Herbs That Relieve Food Stagnation

Question 1

• LV, SP/ST
• Sour, Sweet / Sl. Warm
• #1 for greasy food/meat
• Moves blood, transforms stasis - additive fx, wouldn’t use as main herb
• Stops diarrhea
• CAD, hypertension, hypercholseterolemia - toasted/charred prep

Answer 1

Shān Zhā 山楂 (Fructus Crataegi)

Question 2

• SP/ST
• Sweet, Acrid / Warm
• Cold ST w/ food stagnation -alcohol/mineral food stagnation
• C: generally not used during breastfeeding

Answer 2

Shén Qu 神曲 (massa fermentata)

Question 3

• LV, SP/ST
• Sweet / Netural
• Strengthens ST (weak fx)
• Food stagnation - starchy food
• Inhibits lactation, can be used for undigested milk in infants
• Facilitates smooth flow of LV qi - hypochondiac distention, no appetite, belching

Answer 3

Mài Yá 麦芽 (Fructus Germinatus Hordei Vulgaris)

Question 4

• SP/ST
• Sweet / Netural
• Strengthens ST
• RICE starch - additive w/ Mai Ya

Answer 4

Gŭ Yá 谷芽 (Fructus Germinatus Oryzae Sativae)

Question 5

• LU, SP/ST
• Acrid, Sweet / Neutral
• Reduces food stagnation, transforms accumulation - belching w/ rotten smell, abdominal pain w/ diarrhea
• Descends qi, reduces phlegm - chronic productive cough/wheeze

Answer 5

Lái Fú Zĭ 莱菔子 (Semen Raphani Sativi)

Question 6

• UB, SI, SP/ST
• Sweet / Neutral
• Strongly reduces food stagnation/improves SP fx (additive fx)
• Secures jing - bedwetting in children, spermattorhea, stones, nutritional impairment

Answer 6

Jī Nèi Jīn 鸡内金 (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli)