Warm Herbs that Stop Cough and Wheezing

Xìng Rén

Armeniacae Semen

(sometimes called Ku Xing Ren,“bitter apricot seed”)

Apricot Seed

Taste: Bitter, sl. toxic

Temp: Sl Warm

Channels: Lung, LI



Actions:



• Stops cough and wheeze; any kind of cough: chronic, acute, hot or cold, but not so good for a really phlegmy cough, because it is moistening (or combine with Ma Huang)

• Moistens intestines; for constipation of dry type; apricot oil 35-50%

• Because draining, not considered appropriate for Qi and Yin deficient cough, but I think it would be fine, combined with Yin tonics like Mai Men Dong



Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Xing Ren is toxic and the dosage should be carefully controlled. As few as 10 kernels can be lethal for children. See Bensky for sx of overdose. Cooking, removal of outer coating, and mixing with sugar, all can reduce toxicity. If OD occurs, emetics (syrup of ipecac) or activated charcoal should be given. Caution with infants and in cases of diarrhea. Keep out of reach of children. Also, people with almond allergies might also be allergic to this (it contains a similar protein)



Cooking: Should be chopped before decocting

Identification: Creamy, oval shaped kernels; virtually indistinguishable from Tao Ren (Peach kernel), of the famous Tao Ren Wan (Peach Kernel Pills for constipation)
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Zǐ Wǎn

Asteris Radix

Aster, composite family

A very popular garden plant! Like a purple daisy!

Taste: Pungent, Bitter

Temp: Sl. Warm

Channels: Lung


Actions:


• Dissolves phlegm and stops cough of many kinds (wind/heat, wind/cold, lung deficiency); primarily used for chronic cough, especially cold natured

• Used with Bai Bu almost all the time

• This is a bit more drying and pungent than Bai Bu – combined, they complement each other



Dose: 3 – 9 g

Contra: Caution in yin deficient coughs, but always OK if combined appropriately

Cooking: Fry in honey to increase moistening; this goes for the whole category

Modern: Expectorant; antibiotic

Identification: Tangled mass of roots, dark in color and pliable
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Kuǎn Dōng Huā

Farfarae Flos

“welcome winter flower”, Coltsfoot, composite family

A famous remedy in Western herbalism to stop cough “dispersing yet not draining; warm yet not drying” – John Chen



Taste: Pungent

Temp: Warm

Channels: Lung



Actions:



• Stops cough and lowers rebellious lung qi; mostly used for cold-type cough

• More moistening than Zi Wan


Dose: 1.5 - 9 g

Toxicity: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which could be carcinogenic with long term use

Cooking: Fry in honey to enhance moistening lungs

Identification: If you look closely, you can see the purple color of the flowers, and the “colt’s foot” shape

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Sū Zĭ

(Zi Su Zi)

Perillae Fructus

Taste: Pungent

Temp: Warm, but not drying

Channels: LI, Lung



Actions:


• Stops cough and wheeze, lowers rebellious lung qi, dissolves phlegm; cough and wheeze with copious sputum; cold phlegm and qi stagnation

• For difficult exhalation as in wheezing; for trouble with inhalation, combine with kidney herbs

• Moistens intestines, for constipation (use with Huo Ma Ren, Xing Ren, Tao Ren and Gua Lou Ren)

• This is the seed of the Perilla plant that produces Zi Su Ye, a warming diaphoretic

• Fatty oil 45%

Dose: 4.5 - 9 g

Contra: Chronic diarrhea

Cooking: Some grind before use; also, this is usually dry-fried before use, unless the laxative property is specifically desired

Identification: Small brownish seeds – smaller than Bai Jie Zi and not as yellow!

Other parts of Perilla that we use:

Folium Perillae (Zi Su Ye) is used as a warming diaphoretic and to harmonize the stomach, for morning sickness, seafood poisoning, and general nausea/vomiting

Caulis Perillae (Su Geng) is used to calm the fetus, regulate qi of stomach, treat pregnancy nausea, and prevent abortion
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Pí Pá Yè

Eriobotryae Folium

Leaf of loquat fruit

Taste: Bitter

Temp: Neutral (but other authors say cool, which I agree with – otherwise, how could it be so effective to clear stomach heat?)

