Herbs Flashcards
What herb treats both warm and cold wind heat and is great for venting highly contagious diseases?
Dan dou chi
What are the properties and channels entered of ma huang?
acrid, warm, slightly bitter
Enters the lung and bladder channels
What herb helps asthma and promotes urination?
ma huang
What herb is great for treating wind/cold/damp bi particularly of the shoulders?
Gui zhi
What are the properties and channels entered of gui zhi?
acrid, sweet, warm
heart, lung and bladder channels
What herb is used for all heart and blood disorders and wind cold invasions?
gui zhi
What are 6 actions of gui zhi?
Opens the pores to release the exterior for wind cold invasions
Warms and unblocks the channels, dispels wind/cold/damp bi pain of the shoulders
Warms yang and promotes Qi transformation – production of food qi, production of blood, production of body fluids.
Assist the Heart yang and unblocks Yang Qi of the chest.
Harmonises nutritive and protective Qi levels.
Warms the middle and directs turbid yin downward
What herb treats mastitis with pain and swelling?
zi su ye (perilla leaf)
What herb’s fresh leaves are mashed and then poulticed for wounds, mastitis or snakebites?
zi su ye (perilla leaf)
What are the properties and channels entered of zi su ye (perilla leaf)?
aromatic, acrid and warm
lung and spleen channels
What herb treats morning sickness and a restless foetus? and how
zi su ye (perilla leaf)- descends rebellious qi
What are the properties and channels entered of gao ben?
acrid and warm
Bladder channel
Which herb treats vertex headaches due to its strong ascending nature?
gao ben
What herb is an emperor herb to treat all wind disorders?
fang feng
What are the properties and channels entered of fang feng?
sweet, acrid and slightly warm
liver, spleen and bladder channels
What herb dispels internal liver wind and relieves diarrhoea with abdo pain?
fang feng
What pungent, acrid and warm herb dilates the coronary vessels to increase heart function?
Bai Zhi (Dahurian angelica root)
What herb inhibits the growth of E.coli and alleviates vaginal discharge?
Bai Zhi (Dahurian angelica root)
What acrid, aromatic and slightly warm harmonious herb is light and ascending that can be used for both wind cold and wind heat?
Jing jie
What are the properties and channels entered of Cang er zi (Xanthium fruit)?
Sweet, bitter, warm and toxic
Lung
What are the properties and channels entered of Bai Zhi (Dahurian angelica root)?
Pungent, acrid and warm
Lung, stomach and spleen
What are the properties and channels entered of jing jie?
Acrid, aromatic, slightly warm
Lung and Liver
What are the properties and channels entered of xin yin hua? (magnolia flower)
Acrid and warm
Lung and Stomach
What are the properties and channels entered of sheng jiang?
Acrid and warm
Lung, spleen and Stomach
What are 4 actions of sheng jiang?
Releases exterior wind-cold and induces sweating
Resolves toxicity
Warms and strengthens the middle burner
Warms the lungs and stops coughing
What is the most frequently used herb for sinusitis, rhinitis and the common cold?
Xin yin hua (magnolia flower)
What are 4 actions of xin yin hua (magnolia flower)?
Release wind-cold
Unblocks nasal passages
Promotes spread of lung qi to restore smell
Enters the stomach and raises yang qi to the head
What herb can stop bleeding when charred black?
jing jie
Name 4 actions of jing jie?
Releases exterior wind-cold and wind-heat
Promotes eruption of rashes and alleviates itching
Relieves spasms
Stops bleed (charred)
What herb treats nasal problems with thick foul yellow or green discharge?
cang er zi.(Xanthium fruit)
What herb requires dry frying to reduce its toxicity?
cang er zi (Xanthium fruit)
What herb treats nasal problems and also painful obstruction in the knees and feet?
cang er zi (Xanthium fruit)
What are 6 functions of Bai zhi? (Dahurian angelica root)
Releases the exterior and dispels wind
Opens the upper orifices (specifically the nose and sinuses)
Dries dampness and relieves pain, particularly in the upper part of the Stomach channel along the face and head
Eliminates toxins
Reduces swelling and expels pus
Expels dampness and alleviates discharge
When is Bai zhi contraindicated?
Blood or yin deficiency because it is very drying.
What are 7 actions of zi su ye?(perilla leaf)
Releases the exterior and promotes sweating to expel cold Promotes movement of Qi Descends rebellious Qi Expands the chest Harmonises the middle burner Soothes a restless foetus Alleviates seafood poisoning.
What are 4 actions of Ma huang?
