Myrrh (Moyao)-Commiphora myrrha Engl.

Myrrh (Moyao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Myrrha; Resina myrrhae

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha Engl.

Common Name: Myrrh

Source of Earliest Record: Kaibao Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: After the stem is cut, the gum-resin is gathered and then carbonized.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and neutral

Meridians: Heart, liver and spleen.

Functions: 1. To invigorate blood and stop pain; 2. To reduce swelling and promote healing

Indications & Combinations: The indications and combinations of Myrrh (Moyao) are the same as those for Frankincense (Ruxiang).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Musk (Shexiang)-Moschus berezovskii Flerov

Musk (Shexiang)

Pharmaceutical Name: Moschus

Zoological Name: 1. Moschus berezovskii Flerov; 2. Moschus sifanicus Przewalski; 3. Moschus moschiferus L.

Common Name: Musk

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The secretion is obtained from the naval musk gland of male musk deers. It is dried in the shade in winter or spring.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm.

Meridians: Heart and spleen

Functions: 1. To open the orifices and clear the mind; 2. To invigorate the blood and disperse nodules; 3. To stop pain; 4. To expel placenta labor

Indications & Combinations:

1. Unconsciousness due to high fever. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Ox gallstone (Niuhuang) and Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao) in the formula Zhibao Dan.

2. Unconsciousness due to windstroke. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Storax (Suhexiang) and Cloves (Dingxiang) in the formula Suhexiang Wan.

3. Carbuncles, furuncles and swellings. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Frankincense (Ruxiang), Myrrh (Moyao) and Realgar (Xionghuang) in the formula Xingxiao Wan.

4. Sudden severe pain in the chest and abdominal region. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Costus root (Muxiang), Peach seed (Taoren) and herbs that invigorate the blood in a formula such as Shexiang Tang.

5. Swelling and pain caused by external injuries. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Sappan wood (Sumu), Myrrh (Moyao) and Safflower (Honghua) in the formula Bali San.

6. Dead fetus or placenta failing to be expelled. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Cinnamon bark (Rougui) in the formula Xiang Gui San.

Dosage: 0.06-0.1 g (in pill form)

Cautions & Contraindications: The substance must not be cooked. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Mume flower (Lu'emei)-Prumus mume (Sieb.) Zieb. et Zucc

Mume flower (Lu'emei)

Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Mume

Botanical Name: Prumus mume (Sieb.) Zieb. et Zucc.

Common Name: Mume flower, Japanese apricot flower

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Gangmu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The flowers or flower buds are gathered in January or February and dried in the sun or baked.

Properties & Taste: Sour, astringent and neutral

Meridians: Liver and stomach

Functions: 1. To promote the free flow of qi in the liver and reduce stagnation; 2. To regulate qi and harmonize the stomach

Indications & Combinations:

1. Qi stagnation in the liver and stomach manifested as distension and pain in the hypochondriac regions, belching and epigastric pain. Mumeflower (Lu'emei) is used with Bupleurum root (Chaihu), Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu), Green tangerine peel (Qingpi) and Costus root (Muxiang).

2. Phlegm and qi stagnated in the throat (globus hystericus) manifested as the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Mume flower (Lu'emei) is used with Trichosanthes peel (Gualoupi), Tangerine peel (Chenpi), Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Albizia bark (Hehuanpi) and Perilla leaf (Zisuye).

Dosage: 3-6 g

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Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi)-Morus alba L.

Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Ramulus Mori

Botanical Name: Morus alba L.

Common Name: Morus branch, Mulberry twigs

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Tujing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The tender branches are gathered at the end of spring or the beginning of summer; then they are dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and neutral

Meridian: Liver

Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To clear the collaterals.

Indications & Combinations: Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain and spasm of the limbs. Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi) is used alone or with Tetrandra root (Fangji), Chaenomeles fruit (Mugua) and Chinese starjasmine (Luoshiteng).

Dosage: 10-30 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used cautiously in cases with deficient yin syndrome.