Channels: Lung, Stomach

Actions:


• Transforms phlegm, descends rebellious lung qi downward -- for lung heat with cough, combine with Zhi Zi, Sang Bai Pi, Sang Ye

• For cough with lung dryness and heat, combine with Jie Geng and Bai Bu

• Harmonizes stomach, clears stomach heat, redirects stomach qi down; vomiting, belching, hiccups, bad breath, add Zhu Ru

• A cool version of Ban Xia! (but without the pungency)

Dose: 4.5 – 12 g

Contra: Cold lung conditions, cold stomach conditions

Cooking: Take care to remove the fuzz, which can be irritating, or you may need to cook in cheesecloth

Other uses: Many Chinese herb factories produce Loquat syrup as a cough remedy

Identification: Shiny, greenish brown leaves, similar to Da Qing Ye but without twigs
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Bǎi Bù

Stemonae Radix

Moistening!

Taste: Sweet, bitter

Temp: Sl Warm, some say neutral

Channels: Lung

Actions:

• Moistens lungs and stops coughing; for acute or chronic cough but most often used for a lung yin deficiency chronic cough, even though slightly warm. Its moisture prevents it from being harmful.

• Topically for parasites; head or body lice (combine with Ku Shen); internally as enema for pinworms (30-60 grams every day for 3 days, says Bensky); has Antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial actions

• Vaginal trichonomas, use topically

• Intestinal parasites: use with Wu Mei, Bing Lang, Shi Jun Xi (all parasite herbs); also treats bedbugs.


Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Loose stools, spleen deficiency

Cooking: Used fresh for the topical applications

Other uses: Traditionally used for lung TB: combine with Mai Men Dong, Sheng Di Huang, and hemostatics

Modern: One study (see Chen) used this on rosacea in alcohol extract with good results

Identification: Moist, brownish yellow root pieces
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Sāng Bái Pí

Mori Cortex

Root bark of the white mulberry tree

A wonderful herb! So versatile!

Mulberry leaves and fruits

Taste: Sweet

Temp: Cold

Channels: Lung, Spleen


Actions:


• Stops cough and wheeze, drains heat from lungs – use only for heat-type cough

• Promotes urination, reduces edema (superficial edema, especially of upper body, because lung heat is obstructing water movement) – combine with Wu Pi San (Five-Peel Powder): Da Fu Pi, Chen Pi, Fu Ling Pi, Sheng Jiang Pi, for “skin edema” (Pí Shuĭ)

• Hypertension (Japanese varieties stronger for this) – combine with Huang Qin, Xia Ku Cao, Jue Ming Zi

• Diaper rash – make a soak for the baby

Dose: 6-15 g

Contra: Cold cough

Identification: Bright orange/yellow when the outer skin is on – otherwise, white. Bensky says best quality has the orange outer skin removed.
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Tíng Lì Zǐ

Lepidii/ Descurainiae Semen

Tansymustard Seed, Cruciferae family

Taste: Bitter, pungent

Temp: Cold (very)

Channels: Lung, Urinary Bladder

Actions:


• Drains lungs, reduces phlegm, calms wheezing (excess, abundant sputum, gurgling sound in throat)

• Moves water, reduces edema; facial edema or chest/abdomen, due to obstruction in lung or bladder qi (cirrhosis of liver, ascites, pulmonary edema, acute nephritic edema, chronic congestive heart failure, constipation, pleurisy, cough with phlegm)

• Sometimes this herb is placed in the “harsh cathartic, water expelling” category because it violently purges water from the lung

Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Deficient lung qi or spleen deficiency

Identification: Looks like reddish/brown coffee grounds
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Mù Hú Dié

Oroxyli Semen

“Wooden Butterfly”

Indian Trumpetflower Seed

Taste: Sweet, bland

Temp: Cool

Channels: Liver, Lung


Actions:


• Moistens lungs, clears voice; acute and chronic pharyngitis, combine with Pang Da Hai

• Regulates stuck liver qi (flank pain, epigastric pain due to liver qi stagnation)

• Topical for skin ulcers (damp-heat ulcerative pus type)

• Contains fatty oils

Dose: 1.5 – 6 (some say 3-10) grams

Identification: Beautiful large creamy white seed pods
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Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold

Bàn Xià (Zhì)

Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum

“Half Summer”

Taste: Pungent, toxic

Temp: Warm

Channels: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Actions:

• Dries dampness, transforms phlegm and descends rebellious qi

• Harmonizes stomach and stops vomiting (MAJOR)

• Dissipates nodules and reduces distention

• It is very important to understand this herb in relation to Chen Pi, with which it has many similarities: drying cold phlegm, lowering rebellious qi, stopping coughing, stopping nausea and vomiting, etc.

Dose: 4.5 – 12 g

Contra: Raw is toxic and can only be used externally. Usually processed in ginger juice to reduce toxicity.

