Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu)

Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Cyperi

Botanical Name: Cyperus rotundus L.

Common Name: Cyperus tuber, Nutgrass rhizome

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The rhizomes are dug in September or October. They are cleaned and dried in the sun. The fibrous roots are burned away, leaving the rhizomes ready for use.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, slightly bitter, slightly sweet and neutral

Meridians: Liver and triple jiao

Functions: 1. To promote the free flow of qi in the liver; 2. To regulate menstruation and stop pain.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Qi stagnation in the liver manifested as costal pain and stifling sensation in the chest. Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) is used with Bupleurum root (Chaihu), Curcuma root (Yujin) and White peony root (Baishao).

2. Liver qi attacking the stomach manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and pain. Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) is used with Costus root (Muxiang), Citron (Xiangyuan) and Finger citron (Foshou).

3. Cold and qi stagnation in the stomach. Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) is used with Galangal rhizome (Gaoliangjiang) in the formula Liang Fu Wan.

4. Cold stagnation in the liver meridian manifested as painful swelling of testicles or scrotum, or hernia. Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) is used with Fennel fruit (Xiaohuixiang) and Lindera root (Wuyao).

5. Qi stagnation in the liver manifested as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea and distension and pain in the breasts. Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) is used with Bupleurum root (Chaihu), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).

Dosage: 6-12 g

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Cyathula root (Niuxi)

Cyathula root (Niuxi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Achyranthis bidentatae; Radix Cyathulae

Botanical Name: 1. Achyranthes bidentata Bl.; 2. Cyathula officinalis Kuan

Common Name: Achyranthes root, Cyathula root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in winter, dried and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, sour and neutral

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Functions: 1. To invigorate blood, release stagnation and promote menstruation; 2. To tonify liver and kidneys, and strengthen the tendons and muscles; 3. To promote urination and relieve urinary disorders; 4. To conduct blood flow downward

Indications & Combinations:

1. Blood stagnation manifested as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and pains due to external injuries. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Peach seed (Taoren), Safflower (Honghua), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Corydalis tuber (Yanhusuo).

2. Deficiency of the liver and kidneys manifested as soreness and weakness in the lumbar region and legs. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng), Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Cibot rhizome (Gouji).

3. Extravasation of blood by heat manifested as vomiting with blood and epistaxis. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Small thistle (Xiaoji), Biota tops (Cebaiye) and Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).

4. Deficient yin with hyperactive yang leading to internal liver wind going upward manifested as headache, dizziness and vertigo. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Red ochre (Daizheshi), Oyster shell (Muli) and Dragon's bone (Longgu) in the formula Zhengan Xifeng Tang.

5. Deficient yin and excessive fire manifested as ulceration of the mouth and gum swelling. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu).

6. Urinary tract disorders manifested as painful urination, hematuria and dysuria. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Ricepaper pith (Tongcao), Talc (Huashi) and Pink (Qumai) in the formula Niuxi Tang.

Dosage: 6-15 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy, or with profuse menstrual flow.

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Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu)

Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Os Sepiae seu Sepiellae

Zoological Name: 1. Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune; 2. Sepia esculenta Hoyle

Common Name: Cuttlefish bone, Cuttlebone

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The cuttlefish is caught from April to August. The bone is removed from the fish and dried for twenty-four hours.

Properties & Taste: Salty, astringent and slightly warm.

Meridians: Liver and kidney.

Functions: 1. To astringe and stop bleeding; 2. To control the essence and relieve leukorrhea; 3. To restrain hyperacidity and stop pain; 4. To promote healing of ulcers

Indications & Combinations:

1. Hemorrhage. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Rubia root (Qiancao), Carbonized petiole of windmill palm (Zonglutan) and Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao). Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) can be used alone for bleeding due to external injuries.

2. Deficiency of the kidneys manifested as seminal emissions or leukorrhea. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu), Dioscorea (Shanyao), Dadder seed (Tusizi) and Oyster shell (Muli).

3. Stomach pain and acid regurgitation. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) in the formula Wu Bei San.

4. Eczema or chronic ulcers. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Phellodendron bark (Huangbai) and Natural indigo (Qingdai) for external use in powder form.

Dosage: 6-12 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated in cases with deficient yin and excessive heat.