Induces sweating by opening the skin pores – drives out exterior pathogen for patterns of wind-cold exterior excess. Only prescribed when there is NO sweating
Calms wheezing (asthma) and stops cough by encouraging lung Qi to flow more easily and directs it downwards
Promotes urination – stimulates the sphincter muscle of the bladder to decrease and treat oedema (only oedema in the upper burner) Not oedema caused by Kidney yang deficiency.
Warms and disperses cold pathogens – useful for wind-damp painful obstruction and deep-rooted toxic sores.
What herbs act as courier herbs by raising yang qi to the head?
Gao ben, sheng ma, ge gen, chai hu, xin yin hua
What is an emperor herb for all lung disorders?
ma huang
What are 4 actions of fang feng?
Releases the exterior and expels wind
Clears wind-dampness and alleviates pain
Dispels internal Liver wind and relieves spasms
Relieves diarrhoea and pain in the bowels
What are the properties and channels entered of ju hua?
sweet, bitter, slightly cold
lung and liver
What is an emperor herb for treating deep seeded ulcers due to its ability to eliminate toxins?
Ju hua
What are 6 actions of ju hua?
Expels wind-heat
Disperses Liver heat and nourishes Liver yin
Extinguishes Liver wind
Calms Liver Yang and clears the eyes to improve vision
Moves Liver qi stagnation
Emperor herb for treating deep seeded ulcers due to its ability to eliminate toxins
What are the properties and channels entered of sang ye?(mulberry leaf)
sweet, bitter and cold
Lung and Liver
What cool herb calms the liver and clears the eyes and also nourishes sweetens, moistens and protects lung yin?
sang ye (mulberry leaf)
What are 9 actions of sang ye (mulberry leaf)?
Expels wind-heat Clears lung heat Disperses wind heat from head and face Spreads and scatters lung qi and soothes SOB Sweetens, moistens, and protects lung yin Moistens dryness and protects the fluids Calms the liver and clears the eyes Cools the Blood and stops bleeding Reduces fever due to wind-heat
What are the properties and channels entered of sheng ma?
sweet, acrid and slightly cold
Spleen, stomach, lungs and LI
What herb is contraindicated during pregnancy/lactation and not to be used with patients with fully erupted measles or breathing difficulties?
sheng ma
what herb removes heat from the yang ming, resolves toxicity and promotes skin eruptions?
sheng ma
What are the properties and channels entered of chan tui?
Sweet, salty and slightly cold
Lung and Liver
When do you need to be cautious when using chan tui?
Use with caution in exterior deficiency and in pregnancy due to premodern materia medica texts recording chan tui promoting the birth process (especially in patients with history of miscarriage)
What sweet, salty and slightly cold herb is used to treat tonsilitis, laryngitis and superficial obstructions of the eyes?
chan tui
Name 5 actions of chan tui
Expels wind and clears heat Vents rashes and stops itching Clears the eyes and removes superficial obstructions Stops spasms and extinguishes wind Soothes the throat
What are the properties and channels entered of bo he?
Acrid, aromatic and cooling
Lung and liver
What are the 7 actions of bo he?
Disperses wind-heat Soothes the throat Vents rashes Clears the head Brightens the eyes Facilitates the flow of liver qi Expels turbid filth
What are some precautions of bo he?
Yin deficiency with heat signs who sweat profusely
patients with ascendant liver yang
Not recommended for nursing mothers as it may inhibit lactation.
What are the properties and channels entered of niu bang zi?
Acrid, bitter and cold
Lung and Stomach
What herb moistens the intestines and dispels wind heat?
niu bang zi
What are 8 actions of niu bang zi?
Dispels wind-heat Ascending and descending action Clears heat Opens the diaphragm Eliminates toxins Vents rashes Clears toxic heat from the throat Moistens the Intestines
What are 2 contraindications of niu bang zi?
Qi deficiency with diarrhoea
Open sores or carbuncles.
What herbs release both exterior wind-cold and wind-heat?
Fang feng, dan dou chi, jing jie
What cool or warm herb (depending on preparation) is great for venting highly contagious diseases?
dan dou chi
What are 5 actions of dan dou chi?
Releases exterior for both hot and cold exterior disorders – ascending and descending action
Great for venting highly contagious diseases
Eliminates irritability
Supports stomach and spleen
Gentle herb – good for patients with yin deficiencies
What are the properties and channels entered of dan dou chi?
