CHINESEHERBAL

MEDICINES

Comparisons andCharacteristics

Yif an Yang MD MSCLecturer in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Netherlands

CHURCHILLLIVINGSTONE

EDINBURGH LONDON NEW YORK PHILADELPHIA ST LOUIS SYDNEY TORONTO 2002

Contents

Preface

Explanation of the figures

Acknozvledgemen ts

Part 1THEORY AND CONCEPTS

xxi

xxiii

xxiv

1. The theory and concepts of Chineseherbal medicine1. What are the four flavors of Chinese herbs?

What are their applications inclinical practice? 3

2. What are the five tastes of herbs?What are their clinical applications? 4

3. Which characteristics exist in thecombinations of the temperature andtaste of herbs? 7

4. What are the applications of the conceptthat herbs enter meridians? 9

5. Do the taste and the color of herbsinfluence their function? What is therelationship between the taste of herbs andthe internal organs, and what is therelationship between their color and theinternal organs? What are the clinicalapplications? 10

6. What are the tendencies of action of theherbs in the body and what are theapplications? 11

7. What are the specific functions of thespecific parts of a plant? 14

8. What are the proper dosages whenprescribing herbs? 15

9. What is the proper dosage for children? 17

10. How is a herbal decoction prepared? 17

11. What is the usual way to take herbalmedicine? 18

12. How should children be given herbalmedicine? 19

13. What are the contraindications andcautions when using Chinese herbalmedicine? 19

14. Which herbs can be used as substitutesfor substances that are banned orunavailable? 22

Part 2COMPARISONS ANDCHARACTERISTICS OF THECOMMONLY USED CHINESEHERBAL MEDICINES

2, Herbs that release the Exterior 25

1. What is Exterior syndrome? How shouldone treat Exterior syndrome? What arethe characteristics of the herbs thatrelease the Exterior? 25

2. What precautions should be observed inthe usage of herbs that release theExterior? 26

3. Ma Huang Herba Ephedme and Gui ZhiRamulus Cinnamomi Cassiae can both "expelWind-Cold to treat Exterior Wind-Coldsyndrome. What are the differencesbetween their actions and characteristics?What are the cautions regarding theiruse? 26

4. What are the differences between theactions of Ma Huang Herba Ephedrae, ZhiMa Huang Herba Ephedrae roasted withhoney and Ma Huang Gen RadixEphedrael 27

CONTENTS

5. What are the characteristic functions ofGui Zhi Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae? 28

6. Jing Jie Herba sen Flos SchizonepetaeTenuifoliae and Fang Feng RadixLedebouriellae Divaricatae are often used forExterior Wind-Cold syndrome. What are thedifferences between using Ma Huang HerbaEphedrae and Gui Zhi Ramulus CinnamomiCassiae? 28

7. What are the differences between theactions of Jing Jie Herba seu FlosSchizonepetae Tenuifoliae, Jing Jie Sui thebud of the plant, Chao Jin Jie dry-friedJing Jie and Jing Jie Tan the charcoal ofJing Jie? 29

Why is Xiang Ru Herba Elsholtziae seuMoslae called Summer Ma HuangHerba Ephedrae? 29

9. Xi Xin Herba cum Radice Asari is a commonlyused herb for Exterior syndrome and Bisyndrome. What are its characteristics?What caution should be applied inclinical practice? 30

10. Sheng Jiang Rhizoma Zingiberis OfficinalisRecens, Sheng Jiang Zhi juice of Sheng Jiang,Wei Jiang roasted Sheng Jiang and ShengJiang Pi peel of Sheng Jiang are all productsof the same herb. What are the differencesbetween their actions? 31

11. Qiang Huo Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii, BaiZhi Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Chuan XiongRadix Ligustici Chuanxiong and Gao BenRhizoma et Radix Ligustici are often usedfor treating headache. What are thedifferences between their actions? 31

12. Ge Gen Radix Pueriae, Sheng Ma RhizomaCimicifugae and Chai Hu Radix Bupleuri areall commonly used herbs for dispersingand lifting the Yang-Qi. What are thedifferences between them? 32

13. Bai Zhi Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Xin Yi FlosMagnoliae and Cang Er Zi Fructus XanthiiSibirici are often used together to treatrhinitis and sinusitis. What are thedifferences between them? 33

14. Bo He Herba Menthae Haplocalycis, Chan TuiPeriostracum Cicadae, Niu Bang Zi FructusArctii Lappae, Jiang Can Bombyx Batryticatusand Jing Jie Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae

Tenuifoliae are able to expel Wind andalleviate itching, and are commonly usedfor different skin diseases. What are thedifferences between them? 34

15. Bo He Herba Menthae Haplocalycis, Ju HuaFlos Chryianthemi Morifolii, Sang Ye FoliumMori Albae and Chai Hu Radix Bupleuri havesimilar functions of expelling anddispersing Wind-Heat in the Upper Burner.What are the differences betweenthem? 35

16. How many kinds of Ju Hua FlosChrysanthemi are used for medical purposesand how does one choose the correctone in practice? 36

17. Besides treating cold infections orinfluenza, are there other uses for theherbs in the category of releasing theExterior? 36

Comparisons of strength and temperature inherbs that release the Exterior 38

Fig. 2.1 ComparisonFig. 2.2 ComparisonFig. 2.3 Comparisonthe warm herbsFig. 2.4 ComparisonColdFig. 2.5 ComparisonDampnessFig. 2.6 ComparisonFig. 2.7 Comparisonthe cold herbs

of the temperature of the warm herbsof the herbs that induce sweatingof the light and dispersing features of

of the herbs that expel exogenous

of the herbs that expel exogenous

of the temperature of the cold herbsof the light and dispersing features of

3. Herbs that clear Heat 41

2. What are the characteristics of herbs thatclear internal Heat? 41

2. What kind of diseases can be treated bythe herbs that clear Heat? How shouldone choose the herbs in clinicalpractice? 42

