Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness

Question 1

Cang Zhu

Answer 1

acrid, bitter, warm
SP, ST
3-9
1. Strongly Dries Dampness and Strengthens the SP (dampness obstructing the middle burner and blocking the transportive and transformative functions of the SP)
2. Induces sweating and dispels wind dampness (exterior conditions dt wind-cold-dampness as well as wind-dampness)
3. Clears dampness from the lower burner (damp heat pouring downward, vaginal discharge, sore, swollen joints. More effective at drying damp than warming)
4. Improves the vision (night blindness, diminished vision with rough sensations in eyes)

Question 2

Huo Po

Answer 2

bitter, acrid, warm
LI, LU, SP, ST
3-9
1. Promotes movement of qi in the middle burner and resolves stagnation (qi stagnation affecting the SP and ST, cases of food stagnation. Important for reducing and eliminating distention and fullness. Can be used whenever these appear)
2. Promotes movement of Qi downwards, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm (dampness or phlegm obstruction in the middle burner affecting the qi dynamic)
3. Directs qi downward, reduces phlegm, calms wheezing (cough and wheezing from phlegm clogging the LU)

Question 3

Guang Huo Xiang

Answer 3

acrid, sl warm,
LU, SP, ST
3-9 (double dosage when fresh. Do not decoct too long)
1. Aromatically transforms dampness, releases the exterior, and dispels summer heat (dampness obstructing the middle burner as well as summer heat-dampness and damp warmth)
2. Harmonizes the middle burner and stops vomiting (most commonly used in cases of nausea or vomiting dt dampness obstructing the middle burner. But for others with right herbs)
3. Treats dermatosis (affecting either feet or hands)

Question 4

Pei Lan

Answer 4

acrid, neutral
SP, ST
3-9 (double when fresh)
1. Aromatically transforms dampness, awakens the SP, and regulates the middle (dampness obstructing the middle burner. Also damp heat in the SP channel dt neutral herb)
2. Transforms dampness and releases summer heat (exterior summer heat dampness patterns with nausea. Also, early stages of damp-warmth)
3. Aromatically dispels middle burner turbid filth to unbind the ST (internal accumulation of increasingly thickened dampness in the middle burner binding ST qi. Combines with either damp heat or cold damp)

Question 5

Sha Ren

Answer 5

acrid, warm, aromatic
SP, ST
3-6 (add near end. Crush before use)
1. Promotes movement of qi, transforms dampness, and strengthens the SP (qi stagnation affecting the SP and ST or sx of obstruction by dampness)
2. Warms the middle and stops diarrhea (diarrhea from SP cold)
3. Calms the fetus (morning sickness, restless fetus)
4. prevents tonifying herbs from causing stagnation.

Question 6

Bai Dou Kou

Answer 6

acrid, warm, aromatic
LU, SP, ST
3-6
1. Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness, and strengthens the ST (dampness obstructing the middle burner as well as damp warmth)
2. Warms the middle burner and causes rebellious qi to descend (vomiting dt cold from deficiency of SP and ST, ST cold, cold dampness, or food stagnation)

Question 7

Hong Dou Kou

Answer 7

acrid, warm
SP, LU
3-6 (pulverize before using)
1. Warms the middle and dries dampness, awakens the SP, reduces food stagnation (cold and painful epigastrium and abdomen)

Question 8

Cao Dou Kou

Answer 8

acrid, warm, aromatic
SP, ST
3-6 (add near end of decocting process. Crus before using)
1. Dries dampness and warms the middle (cold-dampness of SP and ST)

Question 9

Cao Guo

Answer 9

acrid, warm
SP, ST
3-6
1. Strongly dries dampness and disperses cold (cold dampness obstructing SP and ST)
2. Checks malaria disorders (for intermittent fever and chills associated with malaria d/o dt cold-dampness or turbid dampness
3. Dissolves stagnation and distention (indigestion dt meat stagnation. Focal distention and nausea dt cold from deficiency of SP and ST)