Lysimachia (Jinqiancao)-Dessmodium styracifolium

Lysimachia (Jinqiancao)

Pharmaceutical Name: 1. Herba Lysimachiae; 2. Herba Desmodii

Botanical Name: 1. Lysimachia christinae Hance (primulaceae); 2. Dessmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. (Leguminosae)

Common Name: Lysimachia, Dessmodium

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Gangmu Shiyi

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The whole plant is gathered in summer or autumn, cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet or no taste and neutral

Meridians: Liver, gall bladder, kidney and urinary bladder

Functions: 1. To promote water metabolism and relieve abnormal urination; 2. To transform dampness and relieve jaundice

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as hot urination, urinary tract stones, painful urination, frequent urination, urgency of micturition, abdominal pain and biliary stones. Lysimachia (Jinqiancao) is used with Lygodium spores (Haijinsha) and Chicken's gizzard skin (Jineijin) in the formula Sanjin Tang.

2. Damp-heat jaundice. Lysimachia (Jinqiancao) is used with Oriental wormwood (Yinchenhao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

Dosage: 30-60 g

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Lygodium spores (Haijinsha)-Spora Lygodii

Lygodium spores (Haijinsha)

Pharmaceutical Name: Spora Lygodii

Botanical Name: Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.

Common Name: Lygodium spores, Japanese fern spores

Source of Earliest Record: Jiayou Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The spores are gathered in autumn and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and cold

Meridians: Urinary bladder and small intestine

Functions: To promote water metabolism and regulate abnormal urination

Indications & Combinations: Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as various abnormal urinary symptoms including hot urine, urinary tract stones, bloody urine, turbid urine, dysuria, painful urination, urgency of micturition and frequent urination. Lygodium spores (Haijinsha) is used with Talc (Huashi), Lysimachia (Jinqiancao), Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) and Amber (Hupo).

Dosage: 6-12 g

Cautions & Contraindications: The herb should be wrapped with a cloth for decoction, or decoction should be put through a strainer.

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Lotus seed (Lianzi)-Nelumbo nucifera

Lotus seed (Lianzi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Nelumbinis

Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Common Name: Lotus seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The lotus seeds are collected from August to September. After the skins of the seeds have been removed, the seeds are dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, astringent and neutral

Meridians: Spleen, kidney and heart

Functions: 1. To tonify the spleen and stop diarrhea; 2. To reinforce the kidneys and control the essence; 3. To nourish the blood and tranquilize the mind

Indications & Combinations:

1. Palpitations, insomnia and irritability. Lotus seed (Lianzi) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren), Arborvitae seed (Baiziren) and Poria with hostwood (Fushen).

2. Kidney deficiency manifested as seminal emissions or leukorrhagia. Lotus seed (Lianzi) is used with Dadder seed (Tusizi), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Euryale seed (Qianshi).

3. Chronic diarrhea due to deficiency of the spleen. Lotus seed (Lianzi) is used with White atractylodes (Baizhu), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Poria (Fuling).

Dosage: 6-15 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with constipation.

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Lotus node (Oujie)-Nelumbo nucifera

Lotus node (Oujie)

Pharmaceutical Name: Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis

Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Common Name: Lotus node

Source of Earliest Record: Yaoxing Lun

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The lotus rhizomes are dug in autumn or winter. The nodes of the rhizomes are removed, cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, astringent and neutral

Meridians: Liver, lung and stomach

Functions: To promote healing and stop bleeding

Indications & Combinations: Hemorrhages, especially cough with blood and vomiting with blood. Lotus node (Oujie) is used with Bletilla tuber (Baiji), Biota tops (Cebaiye) and Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).

Dosage: 10-15 g

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Loquat leaf (Pipaye)-Eriobotrya japonica

Loquat leaf (Pipaye)

Pharmaceutical Name: Folium Eriobotryae

Botanical Name: Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.

Common Name: Eriobotrya leaf, Loquat leaf

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The leaves are gathered in late spring or early summer and dried in the sun. Then the down of the leaves is brushed off and the leaves are cut into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and neutral

Meridians: Lung and stomach

Functions: 1. To resolve phlegm and stop cough; 2. To conduct rebellious qi downward and stop vomiting

Indications & Combinations:

1. Heat in the lungs manifested as cough and asthma. Loquat leaf (Pipaye) is used with Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Swallowwort rhizome (Baiqian) and Platycodon root (Jiegeng).

