Herbs III: Final (Part II) Flashcards
Ju Pi / Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Tangerine Peel
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi and transforms phlegm
Removes Spleen and Stomach Qi stagnation. Dries dampness and transforms phlegm
Less effective at promoting Qi movement than Qing Pi
Qing Pi / Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride
Immature Tangerine Peel
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi and transforms phlegm
Spreads Liver Qi. Reduces clump accumulation; breaks up the Qi
More effective in promoting Qi movement than Ju Pi
Qing Pi / Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride
Immature Tangerine Peel
Functions (Peter):
Bitter, Acrid, and Warm
Breaks up Qi stagnation, whether from constrained Liver Qi with pain in the chest, breast, or intercostal/flanks, or food stagnation and clumped Qi that is severe
Da Fu Pi / Pericarpium Arecae
Areca Husk
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
Promotes urination and reduces edema; used for edema, especially for superficial edema
Da Fu Pi / Pericarpium Arecae
Areca Husk
Functions (Peter):
Acrid and Slightly Warm
More aggressive in driving Qi downward for distention of the Spleen/Stomach along with incomplete bowel movements
Promotes urination and reduces edema
Zhi Shi / Fructus Aurantii Immaturus
Immature Bitter Orange
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi and transforms phlegm
Strongly breaks up Middle Jiao stagnation and reduces accumulation. Unblocks the bowels and expels Pi syndrome
Used for Stomach, anus, and uterine prolapse; can also increase blood pressure from shock
Zhi Shi / Fructus Aurantii Immaturus
Immature Bitter Orange
Functions (Peter):
Colder and more aggressive than Zhi Ke.
Strongly indicates for lifting the bowels and helping prolapse, as well as transforming phlegn for focal distention and fullness in the chest due to turbid phlegm obstruction.
Zhi Ke / Fructus Aurantii
Bitter Orange
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi and transforms phlegm
Mildly breaks up Middle Jiao stagnation and reduces accumulation. Unblocks the bowels and expels Pi syndrome
Used for Stomach, anus, and uterine prolapse; can also increase blood pressure from shock
Zhi Ke / Fructus Aurantii
Bitter Orange
Functions (Peter):
Similar to Zhi Shi but not as strong
Mu Xiang / Radix Aucklandiae
Costus Root
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
More effective in removing Spleen and Stomach Qi stagnation; especially good for distending pain
Mu Xiang / Radix Aucklandiae
Costus Root
Functions (Peter):
Acts to harmonize and relieve stagnation of the Stomach and intestines; focused on relieving and reviving the Spleen and Stomach. Able to move ‘clumped Qi’ out of the stomach.
Able to harmonize the intestines while moving Qi, for diarrhea and dysentric disorders due to Qi stagnation leading to damp heat with tenesmus or not
Xiang Fu / Rhizoma Cyperi
Nutgrass Rhizome
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
More effective in spreading Liver and regulating menses; commonly used in the gynecological department
Xiang Fu / Rhizoma Cyperi
Nutgrass Rhizome
Functions (Peter):
One of the most important herbs for releasing Liver Qi stagnation that has resulted in emotional upset.
Perfect for PMS, as well as pain in the flanks, cramps, and breast distention. Its Qi moving ability also stops pain.
Wu Yao / Radix Linderae
Lindera Root
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
Warms and disperses internal cold; used more for the Lower Jiao, such as lower abdominal distention and cold pain
Wu Yao / Radix Linderae
Lindera Root
Functions (Peter):
Warm and acrid, Wu Yao moves Qi throughout the body while dispersing cold (and therefore alleviating cold pain).
It’s able to warm the Kidney for urinary frequency as well as the lower jiao for menses or pain due to hernia
Chen Xiang / Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum
Aloeswood
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
Warms the middle jiao, descends rebellion, stops hiccough, warms the Kidneys, and grasps the Qi to stop wheezing
Chen Xiang / Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum
Aloeswood
Functions (Peter):
It is warming, descending, and able to reverse the counterflow of qi in cases like vomiting and hiccoughs.