3. What are the characteristics of Shi GaoGypsum Fibrosum? Why is it often used withZhi Mu Rhizoma AnemarrhenaeAsphodeloidis? What are the differencesbetween their actions? 45

4. What are the differences between ShengShi Gao raw Gypsum Fibrosum and DuanShi Gao calcined Gypsum Fibrosum? 46

CONTENTS

5. Why is Shi Gao Gypsum Fibrosum the first-line choice when Excessive Heatspreads through the entire body? 46

6. What are the differences in clearing Liver-Heat between the herbs Zhi Zi FructusGardeniae Jasminoidis, Xia Ku Cao SpicaPrunellae Vulgaris, Long Dan Cao RadixGentianae Longdancao and Chuan Lian ZiFructus Meliae Toosendan? 47

7. What are the characteristics of the herbs thatclear Liver-Heat and benefit the eyes? 48

8. What are the differences in the function ofcooling the Blood between Mu Dan PiCortex Moutan Radicis and Chi Shao YaoRadix Paeoniae Rubrae? 49

9. What are the differences between Chi ShaoYao Radix Paeoniae Rubrae and BaiShao Yao Radix Paeoniae Alba? 49

10. What are the differences between andcharacteristics of Sheng Di Huang RadixRehmanniae Glutinosae and Xuan Shen RadixScrophulariae Ningpoensis in thefunction of clearing Heat? 50

11. What are the differences between theproducts of Di Huang Radix RehmanniaeGlutinosae? 50

12. What are the characteristics of pathologicalchange when Heat enters the Blood andwhat precautions should be observed whenusing herbs that cool the Bloodand stop bleeding? 51

13. How many kinds of Zhu Ye Herba LophatheriGracilis are used in Chinese herbalmedicine? What are the differencesbetween Ku Zhu Ye, Dan Zhu Jie andZhu Ye Juan Xin? 52

14. What are the characteristics of Zhi Zi FructusGardeniae Jasminoidis? What are thedifferences between the shell, the seedand the deep-dry-fried Zhi Zi? 52

15. Dan Dou Chi Semen Sojae Praeparatum andZhi Zi Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis can bothtreat Heat accumulation in the chest andrelease irritability. What are thedifferences between them? 53

16. Which parts of the plant Lian Nelumbiniscan be used for medical purposes andwhat are their functions? 53

17. What are the characteristics of Huang QinRadix Scutellariae Baicalensis, Huang LianRhizoma Coptidis and Huang Bai CortexPhellodendri? 54

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

Why are herbs that clear Heat and dryDampness often used for skin diseases?What are the characteristics of thecommonly used herbs? 55

What is Fire-poison syndrome and what arethe differences between Jin Yin Hua FlosLonicerae Japonicae and Lian Qiao FructusForsythiae Suspensae in treating it? 56

What are the differences between Da QingYe Folium Daqingye, Ban Lan Gen RadixIsatidis seu Baphicacanthi and Qing Dai IndigoPulverata Levis for clearing Fire-poison? 57

What kind of herbs can treat sore throatand benefit the throat? 57

What kind of herbs can be used to treatinternal abscesses and what are theircharacteristics? 58

What are the differences between Qing HaoHerba Artemisiae, Yin Chai Hu RadixStellariae Dichotomae and Chai Hu RadixBupleuri in regulating the Liver-Qi? 58

24. What kind of herbs can be used for reducingDeficient-Heat in febrile disease? What aretheir characteristics? What are the differencesbetween these herbs and the herbs thattonify the Yin and reduce Empty-Heat? 59

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat clear Heat 60

Fig. 3.1 Comparison of the herbsdirect it to descendFig. 3.2 Comparison of the herbsFig. 3.3 Comparison of the herbsgenerate Body FluidsFig. 3.4 Comparison of the herbsLungFig. 3.5 Comparison of the herbsHeartFig. 3.6 Comparison of the herbsLiverFig. 3.7 Comparison of the herbsKidneyFig. 3.8 Comparison of the herbsStomachFig. 3.9 Comparison of the herbsHeat from the Spleen

that disperse Heat and

that cool the Bloodthat clear Heat and

that clear Heat from the

that clear Heat from the

that clear Heat from the

that clear Heat from the

that clear Heat from the

that eliminate Damp-

CONTENTS

Fig. 3.10 Comparison of the herbs that clear Heat from theLarge IntestineFig. 3.11 Comparison of the herbs that clear Heat from theSmall Intestine

4* Herbs that drain downwards 64

1. What are the functions of and indicationsfor downward-draining herbs? 64

2. What are the characteristics of downward-draining herbs? 65

3. What are the precautions andcontraindications for the use of herbs thatdrain downwards? 65

4. What are the characteristics of Da HuangRadix et Rhizoma Rhei, Mang XiaoMirabilitum, Fan Xie Ye Folium Sennae andLu Hui Herba Aloes as purgatives? 66

5. What are the characteristics of Da HuangRadix et Rhizoma Rhei? What are thedifferences between the products of thisherb? 67

6. What are the differences between theproducts of Mang Xiao Mirabilitum? 67

7. What are the differences between Huo MaRen Semen Cannabis Sativae,Yu Li Ren SemenPruni, Xing Ren Semen Pruni Armeniacae,Tao Ren Semen Persicae and Hu Ma RenSemen Sesami India in their laxativeeffects?, 67

8. What are the characteristics of Gan SuiRadix Euphorbiae Kansui, Da Ji RadixEuphorbiae Seu Knoxiae and Yuan Hua FlosDaphnes Genkwa? 68

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat drain downwards 68

Fig. 4.1 Comparison of the strength of the downward-draining herbsFig. 4.2 Comparison of the herbs that moisten theintestines and promote bowel movementFig. 4.3 Comparison of the toxicity of the downward-draining herbs

