warm lung and resolve phlegm
▪ Promote Qi movement
▪ Subsides swellings and disperse masses
BAI QIAN Slightly warm, LU ▪ Expels phlegm and descends lung Qi
acrid, bitter
CHUAN BEI MU Slightly cold, bitter, LU, HT ▪ Transform phlegm, Clear heat
sweet ▪ Moisten lung, Stop cough –good chronic cough with scanty
blood streak sp.
▪ Dissipates nodules, Relieves toxins –treat phlegm fire nodules,
 abscesses
DAN NAN XING Cold, liver HT, LIV ▪ Clears heat resolves phlegm
*powder tian nan ▪ Expels wind, relieves spasms
xing
JIE GENG Neutral, acrid, LU ▪ Resolves phlegm
bitter ▪ Disperse lung Qi, Benefits the throat
▪ Relieves abscesses, Promoting discharge of pus
**serves as an envoy to guide other herb to throat
TIAN NAN XING Warm, acrid, LU, LIV, SP ▪ Dry dampness and transforms phlegm
bitter, toxic** ▪ Expel wind and relieves spasms
▪ Subsides masses and reduces swelling
XUAN FU HUA Slight warm, acrid, LU, SP, ST, LIV ▪ Descends Qi and stops vomiting
bitter, salty ▪ Transforms phlegm and stops cough

Cool Herbs that Transform Heat Phlegm -cold or cool, clear heat and transform phlegm; some are moist;
some salty to soften hardness
heat phlegm, dry phlegm with cough, wheeze and sticky yellow sputum, CI: cold and damp phlegm syndromes
BAN XIA MU Warm, acrid, LU, SP, ST ▪ Dry damp, Resolves phlegm
toxic ▪ Descends rebellious Qi, to stop vomiting
· Dispels nodules, Reduces distension
CHUAN BEI MU Slightly cold, bitter, LU, HT ▪ Clears heat and transforms phlegm
sweet ▪ Moistens lung and stops chronic cough
▪ Dissipated masses and reduces swellings
GUA LOU Cold, sweet LU, ST, LI ▪ Moistens lungs, Clear lung phlegm heat
▪ Moistens dryness to smooth large intestines
▪ Reduces swellings
HAI GE KE Cold, salty, bitter LU, ST ▪ Clear lung and transforms phlegm
(clam shell) ▪ Softens hardness and reduces masses
HAI ZAO Cold, bitter, salty LIV, KID, LU, SP ▪ Resolves phlegm and softens hard masses
(seaweed) ▪ Drain water and reduces edema
KUN BU Cold, salty LIV, KID, ST ▪ Resolves phlegm, softens hard masses
▪ Reduces swellings (scrofula, goiter)
PANG DA HAI Cold, sweet LU, LI ▪ Clears lung heat
**know properties · Moisten Lungs, Benefits the throat –loss of voice is from
phlegm heat in LU
▪ Moisten large intestines to promote defecation
QIAN HU Slightly cold, bitter, LU ▪ Descends qi and transforms phlegm
acrid ▪ Expels wind heat
ZHE BEI MU Cold, bitter LU, HT ▪ Clear heat and transform phlegm
▪ Dissipates masses and reduces abscesses
ZHU LI Cold, sweet LU, ST, HT ▪ Clears heat, Breaks phlegm
(juice of bamboo) ▪ Stops cough
ZHU RU Slightly cold, sweet LU, ST, GB ▪ Clear heat and transform phlegm
(bamboo) ▪ Reduce vexation and stop vomiting

RELEIVE FOOD PROPERTIES: ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATIONS:

STAGNATION warm, neutral, sw SP, ST Relieves food stagnation, Stimulates appetite, Harmonizes middle jaio
GU YA Neutral, sweet SP, ST ▪ Reduces food stagnation from too much STARCHY food***
(Grain/rice sprouts) ▪ Tonify SP Qi to stimulate appetite (treat dyspepsia w/SP Qi deficiency)
JI NEI JIN Neutral, sweet SP, ST, SI, ▪ Strongly reduces food stagnation***
(Gizzard lining) UB ▪ Tonify SP/ST in food retention and childhood malnutrition w/
protruding abd
▪ Stabilizes essence to relieve enuresis from KID yang deficiency
▪ Dissolves UB/GB stones
LAI FU ZI Neutral, acrid, SP, ST, LU ▪ Reduces food stagnation causing bloating abdomen from ANY
(Radish seed) harsh, sweet food***
▪ Unblocks and regulates Qi to relieve Qi stagnation
▪ Relieves cough and dissolves phlegm (treat thin phlegm in lungs)
MAI YA Neutral, sweet SP, ST, LIV ▪ Reduces food stagnation from too much STARCHY food***
(Barley sprouts) ▪ Stops lactation
▪ Sooths liver, Regulates Qi (treat LIV Qi stagnation, LIV invading SP/ST)
SHAN ZHA Sl.warm, sour, SP, ST, LIV ▪ Reduces food stagnation from too much MEAT***
(Hawthorn fruit) sweet ▪ Invigorates blood, dissolves blood stasis
SHEN QU Warm, acrid, SP, ST ▪ Reduces food stagnation from too much ANY food***
(Medicated leaven) sweet ▪ Relieves side effects from minerals, i.e. Fe2O3 (ferrous oxide) causing
mania

REGULATE QI PROPERTIES ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS:

CHEN PI/JU PI Warm, acrid, LU, SP, ST ▪ Regulates SP/ST Qi, Harmonizes middle jiao
(Ages Tangerine bitter, aromatic ▪ Relieves diaphragm due to SP/ST Qi stag/rebellion (distension, bloat,
Peel) n/v, belching)
▪ Dry damp, transforms cold-damp or damp-phlegm in lungs (cough
w/viscous sputum)
CHEN XIANG Warm, acrid, SP, ST, KID ▪ Regulates Qi, directs cold SP/ST downward (n/v, hiccups, vomiting)
(Eaglewood) bitter ▪ Relieves pain from cold stagnated in lower jaio
▪ Tonify KID, aids KID grasping LU Qi (retained phlegm causing asthma)
CHUAN LIAN ZI Cold, bitter, ST, SI, LIV, ▪ Regulates Qi, Stops paim
(China Berry Fruit) Sl. toxic UB ▪ Clears heat from LIV Qi stagnation  LIV fire invading SP/ST or GB
damp-heat
▪ Kills parasites
FO SHOU Warm, acrid, LU, SP, ST, ▪ Sooths and regulates LIV Qi
(Buddha’s Hand) bitter, mild LIV ▪ Harmonizes middle jaio, dries damp SP/ST
▪ Dissolves accumulation LU phlegm (copious phlegm w/chronic cough)
MU XIANG Warm, acrid, SP, ST, GB, LI ▪ Regulates SP/ST Qi, Harmonizes middle jaio
(Costa Root) bitter · Stops pain from LIV invading SP
▪ Treats damp stagnation in LI (tenesmus, pain, diarrhea)
▪ Promotes movement LIV/GB Qi from stagnation (hypochondriac, flank
pain)
QING PI Warm, acrid, ST, LIV, GB ▪ Sooths LIV Qi, Breaks stagnation such as cold hernias
(Green Tangerine bitter, Harsh ▪ Dissolves food stagnation
Peel)
SHI DI Neutral, acrid, ST ▪ Directs rebellious ST Qi downward
(Persimmon) Bitter ▪ Stops hiccups, vomiting, belching from heat or cold patterns
TAN XIANG Warm, acrid, LU, SP, ST ▪ Moves Qi to relieve stagnated Qi/Bd from def. cold (chest bi= angina,
(Fragrant Aromatic CAD)
Sandlewood) ▪ Moves and regulates Qi, relieves pain
▪ Harmonizes cold stagnation in middle jaio (pain, vomiting watery fluid)
WU YAO Warm, acrid LU, SP, KID, ▪ Promotes Qi movement
(Lindera Root) UB ▪ Relieves pain from cold in abdomen and liver channel
▪ Warms KID, dispels cold treat KID yang def, UB deficiency (prolaspe,
bedwetting)
XIANG FU Neutral, acrid, LIV, SJ ▪ Releases constraint of LIV Qi, Disperses Qi stagnation
(Rhizoma Cyprus) sl. bitter, sl. ▪ Harmonizes LIV/SP Disharmony (chronic gastritis, ulcers, hepatitis,
sweet cholecystitis, stones)
▪ Regulates menses, dissolves breast fibroids
XIE BAI Warm, acrid, LU, ST, LI ▪ Unblocks chest bi pain from blood obstructing HT channel
(Chinese chives) Bitter ▪Unblocks ST/LU yang Qi to promote Qi flow
▪ Disperses cold LU phlegm from retained cold-phlegm (wheezing,
dyspena)
▪ Directs Qi downward, reducing damp-heat stagnated in LI (dysentery,
bloat, diarrhea)
ZHI SHI Sl. cold, acrid, SP, ST, LI ▪ Unblocks SP/ST Qi stagnation
(Immature Bitter Bitter ▪ Relieves food retention
Orange) ▪ Unblocks bowels to release excess damp heat causing constipation
▪ Dissolves retained phlegm in lung and chest, relieving chest bi pain