Able to stop wheezing by enhancing and warming the Kidney to grasp the Qi of the Lung whether excess or deficiency
Tan Xiang / Lignum Santali Albi
Sandalwood
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
Disperses cold to alleviate pain; used for cold coagulation and Qi stagnation causing Stomach cold pain and chest Bi syndrome
Tan Xiang / Lignum Santali Albi
Sandalwood
Functions (Peter):
Sandalwood has a rising, lifting action, an dis able to disperse Qi stagnation of the upper chest and in cases of coronary disease resulting in angina
Its acrid, warm, and aromatic quality alleviate nausea
Chuan Lian Zi / Fructus Toosendan
Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
Spreads the Liver Qi and clears heat. Used for hot pain
Also clears parasites to stop pain; clears tinea infections
Chuan Lian Zi / Fructus Toosendan
Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit
Functions (Peter):
Cold, bitter, and slightly toxic, Chuan Lia Zi alleviates Liver Qi stagnation for hernia caused by Liver Qi turning into fire, or menstrual pain with irritability
It is also able to kill parasite and the resulting pain and stagnation that accompanies them
Xie Bai / Bulbus Alli Macrostemi
Chinese Chive
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain; used for epigastric and abdominal pain
Promotes Qi and unblocks Yang. Used for chest Bi syndrome and dysentery due to Qi and damp obstruction
Addresses the upper, middle, and lower jiao
Xie Bai / Bulbus Alli Macrostemi
Chinese Chive
Functions (Peter):
Xie Bai is unique for its ability to unblock Yang Qi in the chest through its action on the Lung, expelling any damp and phlegm accumulation and blood stasis which results in cough, wheezing, back pain, difficulty breathing, etc.
It also has an effect to reduce stagnation in the Large Intestine for dysenteric disorders
Fo Shou / Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis
Finger Citron Fruit
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Promotes Qi and transforms phlegm
Spreads Liver Qi and harmonizes the Stomach; used for Liver and Stomach Qi stagnation.
Qi moving action is less than Chen Pi on Qing Pi
Fo Shou / Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis
Finger Citron Fruit
Functions (Peter):
Fo Shou flows to the Liver, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach to expand the chest, break up phlegm, harmonize the Stomach, and free constraint by spreading Liver Qi
The action on the Liver and Stomach is what distinguishes it from other citrus herbs
Yi Mu Cao / Herba Leonuri
Chinese Motherwort
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Promotes urination, reduces edema, and clears toxic heat.
Reduces hypertension. Good for gynecological blood stagnation.
Yi Mu Cao / Herba Leonuri
Chinese Motherwort
Functions (Peter):
Clears heat and toxicity while invigorating and cooling blood; used for abdominal masses due to blood stasis and postpartum pain due to blood stagnation.
Chong Wei Zi / Semen Leonuri
Leonurus
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Promotes urination, reduces edema, and clears toxic heat.
Clears Liver heat; brightens the eyes
Chong Wei Zi / Semen Leonuri
Leonurus
Functions (Peter):
Clears heat and toxicity while invigorating and cooling blood; used for abdominal masses due to blood stasis and postpartum pain due to blood stagnation.
It is distinct from Yi Mu Cao for its ability to brighten the eyes
Ze Lan / Herba Lycopi
Bugleweed
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Promotes urination, reduces edema, and clears toxic heat.
Ze Lan / Herba Lycopi
Bugleweed
Functions (Peter):
Clears heat and toxicity while invigorating and cooling blood; used for abdominal masses due to blood stasis and postpartum pain due to blood stagnation.
Softer and more harmonizing that Yi Mu Cao; doesn’t damage Qi and blood like Yi Mu Cao can
Ji Xue Teng / Caulis Spatholobi
Spatholobus
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Tonifies the blood, invigorates the channels, and relaxes the sinews
Good for numbness of the extremities; used for blood deficiency with blood stagnation
Ji Xue Teng / Caulis Spatholobi
Spatholobus
Functions (Peter):
Promotes the movement of blood and tonifies it, while relaxing the sinews and invigorating the channels.
Tao Ren / Semen Persicae
Peach Seed
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels, and stops coughing
Known for breaking up blood stasis and addressing Lung and intestinal abscess
Tao Ren / Semen Persicae
Peach Seed
Functions (Peter):
Tao Ren is able to agressively break up blood stasis while stopping cough, moistening the intestines, and unblocking the bowels.
It is said to be heavy and sinking, causing Lung Qi to descend while moistening the Lungs as well as the bowels
Hong Hua / Flos Carthami
Safflower
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
In small doses it can invigorate the blood; in large doses it can break up stasis
Hong Hua / Flos Carthami
Safflower
Functions (Peter):
Hong Hua is acrid and warm, flowing to the Heart and Liver. It invigorates the blood, unblocks the channels, disperses the blood, and alleviates pain.
In small doses it harmonizes and nourishes the blood.
Wu Ling Zhi / Excrementum Trogopteri seu Pteromi
Flying Squirrel Feces
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Very effective for relieving pain. Transforms blood stasis and stops bleeding
Wu Ling Zhi / Excrementum Trogopteri seu Pteromi
Flying Squirrel Feces
Functions (Peter):
Wu Ling Zhi is bitter, sweet, and warm, flowing to the Liver and Spleen; it is able to powerfully invigorate the blood and alleviate pain, transforming stasis and stopping bleeding that is caused by stasis.
It is very effective for pain relief
Niu Xi / Radix Achyranthis
Achyranthes
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Tonifies the Liver and Kidney and strengthens bone and sinews. Unblocks Lin and guides fire down
Huai Niu Xi is more effective in tonifying the Liver and Kidney; Chuan Niu Xi is more effective in invigorating the blood and unblocking the channels
Niu Xi / Radix Achyranthis
Achyranthes
Functions (Peter):
Niu Xi invigorates the blood and unblocks the channels while tonifying the Liver and Kidney and promoting urination (and unblocking Lin).
It also directs fire downward for sores in the mouth and tongue.
Chuan Niu Xi is better at invigorating blood and unblocking channels; Huai Niu Xi is better at tonifying the Liver and Kidney
Chuan Shan Jia / Squama Mantis
Anteater Scales
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Unblocks the channels and promotes lactation
Reduces swelling and expels pus
Strongest herb for unblocking channels
Chuan Shan Jia / Squama Mantis
Anteater Scales
Functions (Peter):
Chuan Shan Jia is salty and cool, flows to the Liver and Stomach just like Wang Bu Liu Xing, and also promotes lactation, but is better at reducing swelling and expelling pus as well as expelling wind in the channels
Wang Bu Liu Xing / Semen Vaccariae
Vaccaria Seeds
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Unblocks the channels and promotes lactation. Promotes urination
Unblocks Lin syndrome
Wang Bu Liu Xing / Semen Vaccariae
Vaccaria Seeds
Functions (Peter):
Wang Bu Liu Xing invigorates the blood and unblocks the channels while promoting lactation and reducing abcesses
It promotes urination and unblocks Lin syndrome for hot Lin and prostatitis
Lu Lu Tong / Fructus Liquidambaris
Sweetgum Fruit
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Unblocks the channels and promotes lactation. Promotes urination
Promotes Qi movement
Lu Lu Tong / Fructus Liquidambaris
Sweetgum Fruit
Functions (Peter):
Promotes Qi and blood movement, opens Middle Jiao for distention and pain, and unblocks channels for wind damp Bi as well as promotes lactation
It also promotes urination and reduces edema for urinary difficulty
Shui Zhi / Hirudo
Leech
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Breaks up and drives out severe blood stasis and can reduce immobile masses
Shui Zhi / Hirudo
Leech
Functions (Peter):
Salty, Neutral, and Slightly Toxic, this flows to the Liver and Urinary Bladderto help break up clots for heart disease as well as break up and drive out blood stasis for immobile masses
For severe blood stasis, it is able to reduce masses
Su Mu / Lignum Sappan
Sappan Wood
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Stops bleeding; especially used for treating postpartum bleeding
Su Mu / Lignum Sappan
Sappan Wood
Functions (Peter):
Su Mu invigorates the blood while reducing swelling and alleviating pain; also used for traumatic injury and its ability to stop bleeding.
It is similar to Hong Hua, harmonizing while invigorating the blood, but it is said to be cooler
Chi Shao (Yao) / Radix Paeoniae Rubrae Red Peony Root
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Clears heat and cools blood; clears Liver fire.
