Herb Categories Flashcards
What is the general function of the Herbs that Regulate the Qi?
They facilitate the proper workings of the qi dynamic (aka Qi Mechanism) therby helping it work smoothly and freely as a means of eliminating qi stagnation or rebellious qi.
In General, what are the properties of Herbs that Regulate the Qi?
aromatic, warm, Acrid or Bitter
What are some general indications that Herbs that Regulat the Qi will treat?
reduce distention, smooth the flow of Qi, expand the chest, relieve constraint, stop pain, direct rebeliious qi downward to stop vomiting or calm wheezing
Which organs are most importantly involved in the Qi Dynamic and why?
LU - govern the qi; LV - governs tdedging and draining; SP - governs transformation and transportation; ST - governs receiving and taking in
What are the two prinipal types of dysfunction affecting the Qi Dynamic?
stagnation and rebellion
For most of the herbs in Regulate the Qi, long term use will result in what?
depletion of the yin
Which herbs are in Herbs that Regulate Qi?
·Chen Pi - Citri Reticulate Pericarpium ·Ju Hong - Citri Reticulate Exocarpium Rubrum ·Qing Pi - Citri Reticulate Viridi Pericarpium ·Zhi Shi - Aurantii Fructus Immaturus ·Zhi Ke - Aurantii Fructus ·Da Fu Pi - Arecae Pericarpium ·Xiang Fu - Cyperi Rhizoma ·Mu Xiang - Aucklandiae Radix ·Wu Yao - Linderae Radix ·Chen Xiang - Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum ·Tan Xiang - Santili Albi Lgnum ·Chuan Lian Zi - Toosendan Fructus
What are do Herbs that Invorgorate the Blood do? Why is this important?
Facilitate the flow in the vessels, augment its movement and reduce areas of blood stasis. When the flow of blood has been slowed, obstructed or becomes static this can lead to many types of problems
What are Sx that can indicate the use of Herbs that Invigorate Blood?
·Pain: general or localized (fixed)
·Numbness and paresthesia of the limbs
·Masses or lumps: internal or superficial
·Masses due to bleeding: including trauma induced
·Bleeding: if dark purple w clots
·Dark purple stasis spots on skin, tongue or mucous membranes
What are some associated disorders with Blood Stasis?
·ammenorrhea ·uterine bleeding (abnormal) ·postpartum abdominal pain ·chest painful obstruction ·hypochondrial pain ·pain due to wind-damp painful obstruction ·abcesses and other types of sores ·abdominal pain ·traumatic pain (incld fractures) ·pain due to tumors
Blood stasis can occur for many reasons. List some of the main ones.
·externally contracted Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp
·the drying and congealing nature of Warm Pathogens
·obstruction due to Damp, Phlegm and Trauma
What are the general properties that many Herbs that Invigorate Blood share?
Acrid
Bitter
Warm
What are the general cautions to take when using Herbs that Invigorate Blood?
Very mobilizing in nature and should be used with caution in:
pregnancy
tendency to bleed; constitutionally or due to blood thinning medication
Can Herbs that Invigorate the Blood be used to treat the underlying etiology of the blood stasis?
Blood Stasis is usually a secondary pathogenic influence. Invigorate Blood herbs should be used inconjunction with herbs to treat the primary agent that led to the Stasis.
What are the four sub categories of Herbs that Invigorate Blood in ascending order of strength?
·Harmonize the Blood
·Promote the Movement of Blood
·Dispel Blood Stasis
·Break up Blood Stasis
Which herbs are in Herbs that Invigorate Blood?
·Chuan Xiong - Chuanxiong Rhizoma ·Dan Shen - Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix ·Ji Xue Teng - Spatholobi Caulis ·Yan Hu Suo - Corydalis Rhizoma ·Ze Lan - Lycopi Herba ·Tao Ren - Persicae Semen ·Hong Hua - Carthami Flos ·E Zhu - Curcumae Rhizoma ·San Leng - Sparganii Rhizoma ·Ru Xiang - Olibanum ·Mo yao - Myrrha ·Huai Niu Xi - Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix ·Chuan Niu Xi - Cyathulae Radix ·Wu Ling Zhi -Trogopterori Faeces ·Wang Bu Liu Xing - Vaccariae Semen ·Chuan Shan Jia - Mantis Squama
Herbs that Stop Bleeding treat blood that has left its normal passageway. What are the three primary causes for this?