STOPS PROPERTIE ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATIONS:

BLEEDING S:
AI YE Warm, acrid, SP, LIV, KID ▪ Stops bleeding: chronic menstrual bleeding from cold, infertility d/t cold in
(Mugwort/Moxa) bitter (3 yin womb
channels) ▪ Warms womb, Quiets fetus: restless fetus, LAP, vaginal bleeding
threating abortion
▪ Dispels cold, Alleviates pain: esp. cold menstrual pain, profuse dilute
leukorrhea
▪ Eliminates damp, Stops itching: eczema, recently calm wheeze
and cough
**excellent GYN herbs for lower burner yang cold and warm channel,
move qi/blood
BAI JI Sl. cold, acrid, LU, LIV, ST ▪ Stops LU/ST bleeding ***strongest to stop bleeding
(Bletilla Rhizome) bitter, sweet ▪ Stops bleeding from trauma
▪ Promotes healing of sores, esp. none healing sores, chapped, dry
skin
BAI MAO GEN Cold, sweet LU, ST, SI, ▪ Cools blood and stops bleeding
(Wooly Grass) UB ▪ Clears heat and promotes urination: treats painful heamturia
(UTI)**
▪ Clears LU/ST heat: nausea, thirst (ST heat), wheezing (LU heat)
CE BAI YE Sl. cold, acrid, LIV, LU, HT, ▪ Cools blood to strongly stop bleeding
(Biota Tress) bitter LI ▪ Stops cough: yellow phlegm heat/blood streaked sputum
(bronchitis)**
▪ Stops itching: used topically for alopecia or dandruff
▪ Heals burns, as a powder
DA JI Cool, sl. bitter, LIV, HT, SP ▪ Cools blood to stops bleeding: best treat hemataemesis,
(Big Japanese sweet hemoptysis
Thistle) ▪ Promotes healing, reduces swellings: treat carbuncles and
furuncles (boils)
▪ Benefits the gallbladder: jaundice, hepatitis, hypertension
DI YU Sl. cold, bitter, LIV, ST, LI ▪ Cools blood and stop bleeding: best lower jaio damp heat
(Bloodwort Root) sour ▪ Promotes healing, reduces swellings: sores, ulcers, burns,
eczema, burns, boils
HUAI HUA MI Sl. cold, bitter LIV, LI ▪ Cools blood to stops bleeding: best LI damp heat, esp.
(Pagoda Flower Bud) hemmroids
▪ Clears liver heat, Brightens eyes: treat red eyes, dizzy, bleeding
gums, HTN
PU HUANG Neutral, acrid, PC, LIV ▪ Stops bleeding: external from trauma or internal nose, mouth, intestines
(Cattail Pollen) pungent, sweet (LIV, HT, SP) or uterus
**astringent ▪ Invigorates blood, dispels stasis: chest pain (PC), menstrual pain
(LIV), trauma
▪ Promote urination: hot, painful, bloody urination
QIAN CAO GEN Cold, bitter HT, LIV ▪ Cools blood, stops bleeding: any bleeding chaotic movement hot
(Madder Root) **astringent blood, hematuria
▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis: chest/flank pain, trauma
SAN QI Warm, sl. bitter, ST, LIV, LI ▪ Stops bleeding w/out causing stasis: internal or external
(Pseudo Ginseng sweet bleeding**very powerful
Root) ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis: chest pain angina
▪ Reduce swelling, alleviate pain: trauma, boils
XIAN HE CAO Neutral, acrid, LIV, LU, SP ▪ Strongly stops bleeding: used any type of bleeding
(Immortal Crane bitter (cold/heat/excess/deficiency)
Herb) ▪ Stops chronic diarrhea: to relieves dysentery
▪ Kills parasites: expels tapeworms or trichomonas (yellow foamy foul
leukorrhea)
XIAO JI Cool, sweet LIV, HT, SP ▪ Cools blood to stops bleeding: best treats hematauria
(Little Japanese **function weaker than Da Ji
Thistle)
XUE YU TAN Neutral, acrid, HT, ST, LIV, ▪ Stops bleeding w/clots: esp. uterine bleeding w/ clots or nosebleeds
(Charred Human bitter KID ▪ Promotes urination: painful urine, esp. with blood in urine from KID yin
Hair) deficiency
▪ Generates flesh, Resolves sores: ulcered sores, or slow healing sores
ZONG LU Neutral, acrid, LU, SP, LIV, ▪ Stops bleeding w/out clots: hemoptysis, hematachezia, excess menses
TAN/PI bitter LI w/out clots
(Windmill Palm Tree)

INVIGORATE PROPERTIE ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: pain, numbness, mass/lumps,