?. Herbs that expel Wind-Dampness 701. What are the indications for herbs that

expel Wind-Dampness? 70

2. What are the characteristics of herbs thatexpel Wind-Dampness? 71

3. What are the commonly used methods andherbs for treating Bi syndrome? 72

4. What are the differences between QiangHuo Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii and DuHuo Radix Angelicae Pubescentis? 73

5. What are the differences between the twokindsofWuJiaPi? 74

6. What are the characteristics of Mu GuaFructus Chaenomelis? What are thedifferences between Mu Gua and Bai ShaoRadix Paeoniae Alba for relaxing thesinews? 74

7. What are the characteristics of Xi Xin Herbacum Radice Asari, Wei Ling Xian RadixClematidis, Hai Tong Pi Cortex Erythrinae, XiQian Cao Herba Siegesbeckiae and Lu Lu TongFructus Liquidambaris Taiwanianae? 75

8. What are the characteristics of Fu Zi RadixLateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparata, ChuanWu Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli, Cao Wu RadixAconiti Kusnezoffii, Xi Xin Herba cum RadiceAsari and Gui Zhi Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiaefor treating Bi syndrome? What are theprecautions for using these herbs? 76

9. What are the differences in the function oftonifying the Liver and Kidney,strengthening the tendons and bonesbetween Xu Duan Radix Dipsaci Asperi, GuSui Bu Rhizoma Drynariae, Sang Ji ShengRamulus Sangjisheng and Gou Ji RhizomaCibotii Barometz? 76

10. What are the differences between Bai HuaShe Agkistrodon seu Bungarus and Wu ShaoShe Zaocys Dhumnades? 77

11. What are the characteristics of Hai FengTeng Caulis Piperis Futokadsurae, Qing FengTeng Caulis Sinomenii, Luo Shi Teng CaulisTrachelospermi Jasminoidis and Sang ZhiRamulus Mori Albae? 77

12. What are the characteristics of Shen Jin CaoHerba Lycopodii Clavati cum Radice andTou Gu Cao Herba Speranskiae seuImpatientis? 78

13. What precautions should be observed whenherbs that expel Wind, Cold and Dampnessand treat Bi syndrome are used? 79

CONTENTS

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat expel Wind-Dampness 79

Fig. 5.1 Comparison of the herbs that expel Wind,Dampness and Cold-Fig. 5.2 Comparison of the herbs that expel Wind-DampnessFig. 5.3 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold-DampnessFig. 5.4 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold-Dampnessand stop painFig. 5.5 Comparison of the herbs that expel Wind-Dampnessand open the meridiansFig. 5.6 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidneyand Liver and expel Wind-DampnessFig. 5.7 Comparison of the herbs that expel Wind andrelieve pain

'.Herbs that transform Dampness 82

1. What are the indications for herbs thattransform and drain Dampness? What arethe characteristics of the syndrome ofDampness accumulation? 82

2. What are the characteristics of the herbsthat transform and drain out Dampness?What precautions should be observed inthe use of these herbs? 82

3. What are the commonly used methods foreliminating Dampness? 83

4. Fu Ling Sclerotium Poriae Cocos can promoteurination, tonify the Spleen and calm theMind. What are its characteristics comparedwith'other herbs which have the samefunction? 84

5. What are the differences between Fu LingSclerotium Poriae Cocos, Fu Ling Pi CortexPoriae Cocos, Fu Shen Sclerotium Poriae CocosPararadicis and Chi Fu Ling Sclerotium PoriaeCocos Rubrae? 85

6. Fu Ling Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, Zhu LingSclerotium Polypori Umbellati, Ze Xie RhizomaAlismatis Orientalis andYiYi Ren SemenCoicis Lachryma-jobi are all sweet and bland,and are able to transform and drain outDampness. What are the differencesbetween the four herbs? 85

7. Mu Tong Caulis Mutong and Tong CaoMedulla Tetrapanacis Papyriferi can bothpromote urination, drain Damp-Heat andpromote lactation. What are the differencesbetween them? 85

8. What are the functions of and differencesbetween Han Fang Ji Radix StephaniaeTetrandrae and Mu Fang Ji Radix AristolochiaeFangchi? 87

9. Yin Chen Hao Herba Artemisiae Yinchenhaoand Qing Hao Herba Artemisiae Annuae areboth able to transform Damp-Heat, reducelow-grade fever and relieve jaundice.What are the differences betweenthem? 87

10. Bian Xu Herba Polygoni Avicularis, Qu MaiHerba Dianthi, Bi Xie Rhizoma DioscoreaeHypoglaucae can be used in treatingPainful Urinary Dysfunction syndrome.What are the differences betweenthem? 88

11. Qu Mai Herba Dianthi, Shi Wei FoliumPyrrosiae, Hai Jin Sha Spora Japonici Lygodiiand Jin Qian Cao Herba Lysimachiae can beused for Blood-Painful Urinary Dysfunctionsyndrome. What are the differencesbetween them? 88

12. Which herbs can regulate the function ofthe Bladder and promote urination? Whatare the applications? How should one usethem in clinical practice? 89

13. Which herbs can clear Heat from the Heartand Small Intestine and promote urination?What are the indications for them? 89

14. Which herbs can clear Heat from the Lungand promote urination? What are theindications for them? 89

15. Which herbs can regulate the Spleen,promote urination and drain out Dampness?What are the indications for them? 90

16. Which herbs can transform Damp-Heat inthe Middle and Lower Burners and areused for treating skin diseases andinfections? Huang Qin Radix ScutellariaeBaicalensis, Huang Lian Rhizoma Coptidis,Huang Bai Cortex Phellodendri and Long DanCao Radix Gentianae Longdancao are alsoable to remove Damp-Heat and treat thesedisorders. What are the differences betweenthese two groups of herbs? 90

17. Which herbs can transform Damp-Heatfrom the Middle Burner and reducejaundice? What are the indications forthem? 91

CONTENTS

18. Which herbs can be used for increasinglactation and what are the indications forthem? 91

19. Which herbs can cool the Blood and treatBlood-Painful Urinary Dysfunctionsyndrome? What are the indications forthem? 91

