Downward Draining Herbs: Purgatives

Question 1

• HT, LV, LI/ST (Yang Ming)
• Bitter/Cold
• Drains heat/moves stool (purges accumulation) - intestinal excess heat in Yang Ming organ stage, 4 bigs + constipation
• Drains damp heat, xue heat, fire toxicity, xue level heat promotes urination
• Invigorates blood, dispels stasis (wine treated, added at beginning)

Answer 1

Dà Huáng 大簧 (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)

Question 2

• LI/ST (Yang Ming)
• Salty, Bitter, Acrid / Cold
• Purges accumulation, guides out stagnation (heat in Yang Ming)
• Clears heat, drains fire/reduces swellings - lacerated mouth or throat, skin lesions, eye problems
• Moistens dryness, sotfens hardness - w/ Da Huang for constipation from dryness

Answer 2

Máng Xiāo (Natrii Sulfas)

Question 3

• LV, LI/ST (Yang Ming)
• Bitter / Cold
• Drains fire, guides out accumulations/moves stool - habitual constipation, dizziness/red eyes (LV fire)
• Clears heat, cools LV - irritibility, restlessness, insomnia
• Kills parasites - esp roundworm, tinea
• Milder, can be used for deficiency
• Not decocted, used in pills

Answer 3

Lú Huì (Herba Aloes)

Question 4

• LI
• Sweet, Bitter / Cold
• Drains downward, guides out stagnation - constipation due to heat accumulation in the intestines
• Standalone herb - can be used for acute or chronic condtions

Answer 4

Fān Xiè Yè (Folium Sennae)