Downward Draining Herbs: Cathartics

Question 1

• KD, LI, LU, SI
• Bitter, Acrid / Cold
• Drives out water for heat accumulation in ST or intestines - expels water through UB/LI (urine or stool)
• Unblocks bowels
• Drives out phlegm
• Expels parasites - roundworm, tapeworm

Answer 1

Qiān Niú Zĭ (Semen Pharbiditis)

Question 2

• KD, LI, LU
• Bitter, Sweet / Cold, TOXIC
• Drains pathogenic water, drives out thin mucus - severe accumulation in chest/abdomen, facial edema
• Clears heat, reduces swelling - topically for damp-heat nodules/lesions
• Incompatible w/ gan cao
• Violent/harsh herb - water passes anally

Answer 2

Gān Suì 甘遂 (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui)

Question 3

• KD, LI, LU
• Bitter, Acrid / Cold, TOXIC
• Drains pathogenic water, drives out fluids - moderate chest/flank accumulation, hypochondriac fullness, labored breathing
• Reduces swelling, dissapates nodules - topical

Answer 3

Dà Jĭ 大戟 (Radix Euphorbiae seu Knoxiae)

Question 4

• KD, LI, LU
• Bitter, Acrid / Warm, TOXIC
• Drains pathogenic water downward (diuretic), drives out phlegm - accumulation in chest/hypochodrium
• Standalone for chronic bronchitis - stops cough/wheezing
• Kills parasites - ring worm

Answer 4

Yuán Hua 芫花 (Flos Daphnis Genkwa)

Question 5

• KD/UB, LI, SP
• Bitter / Cold, TOXIC
• Drives out water through urethra and anus - edema associated with excess sx (severe constipation/urinary difficulty)
• Reduces sores/carbuncles - hot sores

Answer 5

Shāng Lù 商陆 (Radix Phytolacca)

Question 6

• ST, LU/LI
• Acrid / HOT, TOXIC
• Warmly unblocks/vigorously purges - severe cold food stagnation or constipation
• Drives out water, reduces edema - ascites
• Transforms phlegm, clears throat
• Promotes healing of yin sores/abscesses

Answer 6

Bā Dòu 巴豆 (Crotonis Fructus)