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat transform Dampness 92

Fig. 6.1 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Bladderand promote urinationFig. 6.2 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Heartand Small Intestine, promote urination and drain Damp-HeatFig. 6.3 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Lungand promote urinationFig. 6.4 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Spleenand Stomach, promote urination and drain DampnessFig. 6.5 Comparison of the herbs that promote urinationand stop bleedingFig. 6.6 Comparison of the herbs that promote urination,clear Damp-Heat, stop bleeding and treat Stone-PainfulUrinary Dysfunction syndrome

7, Aromatic substances that transform Dampness;aromatic substances for external application;aromatic herbs that open the orifices 94

1. What are the characteristics of the aromaticherbs and their usage? 94

2. What are the indications for andcharacteristics of the aromatic herbs thattransform Dampness in the MiddleBurner? 95

3. What are the differences between Huo XiangHerba Agastaches seu Pogostemi and Pei LanHerba Eupatorii Fortunei in transformingDampness and reviving the Spleen? 95

4. Huo Xiang Herba Agastaches seu Pogostemi,Pei Lan Herba Eupatorii Fortunei, SuYe FoliumPerillae Frutescentis and Xiang Ru HerbaElsholtziae seu Moslae are all able to disperseand transform Dampness and ease theExterior. What are the differences betweenthem? 95

5. What are the differences between thefunctions of Sha Ren Fructus Amomi, BaiDou Kou Fructus Amomi Kravanh, Cao DouKou Semen Alpinae Katsumadai and Cao GuoFructus Amomi Tsao-ko? 96

6. Which herbs can aromatically transformDampness from the Liver and Gall Bladderand what are the symptoms in thissyndrome? 97

7. Which herbs can aromatically eliminateDamp-Phlegm from the Heart and what arethe symptoms in this syndrome? 97

8. Which aromatic herbs are used externallyand what are the indications for use? 97

9. What is Locked-up syndrome? 97

10. Locked-up syndrome and Collapsingsyndrome can both occur in coma. What arethe differences in the symptoms and thepathological changes between the twosyndromes? 98

11. What are the characteristics of the herbsthat open the orifices and what precautionsshould be observed when they areused? 98

Comparisons of strength and temperature inaromatic substances that transform Dampness, thatare for external application and that open theorifices 99

Fig. 7.1 Comparison of the herbs that aromaticallytransform turbid Dampness and release the ExteriorFig. 7.2 Comparison of the herbs that aromaticallytransform Dampness from the Middle BurnerFig. 7.3 Comparison of the herbs that aromaticallytransform Dampness from the Liver and Gall BladderFig. 7.4 Comparison of the substances that aromaticallyopen the orificesFig. 7.5 Comparison of the herbs that aromaticallytransform turbid DampnessFig. 7.6 Comparison of the herbs that clear Heat-poisonand open the orificesFig. 7.7 Comparison of the substances that aromaticallyreduce swelling and stop painFig. 7.8 Comparison of the substances that aromaticallyopen the orifices, regulate the Qi and relieve pain

8, Herbs that transform Phlegm 101

1. What are the indications for herbs thattransform Phlegm? What are visible Phlegmand invisible Phlegm? 101

2. What are the characteristics of herbs thattransform Phlegm? 102

3. What are the functions and characteristicsof Xing Ren Semen Pruni Armeniacae and JieGeng Radix Platycodi Grandiflori? 103

4. What are the characteristics of Jie GengRadix Platycodi Grandiflori? 103

5. What are the differences between Bai QianRadix et Rhizoma Cynanchi Baiqian and QianHu Radix Peucedani? 104

6. What are the differences between ZiYuanRadix Asteris Tatarici, Kuan Dong HuaFlos Tussilaginis Farfarae and Bai BuRadix Stemmonae in relieving cough andtransforming Phlegm? 104

7. What are the differences between ChuanBei Mu Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae and ZheBei Mu Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii? 104

8. What are the differences between Gua LouFructus Trichosanthis, Gua Lou Ren SemenTrichosanthis, Guan Lou Pi PericarpiumTrichosanthis and Gua Lou Gen RadixTrichosanthis Kirilowii? 105

9. What are the differences between Tian ZhuHuang Concretio Silicea Bambusae Textillis,Zhu Li Succus Bambusae and Zhu Ru CaulisBambusae in Taeniis? 105

10. Ting Li Zi Semen Descurainiae seu Lepidii,Sang Bai Pi Cortex Mori Albae Radicis andXuan Fu Hua Flos Inulae are able to directthe Lung-Qi to descend, transform Phlegmand arrest wheezing. What are thedifferences between their actions? 106

11. What are the functions of Ban Xia RhizomaPinelliae Ternatae? What are thecharacteristics of processed Ban Xia? 107

12. What are the differences between Tian NanXing Rhizoma Arisaematis and processedNan Xing? 107

13. What are the differences between Hai ZaoHerba Sargassii and Kun Bu ThallusAlgae? 108

14. Which herbs are particularly effective forrelieving cough? 108

15. Which herbs are able to clear Heat andTransform Phlegm from the Lung? 108

16. Which herbs are able to moisten the Lungand loosen sputum? 109

17. Which herbs are able to transformDamp-Phlegm? 109

18. Which herbs are able to disperse theLung-Qi and direct it to descend, and arrestwheezing? 109

19. Which herbs are able to soothe theStomach-Qi, and transform Phlegm andDampness in the Stomach? 110

20. What are the symptoms and pathogenicchanges in the syndrome when Phlegmcovers the Mind? What are thecommonly used substances to treat thisdisorder? 110

