Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness Flashcards
Huang Qin
bitter, cold
LU, ST, GB, LI
3-9
1. Clears Heat, dries dampness (a major herb for damp-heat in the ST or Intestines, damp warmth, damp heat in the LB. Auxiliary herb for damp heat jaundice)
2. Clears heat, resolves toxicity, especially in the upper burner (Heat patterns. Topically or internally)
3. Clears heat, calms the fetus (pacifies the womb when the fetus is restless or kicking excessively d/t heat)
4. Sedates ascendant LV yang
Huang Lian
bitter, cold
HT, LI, LV, ST
1.5-9
1. Clears heat and drains dampness (damp heat in St or Intestines)
2. Drains fire and resolves fire toxicity (heat with blazing fire or heat from excess with toxicity)
3. Clears heat and stops bleeding (chaotic movement of hot blood)
4. Clears heat topically
Huang Bai
bitter, cold
KD, BL
3-12
1. Drains damp-heat, particularly from the lower burner (damp heat pouring downward or hot leg qi. Damp heat jaundice)
2. Drains KD fire (ascending KD fire with signs of yin deficiency)
3. Drains fire and resolves fire toxicity (fire toxin generated sores)
Long Dan Cao
bitter, cold
GB, LV, ST
3-9
1. Drains damp-heat from LV and GB channel (damp heat in upper part of GB channel. Or LV and GB in lower part)
2. Drains and pacifies excessive LV fire (LV fire blazing upwards)
Ku Shen
bitter, cold
BL, HT, LV, LI, ST, SI
3-9
1. Clears heat and dries dampness (primarily for damp-heat in LB)
2. Disperses wind, kills parasites and stops itching (damp toxin skin lesions or infestations with chronic itching, seepage, and bleeding. Also for genital itching and vaginal discharge. Internal and topically)
3. Clears heat and promotes urination
Qin Pi
bitter, cold, astringent
GB, LI, LV, ST
6-12
1. Clears heat, resolves toxicity, dries dampness
2. Drains LV fire and benefits the eyes (LV heat affecting the eyes)
3. Disperses wind dampness (primarily hot bi)
4. Calms wheezing and stops cough (LU heat)