BLOOD S: LIV trauma masses,
Dark purple bleeding with clots, dark purple spots skin, mucus
warm, acrid,
membranes, tongue
bitter
CHUAN SHAN Neutral, bitter, KID, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Unblocks menses
sweet ▪ Expels wind, Drains damp: lower back wind damp bi, atrophy
JIA
spasm LE, urine dribble
(Cyanthula root)
CHUAN warm, acrid PC, LIV, GB ▪ Invigorates blood, Promotes movement of Qi: esp. GYN disorders
▪ Expels wind and stops pain: chest, flank, hypochrondria, pelvis,
XIONG
wind-cold HA
(Lovage Root)
DAN SHEN sl. cold, bitter HT, PC, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels blood stasis: treat blood stasis
(Salvia Root) anywhere body**esp. GYN
▪ Nourish HT, Clears heat, Sooths irritability: esp. restless,
irritable, palpitation, insomnia
▪ Cools blood to reduce abscesses: adj. treat sores or early breast
abscesses
E ZHU warm, acrid, LIV, SP ▪ Breaks blood stasis, Promotes movement of Qi: abd/epigastric
(Curcuma bitter masses
Rhizome) ▪ Dissolves accumulation, Alleviates pain: pain distension, fullness
d/t food stagnation
FAN HONG Cold, sweet HT, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis, Unblocks menses
▪ Cools blood to resolves toxicity: maculopapular rash with high
HUA
fevers
(Saffron)
HONG HUA Warm, acrid HT, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis, Unblocks menses
JI XUE TENG warm, bitter, HT, LIV, SP ▪ Promotes movement and tonify blood: blood def. patterns with
(Spatholobus sweet abd. pain
Root) ▪ Relaxes sinews: back or knee pain, paralysis or numbness d/t blood
def. in elderly
JIANG HUANG warm, acrid, LIV, SP, ST ▪ Invigorates blood, Unblocks menses: chest or abd pain from cold
(Turmeric) bitter ▪ Promotes movement of Qi, Stops pain: epigastric or abd pain
from stagnated qi
▪ Expels wind, Promote movement of blood: wind damp bi, esp. in
shoulders
LIU JI NU Warm, bitter HT, SP ▪ Dispels blood stasis, Alleviates pain: stasis dt falls, fractures,
(Anomalous) contusions, strains
▪ Reduces food stagnation
MO YAO neutral, bitter HT, LIV, SP ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels blood stasis: pain, swelling,
(Myrrh) inflammation d/t trauma
▪ Reduces swellings to stop pain, Promotes healing: chronic non-
healing sores
NIU XI Neutral, bitter, KID, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis
(Acryranthis Root) sour ▪ Tonify LIV/KID to strengthen sinews/bones: LBP, knee pain dt
LIV/KID def.
▪ Induces downward move blood and fire: chaotic movement blood
 UJ or LIV yang rising
▪ Clears damp-heat lower jaio: damp bi knees/back, urine dribble
w/stones and LPB
RU XIANG warm, acrid, HT, LIV, SP ▪ Invigorates blood, Promotes movement Qi: chest, epigastric, abd
(Frankincense) bitter pain
▪ Reduces swellings to stop pain, generates flesh: traumatic
painful injuries, boils, ulcers ▪ Relaxes sinews: wind-
damp bi with rigidity and spasms
SAN LENG neutral, acrid, LIV, SP ▪ Forcefully breaks blood stasis, Promotes movement Qi:
(Burr Reed bitter amenorrhea d/t stasis
Rhizome) ▪ Dissolves accumulation, Alleviates pain: severe abd
pain/distension d/t food stag.
SHUI ZHI Neutral, bitter, UB, LIV ▪ Breaks up and drives out blood stasis: amenorrhea w/masses
(Leech) Salty, toxic ▪ Reduces fixed masses: abdominal or uterine masses
SU MU Neutral, acrid, HT, SP, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Alleviates pain and swelling: pain, swelling
(Sappan Wood) Salty, sweet from trauma
▪ Stops bleeding: excess post-partum bleeding w/dizziness, vertigo,
SOB
TAO REN Neutral, bitter, LU, HT, LI, ▪ Breaks blood stasis: lung/abdominal abscess with fixed abdominal
(Peach Kernal) sweet LIV mass
▪ Moistens Intestines to unblock bowels: constipation
WANG BU Neutral, bitter ST, LIV ▪ Promotes movement of blood, Invigorates Channel: promotes
XING lactation
▪ Reduces swelling: painful swollen breast or testes
(Vaccaria Seeds)
XUE JIE Neutral, salty, HT, LIV ▪ Dispel blood stasis, Alleviate pain: stasis dt falls, fractures,
(Dragons Blood) Sweet contusions, sprains
▪ Stop bleeding: external bleeding injuries, internal upper GI bleeding
YAN HU SUO warm, acrid, HT, LIV, ST ▪ Invigorates blood, Promotes movement Qi: used all types pain
(Corydalis) bitter (aspirin herb**)
▪ Alleviates pain: esp. epigastric pain, dysmenorrhea; **main herb
treat any type of pain
YI MU CAO sl. cold, acrid, HT, LIV, UB ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis: all types of OB/GYN disorders
(Chinese bitter ▪ Promotes urination, Reduces swelling: acute edema, esp. if also
Motherwort) have blood in urine
YU JIN cold, acrid, bitter HT, LIV, LU ▪ Invigorates blood, Promotes movement Qi: chronic sores,
(Curcuma Tuber) traumatic injuries
▪ Stops pain, Resolves constraints: esp. LIV Qi stagnation with heat
s/s
▪ Clears heat, Cools blood: reckless bleeding, nosebleed with onset
on menses
▪ Clears heart, Opens Orifices: hot phlegm obstructing HT
w/anxiety, agitation, delirium
▪ Sooths LIV/GB: treat jaundice
ZE LAN Warm, acrid, SP, LIV ▪ Invigorates blood, Dispels stasis
(Bugleweed) bitter ▪ Promotes urination: post-partum edema, urine dribble, facial edema