It is incompatible with Li Lu
Chi Shao (Yao) / Radix Paeoniae Rubrae Red Peony Root
Functions (Peter):
Chi Shao is sour, bitter, and slightly cold, flowing to the Liver and Spleen. It clears heat and cools blood while invigorating the blood and clearing Liver fire with headache and red eyes
Chuan Xiong / Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Sichuan Lovage Rhizome
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Expels wind and alleviates pain
Chief herb for treating headache- various types of headache (trauma, tension, and migraine)
Chuan Xiong / Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Sichuan Lovage Rhizome
Functions (Peter):
Number one herb for relieving headache, its warm quality unblocks the vessels while its acrid quality moves the Qi at the blood level. In this way it is able to release externally contracted wind that is binding the blood and creating headache
Since Chuan Xiong flows to the head and eyes and enters the sea of blood, it is also able to unblock stagnation of the muscles, skin, joints, and limbs
Ru Xiang / Gummi Olibanum
Frankincense
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Reduces swelling and generates flesh; chief herb(s) for injury
More effective at removing Qi stagnation than Mo Yao
Ru Xiang / Gummi Olibanum
Frankincense
Functions (Peter):
Acrid, bitter, and warm, Ru Xiang flows to the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels, is able to reduce swelling, generate flesh, invigorate blood, and promote Qi movement, thereby eliminating pain
Ru Xiang is better at moving Qi whereas Mo Yao is better at moving blood
Mo Yao / Myrrha
Myrrh
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Reduces swelling and generates flesh; chief herb(s) for injury
More effective at removing blood stagnation than Ru Xiang
Mo Yao / Myrrha
Myrrh
Functions (Peter):
Bitter and neutral, Mo Yao flows to the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels, is able to reduce swelling, generate flesh, invigorate blood, and promote Qi movement, thereby eliminating pain
Mo Yao is better at moving blood whereas Ru Xiang is better at moving Qi
Yan Hu Suo / Rhizoma Corydalis
Corydalis
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Used for various kinds of pain due to Qi and blood stagnation
Yan Hu Suo / Rhizoma Corydalis
Corydalis
Functions (Peter):
A very important herb for pain management, flowing to the Heart, Liver, Lung, and Stomach. It is acrid, bitter, and warm, and good for pain everywhere
Yu Jin / Radix Cucumae
Tumeric Tuber
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Spreads the Liver, benefits the Gallbladder, cools the blood, and relieves constraint. Helps open the orifices for addressing mental confusion and mental disturbance
Yu Jin / Radix Cucumae
Tumeric Tuber
Functions (Peter):
Yu Jin is notable for its cool temperature and ability to spread the Liver Qi, relive constraint for anxiety and delirium.
It cools the blood and stops bleeding; its nature is effective for dampheat resulting in jaundice
Jian Huang / Rhizoma Curcumae Longae
Tumeric Rhizome
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Unblocks the channels and is more used for pain in the upper limbs
Jian Huang / Rhizoma Curcumae Longae
Tumeric Rhizome
Functions (Peter):
Addresses pain in the extremities and is especially good for shoulder and neck pain. It addresses pain in the whole body, but is very effective for the upper portion
While it treats sores and carbuncles like Yu Jin and Hu Zhang, it is warm (which helps distinguish it from these two)
E Zhu / Rhizoma Curcumae Ezhu
Curcuma Zedoria
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Breaks up blood stasis; used for abdominal masses. Also treats food stagnation.
Stronger at removing Qi stagnation than San Leng
E Zhu / Rhizoma Curcumae Ezhu
Curcuma Zedoria
Functions (Peter):
Very powerful for breaking up blood stasis. It enters the Liver and Spleen and is bitter, acrid, and warm, This herb is effective for abdominal masses due to stasis and Qi stagnation.
It also reduces food accumulation in cases of stagnation
San Leng / Rhizoma Sparganii
Bur-reed Rhizome
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and promotes Qi movement; used for blood stasis with Qi stagnation disorders
Breaks up blood stasis; used for abdominal masses. Also treats food stagnation.
Stronger at removing blood stagnation than E Zhu
San Leng / Rhizoma Sparganii
Bur-reed Rhizome
Functions (Peter):
San Leng is neutral, bitter, and acrid (unlike E Zhu which is warm). It flows to the Liver and Spleen and is better at breaking up blood stasis while reducing food stagnation.
Dan Shen / Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
Salvia Root
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Widely used for blood stasis; calms the spirit and cools the blood.
