Damp & Phlegm; Cough & Wheeze; Food Stagnation

Question 1

Fu Ling, Poria

Answer 1

• Drain Dampness
• Sweet, Bland
• Neutral
• Ht, Sp, Kd, Lu (Shaoyin & Taiyin)

Functions & Indications:

1) Promotes urination & leaches out dampness - urinary difficulty, diarrhea or edema, scanty urine d/t damp-heat
2) Strengthens the Spleen & harmonizes the middle jiao - loss of appetite, diarrhea & epigastric distention
3) Strengthens the Spleen & transforms phlegm - palpitations, headache, dizziness, thick, greasy tongue coating
4) Quiets the Heart & calms the spirit - palpitations, insomnia or forgetfulness d/t Ht/Sp vacuity or Phlegm

Caution: Yin Vacuity, Sunken Sp Qi

Question 2

Hou Po, Magnoliae Cortex

Answer 2

• Aromatic Transform Damp
• Bitter, Acrid
• Warm
• Lu, Li, St, Sp (Metal & Earth, Taiyin & Yangming)

Functions & Indications:

1) Promotes the movement of Qi in the Middle Burner and resolves stagnation - qi or food stagnation in the center with chest/abdomen fullness & distention
2) Promotes the movement of Qi downward, dries dampness and transforms phlegm - distention, bloating, fullness, nausea, diarrhea, turbid & greasy tongue fur

• Cautions: Pregnancy, Dry conditions

Question 3

Du Huo, Angelica Pubescentis Radix

Answer 3

• Dispel Wind-Dampness
• Bitter, Acrid
• Warm
• Kd, Ub

Functions & Indications:

1) Dispels wind-dampness & alleviates pain - for wind-cold-damp impediment (lower back & legs); acute or chronic situations
2) Disperses wind-cold-damp & releases exterior - for exterior wind-cold together with dampness; very achy head & body
3) Used for lesser yin (ShaoYin) stage headache involving teeth & cheeks & toothache

Question 4

Gua Lou, Trichosanthis Fructus

Answer 4

• Herbs that Cool & Transform Phlegm-Heat
• Sweet
• Cold
• Lu, Li, St

Functions & Indications:

1) Cools & transforms phlegm-heat - cough or wheezing d/t Hot Phlegm (thick yellow) in the lungs
2) Unbinds the chest - stifling pain or pressure in the chest or diaphragm from qi stagnation
3) Reduces abscesses & dissipates nodules - lung, breast, or intestinal abscesses

• Caution: Diarrhea d/t deficiency and weak Sp/St

Question 5

(Zhi) Ban Xia, Pinellia Rhizoma Preparatum

Answer 5

• Warm Herbs that Transform Cold-Phlegm
• Acrid
• Warm
• Lu, Sp, St

Functions & Indications:

1) Dries dampness; transforms phlegm, descends rebellious qi - cough with copious white sputum
2) Directs rebellious qi downward & stops vomiting - nausea & vomiting d/t many causes

• Caution: Dry cough; yin def; sore throat d/t excess fire; bleeding

Question 6

Xing Ren, Armeniaca Semen

Answer 6

• Relieve Cough & Wheezing
• Bitter
• Slightly warm, Slightly toxic
• Lu, Li

Functions & Indications:
1) Stops coughing & calms wheezing - used broadly for many types of coughs, esp. dry types
2) Moistens intestines & unblocks bowels - high oil content
Caution: Bitter, warming & draining, therefore:
Should not be used for cough d/t yin vacuity or general debility

• Use cautiously, if at all, in infants & those with diarrhea

Question 7

Shan Zha, Crataegi Fructus

Answer 7

• Relieve Food Stagnation
• Sour, Sweet
• Slightly Warm
• Liv, Sp, St

Functions & Indications:

1) Reduces food stagnation & transforms accumulation - due to meat or greasy foods with abdominal pain, distention, or diarrhea
2) Transforms blood stasis & dissipates clumps - postpartum abdominal pain; bulging disorder; modern usage: hypertension, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol
3) Stops diarrhea (char / chao tan prep)

• Caution: Weak Sp/St, Pregnancy