WARM AND PROPERTIES ORGAN: ACTION/INDICATIONS: disperse interior cold and stimulate
EXPEL COLD : SP, ST yang qi
Acrid, bitter, **caution: injure fluids, in cases heat, blood loss, yin deficiency,
warm weak patients
DING XIANG Warm, acrid SP, ST, KID ▪ Warms middle, Directs rebellious Qi downward: abd. pain,
(Clove) vomiting, hiccups
▪ Warms KID Yang: impotence, clear vaginal d/c with weak legs
(womb cold)
FU ZI hot, acrid, toxic HT, SP, KID ▪ Revives yang, Rescues rebellion: following severe vomiting,
(Aconite) (pure yang) (3 burners) diarrhea, sweating
▪ Warm fire , Assists yang: HT, SP or KID Yang def. **esp. with
interior cold
▪ Warm the channel, Disperse cold to stop pain: wind-cold bi,
cold blocking organs
**greats anytime yang need to be activated or mobilized
GAN JIANG hot, acrid LU, HT, SP, ▪ Rescues yang, Expels interior cold
(Ginger) ST ▪ Warms middle, Expels cold: excess cold SP/ST or yang qi
deficiency
▪ Warm lung, Transforms thin mucosa: lung cold with thin,
watery white sputum
▪ Warms channel, Stops bleeding: pale, chronic bleeding, esp.
uterine
GAO LIANG Hot, acrid SP, ST ▪ Warms middle, Stops pain: abd pain, vomiting, hiccups,
JIANG diarrhea
(Galanga)
HUA JIAO Hoy, acrid, toxic SP, ST, KID ▪ Warms middle, Disperses cold, Stops pain: abd pain,
(Sichuan Pepper) vomiting, diarrhea
▪ Kills parasites causing abdominal pain
ROU GUI hot, acrid, sweet HT, LIV, SP, ▪ Warms KID Yang: cold, weak back/knees, impotence, polyuria,
(Cinnamon) KID nocturia
▪ Warms SP Yang: loss appetite, diarrhea w/undigested food
▪ Warms HT Yang: chest pain with slow pulse
▪ Disperses deep cold, Warms and unblocks channels, Stops
pain:
cold in LIV channel causing dys/amenorrhea, cold damp bi, yin sores
w clear fluid
▪ Leads fire back to source: flushed face, wheeze, severe sweat,
cold limbs
▪ Encourages generation of Qi/Blood: treat chronic qi/bld
deficiency
WU ZHU YU hot, acrid, bitter, LIV, SP, ST ▪ Warm middle, Disperse cold, Promotes movement Qi,
(Evodia Fruit) toxic Stops Pain:
LIV/ST cold HA, epigastric pain, nausea**, drooling, hernia, reduce
taste
▪ Redirects rebellion down, Stops vomiting
▪ Warms SP, Stops diarrhea: cold diarrhea d/t SP def.
▪ Expels cold damp: cold damp leg qi
▪ Leads fire down: tongue ulcers, powder placed in middle sole of
foot
**best warming LIV/ST to stop nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
XIAO HUI Warm, acrid LIV, SP, ST, ▪ Disperse cold, Warms LIV/KID, Stops pain: lower burner cold,
LIV hernia**
XIANG
▪ Regulates Qi, Harmonizes ST: treat ST cold with pain, indigest,
(Fennel)
vomit, lack appetite
TONIFY QI PROPERTIES: ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: SP/LU Qi deficiencies b/c they are
sweet, SP, LU involved in extraction of Qi from food and air and transforming qi in the
body.
BAI ZHU Warm, bitter, SP, ST ▪ Strengthen SP/ST Qi, Dries Damp: treat Sp Qi deficiency with
(Atractylodes sweet damp obstructing
Rhizoma) ▪ Promotes water metabolism: treat edema, damp bi obstruction
▪ Stabilzes exterior, Stops sweating: treat spontaneous sweating
▪ Calms fetus
DA ZAO Warm, sweet SP, ST ▪ Strengthen SP Qi: treat SP Qi deficiency
(Chinese Date) ▪ Nourishes blood, Calms spirit: treat irritability, emotionally labile
d/t restless organ
▪ Moderates toxicities of other herbs
DANG SHEN Neutral, sweet LU, SP ▪ Strengthen SP Qi: treat SP Qi deficiency
(Codonopsis Root) ▪ Strengthen LU Qi: treat LU Qi deficiency with chronic cough or
copious sputum
GAN CAO Neutral, sweet LU, HT, SP, ▪ Stregnthens SP Qi: treat SP Qi deficiency with palpitations or
(Licorice Root) ST irregular pulse
**all ▪ Moistens lungs, Stops cough: treat heat or cold causing
12channel unproductive cough
▪ Moderates spasms, Stops pain: painful abdomen or leg spasms
▪ Clears heat, Resolves fire toxins: treat boils, sore throat
(unprepared form)
▪ Moderates toxicities of other herbs
HUANG JING Neutral, sweet LU, SP, KID ▪ Strengthens SP Qi and Yin: treat SP Qi/Yin deficiency
(Polygonatum ▪ Enriches Yin, Moistens lungs: treat all types dry cough d/t qi and
Rhizoma) yin deficiency
▪ Treats exhausted KID essence: LBP, weak knees, lightheaded, DM
HUANG QI Warm, sweet LU, SP ▪ Strengthei and Blood: treat post-partum fever, uterine bleeding
(Astragalus Root) **strongly ▪ Strengthen SP Qi, Raises Yang: treat prolaspe, bearing down
ascending sensation
▪ Stabilizes exterior, Stops sweating: treat def. w/spontaneous
sweating
▪ Promotes urination, Reduces edema
▪ Promotes discharge of pus, Generates flesh: treat chronic ulcers
and sores
REN SHEN Warm, bitter, LU, SP ▪ Powerfully tonify primordial Qi of yin organs: collapse of qi
(Ginseng) sweet w/minute pulse
▪ Strengthen SP/ST Qi: treat SP/ST Qi deficiency
▪ Strengthen LU Qi: treat LU Qi deficiency
▪ Generates fluids, Stops thirst: treat DM, fever injuring fluids,
profuse sweating
▪ Benefits HT Qi, Calms spirit: palpitations w/anxiety, insomnia,
restlessness
SHAN YAO Neutral, sweet LU, SP, KID ▪ Strengthen SP/ST Qi and Yin: treat SP Qi/Yin deficiency
(Chinese Yam) ▪ Strengthen LU Qi and Yin: treat chronic cough or wheeze
▪ Strengthen KID, Secures essence: treat DM, spermatorrhea,
polyuria, vaginal d/c
TAI ZI SHEN Neutral, bitter, LU, SP ▪ Strengthen SP Qi: treat SP Qi deficiency
(Pseudostellaria sweet ▪ Generates fluids: treat thirst from severe febrile disease or
Root) summerheat

TONIFY PROPERTIES ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: treat blood def, often combined herbs
BLOOD : HT, SP, LIV tonify yin and/or qi. Herbs cloying so can cause indigestion
sweet  combine with stomach strengthening herb
BAI SHAO Cold, bitter, sour SP, LIV ▪ Nourish blood, Regulates menses: treat irregular menses
(White Peony Root) ▪ Calms LIV Yang rising, Stops pain: treat flank/chest/abd pain from
stagnate LIV Qi
▪ Preserves yin, Adjusts nutritive and protective levels
DANG GUI warm, acrid, HT, SP, LIV ▪ Tonify blood, Regulate menses: treat bld def w/irregular menses,
(Angelica Root) sweet dys/amenorrhea
▪ Invigorates blood, Disperses cold: stop pain dt blood stasis from
cold
▪ Moistens intestines and unblocks bowels: treat constipation
w/bld def.
▪ Reduces swelling, Expels pus, Generates flesh, Stops pain:
 treat sores, abscesses
▪ Treats cough, very weak in this function
E JAIO Neutral, sweet LU, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify blood: treat bld def, used stand alone melted in white rice
(Donkey Hide ▪ Nourish blood, Stops bleeding: treat any bleeding esp. blood in
Gelatin) stool, excessive menses
▪ Nourish and moisten yin: treat yin def. in aftermath of fever
GOU QI ZI Neutral, sweet LU, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID: treat LIV/KID yin and blood deficiency
(Wolfberry) ▪ Benefits essence, Brightens eyes: treat dizziness, blurry or
decrease vision
▪ Nourishes yin, Moistens lungs: treat consumptive cough and DM
LONG YAN Warm, sweet HT, SP ▪ Tonify HT/SP, Nourish blood, Calm spirit: treat HT/SP def. asso.
ROU pensive or overwor
SANG SHEN Cold, sweet HT, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify blood, Nourish yin: treat dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, dry
(mulberry Fruit) mouth, thirst
▪ Moistens Intestines: treat constipation from blood def.
SHU DI Warm, sweet HT, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify blood: treat bld def. w/irregular menses and no signs of stasis
HUANG ▪ Nourish yin: treat LIV/KID yin def.
▪ Nourish blood, Tonify essence: treat delayed growth, premature
(Chinese Foxglove)
aging, graying hair
▪ Treats diabetes: esp. lower burner wasting and thirsting
ZHI HE SHOU Warm, bitter, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID, Nourish blood, Augment essence: treat LIV/KID
WU astringent, sweet yin or blood deficiency
▪ Expels wind in skin by nourishing blood: treat eczema from blood
(Fleece Flower
deficiency
Root)

