Aromatic and Transform Damp

Question 1

What herbs are Aromatic and Transform Damp? (5)

Answer 1

Huo Xiang (Agastache/Pachouli) 
Pei Lan (Ornamental Orchid)
Huo Po (Magnolia Bark)
Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome)
Shan Ren (Paradise Fruit Grains)

Question 2

What are the properties of Huo Xiang? (2)

Answer 2

Acrid

Slightly Warm

Question 3

What are the CE of Huo Xiang? (3)

Answer 3

Lung
Spleen
Stomach

Question 4

What are Huo Xiang’s actions and indications? (5)

Answer 4

Aromatically transforms damp
Damp obstruction in middle Jiao and interfering with SP function
Harmonizes middle Jiao and stops vomiting
Releases exterior
Transforms turbidity

Question 5

What herb is often paired with Huo Xiang?

Answer 5

Pei Lan (Ornamental Orchid)

Question 6

What are the properties of Huo Po? (4)

Answer 6

Warm
Bitter
Acrid
Aromatic

Question 7

What are the CE of Huo Po? (3)

Answer 7

Lung
Large Intestine
Spleen

Question 8

Why is Huo Po a 1+?

Answer 8

Directs Qi downward

Best herb for treating distention from excess

Question 9

What are the actions and indications of Huo Po? (5)

Answer 9

Promotes movement of Qi
Transforms damp
Resolves stagnation
Warms and transforms phlegm
Directs rebellious Qi downward

Question 10

What herb is the best for drying damp?

Answer 10

Cang Zhu

Question 11

What are the properties of Cang Zhu? (4)

Answer 11

Acrid
Warm
Bitter
Aromatic

Question 12

What are the CE of Cang Zhu? (2)

Answer 12

Stomach

Spleen

Question 13

What herb is used in herbal prescriptions with tonifying herbs to prevent them from causing stagnation?

Answer 13

Sha Ren

Question 14

What is the danger with Aromatic Herbs that Transform Damp?

Answer 14

With prolonged use; too much descending and dispersing will easily damage Qi and Yin

Question 15

What are the 3 Damp Treatment Principles?

Answer 15

Upper Burner: release exterior
Middle Burner: aromatically transform
Lower Burner: drain through urination

Question 16

What are the differences and similarities Bai Zhu(White Atractylodes) and Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes)?

Answer 16

MAIN DIFFERENCE: Bai Zhu is more tonifying and Cang Zhu is more for drying.

Properties:
Both are Bitter and Warm
Bai Zhu is Sweet
Cang Zhu is Aromatic and Acrid

Dosage:
Both 4.5-9g

Both enter SP and ST channels

Actions and Indications:
Both dry damp and strengthen SP
Bai Zhu stabilizes the exterior and stop sweating while Cang Zhu induces sweating and releases the exterior

Bai Zhu
Tonifies SP amd augments Qi
Calms fetus, prevents miscarriage by tonifying baby’s original Qi

Cang Zhu
Clears damp in Lower Burner
Expels wind/damp
Improves vision

Extras:
Due to Bai Zhu’s flavor/nature it is contraindicated for Yin Xu with heat signs.
Cang Zhu is often combined with cooling herbs to treat damp heat.

Question 17

What does are the main actions and indications of Sha Ren? (2)

Answer 17

Harmonizes ST Qi

Calms fetus/Treats morning sickness