·can leak out when SP Qi fails to contain
·can be forced out (excessive yang causing reckless movement)
·can be forced out by Blood Stasis blocking the normal passageway
What are some types of bleeding that Herbs that Stop Bleeding can treat?
·vomiting blood ·nosebleed ·coughing up blood ·blood in stool ·blood in urine ·heavy menstruation ·excessive uterine bleeding ·bleeding due to trauma
What are the general properties shared by herbs the Warm the Interior and Expel cold?
warm or hot
acrid
(and bitter)
Which herbs are in Herbs that Stop Bleeding?
·San Qi - Notoginseng Radix ·Pu Huang - Typhae Pollen ·Di Yu - Sanguisorbae Radix ·Huai Mi - Sophorae Flos Immaturus ·Ce Bai Ye - Platycladi Cacumen ·Bai Mao Gen - Imperatae Rhizoma ·Ai Ye - Artemisiae Argyi Folium
Do herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold treat internally generated cold or exteriorly contracted cold?
both.
they treat interior (organ level cold) the pathomechanism is not important
How do herbs the Warm the Interior and Expel Cold generally function?
to disperse and dispel interior pathogenic cold, and arose and stimulate the yang
Do herbs the Warm the Interior and Expel Cold treat the root or branch of Interior Cold?
branch
What are the general cautions associated with using herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold?
herbs are Acrid, Warm and Drying - can readily injure fluids. Should be used with caution in yin deficiency patients.
Herbs are very moving - so should be used with caution in cases of heat or blood loss and in pregnancy
Which herbs are in the category Warm the Interior & Expel Cold?
Gan Jiang - Zingiberis Rhizoma Rou Gui - Cinnamomi Cortex Wu Zhu Yu - Evodiae Fructus Hua Jiao - Xanthoxyli Pericarpium Gao Liang Jiang - Alpiniae Officarium Rhizoma Ding Xiang - Caryophylli FLos Xiao Hui Xiang - Foeniculi Fructus Bi Ba - Piperis Longi Fructus Hu Jiao - Piperis Fructus
Tonifying herbs are also called what?
Tonics
What do Tonics or Tonifying Herbs do?
Strengthen or supplement an area or physiological process of the body that is weakened or insufficient.
Tonics treat patterns of deficiency of _____, _____, _____ and _____.
Qi
Blood
Yin
Yang
Should Tonifying herbs be prescribed when there are signs of an exterior disorder?
no. the herbs will tonify the pathogen, too.
They should be combined with herbs that release the exterior.
Common warning for tonification herbs is: “deficient yet unable to accept tonification herbs”, what does this refer to?
a patient who regularly develops problems after taking tonics: nausea, bloating, loss of appetite or signs of fire from deficiency- dry mouth/lips, irritability, insomnia
usually due to underlying stagnation, which must be cleared before tonifying
What happens if you give tonifying herbs to a patient who is not deficient?
wide range of problems including:
rashes
indigestion
irritability
What channels do herbs that Tonify Qi usually enter and why?
LU SP
these are the two organs primarily responsible for the extraction of qi from food and air as well as the transportive functions of qi within the body
What characteristics do Herbs that Tonify the Qi generally share?
sweet
and
cloying
What are the general cautions for Herbs that Tonify the Qi??
excessive use can lead to a feeling of fullness in the chest or diaphragm.
should be combined with small amounts of herbs that move and regulate the Qi.
What are the general Sx for which Herbs that Tonify Qi would be indicated - SP and LU def?
SP Qi Def: lethargy weakness in extremities lack of appetite abdominal distention/or pain loose stool or diarrhea edema or prolapse (because SP Qi is main component of Middle Qi which holds structures upright)
LU Qi Def: SOB or Shallow Breathing or Dyspnea on exertion weak voice pallid complexion spontaneous sweating
Which herbs are in the category Herbs that Tonify Qi?