21. Which herbs are able to transformWind-Phlegm from the meridians andcollaterals? 110

22. Which herbs are able to soften hardnessand dissipate nodules? I l l

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat transform Phlegm 111

Fig. 8.1 Comparison of the herbs that relieve coughingFig. 8.2 Comparison of the herbs that direct the Lung-Qito descend and relieve wheezingFig. 8.3 Comparison of the herbs that dissolve Phlegm,relieve coughing and are warm in temperatureFig. 8.4 Comparison of the herbs that dissolve Phlegm,relieve coughing and are cold in temperatureFig. 8.5 Comparisonof the substances that dissolve thicksputumFig. 8.6 Comparison of the substances that eliminatePhlegm and soften hardnessFig. 8.7 Comparison of the herbs that eliminate invisibleWind-PhlegmFig. 8.8 Comparison of the substances that eliminateinvisible Phlegm and open the orifices

9. Herbs that relieve food stagnation; herbsthat expel parasites; herbs that inducevomiting 115

1. What are the causes of and indications forfood stagnation? What precautions shouldbe observed when using herbs that relievefood stagnation? 115

2. What are the characteristics of Mai YaFructus Hordei Vulgaris Germinatus, Shen QuMassa Fermentata and Shan Zha FructusCrataegi? 116

CONTENTS

3. Lai Fu Zi Semen Raphani Sativi, MaiYaFructus Hordei Vulgaris Germinatus and Gu YaFructus Oryzae Sativae Germinatus are all ableto aid the digestion of wheat, rice and fruits.What are the differences between theiractions? 116

4. Shen Qu Massa Fermentata and GuYaFructus Oryzae Sativae Germinatus bothcan aid the digestion of grains. Whatare the differences between theiractions? 116

5. What are the characteristics of Ji Nei JinEndothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli andShan Zha Fructus Crataegi? 117

6. What are the characteristics of herbs thatexpel parasites? What precautions shouldbe observed in their use? 117

10. Herbs that regulate the Qi 121

7. Which herbs can expel Ascaris(roundworm)? 117

8. Which herbs can expel Oxyuroidea (pinwormor threadworm), Taenia (tapeworm) andAncylostoma (hookworm)? 117

9. What are the characteristics of Shi Jun ZiFructus Quisqualis Indicae and Ku Lian GenPi Cortex Meliae Radicis? 118

10. What are the differences between Shi Jun ZiFructus Quisqualis Indicae and Fei ZiSemen Torreyae Grandis in expellingparasites? 118

11. What are the differences in characteristicsbetween Nan Gua Zi Semen CucurbitaeMoschatae and Bing Lang Semen ArecaeCatechu? 118

12. What are the indications for andcharacteristics of the herbs that inducevomiting? What precautions should beobserved in their use? 118

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat relieve food stagnation, that expel parasites andthat induce vomiting 119

Fig. 9.1 Comparison of the herbs that promote digestionof wheat, rice and fruitsFig. 9.2 Comparison of the herbs that promote digestionof grains and dispel the effects of alcoholFig. 9.3 Comparison of the herbs that promote digestionof meat and remove fatFig. 9.4 Comparison of the herbs that induce vomiting

1. What are the indications for herbs thatregulate the Qi? 121

2. What are the characteristics of herbs thatregulate the Qi? What precautions shouldbe observed in their use? 121

3. What are the differences in actions betweenJu Hong Pars Rubra Epicarpii dtriErythrocarpae, Chen Pi Pericarpium CitriReticulatae, Ju Luo Retinervus Citri ReticulataeFructus, JuYe Folium Citri Reticulatae and JuHe Semen Citri Reticulatae? 122

4. What are the differences between thefunctions of Zhi Shi Fructus ImmaturusCitri Aurantii and Zhi Ke Fructus CitriAurantii? 123

5. What are the differences between Qing PiPericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride, Chen PiPericarpium Citri Reticulatae and Zhi KeFructus Citri Aurantii? 123

6. What are the characteristics of Xiang FuRhizoma Cyperi Rotundi? 123

7. Which herbs are often used to promoteLiver-Qi movement and what are theircharacteristics? 124

8. Which herbs are used for regulating the Qiin the abdomen and what are theircharacteristics? 125

9. Which herbs can regulate Qi movement inthe body generally? 125

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat regulate the Qi 127

Fig. 10.1 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Lung-

QiFig. 10.2 Comparison of the herbs that disperse the Lung-QiFig. 10.3 Comparison of the herbs that direct the Lung-Qito descendFig. 10.4 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Heart-QiFig. 10.5 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Spleen-Qi and the Stomach-QiFig. 10.6 Comparison of the herbs that soothe the Stomach-QiFig. 10.7 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Qi inthe Large IntestineFig. 10.8 Comparison of the herbs that regulate the Liver-Qi

CONTENTS

22. Herbs that regulate the Blood 130

1. What are the causes of Blood stagnation?What are the indications for herbs thatpromote the Blood circulation? 130

2. What are the characteristics of herbs thatpromote the Blood circulation? 130

3. What precautions should be observed whenusing herbs that promote the Bloodcirculation? 132

4. What are the characteristics of Chuan XiongRadix Ligustici Chuanxiong? 132

5. What are the characteristics of Dan ShenRadix Salviae Miltiorrhizae? 133

6. What are the differences between ChuanXiong Radix Ligustici Chuan Xiong and DanShen Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae inpromoting the Blood circulation? 133

7. Dan Shen Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and YuJin Tuber Curcumae can both cool the Bloodand promote its circulation. What are thedifferences between their functions? 134

8. What are the differences between Yi MuCao Herba Leonuri Heterophylli and Ze LanHerba Lycopi Lucidi? 134

9. What are the characteristics of Hong HuaFlos Carthami Tinctorii, Ling Xiao HuaCampsis Grandiflora,Yue Ji Hua Flos et FructusRosae Chinensis and Mei Gui Hua Flos RosaeRugosae? 135

10. Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo andWu Ling Zhi Excrementum Trogopteri seuPteromi are commonly used herbs foralleviating pain. What are the differencesbetween them? 135

