Tonify Qi Study Guide

Question 0

Besides SP Qi, Huang Qi - Astragali Radix tonifies which other Qi?

Answer 0

Wei Qi

tonifies the Qi within the blood

Question 1

What is Tai Zi Shen - Pseudostellariae Radix’s claim to fame when compared to other Tonify Qi herbs?

Answer 1

it Tonifys withoug being drying and can generate fluids.

“little prince” can be used for children and elderly

Question 2

Huang Qi can be used to treat prolapses, what TCM function does it owe this to?

Answer 2

Huang Qi - Astragali Radix “raises the SP Yang” - the SP’s movment is “UP” and one of SP Qi’s function is raising the center/upright(?) qi. So by raising the SP Yang, it is helping prolapse.

Question 3

Large does of Huang Qi -Astragali Radix is sometimes warranted. Under what condition do we use large doses?

Answer 3

Post Stroke: 250-450g

Or when Huang Qi - Astragali Radix is the only “tonify qi” herb in a formula, larger dosage should be used.

Question 4

Does Huang Qi Tonify Blood? Explain.

Answer 4

Huang Qi tonifies the QI within the Blood and
tonifies the Blood within the Blood
but does not tonify the Blood-
yeah….

Question 5

According to TCM text, Shan Yao can tonify Lung Qi? Is is a strong tonic for Lung Qi?

Answer 5

no - Huang Qi is stronger tonic for LU Qi than Shan Yao - Dioscorea Rhizoma

Question 6

Shan Yao is a very important astringing herb in TCM. Name some clinical condition discussed in class in which it is used. Are large doses acceptable?

Answer 6

Astringing properties used in:
urinary dribbling or frequent urination due to KD def
diarrhea due to SP def
chronic coughing and wheezing, diarrhea, spontaneous sweat, uterine bleeding, frequent urination, bed wetting
at least 30g needed to astringe
large doses used for Wasting & Thirsting disorder

Question 7

Da Zao encompasses hei zao and hong zao. What differences if any are there between them. What traditional role does da zao play as a food?

Answer 7

Da Zao - big date
Hei Zao - black date (roasted version of Hong Zao - tonifies Blood and Qi)
Hong Zao - red date (Tonifies Blood)
Da Zao doesn’t taste as good and is really not used - Hei Zao is used as Da Zao
Dates are used commonly in cooking: soups, congees, desserts

Question 8

Huang Jing often included in “aphrodisiacs” . What possible TCM function can explain its association.

Answer 8

Huang Jing - Polygonati Rhizoma augments the essence - the jing