Ren Shen - Ginseng Radix Dang Shen - Codonopsis Radix Bai Zhu - Atractylodis Gan Cao - Gylcyrrhizae Radix Tai Zi Shen - Pseudostellariea Radix Huang Qi - Astragali Radix Shan Yao - Dioscoreae Rhizoma Bai Bian Dou - Lablab Semen Album Da Zao - Jujubae Fructus Huang Jing - Polygonati Rhizoma Yi Tang - Maltosum
What general characteristic do Herbs that Tonify Blood generally share?
Sweet
and
Cloying
What channels do Herbs that Tonify Blood usually enter?
LV - stores blood (especially)
HT - directs blood
SP - controls blood
(these herbs do not seem to enter the Yang Channels)
What are some Sx that indicate the use of Herbs that Tonify Blood?
pallid face/lips vertigo and/or dizziness diminished vision palpitations lethargy pale skin menstrual irregularities pale tongue/fine pulse
What is the traditional Blood Deficient “body type”
weak and thin
because blood nourishes the sinews and bones
Are Herbs that Tonify Blood effective on their own?
no - they should be combined with herbs that tonify the yin and are also commonly used together with Herbs that Tonify the Qi.
What are the general cautions for Herbs that Tonify the Blood?
because they are cloying, over use can cause indigestion.
herbs that strengthen the ST are often added.
What are the herbs in Herbs that Tonify Blood?
Shu Di Huang - Rehmanniae Radix Preparata
Dang Gui - Angelicae Sinensis Radix
(Zhi) He She Wu - Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata
E Jiao - Asini Corii COlla
Gou Qi Zi - Lycii Fructus
Sang Shen - Mori Fructus
Long Yan Rao - Longan Arillus
What channels do Herbs that Tonify the Yang generally enter?
KD * Primarily
HT
SP
What is the principle manifestion of KD Yang Deficiency?
systemic exhaustion
lack of warmth
What are some common Sx of KD Yang Def?
•withdrawl into oneself •fear of cold •cold extremities •sore and weak lower back & extremities •pale tongue •deep, weak pulse ~ additional Sx~ ·impotence ·spermatorrhea ·watery vaginal discharge ·infertility ·enuresis ·polyuria ·wheezing ·daybreak diarrhea
What are the general properties of herbs that Tonify Yang?
warm
drying
What are the herbs in the category Herbs that Tonify the Yang?
Ge Jie - Gecko Lu Rong - Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum Rou Cong Rong - Cistanches Herba Bai Ji Tian - Morindae Officinalis Radix Yi Zhi Ren - Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Du Zhong - Eucommiae Cortex Gu Sui Bu - Drynariae Rhizoma Zi He Che - Hominis Placenta Suo Yang - Cynomorii Herba Yin Yang Huo - Epimedii Herba Bu Gu Zhi - Psoraleae Fructus Xian Mao - Curculiginis Rhizoma Xu Duan - Dipsaci Radix Tu Su Zi - Cuscutae Semen Hu Lu Ba - Trigonellae Semen Dong Chong Xia Cao - Cordyceps Gou Ji - Cibotii Rhizoma He Tao Ren - Juglandis Semen
What are the general cautions and indications for herbs that Tonify Yang?
warm and drying-
can injure Yin and assist fire
caution in patients with Fire from Yin Def
Herbs that Tonify the Yin, in general, tonify the Yin of which organs?
KD
LU
ST
LV
In general, Herbs that Tonify the Yin share which properties?
sweet and cold
also: moistening and cloying
What are general Sx of LU yin def?
dry cough loss of voice thirst dry throat dry skin
What are general Sx of ST yin def?
lack of appetite irritability thirst dry mouth constipation (ST yin def represented by lack of fluids in the ST and is common after febrile disease)
What are general Sx of LV yin deficiency?
(similar to LV blood def) diminished visual acuity dry, dull eyes night blindness dizziness tinitus dry nails plus: a low grade sensation of heat
What are the general Sx of KD Yin def?
dizziness tinitus painful LB and legs warm palms and feet afternoon fever diminished sexual function dark and scanty urine red dry tongue thin pulse
Which herbs are in the category Tonify Yin?