TONIFY PROPERTIES: CHANNE ACTIONS/INDICATION: used KID, SP, HT yang def. but primarily
YANG Warm, salty, LS KID,
sweet LIV, KID There herbs are warm, drying so can injure yin  use caution in yin
deficiency and fire
BA JI TIAN warm, acrid, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, not overly drying
(Morinda Root) sweet ▪ Strengthens sinews and bones, Expel wind cold damp
**moist, soft nature
BU GU ZHI Very warm, SP, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence:
(Psoralea Fruit) acrid, bitter, ▪ Warms SP Yang, Stops diarrhea
**astringent
DONG CHONG Warm, sweet LU, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang
XIA re ▪ Tonify LU Yin, Stops bleeding: chronic def. cough, cough blood
streaked sputum
(Cordyceps)
DU ZHONG Warm, acrid, LIV, KID ▪Tonify LIV/KID Yang
(Eucommia Bark) sweet ▪ Strengthen sinew and bones, aids flow qi/blood: treat weakness
of tendons/bones
▪ Calms fetus
GE JIE Neutral, salty LU, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence
(Gecko) ▪ Tonify LU Qi, **relieves wheeze/cough by increasing KID ability grasp
Qi
GOU JI Warm, bitter, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID: treat wind cold damp with underlying LIV/KID
(Chain Fern) sweet deficiency
▪ Strengthen sinews and bone, Expel wind cold damp in LP and
knees
GU SUI BU Warm, bitter LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang: best for tinnitus, deafness, teeth loss
(Drynaria Rhizoma) ▪ Reconnects sinews and bone: treat ligment injuries or simple
fractures
▪ Stimulates growth hair
HAI LONG Warm, salty, KID ▪Tonify KID Yang: impotence and lack of energy in elderly
(Pipe-Fish) sweet ▪ Reduce swelling, Dissipates nodules: treat scrofula
HAI MA Warm, salty, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang: impotence and lack of energy in elderly
(Sea Hoarse) sweet ▪ Invigorate blood, relieves stasis: bleeding and pain, delayed labor,
boils, abd masses
HAI SHEN Warm, salty HT, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence: impotence, nocturnal emissions,
(Sea urine frequency
Cucumber/Slug) ▪ Moistens Intestines
HU TAO REN Warm, sweet LU, LI, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Strengthen lower back and knees
(walnut) **oily, moist nature ▪ Strengthen sinews and bones
▪ Tonify LU Qi: chronic cough worse with exertion dt KID not grasping Qi
▪ Moistens intestines
LU JIAO Warm, salty LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang: **can substitute for Lu Rong
(Deer Antler Slices) **cloying ▪ Invigorates blood, Reduces swellings: blood stasis in LB, breast
abscess, toxic sores
LU JAIO JAIO Warm, sweet, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence
salty ▪ Stops uterine bleeding: **stops all types bleeding
LU JIAO Warm, salty LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence
**cloying ▪ Tonify blood, Stops bleeding: treat essence deficiency w/uterine
SHUANG
(Deer Antler bleeding
Gelatin)
LU RONG Warm, salty, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence: esp. children physical/mental
(Deer Antler sweet developmental do’s
Velvet) **strongest lu tonic ▪ Strength sinews and bones: growth delays, skeletal deformities,
**cloying non-healing fractures
▪ Warms Du, Ren, Chong, Dai Mai, Augments Marrow: uterine
bleed, infertility dt cold
▪ Nourish Qi and Blood: chronic non-healing yin sores, non-healing
fractures
ROU CONG Warm, salty, LI, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence: esp. infertility dt cold
RONG sweet ▪ Moisten Intestines
**moist, oily nature
(Cistanche)
SHA YUAN ZI Warm, sweet LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence, **better than Tu Si Zi
(Astragalus Seed) ▪ Nourish LIV, Improve vision
TU SI ZI Neutral, acrid, LIV, KID ▪Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence and urine
(Chinese Dodder sweet ▪ Nourish LIV/KID Yin, Improves vision,**better than Sha Yuan Zi
Seed) **tonify yin and ▪ Benefits SP, Stops diarrhea
yang without being ▪ Calm fetus
cloying
XIAN MAO Hot, acrid, toxic KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang
(Curculigo) (**harsh, drying) ▪ Expels wind cold damp: esp. cold abdominal pain or low back pain
XU DUAN Warm, acrid, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID Yang
(Japanese Teasel bitter, sweet ▪ Reconnects sinews and bones, moves blood, stops pain: LB/knee
Root) pain from trauma
▪ Calm fetus, Stops leakage: restless fetus, uterine bleeding or
leukorrhea
YANG QI SHI Warm, salty KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang
▪ Warms womb and lower burner: impotence, spermat., infertility,
bleeding dt cold
YI ZHI REN Warm, acrid, SP, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang, Secures essence and urine
(Black Cardamon) **astringent ▪ Warms SP Yang, Stops diarrhea, Controls salivation
YIN YANG Warm, acrid, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID Yang
HUO sweet ▪ Dispel wind cold damp: spasms, cramps, numbness or hemiplegia
**very drying nature following windstroke
(Epimedium)
ZI HE CHE Warm, salty, LU, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID Yang, Augment essence, **very powerful tonify yin,
(Human Placenta) sweet yang, qi, blood
▪ Tonify LU Qi: esp. wheezing used between attacks or chronic cough
▪ Augments Qi and Blood: emaciation, pallor, streaming bone after
fever or major illness

TONIFY YIN PROPERTIES CHANNEL ACTIONS/INDICATION: Tonify yin, nourish, enrich and moisten
: S: the body.
cold, sweet, LU, ST, LIV, **don’t use with SP/ST deficiency, obstructive damp/phlegm,
moist KID distension or diarrhea
BAI HE Cold, bitter, LU, HT ▪ Nourish LU, Clears heat, Stops cough: esp. chronic cough
(Lily Bulb) sweet ▪ Clears HT, Calms spirit: low fever, insomnia, restless, irritable,
palpitations
BIE JIA Cold, salty SP, LIV ▪ Strongly Nourish Yin: steaming bone, consumption with night
(Chinese Turtle) **heavy sweats
▪ Heavily Anchors Yang: vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, face spasms,
limb tremors
▪ Invigorates blood, Promotes menses: blood stasis chest/flank
with pain and amenorr.
▪ Dissipates nodules: malaria with palpable masses
▪ Unblocks and aids in function blood vessels: good in children
w/issue of clumping
GUI BAN Cold, salty, sweet HT, LIV, KID ▪ Strongly Nourish Yin: steaming bone, consumption w/night sweats
**pure yin
(Fresh Water Turtle) ▪ Anchors Yang: vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, face spasms, limb tremors
▪ Nourish KID Yin, Strengthens bones: failure fontanels to close,
skeletal deformities
▪ Stabilize Ren and Chong: red/white vaginal discharge ,
spermatorrhea
▪ Cools blood, Stops uterine bleeding: excess menses from chaotic
hot blood
▪ Nourish HT Blood: anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness
▪ Treat non-healing sores and ulcers
HAN LIAN Cold, sour, sweet LIV, KID ▪ Nourish LIV/KID Yin: dizziness, vertigo, blurry vision, grey hair,
CAO (not in book) weak LB/legs
▪ Cools blood, Stops bleeding: all types reckless bleeding from heat
(Eclipta)
LUO HAN GAO Cool, sweet LU, SP, LI ▪ Nourish LU, Clears heat, Stops cough: dry cough w/blood
(Momordia Fruit) (not in book) streaked sputum
▪ Generates fluids to stop thirst: from summerheat; eat often in
summer time
▪ Moistens intestines
MAI MEN cold, bitter, LU, HT, ST ▪ Nourish LU Yin: hacking dry cough or cough w/thick sputum hard
DONG sweet expectorate
▪ Nourish ST Yin, Generates fluids: dry mouth
(Opiopogon Tuber)
▪ Clears HT, Eliminates irritability : irritability from yin deficiency
▪ Moistens Intestines: constipation, dry mouth, irritability
NU ZHEN ZI Cool, bitter, LIV, KID ▪ Nourish LIV/KID Yin: dizziness, floaters, sore LB, premature
(Privet Fruit) sweet graying, tinnitus
▪ Clears heat from deficiency: internal heat from yin deficiency
▪ Improves vision: decrease vision
**best herb for LIV/KID Yin deficiency
SANG JI SHEN Neutral, bitter LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID Yin
(Mulberry (not in book) ▪ Nourish sinews and bone, Expel wind-damp: elderly with chronic
Mistletoe) LB/knee pain
▪ Nourish blood: dry scaly skin
▪ Calms fetus
SHA SHEN cold, bitter, LU, ST ▪ Nourish LU Yin, Clears LU heat: dry mouth, thirst, dry cough
(Adenophorae sweet ▪ Nourish ST Yin, Generates fluids: dry mouth, thirst, irritability
Root) **heavy, greasy