Cooking: Should be crushed before decocting

Modern: This herb is now banned by FDA for use in prepared herbal supplements, because it contains small amounts of ephedrine alkaloids. It got caught up in the Ephedra ban that took effect April 2004.

Identification: Looks like little honey-roasted nuts when processed in ginger.

Some books call this a tuber, and some call it a rhizome

Important Formulas:

Er Chen Tang: Chen Pi, Ban Xia, Fu Ling, Gan Cao (basic formula for damp phlegm with spleen deficiency)

Ban Xia Hou Po Tang: Ban Xia, Hou Po, Fu Ling, Sheng Jiang, Su Ye (for plum-pit sensation)

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Tiān Nán Xīng (Zhì)

Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum

Jack in the Pulpit

Taste: Bitter, pungent, toxic

Temp: Warm

Channels: Liver, Lung, Spleen

Actions:

• Dries dampness, expels phlegm; cough and stubborn phlegm – extremely drying

• Disperses wind phlegm in channels (numbness, facial paralysis, spasms in hands and feet, cramps, etc.)

• Reduces swelling and stops pain of trauma and topical sores

Dose: 4.5 – 9 g (processed); if untreated, .3 – 1 g, powdered only; topically, use as needed

Cooking: Must be cooked or processed; raw is extremely toxic

Identification: Large, white and powdery

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Dǎn Nán Xīng

Pulvis Arisaemae cum Felle Bovis

                 Tian Nan Xing     +         Cattle     +       Gallbladder

Powdered Tian Nan Xing mixed with cattle bile

Taste: Bitter

Temp: Cool

Channels: Heart, lung

Actions:

• Clears and transforms phlegm heat, extinguishes wind and arrests tremors

• Tremors, seizures or stroke due to phlegm heat

• Used in pediatrics

• NOT PART OF THIS CATEGORY REALLY because of temperature (it clears hot phlegm, not cold phlegm)– BUT DISCUSSED HERE WITH ITS SOURCE PLANT

Identification: Black and shiny, due to the bile processing

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Bái Fù Zǐ (Zhì)

Typhonii Rhizoma Preparatum

Commonly known as Giant Voodoo Lily
Resembles Fu Zi (Aconiti); but is whiter, therefore its name “White Fu Zi”

Taste: Pungent, sweet, toxic

Temp: Warm

Channels: Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Actions:

 

• Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, expels wind, stops spasm (very commonly used for wind and phlegm blocking channels, resulting in paralysis, numbness, wind-stroke, etc.)

• Expels wind cold damp, alleviates pain an relieves toxicity and dissipates nodules

Dose: 1.5 - 6 g

Contra: Pregnancy

Identification: Large, firm, white and powdery

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Bái Jiè Zǐ

Sinapis Semen

White Mustard Seed
Taste: Pungent

Temp: Warm

Channels: Lung

Actions:

• Warms the lungs, regulates qi, expels phlegm

• Dissipates nodules, reduces swelling, alleviates pain

• Excellent for chronic lung-cold conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, etc. People used to put a mustard plaster on their backs or chests for this.

Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Yin deficiency heat

Identification: Yellowish-white seeds from white mustard are superior to seeds from yellow mustard (a different species). You must specify “true white mustard seed” (Zhen Bai Jie Zi).

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Zào Jiá

Gleditsiae Fructus

“Soap Pod”

Chinese Honeylocust Fruit

Taste: Pungent, sl toxic

Temp: Warm

Channels: Large Intestine, Lung

Actions:

• Dispels phlegm (STRONG)

• Opens orifices to awaken shen

• Dissipates swellings with pus, as in abscess or boil

• Expels roundworms, unblocks bowels, used as a rectal suppository

Dose: Per Bensky, powder or pill only in 1 – 1.5 g

Contra: Pregnancy; OD can cause vomiting and diarrhea

Identification: Purplish-brown pods

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Zào Jiǎo Cì

Gleditsiae Spina

Thorn of the plant

Taste: Pungent

Temp: Warm

Channels: Liver, stomach

Actions:

 

• Reduces swelling, discharges pus, invigorates blood, reduces abscess

• Expels wind, kills parasites, topical for ringworm

• Early stage of swollen sores, but stop usage once sores have opened

Dose: 3-9 g (per Hsu)

Contra: Pregnancy

Identification: Thorn

This is in a formula to treat beast abscess and mastitis (Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Sublime Formula for Sustaining Life), due to its ability to “pierce through swellings”

Note: in China, this was used as a detergent (this is why it’s called “soap thorn”). It binds to grease and fat in the GI tract, so can help control obesity and cholesterol levels. A higher dosage than 5 g can cause GI disturbance.