11. What are the differences between ChuanNiu Xi Radix Cyathulae Officinalis andHuai Niu Xi Radix AchyranthisBidentatae? 136

12. What are the characteristics of Dang GuiRadix Angelicae Sinensis and Ji Xue TengRadix et Caulis Jixueteng in the function ofpromoting Blood circulation? 136

13. What are the indications for herbs that coolthe Blood and regulate its circulation? 136

14. What are the differences between Ru XiangGummi Olibanum and Mo Yao Myrrha? 137

15. What are the differences between San LengRhizoma Sparganii Stoloniferi and E ZhuRhizoma Curcumae Ezhu? 137

16. What are the functions of Zhe ChongEupolyphagae seu Opisthoplatiae, Shui ZhiHirudo seu Whitmaniae and Mang ChongTabanus Bivittatus? 137

17. What are the characteristics of Wang Bu LiuXing Semen Vaccariae Segetalis and Di LongLumbricus? 138

18. Which herbs can be applied topically? 138

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat regulate the Blood 138

Fig. 11.1 Comparison of the herbs that promote Bloodcirculation, stop pain and are warm in temperatureFig. 11.2 Comparison of the herbs that break up congealedBloodFig. 11.3 Comparison of the herbs that open up thecollateralsFig. 11.4 Comparison of the herbs that invigorate the Bloodand are cold in temperature

12, Herbs that stop bleeding 140

1. What are the characteristics of herbs thatstop bleeding? 140

2. What precautions should be observed whenusing herbs that stop bleeding? 140

3. What are the differences between Da JiHerba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici and Xiao JiHerba Cephalanoplos? 141

4. Xiao Ji Herba Cephalanoplos and Bai MaoGen Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae can bothtreat blood in the urine. What are thedifferences between them when they areused in clinical practice? 141

5. Huai Hua Flos Sophorae Japonicae Immaturus,Huai Jiao Fructus Sophorae Japonicae and DiYu Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis are oftenused for treating intestinal hemorrhage.What are the differences between thesethree herbs? 142.

6. What are the differences between raw PuHuang Pollen Typhae and charred PuHuang? 142

7. What are the characteristics of San Qi RadixNotoginseng? 142

CONTENTS

8. Ai Ye Folium Artemisiae Argyi, Pao Jiangquick-fried Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis andZao Xin Tu Terra Flava Usta are substancesfor warming the Interior and stoppingbleeding. What are the differences betweenthem? 143

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat stop bleeding 143

Fig. 12.1 Comparison of the herbs that stop bleeding fromthe LungFig. "12.2 Comparison of the herbs that stop bleeding fromthe Stomach and intestinesFig. 12.3 Comparison of the herbs that stop bleeding fromthe urinary tractFig. 12.4 Comparison of the herbs that stop bleeding fromthe UterusFig. 12.5 Comparison of the substances that stop bleedingfrom traumaFig. 12.6 Comparison of the herbs that stop bleeding anddissolve congealed BloodFig. 12.7 Comparison of the herbs that stop bleeding andare warm in temperatureFig. 12.8 Comparison of the astringent herbs that stopbleeding

13, Herbs that warm the Interior 146

2. What are the functions of and indicationsfor the herbs that warm the Interior? 146

2. What are the characteristics of herbs thatwarm the Interior and expel Cold? Whatprecautions should be observed in theirusage? 147

3. What are the differences between herbsthat stimulate the Yang and those that tonifythe Yang? 148

4. What are the commonly used strategies forwarming the Interior and expellingCold? 149

5. What are the differences between thefunctions of Fu Zi Radix Lateralis AconitiCarmichaeli Praeparata and Rou Gui CortexCinnamomi Cassiae? 150

6. What are the differences between Fu ZiRadix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparataand Gan Jiang Rhizoma ZingiberisOfficinalis? 150

7. What are the differences between ShengJiang Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis Recens,

Gan Jiang Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis andPao Jiang quick-fried Rhizoma ZingiberisOfficinalis? 151

8. What are the differences between Fu ZiRadix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparataand Wu Tou Radix Aconiti? 151

9. What are the differences between Rou GuiCortex Cinnamomi Cassiae and Gui ZhiRamulus Cinnamomi Cassiae? 152

10. What are the differences between Wu ZhuYu Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae, Gan JiangRhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis and Fu Zi RadixLateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparata in thefunction of expelling interior Cold? 152

11. What are the differences between Rou GuiCortex Cinnamomi Cassiae and AiYe FoliumArtemisiae Argyi in the function ofwarming the Qi and Blood in theLower Burner? 152

22. What are the differences between AiYeFolium Artemisiae Argyi and Pao Jiangquick-fried Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis inthe function of warming the meridiansand stopping bleeding? 153

23. What are the differences between ShengJiang Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis Recensand Gao Liang Jiang Rhizoma AlpiniaeOfficinari in the function of warming theStomach? 153

24. Xiao Hui Xiang Fructus Foeniculi Vulgaris,Cao Dou Kou Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai,Chuan Jiao Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeaniand Ding Xiang Flos Caryophylli can allwarm the Middle Burner and expelDamp-Cold. What are the differencesbetween their functions? 153

25. Which herbs can soothe the Stomach-Qiand treat vomiting? What are theircharacteristics? 154

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat warm the Interior 155

Fig. 13.1 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold andwarm the KidneyFig. 13.2 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold andwarm the LiverFig. 13.3 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold andwarm the Spleen

CONTENTS

Fig. 13.4 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold andwarm the StomachFig. 13.5 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold andwarm the LungFig. 13.6 Comparison of the herbs that expel Cold andwarm the Heart

24. Herbs that tonify 157

2. What are the functions of tonifying herbsand their indications? What precautionsshould be observed in.their usage? 157