SHI HU cold, salty, bland, ST, KID ▪ Nourish KID Yin, Clears Def. heat: low grade fever, dry throat,
(Dendrobium) sweet red tongue no coat
▪ Nourish ST Yin, Generates fluids: dry mouth, severe thirst,
intractable fever ▪ Augments essence,
Brightens vision: decrease vision, dizziness, weak LB/legs
**best herb nourish ST yin, expel deficiency heat, treat injury to fluids
after fever
TIAN MEN very cold, bitter, LU, KID ▪ Nourish LU Yin, Clears LU heat: dry mouth, dry cough w/blood
DONG sweet streaked sputum
▪ Nourish KID Yin: wasting and thirsting in all 3 jaios, consumptive
(Asparagus Tuber)
diease
▪ Generates fluids: constipation from dryness
XI YANG SHEN cold, bitter, LU, HT, KID ▪ Nourish LU Qi/Yin, Clears LU fire: chronic wheeze, cough w/blood
(American sweet streamed fluids
Ginseng) ▪ Nourish Qi/Yin, Generates fluids: post-fever w/weakness,
irritability, thirst
YU ZHU Cold, sweet LU, ST ▪ Nourish LU/ST Yin: cough, dry throat, irritable, thirst
(Scented Solomon ▪ Moistens dryness: steaming bone, wasting and thirst w/intense
Root) hunger and constip.
▪ Extinguishes wind: dizziness d/t internal wind, external wind-heat
▪ Moistens sinews: pain, spasms from insufficient fluids
STABLIZE & PROPERTIES CHANNE ACTIONS/INDICATION: discharge of substances or prolapses
BIND: : LS caused by old age, chronic disease, weak primal qi or improper use
sour, astringent purgative or dispersing herbs
“keeps fluids in”
**only treat manifestions, must be combined to treat root of do (usually
deficiency)
**CI exterior disorder not resolved, dampness or heat

BAI GUO neutral, sweet, LU, KID ▪ Stops wheeze: chronic cough with wheeze and copious sputum
(Ginkgo Biloba) bitter, astringent, ▪ Stops discharge and leakage, Dispels damp: vaginal discharge,
TOXIC turbid urination
CHI SHI ZHI warm, salty, SP, ST, LI ▪ Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea w/undigest food dt cold, dysentery
(Hallosite) sweet, astringent w/bld and mucous
▪ Stops bleeding: uterine bleeding, excess menses, bloody stool,
trauma bleeding (topically)
▪ Heals wounds: topically for non-healing ulcers, weeping damp sores,
prolaspe rectum
FU PEN ZI neutral, sweet, LIV, KID ▪ Secures essence, Contains urine: frequency, enuresis, impotence,
(Chinese astringent wet dreams
Raspberry) ▪ Improves vision: poor vision w/sore LB and knees dt LIV/KID
deficiency
FU XIAO MAI cool, salty, sweet HT ▪ Stops sweating: night sweats, spontaneous sweating, sweaty palm
(conserves the HT)
HAI PIAO warm, salty, ST, LIV, KID ▪ Stops bleeding: all types of bleeding, esp. from deficiency
XIAO astringent ▪ Secures essence: nocturnal emissions, pre-ejaculation, esp. vaginal
discharge***
(Cuttlefish Bone)
▪ Controls acidity, Stops pain: epigastric pain, acid regurg., diarrhea
w/naval pain
▪ Heals wounds, Dispels Damp: chronic non-healing skin ulcers,
damp rashes
HE ZI neutral, bitter, LU, ST, LI ▪ Stops cough, Benefits throat: chronic cough/wheeze with aphasia
(Myrobalan Fruit) sour, astringent ▪ Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea, dysentery
JIN YING ZI neutral, sour, KID, UB, LI ▪ Secures essence, Contains urine: spermatorrhea, vaginal
(Cherokee astringent discharge, incontinence
Rosehips) ▪ Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea, dysentary
LIAN XU neutral, sweet, HT, LIV, KID ▪ Secures essence: wet dreams, spermatorrhea, premature ejacul.
(Lotus Stamen) astringent (thin watery semen)
▪ Stops bleeding: very mild effect use with other herbs
LIAN ZI neutral, sweet, HT, SP, KID ▪ Tonify KID, Stabilizes essence: pre-mature ejaculation,
(Lotus Seed) astringent spermatorrhea
▪ Tonify SP, Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea, loose appetite dt SP
deficiency
▪ Calm Spirit: palpitations, anxiety, irritability, imsomina dt HT/KID
disharmony
MAN HUANG neutral, sweet LU ▪ Stops sweating: night sweats, spontaneous sweats, post-partum
GEN sweating
QIAN SHI neutral, sweet, SP, KID ▪ Tonify SP, Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea dt SP Qi deficiency –esp.
(Euryale Seeds) astringent in children
▪ Secures essence: natural emissions, premature ejacul.,
spermatorrhea, incontinence
▪ Stops discharge, Dispels damp: vaginal discharge dt SP/KID
deficiency or damp-heat
ROU DOU KOU warm, spicy/acrid SP, ST, LI ▪ Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea or daybreak diarrhea dt SP/KID
(Nutmeg Seed) disharmony
▪ Warms middle, Moves Qi, Stop pain: abdominal pain and
distension from SP/ST cold
SANG PIAN neutral, salty, LIV, KID ▪ Tonify KID, Secures essence: nocturnal emissions w/out dreams,
XIAO sweet impotence
▪ Contains urine: dribbling, frequency, esp. enuresis in children***
(Mantis Egg Case)
SHAN ZHU YU Sl. warm, sour LIV, KID ▪ Tonify LIV/KID: lightheadness, dizziness, sore LB/knees, impotence
(Cherry Fruit) ▪ Secures essence: frequency, incontinence, spermatorrhea, excess
sweating
▪ Stops sweating, Treats Collapse: excess sweating esp. w/yang and
qi collapse (shock)
▪ Stops uterine bleeding
SHI LIU PI warm, sour, ST, LI ▪ Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea dt cold, dysentery, rectal prolapse
(Pomegranate TOXIC, astringent ▪ Kills parasites
Husk)
WU BEI ZI cold, sour, salty LU, LI, KID▪ Stops cough: chronic cough dt LU deficiency
(Gallnut) ▪ Stop diarrhea: chornic diarrhea, dysentery, blood in stool, rectal
prolaspe
▪ Secures and Restrains: for any type of leakage******
▪ Reduces swelling, Resolves toxicity: topically for damp sores, scar
tissue
WU MEI Warm, sour, LU, SP, LIV, ▪ Stops cough: chronic cough dt LU Qi deficiency
(Mume Fruit) astringent LI ▪ Stops diarrhea: chronic diarrhea, dysentery or blood in the stool
▪ Stops bleeding: used in charred form for anus, uterine or vaginal
bleeding
▪ Stops thirst, Generates fluids: thirst from yin deficiency or wasting
and thirsting
▪ Expels round worm, Stops pain: abdominal pain w/vomiting of
roundworms
WU WEI ZI warm, sour, LU, HT, KID ▪ Stops cough: chronic cough/wheeze dt LU Qi deficiency
(Schisandra Fruit) sweet ▪ Secures essence: nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhea, vaginal dc,
frequency
▪ Stops diarrhea: daybreak diarrhea from SP/KID deficiency
▪ Stops sweating, Generates fluids: excess sweating w/thirst or dry
throat
▪ Calms spirit: irritability, palpitations, d-d sleep, insomnia dt HT/KID
disharmony
YIN GOU YE Neutral, bitter, LU ▪ Stops wheeze
sweet, astringent ▪ Relieves chest oppression and pain
YING SU KE neutral, sour, LU, KID, LI ▪ Stops Cough: chronic cough dt LU Qi deficiency or KID not grasping
(Opium Poppy astringent, TOXIC the Qi
Husk) ▪ Stabilize lower burner: spermatorrhea, seminal emissions, vaginal
discharge, polyuria
▪ Stops pain: treat all types of pain***esp. abdominal, sinews and
bones
YU YU LIANG neutral, sweet, ST, LI ▪ Stop diarrhea: esp. to point of incontinence
(Limonite) astringent, ▪ Controls bleeding: chronic vaginal discharge or uterine bleeding
**heavy