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Curcuma root (Yujin)

Curcuma root (Yujin)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Curcumae

Botanical Name: 1. Curcuma longa L.; 2. C. aromatica salisb.; 3. Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.; 4. Curcuma kwangsiensis S. Lee et C. F. Liang

Common Name: Curcuma root

Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The tuberous roots are dug in autumn or winter. After removing the fibrous roots, the roots are cleaned, boiled, dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and cold

Meridians: Heart, liver and gall bladder

Functions: 1. To invigorate blood and stop pain; 2. To promote qi circulation and release stagnation; 3. To cool blood and clear heat in the heart; 4. To relieve jaundice and facilitate gall bladder function

Indications & Combinations:

1. Qi and blood stagnation: a) pain in the chest, abdominal or hypochondriac regionsCurcuma root (Yujin) is used with Red sage root (Danshen), Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu), Bupleurum root (Chaihu) and Bitter orange (Zhiqiao); b) dysmenorrhea due to qi and blood stagnation. Curcuma root (Yujin) is used with Bupleurum root (Chaihu), Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu), White peony root (Baishao) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).

2. Mental derangement due to interior damp-warm attacking. Curcuma root (Yujin) is used with Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shichangpu) in the formula Changpu Yujin Tang.

3. Jaundice due to interior accumulation of damp-heat. Curcuma root (Yujin) is used with Oriental wormwood (Yinchenhao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

Dosage: 6-12 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should not be combined with Cloves (Dingxiang).

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Curculigo rhizome (Xianmao)

Curculigo rhizome (Xianmao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma curculiginis

Botanical Name: Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.

Common Name: Curculigo rhizome, Golden-eye grass

Source of Earliest Record: Haiyao Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The rhizomes are dug in early spring. After the fibrous roots have been removed, the roots are dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, hot and toxic

Meridian: Kidney

Functions: 1. To warm the kidney and strengthen yang; 2. To dispel cold and dampness

Indications & Combinations:

1. Weakness of kidney yang manifested as impotence, frigidity and cold pain in the lower back and knees due to obstruction by invasion of wind-cold dampness. Curculigo rhizome (Xianmao) is used with Epimedium (Yinyanghuo).

Dosage: 10-15 g (It can be used as decoction, pill or ointment.)

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficient yin and excessive fire.

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Croton seed (Badou)

Croton seed (Badou)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Crotonis

Botanical Name: Croton tiglium L.

Common Name: Croton seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The ripe seeds are gathered in autumn, dried in the sun and ground into powder.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and very toxic

Meridians: Stomach and large intestine

Functions: 1. To drain accumulated cold downward; 2. To transform water and reduce edema; 3. To resolve phlegm and benefit throat

Indications & Combinations:

1. Abdominal pain and constipation due to cold or retention of food in the intestines. Croton seed (Badou) is used with Rhubarb (Dahuang) and Dried ginger (Ganjiang) in the formula Sanwu Beiji Wan.

2. Retention of milk in babies, profuse sputum and infantile convulsions. Croton seed (Badou) is used with Medicated leaven (Shenqu), Arisaema tuber with bile (Dannanxing) and Cinnabar (Zhusha) in the formula Baochi San.

3. Ascites. Croton seed (Badou) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren).

4. Pharyngitis, excessive sputum blocking the windpipe, rapid breathing and even suffocation. The powder of Croton seed (Badou) is blown into the throat to cause vomiting.

5. Boils and carbuncles. Croton seed (Badou) is used externally.

Dosage: 0.1-0.3 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy. It must not be mixed with the herb Pharbitis flower (Qianniuhua). No hot food or drinks should be consumed while administering the herb.

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Costus root (Muxiang)

Costus root (Muxiang)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Aucklandiae seu Vladimiriae

Botanical Name: 1. Aucklandia lappa Decne.; 2. Vladimiria souliei (Franch.) Ling

Common Name: Aucklandia root, Costus root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in October and can be used raw or baked.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and warm

Meridians: Spleen, stomach, large intestine and gall bladder

Functions: 1. To regulate qi in the spleen and stomach; 2. To stop pain

Indications & Combinations:

1. Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, borborygmus and diarrhea. Costus root (Muxiang) is used with Poria (Fuling), Bitter orange (Zhiqiao) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi).

2. Damp-heat dysentery manifested as tenesmus and abdominal pain. Costus root (Muxiang) is used with Rhubarb (Dahuang) and Areca seed (Binglang) in the formula Muxiang Binglang Wan.

Dosage: 3-10 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: The raw herb is used for qi stagnation, and the baked herb is used for diarrhea.