2. What are the methods of 'direct tonifying'and 'indirect tonifying'? 158

3. What is the opinion of the 'school of tonifyingthe Spleen' in the herbal literature? 159

4. What is the opinion of the 'school oftonifying the Kidney' in the herballiterature? 160

5. What are the differences between strongtonification and gentle tonification? 161

6. What are the indications for herbs thattonify the Qi? 162

7. What are the characteristics of the herbsthat tonify the Qi? 163

8. Ren Shen Radix Ginseng and Huang QiRadix Astragali Membranacei are the mostimportant herbs for tonifying the Qi. Whatare their characteristics? 164

9. What are the differences between thedifferent products of Ren Shen RadixGinseng? 165

10. Xi Yang Shen Radix Panacis Quinquefolii,Sheng Shai Shen Radix Ginseng, Tai Zi ShenRadix Pseudostellariae Heterophyllae and BeiSha Shen Radix Glehniae Littoralis are allable to tonify the Qi and Yin. What are thedifferences between theiractions? 165

22. What are the differences between Ren ShenRadix Ginseng and Dang Shen RadixCodonopsitis Pilosulae? 166

22. What are the differences in actions andapplications between Huang Qi RadixScutellariae Baicalensis and Bai Zhii RhizomaAtractylodis Macrocephalae? 167

23. What are the differences between raw BaiZhu Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, dry-

fried Bai Zhu and Jiao Bai Zhu deep-dry-friedRhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae? 167

24. What are the differences in the function oftonifying the Spleen-Qi and eliminatingDampness between Bai Zhu RhizomaAtractylodis Macrocephalae and Fu LingSclerotium Poriae Cocos? 168

15. Bai Zhu Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae,Shan Yao Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae and BaiBian Dou Semen Dolichoris Lablab axe able totonify the Spleen-Qi and stop diarrhea.What are the differences between theiractions? 168

16. What are the characteristics of Gan CaoRadix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis? 169

27. What are the indications for the herbs thattonify the Blood? 170

18. What are the characteristics of the herbsthat tonify the Blood? 170

29. What precautions should be observedwhen the herbs that tonify the Blood areused? 171

20. What are the differences between Shu DiHuang Radix Rehmanniae GlutinosaeConquitae and He Shou Wu Radix PolygoniMultiflori in nourishing the Blood? 171

22. Why are Dang Gui Radix Angelicae Sinensisand Bai Shao Yao Radix Paeoniae Albaoften used together to tonify theLiver-Blood? 171

22. How can Bai Shao Yao Radix Paeoniae Albasoften the Liver? 172

23. Which herbs can be used in the diet totonify the Blood? 172

24. What are the causes of Yin deficiency? Whatare the indications for herbs that nourishthe Yin? 173

25. What are the characteristics of the herbsthat tonify the Yin? 173

26. What are the differences in the function oftonifying the Yin between Tian Men DongTuber Asparagi Cochinchinensis and Mai MenDong Tuber Ophiopogonis? 174

27. Tian Men Dong Tuber AsparagiCochinchinensis, Mai Men Dong Tuber

CONTENTS

Ophiopogonis, Bei Sha Shen Radix GlehniaeLittoralis, Bai He Bulbus Lilii andYu ZhuRhizoma Polygonati Odorati are able tonourish the Lung-Yin and reduce Heat inthe Upper Burner. What are the differencesbetween their actions? 174

28. Shi Hu Herba Dendrobii, Mai Men DongTuber Ophiopogonis, Bei Sha Shen RadixGlehniae Littoralis andYu Zhu RhizomaPolygonati are able to nourish the Stomach-Yin and reduce Heat. What are thedifferences between their actions? 175

29. Tian Men Dong Tuber AsparagiCochinchinensis, Shi Hu Herba Dendrobii, NuZhen Zi Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, Han Lian CaoHerba Ecliptae Prostratae, Sheng Di HuangRadix Rehmanniae Glutinosae and Xuan ShenRadix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis are able tonourish the Kidney-Yin. What are thedifferences between their actions? 175

30. Shu Di Huang Radix Rehmanniae GlutinosaeConquitae, He Shou Wu Radix PolygoniMultiflori and Gou Qi Zi Fructus LyciiChinensis are called in some books 'theherbs that tonify the Kidney-Yin'. What arethe differences of these herbs from theherbs that nourish the Yin discussedabove? 176

32. What are the indications for the herbs thattonify the Yang? 176

32. What are the characteristics of the herbsthat tonify the Yang? 177

33. What are the differences between warmingthe Yang and tonifying the Yang? 177

34. What are the differences in warming andtonifying the Kidney-Yang between XianMao Rhizoma Curculiginis Orchioidis, Ba JiTian Radix Morindae Officinalis and XianLing Pi Herba Epimedii? 178

35. What are the differences in the function oftonifying the Kidney and strengthening theBones between Du Zhong Cortex EucommiaeUlmoidis, Xu Duan Radix Dipsaci Aspen, GouJi Rhizoma Cibotii Barometz and Sang JiSheng Ramulus Sangjisheng? 178

36. What are the differences in the function oftonifying the Kidney-Yang between Bu GuZhi Fructus Psoraleae Corylifoliae, Tu Si ZiSemen Cuscutae Chinensis, Sha Yuan Zi Semen

Astragali Complanati and Rou Cong RongCistanches Deserticolae? 178

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat tonify 180

Fig. 14.1 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the QiFig. 14.2 Comparison of the different Ren Shen productsFig. 14.3 Comparison of the herbs that tonify both the Qiand YinFig. 14.4 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Lung-QiFig. 14.5 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Spleen-QiFig. 14.6 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the BloodFig. 14.7 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidney-Essence and the Liver-BloodFig. 14.8 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Liver-BloodFig. 14.9 Comparison of the herbs that nourish the Lung-YinFig. 14.10 Comparison of the herbs that nourish the Heart-YinFig. 14.11 Comparison of the herbs that nourish theStomach-YinFig. 14.12 Comparison of the herbs that nourish the Liver-YinFig. 14.13 Comparison of the herbs that nourish theKidney-YinFig. 14.14 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidney-Yin and the Kidney-EssenceFig. 14.15 Comparison of the herbs that strengthen theKidney-Yang and tonify the Kidney-EssenceFig. 14.16 Comparison of the herbs that strengthen theKidney-Yang, tonify and stabilize the Kidney-EssenceFig. 14.17 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidneyand stabilize the function of the BladderFig. 14.18 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidney-Yang and stop diarrhea

