Aromatic Herbs That Transform Dampness

Question 0

What are three treatment principles for dampness?

Answer 0

1. Dampness in the upper burner - we often treat this with herbs that release the exterior
2. Dampness in the middle burner - we often treat this with aromatic herbs that transform dampness
3. Dampness in the lower burner - we often use diuretic herbs that drain dampness through urination

Question 1

Name 5 herbs that aromatically transform dampness

Answer 1

Huo Xiang (1)
Pei Lan
Hou Po (1)
Cang Zhu (1)
Sha Ren

• these herbs are said to awaken the SP with their fragrance thereby producing a strong effect that transforms dampness.
• C&C = most of these herbs are pungent, warm, aromatic and drying and thus can easily damage Qi and Yin

Question 2

What are common symptoms of dampness obstructing the middle burner?

Answer 2

Abdominal distention and fullness, 
nausea, 
vomiting or spitting up sour fluids, 
absence of thirst, 
loss of appetite, 
diarrhea with difficulty defecating, 
greasy tongue coating, 
and soft or soggy pulse

*often caused by food poisoning or other acute GI disorders

Question 3

Huo Xiang (1)

Answer 3

• aromatically transforms dampness

- harmonizes the middle burner and stops vomiting

Question 4

Pei Lan (2)

Answer 4

• aromatically transforms dampness
• releases summer heat
• often paired with Huo Xiang

Question 5

Hou Po (1+)

Answer 5

• promotes movement of Qi
• directs rebellious (ST) Qi downward
• major herb for distention and fullness of excess type

Question 6

Cang Zhu (1)

Answer 6

• strongly dries dampness
• strengthens SP
• best herb for drying dampness
  (black atractylodes)

*compare with Bai Zhu
(white atractylodes)
- tonifies SP
- calms fetus 
- dries dampness
- Qi tonic category

Question 7

Sha Ren (2)

Answer 7

• calms the fetus and helps with morning sickness

- harmonizes ST Qi