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Costazia bone (Haifushi)

Costazia bone (Haifushi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Pumice; Pumex

Zoological Name: Costazia aculeata Canu et Bassler

Common Name: Pumice, Costazia bone

Source of Earliest Record: Rihuazi Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The dried bone is collected from Costazia Sp.

Properties & Taste: Salty and cold.

Meridian: Lung

Functions: 1. To clear heat in the lungs and resolve phlegm; 2. To soften hardness and release nodules

Indications & Combinations:

1. Phlegm-heat cough manifested as cough with yellow, sticky and thick sputum or sputum difficult to expectorate. Costazia bone (Haifushi) is used with Sea clam shell (Haigeqiao), Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou), Capejasmine (Zhizi) and Natural indigo (Qingdai).

2. Scrofula and goiter caused by phlegm and qi accumulation. Costazia bone (Haifushi) is used with Oyster shell (Muli), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu), Scrophularia (Xuanshen) and Laminaria (Kunbu).

Dosage: 6-10 g

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Corydalis tuber (Yanhusuo)

Corydalis tuber (Yanhusuo)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma corydalis Yanhusuo

Botanical Name: Corydalis turtschaninovii Bess. f. Yanhusuo, Y. H. Chow et C. C. Hsu

Common Name: Corydalis tuber

Source of Earliest Record: Kaibao Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The rhizomes are dug at the Beginning of Summer (seventh solar term). After the fibrous roots have been removed, the rhizomes are boiled for three minutes, dried in the sunshine and pounded into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and warm

Meridians: Heart, liver and spleen

Functions: 1. To invigorate blood and promote qi circulation; 2. To stop pain

Indications & Combinations: Pains due to qi and blood stagnation. Corydalis tuber (Yanhusuo) is used with Sichuan chinaberry (Chuanlianzi), Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong), Frankincense (Ruxiang) and Myrrh (Moyao).

Dosage: 5-10 g

Note: Frying with vinegar enhances this herb's ability to stop pain.

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Coriander (Husui)

Coriander (Husui)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Coriandri

Botanical Name: Coriandrom saticum L.

Common Name: Coriander

Source of Earliest Record: Jiayou Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The entire plant is gathered in August, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm

Meridians: Lung and stomach

Functions: To promote sweating and bring the rash to the surface.

Indications & Combinations: Early stage of measles due to attack of wind and cold manifested as fever, no sweating and measles without a rash. Coriander (Husui) is used with Spirodela (Fuping) and Cimicifuga rhizome (Shengma). The heated herbal tea is applied to the skin to bring the rash to the surface.

Dosage: 3-6 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: The herb is contraindicated in measles without a rash on the surface due to excessive toxic heat in the interior.

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Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao)

Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Cordyceps

Botanical Name: Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc

Common Name: Cordyceps, Chinese caterpillar fungus

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Congxin

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The fungus and the carcass of the larvae of various insects are collected in the period of the Summer Solstice (tenth solar term). They are cleaned and dried in the sun or baked.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and warm.

Meridians: Kidney and lung

Functions: 1. To tonify lungs and kidneys; 2. To stop bleeding; 3. To resolve phlegm

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient kidneys manifested as impotence, seminal emissions and soreness and pain in the lower back and knees. Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao) is used with Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Dadder seed (Tusizi). The herb can also be used alone.

2. Chronic cough and asthma or cough with bloody sputum due to lung deficiency. Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao) is used with Glehnia root (Shashen), Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao) and Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu).

3. Spontaneous sweating and aversion to cold due to weakness of the body or illness. Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao) is cooked with chicken, duck or pork.

Dosage: 5-10 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance should be used cautiously in cases with exterior syndromes.

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Coptis root (Huanglian)

Coptis root (Huanglian)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Coptidis

Botanical Name: 1. Coptis chinensis Franch. C.; 2. Coptis diltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao; 3. Coptis teetoides C. Y. Cheng

Common Name: Coptis root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Five to seven year old roots, or rhizomes, are dug and gathered in autumn and dried for use, or fried with ginger juice.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and cold.

Meridians: Heart, liver, stomach and large intestine

Functions: 1. To clear heat and dry dampness; 2. To reduce fire and dispel toxins

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat syndromes: a) damp-heat blocking the middle jiao manifested as a full sensation in the epigastric region and vomitingCoptis root (Huanglian) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Pinellia tuber (Banxia) and Dried ginger (Ganjiang); b) damp-heat accumulated in the intestines manifested as diarrhea or dysenteryCoptis root (Huanglian) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin) and Pueraria root (Gegen); if the resulting manifestation is tenesmus, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Costus root (Muxiang) in the formula Xiang Lian Wan.

