TCM Wk 10 Flashcards
What parts of plants are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine?
- flowers
- leaves
- peels
- bark
- stems
- vines
- roots
What are the 6 major flavours of Chinese herbs?
- spicy
- sour
- bitter
- sweet
- salty
- bland
What role does the chief (monarch/principal) herb play in a formula?
It has the greatest power and treats the primary disorder.
What is the role of the deputy (minister) herb?
Aids the chief in treating the primary disorder and addresses secondary conditions.
What are the three functions of an assistant (adjuvant) herb?
Enhances the effects of the chief or deputy (helpful assistant).
Moderates toxicity (corrective assistant).
Counters excessive action of the chief (opposing assistant).
What is the role of the envoy (guiding) herb?
Harmonizes the ingredients and directs the action to a specific area or channel.
What does the diaphoresis method do?
Induces sweating and releases exterior pathogens.
What is the purpose of emesis therapy?
Expels phlegm, toxins, or food stagnation through vomiting.
What does draining downward (purging) therapy remove?
Stagnant food, phlegm, water, blood, parasites, heat, and cold.
How does the harmonizing method work?
Eliminates pathogens while supporting upright Qi.
What are the main functions of warming therapy?
Warms the middle, rescues Yang, and dispels cold.
What does heat-clearing/cooling therapy do?
Clears heat from all levels and organs, including empty heat.
What does reducing/eliminating therapy target?
Blood stagnation, food stagnation, phlegm, and parasites.
What are the benefits of tonification therapy?
Tonifies Qi and Blood, nourishes Yin, strengthens Yang, and moistens dryness.
What are the seven types of herbal combinations?
Single effect
Mutual accentuation
Mutual enhancement
Mutual counteraction
Mutual suppression
Mutual antagonism
Mutual incompatibility
What is the best form of herbal treatment in TCM?
Decoctions.
What are the advantages of decoctions?
Allows herbs to work synergistically before consumption.
Customizable daily.
Strong taste/smell activates organ systems.
What are the disadvantages of decoctions?
Time-consuming to prepare.
Strong smell may be unpleasant.
Costly ($3–$10 per day).
What are the advantages of granules?
Easier to use (no need to boil).
Modifiable at a lower cost.
What is a disadvantage of granules?
The powder may not fully dissolve, leading to a gritty taste.
What is a convenient and relatively inexpensive herbal form?
Tablets.
What are patent pills, and how do they work?
Over-the-counter herbal pills based on historical formulas that take months to show results.
Which country has the highest GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards for TCM herbs?
Australia.
What factors influence the selection of a patent herbal formula?
Primary diagnosis.
Co-existing pathologies.
Affected body area or organs.
Cost vs. efficacy.
What is more important than research evidence in TCM/acupuncture?
Patient presentation and clinical experience.
