Aromatic Substances that Open the Orifices

Question 1

She Xiang

Answer 1

acrid, warm, aromatic
HT, SP, LV
.03-.1
1. Vigorously opens the orifices, revives the spirit, unblocks closed d/o (because of its intensely aromatic, penetrating nature this substance is used in treating a wide variety of problems that impair the consciousness, irrespective of whether it is associated with heat or cold)
2. Invigorates the blood, dissipates clumps, reduces swelling and alleviates pain (wide variety of severe problems dt blood stasis. Also used to clear obstructions to the channels and collaterals dt traumatic injury or bi. Either ingested or applied topically)
3. Hastens delivery and facilitates the downward passage of stillborns (used in cases where the dead fetus or placenta fails to descend)

Question 2

Su He Xiang

Answer 2

sweet, arid, warm, aromatic
HT, SP
.3-1
1. Opens the orifices and penetrates through turbidity to awaken the spirit (closed d/o, phlegm collapse and epidemic toxic diseases.. Especially cold d/o)
2. Opens up areas of constraint and clears away filth (stifling sensations, cold fullness and pain in the chest and abdomen. Applied topically for chillblain)

Question 3

An Xi Xiang

Answer 3

acrid, bitter, neutral
HT, LV, SP
.6-1.5 in pills and powders; should not be decocted
1. Opens the orifices and awakens the spirit (wind stroke and phlegm collapse or qi constraint with sudden collapse)
2. Invigorates the blood, promotes the movement of qi, and alleviates pain (pain in the chest and abdomen from blood stasis and qi stagnation. Can be used by itself as a powder placed in boiling water for acute pain)
3. Promotes the movement of qi and blood, unblocks the channels and collaterals and alleviates pain (wind cold and dampness obstructing the channels and collaterals)

Question 4

Bing Pian

Answer 4

acrid, bitter, mildly cold
HT, LU, SP
.01-.3
1. Opens the orifices, awakens the spirit, and unblocks the closed disorders (impaired conciousness, various types of fainting and convulsions)
2. Clears heat, drains fire, resolves toxicity, clears the eyes, removes superficial visiaul obstructions and stops pain (heat leading to issues in head)
3. Clears heat, alleviates pain, dissipates nodules, and alleviates itching (Commonly used in topically-applied powders to regenerate flesh)

Question 5

Si Chang Pu

Answer 5

acrid, bitter, warm, aromatic
HT, ST
3-9
1. Opens the orifices, dislodges phlegm, removes filth, and quiets the spirit (phlegm dampness veiling and blocking the sensory orifices)
2. Transforms turbid dampness, awakens the SP, and promotes movement of qi (dampness and turbidity obstructing the middle burner)
3. Promotes blood flow and reduces swelling (internally, topically for wind-cold-damp bi, trauma, and sores)

Question 6

Niu Huang

Answer 6

bitter, cool
HT, LV
.2-.5
1. Clears the heat, opens the orifices, awakens the spirit, and dislodges phlegm (delirium or coma dt warm-heat pathogen or hot diseases with hot phlegm obstructing the pericardium)
2. Clears the LV, resolves toxicity, extinguishes wind, and stops tremors (heat entering the LV)
3. Drains heat and resolves fire toxicity (Hot swellings)