Ch3 Downward draining herbs: purgatives

Question 1

Downward draining herbs are divided into what categories?

Answer 1

Purgatives (bitter cold, - interior excess)
Moist laxatives - mostly nuts and seeds to lubricate intestines
Harsh expellants (cathartics) - induce diarrhea, some are also diuretics

Question 2

Da Huang ***
“Big yellow”
(rhubarb root and rhizome)

Answer 2

Bitter, cold, 3-15g
Enters HT, LI, LV, ST
(most important purgative) Drains heat and purges accumulations - for constipation with heat (maybe fever too); Drains fire; Clears heat, transforms dampness, and promotes urination; Drains blood heat; Invigorates blood and dispels stasis, stops bleeding; Clears heat and reduces fire toxicity

Question 3

Da Huang *** preparation methods and uses

Answer 3

decoct near end or boil separately for strong purgative effect
Sheng Da Huang - fresh, barely cooked in preparation, very strong at purging
Powdered form is already cooked, more mild
cooked - better for blood stasis than fresh because moving but not as strongly purging
Shu Da Huang - steamed, for damp-heat
Jiu Xi Da Huang - wine washed, 1/2 between Shu and Sheng preparation
Cu Da Huang - Vinegar, focus on blood ( bleeding and stasis)
Da Huang Tan - charred, for bleeding”

Question 4

Da Huang Cautions

Answer 4

injures the Stomach Qi, not for use with weak stomach. Also avoid with Qi or blood deficiency. Use with great caution during menstruation, pregnancy, or lactation

Question 5

Da Huang toxicity

Answer 5

Over dose can cause toxic reaction, especially with fresh herb. Sx diarrhea, N/V, dizziness, abdominal colic, and jaundice. Long term use can cause severe damage to LI, cirrhosis of LV, and d/o of electrolytes.

Question 6

Da Huang with Mang Xiao

Answer 6

To remove pathogenic heat from ST & Intestines with constipation

Question 7

Da Huang with Gui Zhi

Answer 7

For combined interior/exterior heat –> sweating & purging together

Question 8

Da Huang with Sheng Di Huang

Answer 8

Together for blazing fire in HT & ST with bleeding & rebellion of Qi. Can also use for empty heat if Sheng Di Huang is primary

Question 9

Mang Xiao ***
“Long (mineral)”
(mineral salt, sodium sulfate decahydrate)

Answer 9

Acrid, bitter, salty, very cold, 6-18g
Enters ST, LI
Da Huang’s helper; Purges accumulations and guides out stagnation (constipation, phlegm/clumping, lactation); Clears heat and drains fire; Clears heat and reduces swelling

Question 10

Mang Xiao cautions

Answer 10

not for use in cases of cold from ST/SP xu. Not for pregnancy

Question 11

Mang Xiao Vs Da Huang

Answer 11

Mang Xiao clears intestines of hardness

Question 12

Fan Xie Ye **
“Foreign purge leaf”
(Senna leaf)

Answer 12

Sweet, bitter, cold, 1.3-3g (mild) or 4.5-9g (strong)
Enters LI
Drains downward and guides out stagnation

Question 13

Fan Xie Ye preparation

Answer 13

usually taken as tea

if decocted add at very end

Question 14

Fan Xie Ye with Chen Pi

Answer 14

Used to restore normal bowel movements. Drain downward and regulate Qi movement, protecting/harmonizing SP/ST

Question 15

Lu Hui **

Aloe

Answer 15

Bitter, cold (mild), 1.5-4.5g
Enters LI, LV, ST
Drains fire and guides out accumulations; Clears heat and cools the LV; Kills parasites and strengthens the ST (Childhood malnutrition)

Question 16

Lu Hui cautions

Answer 16

not for use in cases of cold from xu of SP/ST. Not for use during pregnancy

Question 17

Lu Hui Vs Fan Xie Ye

Answer 17

Lu Hui best for constipation from LV heat or abdominal parasites
Fan Xie Ye best for ascites and for food stagnation
Both need to be used in small doses.