2. Heat in the stomach manifested as nausea and vomiting. Loquat leaf (Pipaye) is used with Bamboo shavings (Zhuru) and Reed root (Lugen).

Dosage: 10-15 g

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Lophatherum (Danzhuye)-Herba Lophatheri

Lophatherum (Danzhuye)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Lophatheri

Botanical Name: Lophatherum gracile Brongn.

Common Name: Lophatherum

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Gangmu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The leaves are gathered in summer, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Sweet or no taste and cold

Meridians: Heart, stomach and small intestine

Functions: 1. To clear heat and benefit urination; 2. To clear heat in the heart and lessen irritability

Indications & Combinations:

1. Febrile diseases manifested as irritability, thirst and fever. Lophatherum (Danzhuye) is used with Gypsum (Shigao) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu).

2. Heat in heart, stomach and small intestine manifested as ulcerations of the mouth and tongue and scanty, painful urination. Lophatherum (Danzhuye) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Clematis stem (Mutong).

Dosage: 5-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: The herb should be used with caution during pregnancy.

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Longan aril (Longyanrou)-Euphoria longan

Longan aril (Longyanrou)

Pharmaceutical Name: Arillus longan

Botanical Name: Euphorialongan (Lour.) steud.

Common Name: Longan aril, Arillus fruit

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The aril can be collected from the ripe longan in early autumn. Then it is baked or dried in the sunshine.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and warm.

Meridians: Heart and spleen.

Functions: 1. To nourish blood and tranquilize the mind; 2. To strengthen the spleen and replenish qi

Indications & Combinations: Deficiency of qi and blood manifested as palpitations, insomnia and forgetfulness. Longan aril (Longyanrou) is used with Ginseng (Renshen), Astragalus root (Huangqi), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) in the formula Guipi Tang.

Dosage: 10-30 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases of phlegm-fire or dampness in the middle jiao (spleen and stomach).

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Lindera root (Wuyao)-Lindera strychnifolia

Lindera root (Wuyao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Linderae

Botanical Name: Linderastrychnifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) Vill.

Common Name: Lindera root, Spicebush root

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Shiyi

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

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm.

Meridians: Lung, spleen, kidney and urinary bladder

Functions: 1. To regulate qi and stop pain; 2. To warm the kidneys and dispel cold

Indications & Combinations:

1. Cold and qi stagnation: a) manifested as stifling sensation in the chest and costal painLindera root (Wuyao) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou), Curcuma root (Yujin) and Bitter orange (Zhiqiao); b) manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and painLindera root (Wuyao) is used with Costus root (Muxiang); c) manifested as painful swelling of testicles or scrotum, or hernia. Lindera root (Wuyao) is used with Fennel fruit (Xiaohuixiang) and Green tangerine peel (Qingpi) in the formula Tiantai Wuyao San; d) manifested as dysmenorrheaLindera root (Wuyao) is used with Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).

2. Kidney yang deficiency and deficiency and cold of the urinary bladder manifested as frequent urination and enuresis. Lindera root (Wuyao) is used with Bitter cardamom (Yizhiren) and Dioscorea (Shanyao) in the formula Suoquan Wan.

Dosage: 3-10 g.

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Lily bulb (Baihe)-Lilium brownii

Lily bulb (Baihe)

Pharmaceutical Name: Bulbus Lilii

Botanical Name: 1. Liliumbrownii var. viridulum Baker; 2. Lilium pumilum DC.; 3. Lilium lancifolium Thunb.

Common Name: Lily bulb

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The bulbs are gathered in autumn. After they are cleaned, the bulbs are washed in boiled water or steamed, then dried in the sun or baked.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and slightly cold.

Meridians: Lung and heart

Functions: 1. To moisten the lungs and stop cough; 2. To clear heat in the heart and calm the mind

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient yin of the lung with excessive fire manifested as cough and hemoptysis. Lily bulb (Baihe) is used with Scrophularia (Xuanshen), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) in the formula Baihe Gujin Tang.

2. The later stage of febrile diseases with residual heat manifested as irritability, palpitations, insomnia and dreamful sleep. Lily bulb (Baihe) is used with Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) in the formula Baihe Dihuang Tang.

Dosage: 10-30 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases of cough due to invasion by wind-cold or diarrhea due to cold in the spleen and stomach.

