Ch7 Herbs that transform dampness

Question 1

Cang Zhu

Atractylodis Rhizoma

Answer 1

Acrid, bitter, warm
SP, ST
Strongly dries dampness, strengthens SP, for dampness obstructing middle; Induces sweating, dispels WD EPF; Clears dampness from lower jiao, Leg-Qi (vaginal discharge, joint pain; Also for night blindness
Caution: yin xu from EPF heat, and Wei qi deficiency w/profuse sweating

Question 2

Hou Po

magnolia bark

Answer 2

Bitter, acrid, warm
LI, LU, SP, ST
Main herb for fullness/distension of middle jiao or chest! Promotes movement of Qi in the middle burner, resolves stagnation, dries dampness, transforms phlegm (SP, ST); Directs qi downward, reduces phlegm, calms wheezing (LU)
NOT for pregnancy

Question 3

Huo Xiang
“fragrant plant”
(above-ground part of plant. patchouli (pogostemon), or sometimes agastache)

Answer 3

Acrid, slightly warm (less drying than other herbs in this chapter)
LU, SP, ST
Aromatically transforms dampness, releases the exterior, dispels summerheat (great for sudden turmoil d/o and food poisoning); harmonizes the middle jiao, stops vomiting; Treats dermatosis on hands and feet (dermatitis w/o inflammation)
NOT for yin xu with blazing fire

Question 4

Pei Lan
“admired orchid”
(eupatorium, above ground part of plant)

Answer 4

Acrid, neutral
SP, ST
Aromatically transforms dampness, awakens the SP, and regulates middle jiao, with DH in SP channel; Transforms dampness, releases summerheat. Milder than Huo Xiang but often used together
Caution: components of this plant are carcinogenic, longterm use in high doses can cause liver cancer

Question 5

Sha Ren
“sand kernel/nut”
(amomum fruit/ grains of paradise fruit)

Answer 5

Acrid, strongly warm, aromatic
SP, ST
Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness, streangthens the SP; Warms the middle, stops diarrhea (from cold w/SP yang xu); calms the fetus (appropriate with signs of cold in interior); used in formulas to prevent stagnation
NOT for yin xu with heat. Some have allergic rxn with skin contact

Question 6

Bai Dou Kou
“white cardamom”
(cardamom cluster)

Answer 6

Acrid, aromatic, warm
LU, SP, ST
Promotes the movement of qi, transforms dampness, strengthens the ST; Warms the middle jiao, causes rebellious qi to descend; helps open chest for LU qi stagnation
NOT for yin or blood xu

Question 7

Cao Dou Kou
“cardamom grass”
(Katsumada’s galandal seeds)

Answer 7

Acrid, warm, aromatic
SP, ST
Dries dampness and warms the middle for C-D of SP, ST w/fullness, distention, and pain of epigastrium or abdomen with vomiting and/or diarrhea
NOT for yin or blood xu

Question 8

Cao Guo
“fruit grass”
(Tsaoko fruit)

Answer 8

Acrid, warm
SP, ST
Strongly dries dampness, strongly disperses cold (most warming and drying of ch 7), for obstruction of middle jiao with C-D for vomiting or diarrhea; Checks malarial d/o (intermittent fever and chills, with strong internal cold Sx)
NOT for yin or blood xu