Good for patients who have acne; more recently used to help with heart attack, angina, and thrombosis
Dan Shen / Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
Salvia Root
Functions (Peter):
Dan Shen is like Yu Jin but is cool and bitter (versus bitter and acrid). It invigorates the blood and disperses stasis- many types of stasis.
It is famously used for angina; it cools the blood and reduces sores while also soothing irritability and calming the spirit
Hu Zhang / Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati
Polygonum Cuspidatum
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Invigorates the blood and removes blood stasis; used for blood stagnation disorders.
Drains dampnes, reduces jaundice, transforms phlegm, and clears toxic heat
Hu Zhang / Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati
Polygonum Cuspidatum
Functions (Peter):
Hu Zhang is bitter and cool, and it able to clear dampness and heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, while also clearing Lung heat.
Its name, Tiger’s Cane, tells you of its ability to help pain, injuries, wind damp Bi syndrome, etc.
Part of its distinction is its ability to clear heat and relieve toxicity
Da Ji / Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici
Japanese Thistle
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Cools blood to stop bleeding; for various types of bleeding due to the reckless movement of blood
Used for bleeding in the Upper Jiao; addresses toxic heat and is used to reduce swelling and treat hypertension
Di Yu / Radix Sanguisorbae
Garden Burnet Root
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Cools blood to stop bleeding; for various types of bleeding due to the reckless movement of blood
Clears toxic heat and is used more for bleeding in the Lower Jiao (including blood in the stool)
Huai Hua Mi / Flos Sophorae
Japanese Pagoda Tree Flower
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Cools blood to stop bleeding; for various types of bleeding due to the reckless movement of blood
Clears Liver fire; treats headache and red eyes due to ascendant Liver fire. Commonly used to treat blood in the stool.
Recently used for treating hypertension
Ce Bai Ye / Cacumen Platycladi
Arborvitae Leaves
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Cools blood to stop bleeding; for various types of bleeding due to the reckless movement of blood
Widely used for various bleeding. Transforms phlegm and stops coughing.
Can also be used with warm herbs to address bleeding due to deficient cold
Bai Mao Gen / Rhizoma Imperatae
Woolly Grass
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Cools blood to stop bleeding; for various types of bleeding due to the reckless movement of blood
Clears heat and promotes urination
Xian He Cao / Herba Agrimoniae
Agromony
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Astringes to stop bleeding; used for bleeding without blood stasis
Reduces food stagnation and tonifies the blood to help treat Qi and blood deficiency
Alleviates diarrhea and dysentery and kills parasites
Bai Ji / Rhizoma Bletillae
Bletilla
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Astringes to stop bleeding; used for bleeding without blood stasis
Reduces swelling, generates flesh, restrains leakage and stops bleeding from the Lung and Stomach (also good for traumatic bleeding)
Xue Yu Tan / Crinis Carbonisatus
Charred Human Hair
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Astringes to stop bleeding; used for bleeding without blood stasis
Restrains leakage, stops bleeding and transforms stasis.
Mainly used for uterine bleeding. Promotes urination and is used for Lin syndrome, especially bloody Lin syndrome
Ou Jie / Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis
Lotus Node
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Astringes to stop bleeding; used for bleeding without blood stasis
Use of raw Ou Jie can stop bleeding and transform blood stasis
San Qi / Radix Notoginseng
Notoginseng
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Transforms blood stasis to stop bleeding; for bleeding due to blood stasis
Used more frequently as a powder. Can transform blood stasis to relieve pain
Reduces swelling and is often used with traumatic injury due to blood stasis. Recently used for angina
Qian Cao Gen / Radix Rubiae
Madder Root
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Transforms blood stasis to stop bleeding; for bleeding due to blood stasis
Cools the blood and stops bleeding while invigorating the blood and unblocking the channels
Used charred for bleeding and raw to invigorate the blood. Good for early, heavy, or lingering period
Pu Huang / Pollen Typhae
Cattail Pollen
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Transforms blood stasis to stop bleeding; for bleeding due to blood stasis
Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis.
Use in raw form to dispel blood stasis; used toasted to stop bleeding
Ai Ye / Folium Artemisiae Argyi
Mugwort Leaf
Functions (Ji Zhang):
Warms the channel to stop bleeding
Disperses cold and addresses bleeding due to deficient cold; can especially warm the Middle Jiao. Warms the channels to help alleviate pain
Helps regulate the menses and calms the fetus
Can be used topically to treat itching from eczema
Da Ji / Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici
Japanese Thistle
Functions (Peter):
Cools the blood to stop bleeding, especially from the Lung and Stomach– for vomiting of blood, coughing of blood, as well as blood in the urine, from the uterus, and the nose.