2. Liver fire attacking the stomach manifested as vomiting. Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Evodia fruit (Wuzhuyu). If it is heat in the stomach which causes vomiting, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Bamboo shavings (Zhuru).

3. Febrile diseases manifested as high fever, irritability, loss of consciousness and delirium. Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Gypsum (Shigao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

4. Boils, carbuncles and furuncles. Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua), Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

5. Excessive fire in the stomach. If the manifestation is hunger after consuming sufficient food, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen). If the manifestation is a toothache, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Cimicifuga rhizome (Shengma) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang).

Dosage: 2-10 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution; large dosages may weaken the stomach.

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Common knotgrass (Bianxu)

Common knotgrass (Bianxu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Polygoni avicularis

Botanical Name: Polygonum aviculare L.

Common Name: Polygonum, Common knotgrass

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The aerial parts of the plant are gathered in summer and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and slightly cold.

Meridian: Urinary bladder

Functions: 1. To promote water metabolism and regulate abnormal urination; 2. To expel parasites and stop itching.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as scanty urine with blood, painful urination, urgency of micturition and frequent urination. Common knotgrass (Bianxu) is used with Pink (Qumai), Clematis stem (Mutong) and Talc (Huashi) in the formula Bazhen San.

2. Eczema and trichomonas vaginalis. The decoction of Common knotgrass (Bianxu) is used externally for washing.

Dosage: 10-15 g.

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Coltsfoot flower (Kuandonghua)

Coltsfoot flower (Kuandonghua)

Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Farfarae

Botanical Name: Tussilago farfara L.

Common Name: Coltsfoot flower, Tussilago

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: After the plant begins to flower before winter, the flower buds are gathered and dried in the shade.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm

Meridian: Lung

Functions: 1. To moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm; 2. To stop cough

Indications & Combinations: Cough. Coltsfoot flower (Kuandonghua) is used with Aster root (Ziwan). It is more powerful than Aster root (Ziwan) in stopping cough and resolving phlegm.

Dosage: 5-10 g.

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Coix seed (Yiyiren)

Coix seed (Yiyiren)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Coicis

Botanical Name: Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen (Roman.) Stapf

Common Name: Coix seed, Job's tears seed.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The seeds are obtained by removing the hard husk of the fruit, which is gathered in autumn.

Properties & Taste: Sweet or no taste and slightly cold.

Meridians: Spleen, stomach and lung.

Functions: 1. To transform dampness and promote water metabolism; 2. To strengthen the spleen; 3. To clear heat and eliminate pus

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficiency of spleen manifested as edema, dysuria and diarrhea. Coix seed (Yiyiren) is used with Alismatis rhizome (Zexie) and White atractylodes (Baizhu).

2. Beginning stage of damp-heat febrile diseases when the pathogenic factor is at the qi level. Coix seed (Yiyiren) is used with Talc (Huashi), Bamboo leaf (Zhuye) and Rice paper pith (Tongcao) in the formula Sanren Tang.

3. Accumulation of damp-heat or stagnation of qi and blood manifested as lung abscess and intestinal abscess. Coix seed (Yiyiren), Reed stem (Weijing), Benincasa seed (Dongguaren) and Peach seed (Taoren) in the formula Qianjin Weijing Tang is used for lung abscess with cough, sputum and pus. Coix seed (Yiyiren) and Patrinia herb (Baijiangcao) in the formula Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang San is used for intestinal abscess.

Dosage: 10-30 g.

Caution & Contraindications: To tonify and strengthen the spleen, this herb is dry-fried.

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Cockroach (Chechong)

Cockroach (Chechong)

Pharmaceutical Name: Eupolyphaga

Zoological Name: 1. Eupolyphaga sinensis walk.; 2. Steleophaga plancyi (Bol.)

Common Name: Cockroach

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The cockroach is caught in summer, killed by boiling in water and then dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Salty, cold and slightly toxic

Meridian: Liver.

Functions: To invigorate blood and remove stagnation

Indications & Combinations:

1. Amenorrhea or postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stagnation. Cockroach (Chechong) is used with Rhubarb (Dahuang) and Peach seed (Taoren) in the formula Xia Yuxue Tang.