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Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng)-Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser

Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng)

Pharmaceutical Name: Ramulus Taxilli

Botanical Name: Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser

Common Name: Loranthus, Mulberry mistletoe

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The foliated stems and branches are gathered in winter or spring, cut into pieces and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and neutral.

Meridians: Liver and kidney.

Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To tonify the liver and kidney, and strengthen the tendons and combinations; 3. To calm the fetus and prevent miscarriage.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain and soreness and pain of the lower back and knees. Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng) is used with Pubescent angelica root (Duhuo), Cyathula root (Niuxi), Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Cibot rhizome (Gouji) in the formula Duhuo Jisheng Tang.

2. Restless fetus, threatened abortion caused by deficient liver and kidney and dysfunction of Chong and Ren meridians. Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng) is used with Mugwort leaf (Aiye), Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao), Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Teasel root (Xuduan).

3. Hypertension. Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng) is used with Uncaria stem (Gouteng), Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Wolfberry fruit (Gouqizi) and Glorybower leaf (Chouwutong).

Dosage: 10-20 g.

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Mulberry leaf (Sangye)-Morus alba L.

Mulberry leaf (Sangye)

Pharmaceutical Name: Folium Mori

Botanical Name: Morus alba L.

Common Name: Morus leaf, Mulberry leaf

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The leaves are gathered in autumn, during the period of Frost's Descent (eighteenth solar term), then dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, bitter and cold

Meridians: Lung and liver.

Functions: 1. To expel wind and clear heat; 2. To clear heat in the liver and benefit the eyes

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-heat exterior syndrome manifested as fever, headache, sore throat and cough. Mulberry leaf (Sangye) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Platycodon root (Jiegeng), Mentha (Bohe) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao) in the formula Sang Ju Yin.

2. Lung attacked by dryness and heat manifested as cough with sputum and dry nose and mouth. Mulberry leaf (Sangye) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Ophiopogon root (Maidong) in the formula Sang Xing Tang.

3. Flaring up of fire in the liver manifested as red, painful and watering eyes. Mulberry leaf (Sangye) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Cassia seed (Juemingzi) and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).

4. Deficient yin of the liver manifested as dizziness and blurred vision. Mulberry leaf (Sangye) is used with Ligustrum (Nuzhenzi), Wolfberry fruit (Gouqizi) and Black sesame seed (Heizhima).

Dosage: 5-10 g.

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Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi)-Morus alba L.

Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Cortex Mori

Botanical Name: Morus alba L.

Common Name: Mulberry bark, Morus bark

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The bark of the root is collected in winter. It is cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and cold

Meridian: Lung

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

Indications & Combinations:

1. Heat in the lungs manifested as cough with excessive sputum and asthma. Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi) is used with Wolfberry bark (Digupi) and Licorice root (Gancao) in the formula Xiebai San.

2. Dysuria or edema. Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi) is used with Areca nut shell (Dafupi) and Poria peel (Fulingpi) in the formula Wupi Yin.

Dosage: 10-15 g

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Mulberry (Sangshen)-Morus alba L.

Mulberry (Sangshen)

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Mori

Botanical Name: Morus alba L.

Common Name: Mulberry, Morus fruit

Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The ripe fruit is gathered from April to June. It is cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and cold.

Meridians: Heart, liver and kidney.

Functions: 1. To nourish the yin and replenish the blood; 2. To promote the production of body fluids and stop thirst; 3. To moisten the intestines and move feces

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient yin and blood manifested as dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, insomnia and early graying of hair. Mulberry (Sangshen) is used with Fleeceflower root (Heshouwu), Grossy privet fruit (Nuzhenzi) and Eclipta (Mohanlian) in the formula Shouwu Yanshou Dan.

2. Thirst and dry mouth due to deficient body fluids or diabetes manifested as thirst with desire to drink, profuse urine and lassitude. Mulberry (Sangshen) is used with Ophiopogon root (Maidong), Grossy privet fruit (Nuzhenzi) and Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen).

3. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Mulberry (Sangshen) is used with Black sesame seed (Heizhima), raw Fleeceflower root (Heshouwu) and Hemp seed (Huomaren).

Dosage: 10-15 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with diarrhea due to cold and deficiency of the spleen and stomach.

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Mugwort leaf (Aiye)-Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.

Mugwort leaf (Aiye)

Pharmaceutical Name: Folium Artemisiae Argyi

Botanical Name: Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.

Common Name: Mugwort leaf

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The leaves are gathered in spring or summer, when the mugwort is flowering. They are dried in a shady place.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, pungent and warm.

Meridians: Liver, spleen and kidney

Functions: 1. To warm the channels and stop bleeding; 2. To dispel cold and stop pain

Indications & Combinations:

1. Hemorrhages due to deficiency and cold, especially uterine bleeding. Mugwort leaf (Aiye) is used with Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao) in the formula Jiao Ai Tang.

2. Deficiency and cold in the lower jiao manifested as abdominal cold pain, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and leukorrhagia. Mugwort leaf (Aiye) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Lindera root (Wuyao).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Note: This herb is used for moxibustion and can be made into moxa sticks or used as moxa cones. It warms meridians and promotes the circulation of qi and blood.

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Moutan bark (Mudanpi)-Paeonia suffruticosa Andr

Moutan bark (Mudanpi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Cortex Moutan

Botanical Name: Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.

Common Name: Moutan bark, Tree peony bark

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug and gathered in autumn. After the fibrous roots have been removed, the roots are dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, pungent and slightly cold

Meridians: Heart, liver and kidney

Functions: 1. To clear heat and cool blood; 2. To invigorate blood and resolve blood stagnation

Indications & Combinations:

1. Febrile disease in which pathogenic heat enters the blood level manifested as fever, vomiting with blood, epistaxis, blood in the urine, maculopapule and deep red tongue proper. Moutan bark (Mudanpi) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang), Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao) and Red peony (Chishao).

2. Late stage of febrile diseases with exhaustion of body fluids or yin deficiency manifested as fever at night, and subsiding in the morning, without presence of sweating, red tongue proper with scanty coating and thready, rapid pulse. Moutan bark (Mudanpi) is used with Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu), Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang), Turtle shell (Biejia) and Sweet wormwood (Qinghao).

3. Blood stagnation manifested as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, hard masses, lumps, tumors and modules. Moutan bark (Mudanpi) is used with Peach seed (Taoren), Cinnamon twigs (Guizhi), Red peony (Chishao) and Poria (Fuling) in the formula Guizhi Fuling Wan.

4. Boil, carbuncles and furuncles. Moutan bark (Mudanpi) is used with Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao).

Dosage: 6-12 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: Care should be paid when it is used during excessive menstruation or pregnancy.

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Motherwort (Yimucao)-Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet

Motherwort (Yimucao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Leonuri

Botanical Name: Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet

Common Name: Motherwort

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The entire plant is gathered in May or June, when it is flowering. It is then dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and slightly cold.

Meridians: Heart, liver and urinary bladder.

Functions: 1. To invigorate blood and move stagnation; 2. To promote urination and reduce edema

Indications & Combinations:

1. Blood stagnation manifested as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and swelling and pain due to external injuries. Motherwort (Yimucao) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Red peony (Chishao). Motherwort (Yimucao) may also be used alone.

2. Dysuria or edema. Motherwort (Yimucao) is used with fresh Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).

Dosage: 10-15 g.

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Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu)-Pteria martensii (Dunker)

Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Margarita

Zoological Name: 1. Pteria martensii (Dunker); 2. Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea); 3. Cristaria plicata (Leach)

Common Name: Mother-of-pearl, pearl

Source of Earliest Record: Haiyao Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The pearl shells are collected and ground into powder.

Properties & Taste: Salty and cold.

Meridians: Heart and liver.

Functions: 1. To pacify the liver and subdue the yang; 2. To clear heat in the liver and brighten the eyes.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient yin of the liver and kidneys and hyperactivity of liver yang manifested as headache, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, irritability and insomnia. Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu) is used with White peony root (Baishao), Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang), Sea-ear shell (Shijueming) and Dragon's bone (Longgu).