Sweet, slightly bitter and cold or warm (depending on preparation)
Lung and stomach
What herb is an emperor her for treating stiff neck?
ge gen
What sweet, acrid and cool herb treats diabetes and releases the muscles?
ge gen
What are the properties and channels entered of ge gen?
sweet, acrid and cool
Spleen and stomach
What cool herb treats the symptoms of hypertension and generates the production of body fluids?
ge gen
What herb is brilliant at treating angina and brings rashes to the surface?
ge gen
What bitter, acrid and cool herb can restore a patients temperature within 24 hours?
chai hu
What are the properties and channels entered of chai hu?
Bitter, acrid and cool
Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium and triple burner
What are 5 actions of chai hu?
Harmonises the interior and exterior - treats alternating fever and chills (shao yang disorders)
Spreads Liver Qi and protects the liver
Releases heat in the muscle layer
Lifts Yang Qi and guides the effects of a herbal formula to the upper body.
Raises the clear qi of the stomach and gallbladder
What herb treats alternating fever and chills and PMS issues?
chai hu
What can chai hu cause?
Can cause insomnia, dizziness, headaches and aggravate emotionally sensitive people
In what cases is chai hu not to be administered?
During pregnancy, when the true yin has been severely damaged and hyperactivity of liver yang.
What herb becomes calcined when scorched which increases its astringency functions – treats oozing sores, eczema?
Shi gao (gypsum)
Which is the coldest herb in the materia medica?
shi gao (gypsum)
Which herb treats the 4 bigs?
big pulse, thirst, sweat and fever
shi gao (gypsum)
What are the properties and channels entered of shi gao?
Sweet, acrid and very cold
Lung and stomach
What herb is contraindicated in cases of cold from deficiency of the spleen and stomach, or fever from yin deficiency.
Can damage Yang so only prescribe for short period
Shi gao (gypsum)
what is the dose of shi gao?
9-30g
What are 6 actions of shi gao (gypsum)?
Clears heat and drains fire
Releases heat from muscle layer
Induce sweat to drive out pathogenic factor
Clears intense fire and heat form the qi level of the Lungs and Stomach
Quenches thirst
Protects Yin
What herb is known as the cancer herb?
bai hua she she cao
What are the properties and channels entered of bai hua she she cao?
sweet, bitter, cold
liver, stomach, LI and SI
What are 4 actions of bai hua she she cao?
Clears heat
Relieves fire toxicity
Reduces abscesses
Resolves dampness by promoting urination
What this the emperor herb for all damp-heat skin conditions?
bai xian pi
Which herb is used to treat itching of the skin, thick yellow vaginal discharge due to its powerful antifungal effects?
bai xian pi
what are 5 actions of bai xian pi?
Clears heat Relieves toxicity Expels wind Stops itching Expels and dries dampness
What are the properties and channels entered of bai xian pi?
Bitter and cold
Spleen and stomach
What is the the emperor herb for infectious diseases?
ban lan gen
Name 4 actions of ban lan gen?
Drains heat
Relieves fire toxicity
Cools the Blood
Benefits the throat
What are the properties and channels entered of ban lan gen?
Bitter and cold
Heart, Lung and Stomach
What are the properties and channels entered of da qing ye?
Bitter, salty and very cold
Heart, lung and stomach
What herb is used for all types of contagious warm heat pathogens and clears heart heat?
da qing ye
What are 5 actions of da qing ye?
Clears heat Relieves toxicity Cools the Blood Reduces rashes and skin eruptions Clears heart heat
What is the emperor herb for Large intestine disorders – treats all LI abscesses?
hong teng
What are the properties and channels entered of hong teng?
Bitter and neutral
Liver and large intestine
What function of hong teng identifies it from other toxicity clearing herbs?
It invigorates blood and disperses blood stasis
Name 5 actions of hong teng
Clears heat Relieves toxicity Reduces abscesses Stops pain associated with swelling Invigorates blood and disperses stasis
What bitter, sweet and cold herb nourishes the yin of the lungs, stomach and spleen?
Zhi Mu
What are the properties and channels entered of zhi mu?
bitter, sweet and cold
lung, stomach and kidneys
What are 3 actions of zhi mu?
Enriches and nourishes the Yin of the Lungs, Stomach and Kidneys
Clears excess heat and fire from the Lungs or Stomach
Clears deficient heat from the Kidneys
What is the emperor herb to treat damp heat in the liver and gallbladder?
zhi zi
What are the properties and channels entered of zhi zu (gardenia fruit)?
Bitter and cold
Lung, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Triple Burner.
What are 5 actions of zhi zu (gardenia fruit)?