2. Abdominal or epigastric masses. Cockroach (Chechong) is used with Turtle shell (Biejia), Rhubarb (Dahuang), Moutan bark (Mudanpi) and Peach seed (Taoren) in the formula Biejia Jian Wan.

3. Pains caused by external injuries or lumbar pain due to sprain. Cockroach (Chechong) is used with Peach seed (Taoren), Frankincense (Ruxiang) and Myrrh (Moyao). Cockroach (Chechong) may also be taken alone.

Dosage: 3-10 g; 1-1.5 g for powder.

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Cnidium fruit (Shechuangzi)

Cnidium fruit (Shechuangzi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Cnidii

Botanical Name: Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss.

Common Name: Cnidium fruit.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The ripe fruit is collected in autumn, and then dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and warm.

Meridian: Kidney.

Functions: 1. To warm the kidneys and strengthen the yang; 2. To dispel dampness and kill worms

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient yang of the kidneys manifested as impotence or infertility. Cnidium fruit (Shechuangzi) is used with Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) and Dadder seed (Tusizi).

2. Vaginal trichomoniasis. The decoction of Cnidium fruit (Shechuangzi) is used as a douche.

Dosage: 3-10 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency of yin with excessive fire or damp-heat.

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Cloves (Dingxiang)

Cloves (Dingxiang)

Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Caryophylatae

Botanical Name: Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.

Common Name: Cloves

Source of Earliest Record: Yaoxing Lun.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The flower buds are gathered in September or March, when the buds turn bright red. Then, they are dried.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm.

Meridians: Spleen, stomach and kidney.

Functions: 1. To warm the spleen and stomach and direct rebellious qi downward; 2. To warm the kidneys and tonify the yang.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Cold in the stomach manifested as belching and vomiting. Cloves (Dingxiang) is used with Pinellia tuber (Banxia) and Fresh ginger (Shengjiang).

2. Weakness and cold in the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Cloves (Dingxiang) is used with Amomum fruit (Sharen) and White atractylodes (Baizhu).

3. Weakness and cold in the stomach manifested as belching and vomiting. Cloves (Dingxiang) is used with Ginseng (Renshen) or Pilose asiabell root (Dangshen) and Fresh ginger (Shengjiang).

4. Kidney yang deficiency manifested as impotence. Cloves (Dingxiang) is used with Prepared aconite root (Fuzi), Cinnamon bark (Rougui), Morinda root (Bajitian) and Epimedium (Yinyanghuo).

Dosage: 2-5 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should not be combined with the herb Curcuma root (Yujin).

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Clematis stem (Mutong)

Clematis stem (Mutong)

Pharmaceutical Name: Caulis Aristolochiae seu Clematis

Botanical Name: 1. Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom.; 2. Clematis armandii Franch.; 3. C. Montana Buch.-Ham.

Common Name: Akebia, Clematis stem.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The stems are gathered in spring or autumn. The bark is removed, and the stems are dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and cold.

Meridians: Heart, small intestine and urinary bladder

Functions: 1. To promote water metabolism and relieve abnormal urination; 2. To clear heat and promote lactation

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as dysuria, painful urination, frequent urination, urgency of micturition and abdominal distension and fullness, or flaring up of heart fire manifested as ulceration of the mouth and tongue, irritability and blood in the urine. Clematis stem (Mutong) is used with Bamboo leaf (Zhuye), Licorice root (Gancao) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) in the formula Daochi San.

2. Insufficient lactation. Clematis stem (Mutong) is used with Vaccaria seed (Wangbuliuxing) and Pangolin scales (Chuanshanjia), or Clematis stem (Mutong) is cooked with pig's feet.

Dosage: 3-6 g

Cautions & Contraindications: Avoid giving overdosages of the herb. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Clematis root (Weilingxian)

Clematis root (Weilingxian)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Clematidis

Botanical Name: 1. Clematis chinensis Osbeck; 2. Clematis hexapetala Pall.

Common Name: Clematis root

Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots, or rhizomes, are dug and gathered in autumn and then cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, salty and warm.

Meridians: Urinary bladder.

Functions: 1. To dispel wind and damp; 2. To promote the circulation of meridians.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain, soreness, pain and numbness in the joints and motor impairment. Clematis root (Weilingxian) is used with Pubescent angelica root (Duhuo), Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).

2. Fish bone stuck in the throat. The decoction of the herb is taken orally with vinegar.

Dosage: 5-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in a person with a weak constitution.

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