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Jié Gěng

Platycodi Radix

Balloonflower Root

Taste: Bitter, pungent

Temp: Neutral

Channels: Lung

 

Actions:

• Opens up lung qi, expels phlegm; for cough of both wind heat and wind cold

• Discharges pus from lung abscess

• Benefits throat: sore throat, loss of voice, hoarse throat

• Guides itself and other herbs to the throat and chest (IMPORTANT)

Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Hemoptysis (coughing of blood)

Identification: Looks like big slabs of taffy (or skinny slices); smells like Abba Zabba candy bar (a mix of peanut and taffy)

Now blooming in the Learning Garden!

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Xuán Fù Huā



Inulae Flos

“Revolved, upturned flower”

Taste: Bitter, pungent, salty

Temp: Sl Warm

Channels: Liver, Lung, Stomach, Spleen

Actions:

• Redirects rebellious qi downward and expels phlegm

• Stops vomiting and hiccups from rebellious stomach qi

Dose: 3-12 g

Contra: Pregnancy

Cooking: Decoct in cheesecloth

Identification: Large, intact, golden flower heads with white fur (resembles dandelion flowers)

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Bái Qián

Cynanchi Stauntonii

“White Before”

Taste: Pungent, Sweet

Temp: Sl Warm

Channels: Lung

 

Actions:

 

• Redirects Qi Downward and expels phlegm – cough with copious sputum and gurgling in throat; lung qi blockage and stagnation

• Strongly dispersing, though not very drying (related to Bai Wei, another Cynanchum, which clears deficiency heat)

• Also similar to Ma Huang in stopping wheezing, but is milder than Ma Huang

 

Dose: 3-12 g

Caution: Not appropriate for dry, lung-deficient cough without phlegm

Identification: Pale white woody sticks

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Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm Heat(14)

1. Qián Hú

Peucedani Radix

“Before Barbarians”

moiliiligirly flickr.com

Doesn’t this picture look like Du Huo? It’s from the same family (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae), which has 300 genera and 3,000 species! This family includes carrot, parsley, etc.


Taste: Bitter, pungent

Temp: Sl. cold

Channels: Lung

Actions:

• Descends qi and expels phlegm; for heat in lungs

• Releases wind heat with cough and copious sputum (CAN be used for wind cold common-cold but most often for wind heat)

• A good all-purpose herb for phlegm from a common cold


Dose: 4.5 – 9 g

Modern: Increases blood flow of coronary artery; stimulates secretion of respiratory tract and acts as expectorant; antihistamine (reduces allergic reactions)

Identification: Looks like Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) but smells much more pungent

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2. Chuān Bèi Mǔ

Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus

“Sichuan Shell Mother”

www.werynice.com/.../uploads/chuanbei.jpg

Beautiful fritillaria flowers

Taste: Bitter, sweet

Temp: Sl cold

Channels: Heart, lung

Actions:

• Clears heat and transforms phlegm; chiefly for chronic cough and heat due to yin deficiency; tuberculosis, hemoptysis

• Clears heat and softens nodules; phlegm-fire swellings, lung or breast abscess (mastitis)

• Not for phlegm due to damp-cold (use Ban Xia, Chen Pi instead)


Dose: 3-12 g (if powdered, take 1-1.5 g – it is often powdered because of expense)

Cooking: Must be cooked; raw is toxic

Modern: Relax the bronchial smooth muscle; overdose can cause CNS paralysis, respiratory distress, dilation of blood vessels, lowered blood pressure

Identification: White, powdery; looks like little pumpkins; very expensive (over $50/lb)


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3. Zhè Bèi Mǔ

Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus

“Zhejiang Shell Mother”

seven types of fritillaria

Taste: Bitter (some sources say pungent)

Temp: Cold

Channels: Heart, lung

Actions:


• Clears heat and transforms phlegm; for acute lung heat patterns (contrast to prior herb); cough due to external attack; scrofula; toxic swelling

• Dissipates phlegm-fire nodules

• About $16.00/pound


Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Not for cough due to phlegm with damp cold

Cooking: Must be cooked; raw is toxic; can paralyze CNS, depress breathing, etc.