Clears heat and resolves dampness – directs downward out through the urine
Eliminates irritability
Cools the Blood and stops bleeding
Reduces swelling and moves blood stasis due to trauma
Breaks up toxic accumulations
What herb treats cancers, tumours and goitres?
xia ku cao
What are the properties and channels entered of xia ku cao?
bitter, sweet and cold
Gall bladder and liver
What herb treats hypertension, swollen lymph nodes and brightens the eyes?
xia ku cao
Name 4 actions of xia ku cao
Clears heat and Liver fire
Brightens the eyes
Clears hot phlegm and dissipates nodules
Renowned for treating cancers and tumours due to promoting liver qi which increases the movement of fluid (phlegm)
What are the properties and channels entered of dan zhu ye?
sweet, bland and cold
Heart, SI, stomach
Name 4 actions of dan zhu ye
Clears heat
Eliminates irritability
Promotes urination
Clears damp-heat
What are the properties and channels entered of lu gen?
sweet and cold
lung and stomach
What are 4 actions of lu gen?
clears heat in the lungs and stomach
generates fluids
promotes urination
encourages rash to surface
What bitter, sweet and cold herb will you use to treat a patient with a cough with sticky yellow phlegm, diabetes, thirst, constipation, bleeding gums, menopause, hot flushes, kidney yin deficiency, dry throat, insomnia, gastric reflux?
Zhi Mu
What sweet, bland and cold herb removes heat in the heart or stomach channel with UTI?
Dan zhu ye
What bitter, acrid and cold herb clears hot phlegm and dissipates nodules?
xia ku cao (prunella)
What herb treats dark, scanty or bloody urine, thick and yellow phlegm with cough and is a great generator of fluids?
Lu Gen
What bitter, sweet, salty and slightly cool herb prevents atherosclerosis and treats hypertension and hypercholesterolemia?
Jue ming zi (cassia seed)
What are the properties and channels entered of jue ming zi (cassia seed)?
bitter, sweet, salty and slightly cool
Liver, Kidney and LI
What herb treats Itchy and red and painful eyes, sensitivity to light, glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis and was also taken by people to lose weight?
Jue ming zi (cassia seed)
Name 4 actions of Jue ming zi (cassia seed)?
Clears heat from the Liver and the eyes
Lubricates the intestines and unblocks the bowels (laxative)
Prevents atherosclerosis – treats hypercholesterolemia and hypertension
Taken to lose weight
What herb cools heart and pericardium fire to calm the Shen and restore communication between the heart and kidneys?
Lian zi xin (lotus seed centre)
What is the emperor herb to stop bleeding from heat?
Sheng di huang
Name 5 actions of sheng di huang?
Emperor herb to stop bleeding from heat Clears heat and cools the Blood Nourishes the Yin Promotes the generation of body fluids Pacifies Heart heat
What are the properties and channels entered of sheng di huang?
bitter, sweet and cold
liver, heart and kidney
What sweet and cold herb is great at treating night sweats and nose bleeds?
di gu pi
What are the properties and channels entered of di gu pi?
Sweet and cold
Lung, Liver and Kidney
What sweet and cold herb has studies revealed it has a hypotensive, antibacterial, hypoglycaemic and fever reducing activity?
di gu pi
Name 4 actions of di gu pi (lycium bark)
Drains fire from Yin deficiency
Clears and drains Lung heat and stops wheezing/cough
Cools the Blood
Drains floating Kidney fire and clears heat from the bones
What sweet, bitter, salty and cold herb treats tonsilitis, constipation and neck lumps due to phlegm-fire?
Xuan Shen
What are the properties and channels entered of Xuan Shen?
sweet, bitter, salty and cold
Lung, Kidney and stomach
What are 5 actions of Xuan shen?
Clears heat and cools the Blood
Nourishes Kidney yin which controls fire in the heart
Benefits the throat – drains fire from throat
Eliminates toxins
Softens hardness and dissipates subcutaneous nodules (particularly in the neck)
What are the properties and channels entered of mu dan pi?
acrid, bitter, slightly cold
heart, liver and kidney
What acrid, bitter and slightly cold herb is used for abdominal masses, problems with menstruation and inflammation from traumatic injuries?
mu dan pi
What are 6 actions of mu dan pi?
Analgesic and reduces inflammation Clears heat and cools the Blood Transforms blood stasis Clears ascending Liver fire Clears fire from deficiency Drains pus and reduces swellings
What herb is has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, transforms blood stasis and clears ascending liver fire?
mu dan pi
What bitter and cold herb that clears heat and dampness is great at draining and pacifying liver heat?
long dan cao (gentian root)
What are the properties and channels entered of long dan cao (gentian root)?