It’s distinct qualities are that is disperses stasis and reduces swelling; used for sores and carbuncles due to toxic heat with accompanying blood stasis, while also reducing hypertension.
Di Yu / Radix Sanguisorbae
Garden Burnet Root
Functions (Peter):
It’s blood cooling and hemostatic properties are especially for lower jiao bleeding such as dysentry, bloody hemorroids, abnormal bleeding, etc.
It clears toxic heat and generates flesh.
Huai Hua Mi / Flos Sophorae
Japanese Pagoda Tree Flower
Functions (Peter):
It is bitter and cool, glowing to the Liver and Large Intestine, and is able to cool blood and stop bleeding– it is more focused on the lower jiao.
Huai Hua Mai is unique in its ability to clear Liver heat and drain Liver fire: it is used for treating headache, red eyes, and Liver fire rising (as well as hypertension)
Ce Bai Ye / Cacumen Platycladi
Arborvitae Leaves
Functions (Peter):
Ce Bai Ye is bitter, astringent, and slightly cold. It flows to the Heart, Liver, LI, and is well known for cooling blood and stopping bleeding anywhere in the body. This ability, plus its ability to transform phlegm heat in the Lung, is what makes it distinct in this category.
Bai Mao Gen / Rhizoma Imperatae
Woolly Grass
Functions (Peter):
Stops bleeding and cools the blood. Addresses Lung and Stomach heat, such as coughing of the blood, nosebleed, vomiting of the blood, etc
Its ability to clear heat is facilitated by its ability to promote urination, helping with both Lin syndrome and edema
Xian He Cao / Herba Agrimoniae
Agromony
Functions (Peter):
Bitter, acrid, and neutral (key), Xian He Cao helps restrain the blood through its astringing properties.
It’s able to stop blood no matter what the pathodynamic.
Xian He Cao also helps reduce food stagnation, alleviate diarrhea and dysentery (by restraining), and kill parasites
Bai Ji / Rhizoma Bletillae
Bletilla
Functions (Peter):
Astringes the blood to stop bleeding. Since Bai Ji turns into a fairly gelatious, gluey paste, it is fairly effective in treating stomach ulcers and has the ability to help generate flesh and reduce swelling
Xue Yu Tan / Crinis Carbonisatus
Charred Human Hair
Functions (Peter):
Xue Yu Tan is bitter and neutral, and flows to teh Heart, Liver, and Kidney to stop bleeding (mainly uterine bleeding), while promoting urination for Lin syndrome
Ou Jie / Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis
Lotus Node
Functions (Peter):
Most often used for Lung and Stomach bleeding, Ou Jie can transform blood stasis when dried and stop bleeding when charred
San Qi / Radix Notoginseng
Notoginseng
Functions (Peter):
San Qi is unique in its ability to stop bleeding while transforming blood stasis, while also reducing swelling and alleviating pain.
As such, it is a perfect trauma herb as all of these factors are present in injuries (stasis, bleeding, swelling pain)
Qian Cao Gen / Radix Rubiae
Madder Root
Functions (Peter):
Qian Ca Gen is unique in its ability to invigorate the blood while unblocking the channels. It is the only herb in that cools the blood, stops bleeding, and unblocks channels while invigorating blood for traumatic injuries and Bi syndrome.
Pu Huang / Pollen Typhae
Cattail Pollen
Functions (Peter):
Pu Huang is sweet, acrid, neutral, and flows to the Liver, Heart, and Spleen, and is able to stop bleeding as well as invigorates the blood and dispels stasis (it does not cool the blood).
This is mainly for chest, postpartum abdominal pain, and menstrual pain
Ai Ye / Folium Artemisiae Argyi
Mugwort Leaf
Functions (Peter):
Ai Ye is bitter, acrid, and warm, flowing to the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney, and is the only herb in the category that warms the channels to stop bleeding. It is especially indicated for deficiency of Yang leading to cold
It disperses cold, alleviates pain, warms the uterus, calms the fetus, while also stopping skin itching from eczema