CALM THE PROPERTIES: ORGAN ACTION/INDICATIONS: treat disturbed spirit with s/s: of
SPIRIT Neutral, sweet HT, LIV irritability, insomnia, palpitations with anxiety, insanity caused by jing
or overwork leads HT/LIV def.
**these herbs treat symptoms, always combine with herb treat underlying
cause (root)
SUBSTANCE ANCHOR, SETTLE AND CALM SPIRIT
▪ Minerals and shells with a function related to weight and density to calm spirit, descend rising LV yang, descend
rebellious LU Qi and ST Qi
▪ Caution: minerals can injure ST Qi causing indigestion and loss of appetite  Combine w/herb nourish SP/ST, only take
for short time
HU PO Neutral, sweet HT, LIV, UB ▪ Stops palpitations: palpitations with anxiety, excess dreams,
(Amber) **enters blood insomnia, forgetfulness
level (drain) · Stops tremors: seizures from disturbed spirit and childhood
seizures
▪ Dispels blood stasis, Unblocks menses: amenorrhea or pain
w/palpable masses
▪ Unblocks painful urinary dribble: urine retention or dribble esp.
with blood
▪ Promotes healing, Reduces swellings: topically for ulcers,
swelling scrotum/vulva
LONG GU Neutral, sweet, HT, LIV, KID ▪ Settle anxiety: restless, insomnia w/d-d sleep, palpitations,
(Dragon bone) astringent anxiety
▪ Anchors floating yang: irritability, dizziness, blurry vision, bad
temper, seizures
▪ Prevents leakage of fluids (Stabilize Dai Mai): sweat,
discharges, uterine bleeding
NOURISH HEART, CALMS SPIRIT : **mild tonifying herbs with few side effect
▪ Plants with sweet, moist properties that Nourish HT/LIV, Tonify Blood, Tonify Yin to calm the spirit with s/s of malaise,
palp., irritability, insomnia
▪ Sour –contracts to treat expansion of spirit with s/s excessive laughter, hyperactivity, mania
▪ Acrid –spreads and disperses to treat contraction of spirit with s/s constraint, depression
BAI ZI REN Neutral, sweet HT, KID, LI ▪ Nourishes HT Yin/Blood: irritability, insomnia, forgetful,
(Biota seed) **very gentle, moist palpitations, night terrors
▪ Moistens intestines: constipation in elderly and post-partum from
yin/blood def.
▪ Treats night sweats: from yin deficiency
HE HUAN PI Neutral, sweet HT, LIV ▪ Relieves LIV Qi constraint: bad temper, depression, insomnia,
(Silktree bark) irritability, poor mem.
▪ Harm. blood, Stops pain, Reconnects sinews/bones: pain from
trauma or fractures
▪ Reduces abscesses, Dispel swelling: external, internal abscess,
esp. LU abscesses
SUAN ZAO Neutral, sweet, HT, SP, LIV, ▪ Nourishes HT Yin/LIV Blood: irritability, insomnia, palpitations w/
REN sour GB anxiety
▪ Prevents abnormal sweating: spontaneous sweat, night sweats
(Sour Jujube seed)
▪ Generates fluids: thirst from yin deficiency (sour)
YUAN ZHI Warm, acrid, LU, HT ▪ Nourish HT Qi/Yang: insomnia, palp. w/anxiety, restless dt
(Polygala root) bitter COMBO: constrained emotions
**disseminates, drains, ▪ Establish HT/KID Disharmony: frees HT Qi, guides KID Qi up to
unblocks, thusts
outward, assist free
communicate w/HT
movement Qi ▪ Expels HT phlegm, Clear orifices: shen disturbance, epilepsy,
catatonia, stupor
▪ Expels LU phlegm, Stop cough: copious sputum difficult to
expectorate
▪ Reduces abscesses, Dispels swelling: boils, sores, swollen
painful breast

OPEN PROPERTIES: ORGAN ACTIONS/INDICATIONS: pathogenic influences causing phlegm

ORFICES Aromatic, acrid to envelop the heart or close the orifices causes spirit to be locked up
leads delirium, coma
▪ Closed disorders –pathogen invades orifices causing the spirit to be “locked-up” or “closed”
1) Hot Closed do –warm pathogen enters nutritive level; s/s: delirium, irritability, convulsion, red face, heavy
breathing (meningitis, infection)
2) Cold Closed do –cold pathogen enters nutritive level; s/s: ashen, blue face, sudden collapse, foaming of mouth
(strokes, poisonings)
▪ Caution: -aromatic herbs are scattering and can injures source Qi; use for short time, Treat manifestations not root of
disease so combine
-do not use aromatic herbs to treat abandoned patterns –LOC from deficiency, **always as a pill/powder
except She Xiang Pu
BING PIAN Cold, acrid, bitter LU, HT, SP ▪ Opens orifices, Restore LOC: PC heat invades PC w/LOC or
(Borneol-menthol) summerheat stroke LOC
▪ Clears toxic heat, Drains fire: topically for ulcers mouth, tongue,
throat, deafness
▪ Clears eyes, Removes superficial obstruction: red, swollen,
tearing eyes (conjtivis)
▪ Stops pain and itching: sores, boils, skin disease, sore throat,
canker sores, toothache
SHE XIANG Warm, acrid, HT, LIV, SP ▪ Vigorously opens orifices, Restore LOC: heat invades PC
(Deer musk aromatic w/delirium, epilepsy, LOC
secretions) **very intensely ▪ Moves blood, Dispel clumps: boils, hematomas, insect bites, fixed
piercing aromatic palpable masses
prop ▪ Stops pain: pain from trauma, chest bi pain (topically over UB15 for
angina)
▪ Dispels dead fetus: facilitates downward passage of dead fetus or
placenta
SHI CHANG Warm-gently, acrid, HT, ST ▪ Opens orifices, Expels phlegm: coma, seizures dt phlegm-damp
PU bitter, aromatic obstructing HT
▪ Expels phlegm blocking ascent yang: dizziness, deaf, poor
(Sweet Flag
memory, blunted affect
Rhizome)
▪ Harmonize SP, Promotes digestion: chest/abd distension,
stomachache dt cold damp
▪ Expel wind cold damp: topically for cold wind damp bi, joint pain,
arthritis
▪ Reduces swellings: topically for scabies
SU HE XIANG Warm, acrid, HT, SP ▪ Opens orifice, Expels turbid filth: wind stroke collapse, coma,
(Styrax-Liquid sweet, aromatic seizures dt cold phlegm
Amber) ▪ Opens constraint, Stops pain: abdominal or chest bi pain from
cold phlegm