Identification: Creamy- white powdery slices (similar texture to Shan Yao but yellower)



Note: Compared to the prior herb, this is more dissipating, while the other is more tonifying


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4. Guā Lóu

Trichosanthis Fructus

Chinese Cucumber/ the entire fruit

denverchinesemedicine.com

Taste: Sweet

Temp: Cold

Channels: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine

Actions:

• Clears heat and transforms phlegm; thick sputum, difficult to expectorate

• Expands chest and dissipates nodules; qi stagnation in chest, stifling sensation

• Moistens intestines



Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and Shang Han Lun (two early classic texts of Chinese Herbology) do not differentiate between the fruit, seed or husk of this plant


Dose: 9-30 g

Identification: The entire fruit contains the peel and seed as well

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5. Guā Lóu Pí

Trichosanthis Pericarpium

The husk

risingsunomp.com/BulkHerbs.html

Taste: Sweet
Temp: Cold
Channels: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine


Actions:

• Clears lungs, transforms hot phlegm

• Regulates Qi, expands chest

• Treats dry cough, dry throat due to wind heat

• Does not have the intestine-moistening action

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6. Guā Lóu Rén

Trichosanthis Semen

The Seed

cookingstudio1.blogspot.com

Stir-fried


Taste: Sweet

Temp: Cold

Channels: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine



Actions:

• Clears heat and transforms hot phlegm; thick sputum, difficult to expectorate

• Cools and moistens lung

• Expands chest

• Moistens intestines; dry constipation especially with lung heat and dry mouth

• Promotes healing of sores; breast abscess and swellings; sores that have not yet suppurated


Dose: 9-12 g

Identification: Resembles a watermelon or a pumpkin seed

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7. Zhú Lì

Bambusae Succus

Dried bamboo sap

camelliasinensisblog.blogspot.com

Taste: Sweet

Temp: Very Cold

Channels: Heart, Lung, Stomach



Actions:

• Clears heat, transforms phlegm, penetrates to channels; phlegm obstructing heart orifices (fainting, paralysis)

• Transforms phlegm-heat and stops cough

• Not available at either of my suppliers; however I have a huge stand of bamboo at home that is growing out of control, if anyone wants to cut some and try to get the sap out.


Dose: 30-60 grams, up to 90 g if needed for coma from wind-stroke

Cooking: Take directly, without cooking, or mix with ginger juice to reduce its coldness

Identification: Clear, pale yellow liquid
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8. Zhú Rú

Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam

tcm.health-info.org

Bamboo shavings



Taste: Sweet

Temp: Sl. Cold

Channels: Gallbladder, Stomach, Lung



Actions:

• Clears and transforms phlegm-heat: heat in lungs, thick phlegm, tight chest, coughing up blood

• Clears heat and stop vomiting: bitter or sour vomit due to heat in stomach – bad breath, yellow greasy tongue

• Cools blood to stop bleeding: nosebleed (epistaxis), vomiting of blood


Dose: 4.5 – 9 g

Contra: Nausea/vomiting due to cold stomach

Cooking: Fry in ginger juice (or just add ginger to the formula) if you wish to lessen the cold property

Identification: Can vary – a round ball of hairy fibers, or flat shavings, tied in bundles, or as above, like a ball of ribbon

Formula: This herb is crucial in the formula Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction), which in spite of its name is actually indicated for phlegm-heat in the gallbladder and stomach.

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9. Fú Shí

Pumex

“Floating Stone”

tcm.health-info.org

Was originally called Shui Hua (“water flower”)


Taste: Salty

Temp: Cold

Channels: Lung



Actions:

• Clears heat from lungs, expels phlegm-heat (especially old phlegm)

• Softens hardness, dissipates nodules (like the seaweeds); for scrofula, goiter (the salty flavor is important for this)

• Promotes urination: hot or stone Lin Syndrome (combine with other cooling diuretics like Mu Tong, Hua Shi, Jin Qian Cao)

Dose: 6-10 g

Cooking: Decoct in cheesecloth (to protect against swallowing little bits of stone, I presume); can be ground into a powder and taken directly



Identification: Lightweight porous stone that floats in water

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10. Qīng Méng Shí

Chloriti Lapis

herbmart.or.kr

“Cloudy Stone”


Taste: Sweet, salty (as minerals often are)

Temp: Neutral

Channels: Liver, Lung, Stomach



Actions:

• Directs qi down, reduces phlegm; expectorant; “strong and heavy”, says Chen. Sends phlegm downward and out of the body, says Bensky.