Sha Shen - Glehniae seu Adenophorae Radix Xi Yang Shen - Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Mai Men Dong - Ophiopogonis Radix Tian Men Dong - Asparagi Radix Shi Hu - Dendrobii Herba Yu Zhu - Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma Bai He - Lilii Bulbus Mo Han Lian - Ecliptae Herba Nu Zhen Zi - Ligistri Lucidum Fructus Hei Zhi Ma - Sesami Semen Nigrum Gui Ban - Testudinis Plastrum Bie Jia - Trionycis Carapax
What cautions should be taken when using Tonify Yin herbs?
inappropriate for patients with SP or ST def or
internal obstruction of dampness or phlegm
or abdominal distention of diarrhea
Are herbs in the category Stabilize and Bind tonics?
no
they treat the branch
(exceptions: Wu Wei Zi & Shan Zhu Yu)
What general properties do herbs in the Stabilize and Bind category often share?
sour and astringent
Which herbs are in the category Stabilize and Bind?
Shan Zhu Yu - Corni Fructus Wu Wei Zi - Schisandrae Fructus Wu Mei - Mume Fructus He Zi - Chebulae Fructus Rou Dou Kou - Myristicae Semen Chun Pi - Ailanthi Cortex Lian Zi - Nelumbinis Semen Qian Shi - Euryales Semen Jin Ying Zi - Rosae Laevigatae Fructus Fu Pen Zi - Rubi Fructus Bai Guo - Gingko Semen Fu Xiao Mai - Tritici Fructus Levis Hai Piao Xiao - Sepiae Endoconcha Chi Shi Zhi - Halloysitum Rubrum
Which herbs are in the category Substances that Calm the Spirit - Anchor,, Settle and Calm the Spirit?
Long Gu - Os Draconis/Fossilia Ossis Mastodi Mu Li - Ostreae Concha Ci Shi - Magnetitum Zhen Zhu - Margarita Zi Shi Ying - Fluoritum Hu Po - Succinum Zhen Zhu Mu - Margarita
Which herbs are in the category Substances that Calm the Spirit - Nourish the HT and Calm the Spirit?
Suan Zao Ren - Ziziphi Spinosae Semen Bai Zi Ren - Platycladi Semen Yuan Zhi - Polygalae Radix He Huan Pi - Albiziae Cortex Ye Jiao Teng - Polygoni Multiflori Caulis
Which herbs are in the category Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices?
She Xiang - Moschus Su He Xiang - Styrax Bing Pian - Borneolum Shi Chang Pu - Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma Niu Huang - Bovis Calculus
Which are the herbs in the category Substances that Extinguish Wind & Stops Tremor?
Ling Yang Jiao - Saigae Tataricae Cornu Gou Teng - Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis Tian Ma - Gastrodiae Rhizoma Ci Ji Li - Tibuli Fructus Shi Jue Ming - Haliotidia Concha Bai Jiang Can - Bombys Batryticatus Quan Xie - Scorpio Wu Gong - Scolopendra Dai Zhe Shi - Haematitum Di Long - Pheretima
Which are the herbs in the category Herbs that Expel Parasites?
Shi Jun Zi - Quisqualis
Bing Lang - Arecae Semen
Da Suan - Allium Bulbosum (?can’t remember)
Which are the herbs in the category Substances for External Application?
Bai Fan - Alumen
Liu Huang - Sulfu
She Chuang Zi - Cnidii Fructus
What disorders and indications are Herbs that Stabilize and Bind generally used for?
Disorders: •in which bodily fluids are discharged abnormally •in which structures within the body slip from their proper positions such as: ·diarrhea ·urinary frequency ·excessive sweating ·vaginal discharge ·miscarriage ·prolapse of the uterus or rectum
Herbs that calm the spirit are used for treating disturbances of the spirit -also known as consciousness. What problems can this disturbance lead to?
irritability
insomnia
palpitations w anxiety
some forms of anxiety
Which channels do herbs that Nourish the Spirit generally enter?
LV
HT
What are the two divisions of the category Herbs that Nourish the Spirit?
- Anchor, Settle and Calm the Spirit
* Nourish the Heart and Settle the Spirit
What are some common factors behind a disturbed spirit?
fright, shock, sudden anxiety or jitteriness
or
overwork leading to a def of Nutritive Qi and Blood depriving the Shen and Hun of a restive abode
In General do substances the Calm the Spirit treat the root or branch of the pattern?
branch
What is a general precaution when using Herbs that Nourish the Spirit?
In general, these are not herbs, but shells and minerals and can be very hard to digest, even in tea form.
