TCM Herbs Flashcards
Which formula is best suited for chronic Lung Qi and Yin deficiency, with symptoms of fatigue, chronic cough, and spontaneous sweating?
A) Bu Fei Tang
B) Sheng Mai San
C) Er Chen Tang
D) Ding Chuan Tang
Correct Answer: B) Sheng Mai San
Rationale: Sheng Mai San means “Generate the Pulse Powder.” It contains ingredients like Ren Shen (ginseng) to tonify Qi, Mai Men Dong to generate fluids and nourish Yin, and Wu Wei Zi to preserve Yin and prevent excessive sweating. This formula is well-suited for chronic Lung Qi and Yin deficiency as it focuses on nourishing the Yin and preserving the Qi.
Incorrect Options:
A) Bu Fei Tang is better for Lung Qi deficiency without significant Yin deficiency.
C) Er Chen Tang targets phlegm-damp accumulation rather than Qi and Yin deficiency.
D) Ding Chuan Tang is formulated for wheezing and phlegm-heat, not for chronic deficiency conditions.
More info:
Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder)
Sheng (生): “Generate” or “restore,” reflecting the formula’s purpose of revitalizing energy and restoring strength.
Mai (脉): “Pulse,” referring to vitality and circulatory health in TCM, often seen as an indicator of Qi and blood balance.
San (散): “Powder.”
Meaning: Sheng Mai San is designed to generate and restore pulse strength, nourishing Qi and Yin, especially beneficial in conditions of Qi and Yin deficiency.
Which herbal formula is particularly useful for protecting the body from recurrent colds and spontaneous sweating due to Wei Qi deficiency?
A) Yu Ping Feng San
B) Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
C) Sheng Mai San
D) Ding Chuan Tang
Correct Answer: A) Yu Ping Feng San
Rationale: Yu Ping Feng San means “Jade Windscreen Powder,” reflecting its purpose to act as a protective shield. It strengthens Wei Qi (defensive Qi) with ingredients like Huang Qi and stabilizes the exterior to prevent recurrent colds and spontaneous sweating.
Incorrect Options:
B) Bu Fei E Jiao Tang nourishes Lung Yin and treats heat signs, not protective for recurrent exterior deficiency.
C) Sheng Mai San primarily addresses Lung Qi and Yin deficiency with chronic cough.
D) Ding Chuan Tang is for treating wheezing and phlegm-heat, not to protect against wind-cold invasions.
A patient presents with wheezing, cough with yellow phlegm, and a feeling of heat. Which of the following would best treat these symptoms caused by phlegm-heat in the Lungs?
A) Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
B) Ding Chuan Tang
C) Er Chen Tang
D) Bu Fei Tang
B) Ding Chuan Tang
Rationale: Ding Chuan Tang means “Arrest Wheezing Decoction,” which aligns with its main action to stop wheezing and descend Lung Qi. This formula also clears phlegm-heat, making it suitable for phlegm-heat conditions in the Lung causing wheezing and yellow phlegm.
Incorrect Options:
A) Bu Fei E Jiao Tang is for Lung Yin deficiency and focuses on nourishing rather than clearing phlegm-heat.
C) Er Chen Tang addresses phlegm-damp, typically with less heat, and is related to Spleen dysfunction.
D) Bu Fei Tang augments Lung Qi but lacks the heat-clearing properties necessary for this case.
Which formula is most appropriate for a patient experiencing phlegm-damp accumulation in the Lung due to Spleen dysfunction, causing cough with white sputum and digestive issues?
A) Er Chen Tang
B) Sheng Mai San
C) Bu Fei Tang
D) Yu Ping Feng San
A) Er Chen Tang
Rationale: Er Chen Tang translates to “Two-Aged Decoction,” reflecting the use of aged ingredients to treat phlegm-damp. It is beneficial for phlegm-damp in the Lung due to Spleen dysfunction, often manifesting as cough with white sputum and digestive symptoms. It transforms dampness, resolves phlegm, and harmonizes the middle burner.
Incorrect Options:
B) Sheng Mai San targets Lung Qi and Yin deficiency and does not address phlegm-damp.
C) Bu Fei Tang augments Lung Qi but is not formulated for resolving dampness or treating Spleen-related phlegm.
D) Yu Ping Feng San strengthens the exterior for Wei Qi deficiency but does not resolve internal phlegm-damp.
More information:
Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged [Herb] Decoction)
Er (二): “Two,” referring to the two main herbs in the formula: aged citrus peel (Chen Pi) and pinellia (Ban Xia).
Chen (陈): “Aged,” which emphasizes using aged or prepared herbs that are believed to have greater potency and effectiveness for transforming phlegm.
Tang (汤): “Decoction.”
Meaning: Er Chen Tang is named after its two key aged ingredients that are traditionally valued for transforming dampness and resolving phlegm, especially in respiratory or digestive issues related to Spleen dysfunction.
What is the best formula for a patient with Lung Yin deficiency and symptoms of dry cough, scanty sputum, and blood-streaked phlegm?
A) Ding Chuan Tang
B) Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
C) Sheng Mai San
D) Yu Ping Feng San
Correct Answer: B) Bu Fei E Jiao Tang
Rationale: Bu Fei E Jiao Tang means “Tonify the Lungs with E Jiao Decoction.” It is indicated for Lung Yin deficiency with heat, characterized by a dry cough, scanty or blood-streaked sputum, and heat signs. E Jiao nourishes Yin and is suitable for Lung Yin deficiency with heat signs.
Incorrect Options:
A) Ding Chuan Tang is for phlegm-heat with wheezing and is not indicated for Lung Yin deficiency.
C) Sheng Mai San does nourish Lung Yin but is more specific to chronic Qi and Yin deficiency rather than acute Yin deficiency with heat.
D) Yu Ping Feng San augments Wei Qi and is for exterior deficiency, not for treating internal Lung Yin deficiency with heat.
Which formula is best suited for long-term chronic conditions with spontaneous sweating, focused on stabilizing the exterior and strengthening Wei Qi?
A. Sheng Mai San
B. Bu Fei Tang
C. Yu Ping Feng San
D. Er Chen Tang
C. Yu Ping Feng San
Rationale: Yu Ping Feng San strengthens Wei Qi, stabilizes the exterior, and is well-suited for chronic conditions with spontaneous sweating.
Incorrect Choices:
A. Sheng Mai San: Focuses on generating fluids and preserving Yin, not primarily on Wei Qi or chronic sweating.
B. Bu Fei Tang: Treats Lung Qi deficiency without a primary focus on stabilizing the exterior or spontaneous sweating.
D. Er Chen Tang: Addresses phlegm-dampness, not Wei Qi or sweating.
More information:
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
Yu (玉): “Jade,” representing protection, resilience, and value in traditional Chinese culture. It suggests that this formula acts as a protective shield for the body.
Ping (屏): “Screen” or “shield,” referring to protection or something that blocks or guards. Here, it signifies creating a defense against external pathogens.
Feng (风): “Wind,” which, in TCM, refers to environmental factors that can invade and disrupt health.
San (散): “Powder” or “dispersing,” describing the form of the herbal preparation
Here is what Yu Ping Feng San protects and stabilizes the body.
Sheng Mai San restores and strengthens vitality.
Bu Fei Tang nourishes and supports the Lungs.
Er Chen Tang transforms phlegm and addresses dampness through aged ingredients.the words translate to, so hopefully it will help you out
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
“Jade” symbolizes protection, suggesting that this formula protects the body (like a windscreen) by strengthening Wei Qi (defensive energy) and stabilizing the exterior to prevent illness.
Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder)
“Sheng” means to generate or restore, and “Mai” means pulse. This formula restores pulse strength by tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin. It’s useful in conditions of Qi and Yin deficiency.
Bu Fei Tang (Tonify the Lungs Decoction)
Bu Fei Tang (Tonify the Lungs Decoction)
Bu (补): “Tonify” or “nourish,” indicating the formula’s focus on building up or supplementing energy.
Fei (肺): “Lung,” specifying the formula’s focus on Lung health.
Tang (汤): “Decoction” or liquid preparation.
Meaning: Bu Fei Tang specifically nourishes and supports Lung Qi, addressing deficiencies in Lung function, particularly related to breathing and respiratory energy.
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang (Tonify the Lungs with E Jiao Decoction)
Similar to Bu Fei Tang, “Bu Fei” means to nourish the Lungs. E Jiao is a tonic herb that nourishes Yin, so this formula is used to tonify the Lung Yin with additional benefits for stopping cough and controlling bleeding.
Ding Chuan Tang (Arrest Wheezing Decoction)
“Ding Chuan” means to stop or control wheezing. This formula clears phlegm-heat and descends Lung Qi, making it useful in treating wheezing due to phlegm and heat in the Lungs.
Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged [Herb] Decoction)
“Er Chen” means two “aged” or prepared ingredients, referring to aged citrus peel and pinellia in the formula. This formula transforms dampness and resolves phlegm, often due to Spleen dysfunction.
Which TCM herbal formula is most appropriate for frigid extremities caused by Blood deficiency with cold in the channels?
A) Si Ni Tang
B) Shen Qi Wan
C) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
D) You Gui Wan
C) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Correct:
Dang Gui: Known for nourishing Blood and invigorating circulation.
Si Ni: Refers to “frigid extremities,” the condition this formula addresses.
Tang: Means “decoction,” the preparation method for this formula.
This formula warms the channels, disperses cold, nourishes Blood, and unblocks blood vessels, specifically targeting frigid extremities caused by Blood deficiency with cold in the channels.
A) Incorrect:
Si Ni Tang: Refers to rescuing devastated Yang, not treating Blood deficiency or cold in the channels.
Focuses on Yang collapse, which is a more severe condition.
B) Incorrect:
Shen Qi Wan: “Shen” (Kidney) and “Qi” (energy) refer to its focus on Kidney Yang and Qi.
It targets Kidney Yang deficiency but does not specifically address frigid extremities from Blood deficiency.
D) Incorrect:
You Gui Wan: “You” (right) refers to the Kidney channel, “Gui” (restore), and “Wan” (pill) indicate its tonifying action.
Focused on essence and Yang tonification, not dispersing cold in the channels.
Which of the following formulas is best suited for rescuing devastated Yang and treating Shao Yin cold conditions?
A) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
B) Si Ni Tang
C) Shen Qi Wan
D) You Gui Wan
B) Si Ni Tang
Correct:
Si Ni: “Frigid extremities,” the hallmark symptom of Yang collapse.
Tang: Decoction for treating severe internal cold conditions.
This formula rescues devastated Yang, warms the middle burner, and disperses internal cold, making it suitable for Shao Yin cold conditions.
A) Incorrect:
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang: While it addresses cold, it is for Blood deficiency, not Yang collapse.
C) Incorrect:
Shen Qi Wan: Focuses on Kidney Yang deficiency but lacks the action of rescuing devastated Yang.
D) Incorrect:
You Gui Wan: Targets Kidney Yang deficiency with waning Ming Men fire, not acute Yang collapse.
A patient presents with Kidney Yang deficiency, accompanied by dampness and signs of water retention. Which formula would be most appropriate?
A) You Gui Wan
B) Si Ni Tang
C) Shen Qi Wan
D) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
C) Shen Qi Wan
Correct:
Shen: “Kidney,” indicating the formula’s focus on Kidney health.
Qi: Refers to the energy that the formula restores.
Wan: A pill, suitable for chronic conditions.
Shen Qi Wan warms and tonifies Kidney Yang while promoting water metabolism, making it appropriate for dampness and water retention.
A) Incorrect:
You Gui Wan: Focused on replenishing essence and tonifying Blood, not managing water metabolism.
B) Incorrect:
Si Ni Tang: Treats severe Yang deficiency with cold, not water retention or dampness.
D) Incorrect:
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang: Nourishes Blood and disperses cold but does not address dampness or water retention.
Which of the following actions is specific to You Gui Wan but not Shen Qi Wan?
A) Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
B) Replenishes Essence and tonifies Blood
C) Promotes water metabolism
D) Disperses internal cold
B) Replenishes Essence and tonifies Blood
Correct:
You Gui Wan: “You” (right Kidney channel), “Gui” (restore), and “Wan” (pill) signify its focus on essence and Blood tonification.
It replenishes essence and tonifies Blood, actions specific to this formula.
A) Incorrect:
Both Shen Qi Wan and You Gui Wan warm and tonify Kidney Yang, so this action is not unique.
C) Incorrect:
Promoting water metabolism is specific to Shen Qi Wan.
D) Incorrect:
Dispersing internal cold is associated with Si Ni Tang, not You Gui Wan.
Which of the following formulas is contraindicated for patients presenting with Yin deficiency symptoms such as dry mouth, dry throat, and a red tongue with dry coating?
A) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
B) Si Ni Tang
C) Shen Qi Wan
D) You Gui Wan
C) Shen Qi Wan
Correct:
Shen Qi Wan warms and tonifies Kidney Yang but is contraindicated in Yin deficiency (e.g., dry mouth and throat, red tongue with dry coating) as it could exacerbate heat symptoms.
A) Incorrect:
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang: While contraindicated in Yin deficiency, it is less likely to worsen dryness and heat compared to Shen Qi Wan.
B) Incorrect:
Si Ni Tang: Contraindicated in true heat, false cold, not specifically Yin deficiency.
D) Incorrect:
You Gui Wan: Focused on tonification and less likely to worsen Yin deficiency symptoms.
In differentiating frigid extremities, which formula is most suitable for a patient whose extremities feel cold while their core remains warm or neutral?
A) Si Ni San
B) Si Ni Tang
C) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
D) You Gui Wan
A) Si Ni San
Correct:
Si Ni: “Frigid extremities” caused by Qi stagnation rather than Yang deficiency.
San: “Powder,” indicating the preparation form of this formula.
It specifically addresses cold fingers and toes while the core remains warm.
B) Incorrect:
Si Ni Tang: Treats Yang deficiency with cold affecting the entire limb.
C) Incorrect:
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang: For Blood deficiency causing cold hands and feet, not Qi stagnation.
D) Incorrect:
You Gui Wan: Does not address frigid extremities due to Qi stagnation or any local cold symptoms.
Which formula is best suited for treating Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with mild deficiency fire symptoms?
A) Liu Wei Di Huang Tang
B) Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang
C) Zuo Gui Wan
D) Da Bu Yin Wan
Correct Answer: B) Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang
Word Breakdown:
Zhi Bai: “Zhi” (Anemarrhena) and “Bai” (Phellodendron) clear deficiency heat.
Di Huang: “Earth yellow,” referring to Rehmannia, a core Yin-nourishing herb.
Tang: Decoction, indicating how it is prepared.
Rationale: Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang is specifically formulated to nourish Yin and reduce deficiency fire, making it suitable for conditions like Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with fire flaring or Steaming Bone Disorder.
Why Others Are Incorrect:
A) Liu Wei Di Huang Tang: A more general Yin tonic, not tailored for clearing deficiency fire.
C) Zuo Gui Wan: Focused on nourishing essence and marrow, less effective for fire symptoms.
D) Da Bu Yin Wan: Stronger in descending fire but indicated for severe Yin deficiency and Liver Yang Rising.
Which formula includes ingredients to address essence deficiency and benefits marrow?
A) Liu Wei Di Huang Tang
B) Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang
C) Zuo Gui Wan
D) Da Bu Yin Wan
Correct Answer: C) Zuo Gui Wan
Word Breakdown:
Zuo Gui: “Restore the Left,” referencing the Kidney channel (associated with the left in TCM).
Wan: Pill, indicating its preparation form.
Rationale: Zuo Gui Wan is designed for severe Yin and essence deficiency. It includes ingredients like Lu Jiao Jiao (deer antler glue) and Gui Ban Jiao (turtle shell glue) to nourish marrow and support Kidney essence.
Why Others Are Incorrect:
A) Liu Wei Di Huang Tang: Focused on general Yin and Kidney tonification, not essence deficiency.
B) Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang: Targets deficiency fire, not essence or marrow.
D) Da Bu Yin Wan: Focuses on nourishing Yin and descending fire, not directly benefiting marrow or essence.