• Stops cough and wheeze with old, stubborn, viscous, ropey phlegm

• Treats severe food stagnation – but I wouldn’t use this, it’s too hard to digest

• Calms the liver, controls seizures, convulsions, severe palpitations, when phlegm-heat is the cause

• Available for $2.59/pound from Golden Flower Chinese Herbs, New Mexico; I’ve seen it on the internet for 21.00/pound





Dose: 9-15 g in decoction (place in cheesecloth); 1.5 – 3 g in powder

Bensky suggests this must be calcined (heated very high till powdered and charred to grey)

Preparation: There are various heating and powdering preparation methods; please see your text for details.

Contra: Pregnancy or debilitated patient; caution in spleen/stomach weakness; not for phlegm from blood deficiency or qi deficiency

Cooking: With peppermint juice and honey for childhood convulsions

Identification: Best quality is blue-green and has sparkle




“Only Meng Shi, with its harsh ferocity can seek out and sweep clear the root of phlegm from the areas hidden deep in the twists and turns of the bowels.” “For turbid, filthy, grease” in the area below the stomach. These quotes are from 1761’s Materia Medica of Combinations.


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11. Gé Qiào (Gé Ké)

Meretricis/Cyclinae Concha

Clam Shell

acupuncturetoday.org

Taste: Bitter, Salty

Temp: Cold

Channels: Lung, stomach


Actions:

• Clears heat, redirects lung qi down, transforms phlegm

• Softens hardness, dissipates nodules (like phlegm-fire goiter)

• Promotes urination, expels dampness (mild effect)

• Treats acid regurgitation (calcined) – like Hai Piao Xiao (cuttlefish bone)


Dose: 6- 15 g (or 1-3 grams as a powder)

Cooking: Calcined for stomach acid; powdered and decocted for other use

Identification: Lustrous

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12. Kūn Bù

Eckloniae Thallus

Laminaria

tcm.health-info.org

Ecklonia 5 meters deep, Shimoda Bay, Japan

Taste: Salty

Temp: Cold

Channels: Kidney, liver, stomach

Actions:

• Reduces phlegm, softens hardnesses; neck nodules, chest fullness due to phlegm

• Promotes urination and reduces swelling; edema and “leg qi” (weak action – not strong enough to be a Chief herb, but can assist)

• Used with Hai Zao for goiter and scrofula (it has very similar properties to Hai Zao, so they are commonly used together)

Dose: 6 – 15 g

Modern: Hypo and hyperthyroid conditions (high iodine content)

Identification: Green, “crunchy” and salty (taste it!)
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13. Hǎi Zǎo

Sargassum

thechinesesouplady.com

Taste: Bitter, salty

Temp: Cold

Channels: Kidney, Liver, Stomach, Lung



Actions:

• Clears heat and reduces phlegm nodules(use with Xia Ku Cao)

• Promotes urination, reduces edema (assists stronger herbs in this action)

• Pain from hernia (traditional), and “bulging disorders” of the scrotum or testicle


Dose: 4.5 – 15 g

Contra: Some say incompatible with Gan Cao, but probably not a problem

Modern: Same use as Kun Bu in thyroid

Identification: Very wiry, blackish, salty

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14. Pàng Dà Hǎi

Sterculiae Lychnophorae Semen

“Fat Big Sea”

big5.wiki8.com

Taste: Sweet

Temp: Cold

Channels: Large Intestine, Lung

Actions:

• Clears lung qi and benefits throat: sore throat, hoarse throat, good for singers and speakers, and can be used as a single tea

• Clears intestines, unblocks bowels (not my first choice for this condition)

• Encourages rash expression: external wash for rashes (a minor use)

Dose: 4.5 – 9 g

Cooking: Pour boiling water over 1-2 seeds, drink right away, for throat problems, speakers’ symptoms, actors, etc.


Modern: Use for tonsillitis, as a tea, administered every four hours

Identification: Brown large seeds, wrinkled; puff up enormously in decoction
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Wen Dan Tang



“Warm the Gallbladder Decoction”


a Terrible Name, since it actually Clears Heat from the Gallbladder


Formula Analysis

Zhu Ru
Bamboo shavings
Clear hot phlegm
King herb; clears heat and phlegm from GB and Stomach (Cold)


Zhi Shi
Bitter orange
Regulate Qi Reverses rebellious qi(Cool)


Ban Xia
Pinellia
Clear cold phlegm Dry dampness and expel phlegm; regulate qi and descend rebellious qi (Warm)


Chen Pi
Mandarin orange peel
Regulate Qi


Fu Ling
Poria root fungus
Drain Dampness Strengthen spleen, leach dampness, harmonize middle jiao (Neutral)


Gan Cao
Licorice root
Tonify Qi


Sheng Jiang
Fresh ginger root
Warming diaphoretic Regulate gallbladder and stomach and assist in stopping vomiting (Warm)


Da Zao
Black date
Tonify Qi
Harmonize stomach, protect middle jiao qi
(Neutral)

Herbs that Transform Expel Wind-Damp

Dú Huó

Angelicae Pubescentis Radix

“Self Reliant Existence”

Taste: Pungent, bitter

Temp: Warm

Channels: Kidney, UB (relates to low back and legs)


Actions:

• Dispels wind damp, alleviates pain – chronic or acute Bi pain in low back or legs

• Releases exterior for wind cold damp conditions (similar to Qiang Huo): fever/chills/headache/joint pain

• A very important Bi pain herb – part of the famous formula “Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang”

• Moves Qi and Blood stagnating in channels


Dose: 3-9 g

Contra: Yin deficiency with heat

Modern: Possible tranquilizing and hypnotic effect; topical for toothache (use 15-30 g)

Identification: Moist, smelly (kind of like its relation, Dang Gui) and yellowish brown – easily attacked by bugs, so freeze for 2 days when it arrives

Note: in the old days, Du Huo and Qiang Huo (“Notop”) were considered the same herb. They have similar properties and actions, but Qiang Huo travels upward to the neck and shoulders, while Du Huo travels downward to the low back (but also treats toothache)
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Wēi Líng Xiān

Clematidis Radix

“Awesome Spiritual Immortal”

Taste: Pungent, salty (this is new!)

Temp: Warm, slightly toxic

Channels: UB (and some say all 12 channels)


Actions:


• Dispels wind damp, unblocks channels, alleviates pain; especially useful when the chief complaint is stiffness, patient can’t bend or stretch

• Releases exterior and promotes qi movement in channels; the herb has a penetrating property

• Softens and dislodges fish bones stuck in throat (why it’s salty)

• Moves stagnation in middle jiao, reduces phlegm


Dose: 6-12 g (15-30 for fish bones)

Contra: Qi/blood deficiency

Cooking: For fish bones, make into a decoction with vinegar and brown sugar, swallow slowly. Do not use for large fish bones causing obstruction. This is not a joke – this really works for small bones!

Identification: Clematis is a fragrant vine in the buttercup family; this herb is the root of it



“Fierce and swift, clematis runs to eliminate obstruction in the 12 channels”

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Hǎi Tóng Pí

Erythrinae Cortex

courtesy of www.hort.net

Taste: Pungent, bitter

Temp: Neutral

Channels: Liver, Spleen, Kidney


Actions:

• Dispels wind damp, unblocks channels, esp lower back and knees; can be used for hot or cold patterns

• Promotes urination and reduces edema (damp-related) (as do many peels)

• Topical for skin lesions with itching (scabies, eczema)

• Gargle for toothache


Dose: 6-15 g

Contra: Blood deficiency

Modern: In vitro success against many bacterial pathogens

Identification:


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Mù Guā

Chaenomelis Fructus

“Wood Melon” (actually Chinese quince)

Taste: Sour, aromatic

Temp: Warm

Channels: Liver, Spleen

Actions:

• Relaxes sinews, unblocks channels – for damp type bi pain with severe cramping pain, weakness low back and lower extremities. REALLY RELAXES THE SINEWS

• Transforms dampness in stomach and relieves edema, esp “leg Qi” (beri-beri)

• Reduces food stagnation (similar to Shan Zha in properties and appearance)



Dose: 4.5-12 g (do not overdose)

Contra: Exterior disorders; can you think why?

Modern: Contains saponins, Vit C., flavanoids

Identification: Fruity and beautiful

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Sāng Jì Shēng

Taxilli Herba

“Mulberry Parasite”

Stem and branch of various members of Loranthaceae family, known as Asian mistletoe, an epiphytic parasite on mulberry, peach, willow, oak, maple and elm trees



Taste: Bitter

Temp: Neutral

Channels: Kidney, Liver



Actions:

• Also studied in the yin tonic category: tonifies liver and kidney yin for expelling wind damp Bi pain; joint pain, low back and knee soreness, numbness, atrophy of limbs

• Nourishes blood and calms fetus – can help stop uterine bleeding during pregnancy

• Benefits skin: dry skin, dry eczema, dermatitis

• Treats hypertension (like which other mulberry product?)