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Ligusticum root (Gaoben)-Ligusticum sinense

Ligusticum root (Gaoben)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Ligustici

Botanical Name: 1. Ligusticumsinense oliver; 2. Ligusticum jeholense Nakai et Kitag.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Common Name: Ligusticum root

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in spring. After the fibrous roots have been removed, they are dried in the sun. Then, after soaking them in water, the roots are cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm.

Meridians: Urinary bladder

Functions: 1. To expel cold and release the exterior; 2. To expel wind and dampness; 3. To stop pain

Indications & Combinations:

1. Headache due to invasion by wind and cold manifested by pain at the vertex and migraine headache. Ligusticum root (Gaoben) is used with Dahurian angelica root (Baizhi) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).

2. Wind-cold-damp bi syndrome manifested as joint pain and pain in the limbs. Ligusticum root (Gaoben) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng), Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Clematis root (Weilingxian) and Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu).

Dosage: 2-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during heat syndromes, as well as in headache due to blood deficiency.

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Light wheat (Fuxiaomai)-Triticum aestivum

Light wheat (Fuxiaomai)

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Tritici levis

Botanical Name: Triticum aestivum

Common Name: Light wheat

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Mengquan

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The light grain is first soaked in water and then dried.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and cool.

Meridian: Heart

Functions: 1. To tonify qi and clear heat; 2. To stop sweating

Indications & Combinations: Weakness of the body manifested as spontaneous sweating or night sweating. Light wheat (Fuxiaomai) is used with Oyster shell (Muli), Astragalus root (Huangqi) and Ephedra root (Mahuanggen) in the formula Muli San.

Dosage: 15-30 g.

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Licorice root (Gancao)-Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Licorice root (Gancao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Glycyrrhizae

Botanical Name: 1. Glycyrrhizauralensis Fisch.; 2. Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat.; 3. Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Common Name: Licorice root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

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

Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral

Meridians: Heart, lung, spleen and stomach

Functions: 1. To tonify the spleen and replenish qi; 2. To moisten the lungs and stop coughs; 3. To relax spasms and stop pain; 4. To moderate the action of herbs; 5. To reduce fire and release toxins

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient qi of the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, loose stool and lassitude. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with White atractylodes (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling) and Ginseng (Renshen) in the formula Sijunzi Tang.

2. Cough and asthma. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren) and Ephedra (Mahuang) in the formula Sanniu Tang.

3. Carbuncles, furuncles, sore throat and swelling due to toxic heat. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with Platycodon root (Jiegeng), Scrophularia (Xuanshen) and Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) for sore throat; Licorice root (Gancao) can also be used with Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao) for carbuncles, furuncles and swellings.

4. Abdominal pain due to spasms of the stomach or intestines. Licorice root (Gancao) is used with White peony root (Baishao).

5. Moderating the action of other herbs. For example, Licorice root (Gancao) with Prepared aconite root (Fuzi) and Dried ginger (Ganjiang) can weaken the heating properties and lessen the side effects of some herbs. This combination is called Sini Tang.

Dosage: 2-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during cases of excess dampness causing distension and fullness in the chest and abdominal region, or vomiting. It counteracts Peking spurge root (Daji), Genkwa flower (Yuanhua), Kansui root (Gansui) and Seaweed (Haizao). Prolonged overdosing of the herb may cause edema.

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Lepidium seed (Tinglizi)-Lepidium apetalum

Lepidium seed (Tinglizi)

  

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Lepiddi seu Descurainiae

Botanical Name: 1. Lepidiumapetalum Willd.; 2. Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb et prantl

Common Name: Lepidium seed, Descurainia seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The whole plant is harvested in the period of the Beginning of Summer (seventh solar term) and dried in the sun. Then the seeds are collected.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, pungent and very cold

Meridians: Lung and urinary bladder.

Functions: 1. To reduce phlegm in the lungs and soothe asthma; 2. To promote urination and reduce edema

Indications & Combinations:

1. Retention of phlegm fluid in the lungs manifested as cough with profuse sputum, asthma, fullness and distension in the chest and hypochondriac region, asthma in which patient cannot lie flat and edema of the face. Lepidium seed (Tinglizi) is used with Jujube (Dazao) in the formula Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang.

2. Edema or dysuria. Lepidium seed (Tinglizi) is used with Tetrandra root (Fangji) and Rhubarb (Dahuang) in the formula Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan.