Bitter and cold
Gall bladder, liver and stomach
Name 2 actions of long dan cao (gentian root)
Drains damp-heat from the Liver and Gall Bladder channels
Drains and pacifies excess Liver fire - Great for liver heat
What bitter and cold herb that clears heat and dampness treats swelling and pain of the scrotum, cloudy urination and yellow vaginal discharge?
long dan cao (gentian root)
What are the properties and channels entered of ku shen (sophora root)?
Bitter and cold
Heart, Liver, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Stomach, Bladder.
What bitter and cold herb that clears heat and dampness is great for skin conditions?
Ku shen (sophora root)
What are 4 actions of Ku shen (sophora root)?
Clears heat and dries dampness (primarily in the lower burner)
Dispels wind and stops itching - Great for skin conditions
Kills parasites
Promotes urination
Which one of the 3 yellows has an affinity for the lower burner, reduces kidney yin deficiency fire?
Huang bai (phellodendron bark)
Which bitter and cold herb treats dysentery, jaundice, night sweats, eczema and swollen/painful knees?
Huang bai (phellodendron bark)
Name 3 actions of Huang bai (phellodendron bark)?
Drains damp-heat from the lower burner
Reduces Kidney yin deficiency fire
Drains fire and resolves toxicity
Name the 3 yellows and their properties and channels entered?
Huang bai (phellodendron bark) - Kidney and bladder Huang lian (coptis rhizome) - Heart, LI, liver and stomach Huang qin (scutellaria) - Lung, Stomach, LI, Gall bladder
All bitter and cold
Name 5 actions of Huang Lian
Clears heat and drains dampness (in the stomach and intestines)
Clears heart fire and toxins
Clears heat and toxicity from the Liver and gall bladder
Stops bleeding
Clears heat topically - for eyes and mouth ulcers
Which of the 3 yellows treats, irritability, nosebleeds, hepatitis, red eyes and mouth ulcers?
Huang lian
Name 5 actions of Huang qin
Clears heat and dries dampness (particularly in the Stomach or intestines)
Clears heat and resolves toxicity in the upper burner (lungs)
Cools the blood and stops bleeding
Calms the foetus
Sedates liver yang rising
Which one of the 3 yellows treats miscarriage threat, jaundice, cough with yellow sputum, nosebleeds and high blood pressure?
Huang qin
What are the properties and channels entered of jin yin hua (honeysuckle flower)?
Sweet and cold
LI, lung and stomach
What is the most important herb for clearing heat and resolving toxicity?
jin yin hua (honeysuckle flower)
Which sweet and cold herb clears damp-heat from the lower burner, has anti-inflammatory properties, contracts the uterus and protects the liver?
jin yin hua (honeysuckle flower)
Which cold and sweet herb is used for mastitis, painful swollen eyes, tonsilitis and UTIs?
jin yin hua (honeysuckle flower)
Name 6 actions of jin yin hua (honeysuckle flower)
Clears heat and resolves fire toxicity Expels externally contracted wind-heat Clears damp-heat from the lower burner Expels and discharges pus Protects the liver Contracts the uterus
What are the properties and channels entered of lian qiao (forsythia fruit)?
Bitter, slightly acrid and slightly cold
Heart, Liver and Gall bladder
What is the emperor herb for treating toxic sores, carbuncles and infections?
Lian qiao (forsythia fruit)
Which bitter, slightly acrid and slightly cold herb has antibacterial properties, protects hepatic function, is an anti-inflammatory and increases the body’s immunity?
Lian qiao (forsythia fruit)
Name 6 actions of lian qiao (forsythia fruit)?
Clears heat and resolves toxicity Clears externally contracted wind-heat Clears heart heat and calms the shen Detoxifies and disperses swelling Clears heat in the blood Increases urination
What awful tasting herb improves the condition of the throat, stops bleeding internally and topically, clears the lungs and resolves fire toxicity?
ma bo (puffball fruiting body)
What are the properties and channels entered of ma bo (puffball fruiting body)?
Acrid and neutral
Lung
What are the properties and channels entered of pu gong ying (dandelion)?
Bitter, sweet and cold
Liver and Stomach
What classic liver herb treats insufficient lactation, painful urinary dysfunction, tonsilitis and red/swollen eyes?
Pu gong ying (dandelion)
Name 6 actions of pu gong ying (dandelion)?
Clears heat and resolves toxicity Reduces abscesses and dissipates nodules Promotes lactation Resolves dampness Promotes urination and treats jaundice Clears the liver and benefits the eyes