• Part of Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Sangjisheng Decoction) to treat low back Bi pain due to deficiency; strengthens tendons and muscles



Dose: 9-30 g

Contra: Holmes says some chronic toxicity can occur in some people: loss of appetite, malaise, abd. distension, mild diarrhea; severe overdose will cause vomiting, diarrhea, death

Modern: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory; antihypertensive

Identification: Northern China uses the genus Viscum, which should be green leaves and twigs; Southern China uses Loranthus and others
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Wǔ Jiā Pí

Acanthopanacis Cortex

“Five Additions Bark”

Taste: Pungent, Bitter

Temp: Warm

Channels: Kidney, Liver


Actions:

• Dispels wind damp, strengthens sinews and bones (similar to a yang tonic, this herb is very good for elderly, weak and people with deficiency of Kidney (bones) and Liver (tendons) – a very useful herb for chronic bi)

• Transforms dampness, reduces swelling (diuretic)

• Adaptogenic (increases non-specific immunity)

• Contrast with Ci Wu Jia

Dose: 4.5 – 15 g

Contra: Caution in yin deficiency with heat

Cooking: Soak in wine for even more tonifying action

Other uses: Use as you might use ginseng for general debility

Identification:
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Qín Jiāo

Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix

Taste: Pungent, bitter

Temp: Sl Cold (use this herb for Heat Bi, since it is cold)

Channels: GB, Liver, Stomach (similar to its relative, Long Dan Cao)


Actions:

• Dispels wind/damp/heat with inflammation, and relaxes sinews (esp for cramping in extremities)

• If there is wind/damp/cold Bi pain, this can be combined with warming herbs from the same category

• Resolves dampness and reduces jaundice (liver/gb connection) – esp. acute cases in infants. Can be used alone to treat jaundice.

• Moistens intestines – helps balance drying herbs in this category

• Clears heat from yin deficiency – steaming bone, night fever – use with Di Gu Pi for this


Dose: 5-12 g

Contra: Frequent urination, diarrhea (because unblocks bowels)

Identification: Yellowish-twisted root pieces (very similar to its relative, Long Dan Cao, in appearance)
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Sāng Zhī

Mori Ramulus

White mulberry branch/twig

Taste: Bitter

Temp: Neutral

Channels: Liver

Actions:


• Dispels wind, unblocks channels, stops Bi pain, especially arms and shoulders

• A good combination: with Wei Ling Xian and Fang Ji

• Can reduce hypertension (by relaxing the liver)

• Sang Bai Pi (the root bark of this tree) also reduces hypertension

Dose: 10-30 grams

Modern: One study showed this herb promoted the production of lymphocytes to improve immune response; one might wonder about the use of this herb then in autoimmune disease such as lupus or RA



Identification: Pale woody chips, resembling Mu Tong, but smaller and lighter in color and weight
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Xī Xiān Cǎo

Siegesbeckiae Herba

Taste: Bitter

Temp: Cold

Channels: Kidney, Liver

Actions:


• Dispels wind damp, strengthens sinews (liver); for heat type Bi

• Calms spirit

• Clears heat and pacifies liver (rising liver yang causing headaches and hypertension)

• Transforms damp heat (sores, itching, rash)

• Hypertension (combine with Xia Ku Cao and other similar herbs)

Dose: 6-15 g

Contra: Yin/blood deficiency

Identification:
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Bái Huā Shé/Qí Shé

Agkistrodon/Bungarus

Taste: Sweet, salty, toxic

Temp: Warm

Channels: Liver



Actions:



• Powerfully unblocks channels and extinguishes wind; chronic wind damp with numbness and weakness

• Dispels wind from skin – ringworm, numbness, rash

• Dispels wind from sinews; facial paralysis or hemiplegia due to stroke

• SEVERE WIND DISORDERS



Dose: 3-10 g

Identification:
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Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang

Formula Analysis

Herb & Category Function

Du Huo

Expel Wind Damp Expel wind and dampness; bi pain

Xi Xin

Warming diaphoretic

Fang Feng

Warming diaphoretic

Qin Jiao

Expel Wind Damp

Sang Ji Sheng

Yin tonic Tonify liver and kidneys

Du Zhong

Yang tonic

Niu Xi

Invigorate blood Harmonize blood; tonify blood, invigorate blood, cool blood

Dang Gui

Tonify blood

Chuan Xiong

Invigorate blood

Sheng Di Huang

Cool blood, clear heat

Bai Shao

Nourish blood

Rou Gui

Warm Interior Warm kidneys

Ren Shen

Tonify Qi Strongly tonifies source qi

Fu Ling

Drain dampness Drains damp in joints

Zhi Gan Cao

Tonify Qi

Harmonize
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