2. Deficient blood in the liver manifested as blurred vision and night blindness. Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu) is used with Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu), Pig liver (Zhugan) and Chicken's liver (Jigan) or Rabbit's liver (Tugan).

3. Wind and heat in the liver meridian manifested as red, swollen and painful eyes and photophobia. Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua) and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).

Dosage: 15-30 g; 0.3-1 g (for pills)

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Morinda root (Bajitian)-Morinda officinalis How

Morinda root (Bajitian)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Morindae officinalis

Botanical Name: Morinda officinalis How

Common Name: Morinda root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in spring or winter. After the fibrous roots have been removed and the roots are dried in the sun, the dried roots are steamed or soaked. The core of the root is discarded, and the remaining root is cut into slices.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and slightly warm.

Meridian: Kidney

Functions: 1. To tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang; 2. To dispel wind and transform dampness

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient kidney yang manifested as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility, frigidity, irregular menstruation, and cold sensation and pain in the lower abdomen. a) Morinda root (Bajitian) is used with Ginseng (Renshen), Cistanche (Roucongrong) and Dadder seed (Tusizi) for impotence, premature ejaculation and infertility; b) Morinda root (Bajitian) is used with Teasel root (Xuduan) and Eucommia bark (Duzhong) for soreness and weakness in lower back and knees; c) Morinda root (Bajitian) is used with Cinnamon bark (Rougui), Galangal rhizome (Gaoliangjiang) and Evodia fruit (Wuzhuyu) for irregular menstruation.

2. Morinda root (Bajitian) is used with Teasel root (Xuduan), Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng) and Hypoglauca yam (Bixie) for cold sensation and pain in the lumbar region and knees or motor impairment.

Dosage: 10-15 g.

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

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Mentha (Bohe)-Mentha haplocalyx

Mentha (Bohe)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Menthae

Botanical Name: Mentha haplocalyx Briq.

Common Name: Mentha, Peppermint

Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used & Method of Pharmaceutical Preparations: The entire plant, including leaves, is gathered in any season. The leaves can be picked two or three times each year, dried in a shady place and then cut into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and cool

Meridians: Lung and liver

Functions: 1. To disperse wind-heat and clear the head and eyes; 2. To promote liver qi, allowing it to flow freely; 3. To bring rashes to the surface

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-heat exterior syndrome manifested as fever, headache, mild aversion to wind and cold, sore throat and red eyes. Mentha (Bohe) is used with Platycodon root (Jiegeng), Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) and Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua).

2. Early stage of measles with slight rash. Mentha (Bohe) is used with Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) and Pueraria root (Gegen).

3. Stagnation of qi in the liver manifested as a full sensation and pain in the chest and costal region. Mentha (Bohe) is used with White peony root (Baishao) and Bupleurum root (Chaihu) in the formula Xiaoyao San.

Dosage: 2-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should not be boiled for a long time.

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Medicated leaven (Shenqu)-Massa fermentata medicinalis

Medicated leaven (Shenqu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Massa fermentata medicinalis

Common Name: Medicated leaven

Source of Earliest Record: Yaoxing Lun

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Medicated leaven is a fermented mixture of wheat flour, bran and the fresh aerial parts of Armented annua, Xanthium sibixicum, Polygonum hydropiper and other herbs.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, pungent and warm

Meridians: Spleen and stomach

Functions: To eliminate food retention and harmonize the stomach

Indications & Combinations: Retention of food manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, no appetite, gurgling sound and diarrhea. Medicated leaven (Shenqu) is used with Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha) and Germinated barley (Maiya).

Dosage: 6-15 g

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Mantis egg case (Sangpiaoxiao)-Ootheca Mantidis

Mantis egg case (Sangpiaoxiao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Ootheca Mantidis

Zoological Name: 1. Tenodera sinensis Saussure; 2. Statilia maculata (Thunb.); 3. Hierodula patellifera (Serville)

Common Name: Mantis egg case

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Use & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The egg case is collected in late autumn or spring, and then boiled or steamed and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, salty and neutral

Meridians: Liver and kidney.

Functions: 1. To tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang; 2. To control essence and decrease urination

Indications & Combinations: Deficient yang of the kidneys manifested as seminal emissions, nocturnal enuresis or leukorrhea. Mantis egg case (Sangpiaoxiao) is used with Dragon's bone (Longgu), Oyster shell (Muli), Dadder seed (Tusizi) and Psoralea fruit (Buguzhi).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated in cases with deficient yin with excessive fire, or heat in the urinary bladder with frequent urine.

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Magnolia flower (Xinyi)-Magnolia biondii

Magnolia flower (Xinyi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Magnoliae

Botanical Name: 1. Magnolia biondii Pamp. 2. Magnolia denudata Desr. 3. Magnolia Sprengeri Pamp.

Common Name: Magnolia flower

Source of Earliest Records: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparation: The flowerbuds are gathered in the early spring and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm

Meridians: Lung and stomach

Functions: 1. To expel wind and cold; 2. To open the nasal cavity

Indications & Combinations: Rhinorrhea manifested as nasal obstruction, headache, runny nose and loss of smell. For the cold-type of rhinorrhea followed by white, dilute and profuse nasal discharge, Magnolia flower (Xinyi) is used with Asarum herb (Xixin), Dahurian angelica root (Baizhi) and Xanthium fruit (Cang'erzi). For the heat-type of rhinorrhea with yellow, thick and scanty nasal discharge, Magnolia flower (Xinyi) is used with Mentha (Bohe) and Scutellaria root (Huangqin).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: Overdosing causes redness of eyes and dizziness.

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Magnolia bark (Houpo)-Cortex Magnoliae officinalis

Magnolia bark (Houpo)

Pharmaceutical Name: Cortex Magnoliae officinalis

Botanical Name: 1. Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et wils.; 2. Magnolia officinalis Rhed. et Wills. var. biloba Rhed. et Wills.

Common Name: Magnolia bark

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Between April and June, the bark is peeled off and dried in the shade. After a process of boiling, piling, steaming and drying, the herb is ready for use.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, pungent and warm.

Meridians: Spleen, stomach, lung and large intestine

Functions: 1. To promote qi circulation; 2. To dry dampness; 3.To descend rebellious qi and relieve asthma; 4. To resolve retention offood

Indications & Combinations:

1. Disharmony of spleen and stomach due to stagnation of dampness and retention of food manifested as epigastric distension and fullness. Magnolia bark (Houpo) is used with Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi) in the formula Pingwei San. If dampness blocks the spleen and stomach causing retention of food, abdominal distension and pain and constipation, Magnolia bark (Houpo) is used with Rhubarb (Dahuang) and Immature bitter orange (Zhishi) in the formula Da Chengqi Tang.

2. Cough and asthma. Magnolia bark (Houpo) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren) in the formula Guizhi Jia Houpo Xingzi Tang.

Dosage: 3-10 g

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Macrostem onion (Xiebai)-Allium macrostemon

Macrostem onion (Xiebai)

Pharmaceutical Name: Bulbus Allii macrostemi

Botanical Name: Allium macrostemon Bge.

Common Name: Macrostem onion, Bakeri, Bulb of Chinese chive

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The macrostem, or bulb, of the onion is dug in May, cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and warm

Meridians: Lung, stomach and large intestine

Functions: 1. To promote the flow of yang and dissipate cold phlegm; 2. To regulate qi and reduce stagnation.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Cold phlegm stagnated in the chest manifested as stifling sensation and pain in the chest and dyspnea. Macrostem onion (Xiebai) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou) in the formula Gualou Xiebai Baijiu Tang.

2. Dysentery manifested as tenesmus. Macrostem onion (Xiebai) is used with Immature bitter orange (Zhishi), Costus root (Muxiang) and White peony root (Baishao).

Dosage: 5-10 g

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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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