Fig. 14.19 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidney-Yang and moisten the intestinesFig. 14.20 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidneyand strengthen the BonesFig. 14.21 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidneyand calm the fetusFig. 14.22 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidney-Qi and stabilize the Lung-QiFig. 14.23 Comparison of the herbs that tonify the Kidneyand improve the memory

15. Astringent herbs 187

2. What are the indications for andcharacteristics of the astringent herbs? 187

2. What precautions should be observed inthe use of astringent herbs? 187

CONTENTS

3. Which herbs can stabilize the Lung-Qi andLung-Yin and how should one prescribethem in clinical practice? 188

4. Which herbs can stabilize the Heart-Qi andhow should one prescribe them in clinicalpractice? 188

5. Which herbs can bind up the intestines andstop diarrhea and how should one prescribethem in clinical practice? 188

6. Which herbs can stabilize the Bladderand treat frequent urination andincontinence? 189

7. Which herbs can stabilize the Kidney-Essence and how should one prescribethem in clinical practice? 189

Comparisons of strength and temperature inastringent herbs 189

Fig. 15.1 Comparison of the herbs that stabilize the Lung-

QiFig. 15.2 Comparison of the herbs that stop sweatingFig. 15.3 Comparison of the herbs that restrain leakagefrom the intestines and stop diarrheaFig. 15.4 Comparison of the herbs that stabilize theBladder and treat incontinence and enuresisFig. 15.5 Comparison of the herbs that stabilize theKidney-Essence

bstances that sedate the Spirit and calmMind 191 |

2. What are the indications for the substancesthat sedate the Spirit and calm theMind? 191

2. What are the characteristics of thesubstances that sedate the Spirit and calmthe Mind? What precautions should beobserved when using them? 191

3. Ci Shi Magnetitum, Zhen Zhu Magarita, ZhenZhu Mu Concha Margaritaferae and Hu PoSuccinum ate all used for disturbance of theHeart-Spirit. What are the differencesbetween them? 192

4. What are the differences in functionbetween Long Gu Os Draconis andLong Chi Dens Draconis? 193

5. What are the differences between Long GuOs Draconis and Mu Li Concha Ostreae in thefunction of calming the Mind? 193

6. What are the differences in treatinginsomnia between Suan Zao Ren SemenZiziphi Spinosae, Bai Zi Ren Semen BiotaeOrientalis,Ye Jiao Teng Caulis PolygoniMultiflori, He Huan Pi Cortex AlbizziaeJulibrissin and Yuan Zhi Radix PolygalaeTenuifoliae? 194

7. Dang Gui Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Bai ShaoYao Radix Paeoniae Alba, Bai He Bulbus Lilii,Fu Ling Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, Sheng DiHuang Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae andMai Men Dong Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonicican all calm the Mind. What are thedifferences between them? 194

Comparisons of strength and temperature insubstances that sedate the Spirit and calmthe Mind 195

Fig. 16.1 Comparison of the substances that directly calmthe MindFig. 16.2 Comparison of the herbs that nourish the Heart,calm the Mind and improve sleepFig. 16.3 Comparison of the substances that anchor theLiver-Yang and calm the Mind.Fig. 16.4 Comparison of the substances that transformPhlegm and settle the SpiritFig. 16.5 Comparison of the herbs that clear Excessive-Heat from the Heart and calm the Mind

that subdue the Liver-Yang andLiver>Wmd 197

2. What are the pathological changes andmanifestations in the syndromes of Liver-Yang rising and Liver-Wind? 197

2. What are the treatment principles for thesyndromes of Liver-Yang rising and Liver-Wind? What precautions should beobserved in their treatment? 197

3. What are the characteristics of thesubstances that anchor the Liver-Yang andextinguish Liver-Wind? What precautionsshould be observed when these substancesare prescribed? 198

4. Shi Jue Ming Concha Haliotidis, Zhen ZhuMu Concha Margaritaferae, Ci ShiMagnetitum, Long Gu Os Draconis and DaiZhe Shi Haematitum all can be used for thesyndromes of Liver-Yang rising and Liver-Wind. What are the differences betweenthem? 199

CONTENTS

5. What are the differences between Tian MaRhizoma Gastrodiae Elatae and Gou TengRamulus Uncariae cum Uncis in the functionof extinguishing Liver-Wind? 200

6. Quan Xie Buthus Martensi, Wu GongScolopendra Subspinipes and Di LongLumbricus are all able to extinguishLiver-Wind, relieve spasms and controltremor. What are the differences betweenthem? 200

7. Di Long Lumbricus and Jiang Can BombyxBatryticatus can both extinguish Wind andare used for facial paralysis and facialspasm. What are the differences betweenthem? 201

8. Jiang Can Bombyx Batryticatus, Bai Ji LiFructus Tribuli Terrestris, Chan Tui PeriostracumCicadae and Jing Jie Herba seu FlosSchizonepetae Tenuifoliae are all able torelieve itching and treat itchy skin lesions or

rashes. What are the differences betweenthem? 201

Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbsthat sedate the Liver-Yang and extinguish Liver-Wind 202

Fig. 17.1 Comparison of the substances that anchor theLiver-YangFig. 17.2 Comparison of the herbs that extinguish Liver-Wind and subdue the Liver-YangFig. 17.3 Comparison of the herbs that cool the Liver ordisperse Liver-Heat and extinguish WindFig. 17.4 Comparison of the substances that open thecollaterals and extinguish Wind

Appendix: Pinyin names of herbs with Latin(pharmaceutical) equivalents 204

Author's references and bibliography 209

Index 213