Dosage: 3-10 g

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Leech (Shuizhi)-Whitmania pigra

Leech (Shuizhi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Hirudo seu whitmaniae

Zoological Name: 1. Whitmaniapigra (Whitman); 2. Hirudo nipponica Whitman; 3. Whitmania acranulata (Whitman)

Common Name: Leech

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The leeches are caught from May to June or in autumn. They are killed and dried in the sun, and then pounded into powder or carbonized.

Properties & Taste: Salty, bitter, neutral and slightly toxic

Meridian: Liver

Functions: 1. To invigorate blood and remove stagnation; 2. To promote menstruation

Indications & Combinations:

1. Amenorrhea or abdominal and epigastric masses caused by blood stagnation. Leech (Shuizhi) is used with Peach seed (Taoren), Burreed tuber (Sanleng) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).

2. Chest pain, abdominal pain and constipation caused by blood stagnation due to external injury. Leech (Shuizhi) is used with Pharbitis seed (Qianniuzi) and Rhubarb (Dahuang) in the formula Duoming Dan.

Dosage: 3-6 g; 0.3-0.5 g for baked powder

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng)-Ledebouriella divaricata

Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Ledebouriellae

Botanical Name: Ledebouriella divaricata (Turcz.) Hiroe

Common Name: Ledebouriella root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The root is dug in spring and autumn, dried in the sun, soaked in water and cut into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm

Meridians: Lung, liver, spleen and urinary bladder

Functions: 1. To release the exterior and expel wind; 2. To expel wind-dampness and alleviate pain; 3. To alleviate spasms

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-cold exterior syndrome manifested as fever, chills, headache and general pain. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Schizonepeta (Jingjie) and Notopterygium root (Qianghuo).

2. Wind-heat exterior syndrome manifested as fever, sore throat, red eyes and headache. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Schizonepeta (Jingjie), Scuteliaria root (Huangqin), Mentha (Bohe) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao).

3. Wind-cold-damp bi syndrome manifested as joint pain (arthritis) and spasms of the limbs. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Notopterygium root (Qianghuo) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).

4. Urticaria and itching of the skin. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Flavescent sophora root (Kushen) and Cicada slough (Chantui) in the formula Xiaofeng San.

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution for spasms due to blood deficiency, and is contraindicated for cases of deficient yin with heat signs.

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Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao)-Gentiana macrophylla

Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Gentianae macrophyllae

Botanical Name: 1. Gentianamacrophylla pall.; 2. Gentiana crassicaulis Duthie ex Burkill; 3. Gentiana dahurica Fisch.; 4. Gentiana straminea Maxim.

Common Name: Large-leaf gentian root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in spring or autumn. After the fibrous root bark has been removed, the roots are cleaned, dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, pungent and slightly cold

Meridians: Stomach, liver and gall bladder.

Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To clear heat caused by yin deficiency

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome: a) pain with heat signsLarge-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao) is used with Tetrandra root (Fangji) and Honeysuckle stem (Rendongteng); b) pain with cold signsLarge-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao) is used with Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Pubescent angelica root (Duhuo), Cinnamon twigs (Guizhi) and Prepared aconite root (Fuzi).

2. Afternoon fever caused by deficient yin. Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao) is used with Sweet wormwood (Qinghao), Turtle shell (Biejia), Anemarrhena rizome (Zhimu) and Wolfberry bark (Digupi) in the formula Qinjiao Biejia Tang.

3. Damp-heat jaundice. Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao) is used with Oriental wormwood (Yinchenhao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

Dosage: 5-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated for a person with a weak constitution or in cases suffering from diarrhea.

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Laminaria (Kunbu)-Thallus Laminariae

Laminaria (Kunbu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae

Botanical Name: 1. Laminariajaponica Aresch.; 2. Ecklonia kurome Okam.

Common Name: Laminaria, Kelp, Kunbu sea cress

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The laminaria thallus is collected from the sea in summer or autumn. It is cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in the shade.

Properties & Taste: Salty and cold

Meridians: Liver, stomach and kidney.

Functions: 1. To resolve phlegm and soften hardness; 2. To promote water metabolism

Indications & Combinations:

1. Goiter manifested as enlarged neck and stifling sensation in the throat. Laminaria (Kunbu) is used with Seaweed (Haizao) and Sea clam shell (Haigeqiao) in the formula Kunbu Wan.

2. Edema of the foot or general edema. Laminaria (Kunbu) is used with Poria (Fuling) and Alismatis rhizome (Zexie).

Dosage: 10-15 g.

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