STOPS WIND/ PROPERTIES ORGAN: ACTIONS/INDICATION: interior wind from pathogenic changes of
STOP : LIV, KID LIV or KID such as LIV/KID Yin deficiency, LIV yang rising,
TREMORS cold or warm, Blood deficiency, High fevers
drying
BAI JIANG Neutral, acrid, LU, LIV ▪ Stops Spasm, Convulsions: childhood convulsion, facial paralysis
CAN salty ▪ Dispels Wind-Heat, Stop Pain: HA, toothache, red eyes, sore
**drying nature to swollen throat**, aphasia
(Silkworm) transform phlegm,
damp
▪ Stops Itch: itchy skin lesion dt wind-heat or LIV wind
▪ Transforms Phlegm, Softens Hard Masses: scrofula and other
phlegm-heat nodules
**externally for mastitis, burn it hold fingers in smoke to thicken soft, brittle
finger nails
BAI/CI JI LI Neutral, acrid, LIV ▪ Calms LIV, Anchors Yang: HA, vertigo, dizziness
(Caltrop Fruit) bitter ▪ Smooth LIV Qi, Dispels Clumps: flank distension, irregular menses,
**light weight difficult lactation
▪ Dispels Wind-Heat, Improves Vision: red, swollen painful eyes,
excess tearing
▪Dispels Wind, Stops Itch: any skin lesions with intense itching i.e.
hives
DAI ZHE SHI Cold, bitter LIV, HT, PC ▪ Clears LIV fire, Subdues Yang: rising LIV fire/yang with dizziness,
(Hematite) **heavy tinnitus, deafness
▪ Strongly Descends Rebellious Qi: belching, vomiting, hiccups,
wheeze (LIV fire attacking)
▪ Cools blood, Stops bleeding: vomiting blood, nose bleeds
DI LONG Cold, salty LIV, LU, SP, ▪ Stops Spasms, Convulsions: high fever causing delrium, incoherent
**downward directing UB speech, convulsions
(Earthworm) nature –move and
perice
▪ Clear heat, Unblocks channels: cold or heat damp bi, hemiplegia,
painful urination
▪ Stops wheeze: esp. lung heat
GOU TENG Cold, sweet LIV, PC ▪ Stops Spasms: liver heat stirring wind causing tremors, childhood
**light, clearing, **PC governs seizures, eclampsia
(Uncaria Vine) draining nature good fire
exterior wind
▪ Drains LIV heat, Subdues Yang: rising LIV fire/yang with HA, red
eyes, dizziness, HTN
▪ Releases Exterior: wind-heat invasion w/ fever, child, red eyes, sore
throat, HA
LING YANG Cold, salty LIV, HT ▪ Stops Spasms, Convulsions: childhood convulsions from high
JIAO fevers
▪ Anchors LIV Yang: dizziness, vertigo, irritability, splitting HA, HTN
(Antelope Horn)
▪ Improves Vision: red, swollen eyes, photophobia
▪ Drains heat, Resolves fire toxins: warm heat pathogens causing
high fever, mania, LOC
▪ Clears Damp-Heat: wind-damp heat bi
LOU BU MA Cool, bitter, LIV ▪ Clear LIV heat, Subdues Yang: rising LIV fire/yang with HA, red
(Dogbane Leaf) sweet eyes, dizziness, HTN
▪ Nourish HT, Calm Spirit: insomnia, palpitation, generalizes
nervousness
▪ Promotes urination: edema, dysuria with heat
**usually taken daily in tea to clear heat, prevent dizziness, lower BP, reduce
edema
QUAN XIE Neutral, acrid, LIV ▪ Stops Tremors, Convulsions: spasms hands and feet, twitching,
Salty, toxic COMBO: tics, torticollis
(Scorpion) Gou Teng
**nature piercing, ▪ Unblocks Collaterals, Stop Pain: stubborn HA and Bi syndrome
opens
▪ Resolves Fire Toxins, Dissipates Nodules: topically toxic sores,
swelling ,scrofula
SHI JUE MING Cold, salty LIV, KID ▪ Clear LIV heat, Subdues Yang: rising LIV fire/yang with HA, red
COMBO: eyes, dizziness, HTN
(Haliotidae) Jue Ming Zi
▪ Improves Vision, Recedes Visual Obstructions, pterygium, red,
swollen eyes
▪ Increases Gastric Acidity and topically for bleeding
**Also Nourishes LIV Yin to treat not only the branch but the root of LIV yang
 rising
TIAN MA Neutral, sweet LIV ▪ Stops Spasms, Tremors: all types internal stirring LIV wind from hot
**moist COMBO: Gou or cold
(Gastrodia Teng
Rhizoma) ▪ Stops Pain: headache, dizziness, migraines from wind-phlegm or
wind-stroke
▪ Disperses Painful Bi: wind-damp bi of LB or extremities
WU GONG Warm, acrid, LIV ▪ Stops Spasms, Convulsions: childhood convulsions, ridgid spasms,
toxic COMBO: lockjaw, seizures
(Centipede) Quan Xie, Bai
**traveling, piercing ▪ Unblocks Collaterals, Stops Pain: stubborn HA and Bi syndrome
Jiang
▪ Resolves Toxins, Dissipates Nodules: sores, carbuncles, scrofula,
snake bites
ANCHOR AND CALM SPIRIT
MU LI Cool, salty, LIV, KID ▪ Heavily Calms Spirit: palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia
(Oyster Shell) Astringent ▪ Benefits Yin, Anchors Yang: irritability, dizziness, tinnitus, blurry
**heavy vision, red face
▪ Prevents Leakage Fluids: all types sweating, discharges, uterine
bleeding
▪ Softens Hardness: scrofula, goiter
▪ Absorbs Acidity, Stops Pain: severe stomach pain with sour taste
mouth
ZHEN ZHU MU Cold, salty, sweet LIV, HT ▪ Drains LIV fire, Anchors Yang: HA, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia
**heavy ▪ Improves Vision: red eyes, photophobia, superficial obstructions
(Mother of Pearl)
▪ Calms Spirit, Sedates Fright: palpitations, anxiety, insomnia
▪ Stops Bleeding: esp. in upper jaio
ZI BEI CHI Neutral, salty LIV, SP ▪ Calms LIV Yang, Sedates Fright: dizziness, palpitations, insomnia,
(Cowery Shell) night terrors
▪ Improves Vision, Brightens Eyes: red, swollen eyes with superficial
obstructions
CLEARS HEAT FROM EXTERIOR
JUE MING ZI Cold, bitter, LIV, LI, KID ▪ Improves Vision: red, painful eyes dt wind-heat, night blindness,
(Cassia Seeds) salty, gradual loss of vision
Sweet **moist. ▪ Calm LIV, Anchors Yang: HA, dizziness
raise and directs ▪ Lowers blood pressure, Prevents arthrosclerosis
down