Term | Definition |
Du Huo ***
"Self-reliant existence"
(pubescent angelica root) | Dispels W-D and alleviates pain (especially in back and lower body); Disperses W-C-D and releases exterior; Also for ShaoYin stage HA (in cheeks) and toothache; for Bi and damp rashes |
Wei Ling Xian ***
"awesome/powerful spiritual immortal"
(Clematis root) | Dispels W-D, unblocks the channels, alleviates pain (Bi), still sinews; Also for focal distention and accumulation in the middle burner because it reduces phlegm and pathogenic water; Softens and transforms fish bones |
Mu Gua ***
"Wood melon"
(Chinese Quince) | Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels (one of best for sinews!!!) - calf cramps, low back pain, abdominal cramps; Harmonizes the ST and transforms dampness (summer heat); Reduces food stagnation (not commonly used) |
Sang Ji Sheng ***
"Mulberry parasite"
(mulberry mistletoe stems) | Tonifies the LV and KD, strengthens the sinews and bones, expels W-D; LV/KD yin xu w/soreness & pain in lower back/legs, joint problems, numbness, weakness of sinews/ bones (ELDERLY); Nourishes blood & calms the womb/fetus; benefits skin |
Wu Jia Pi ***
"Bark of 5 additions"
(root bark) | Dispels W-D and strengthens the sinews and bones (obstruction of Qi and blood, even chronic); transforms dampness and reduces swelling; for elderly and developmental (motor) delays in children; tonify LV and KD |
Xu Chang Qing ***
"slow longlasting minister"
(paniculate swallow-wort root) | Dispels wind, invigorates the blood, and stops pain (all kinds pain: Bi, backache, toothache, trauma); Resolves toxicity and stops itching |
Qin Jiao ***
"Thousand years of health"
(large gentian root) | Dispels wind dampness and soothes the sinews and collaterals (hot Bi of joints); clears heat from deficiency; resolves dampness and reduces jaundice; moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels |
Sang Zhi ***
(mulberry tree twig) | Dispels wind, unblocks the channels and collaterals, benefits the joints (especially upper body), stops Bi pain; Also for edema (especially of joints) |
Hai Tong Pi **
"Sea tree skin" | Dispels W-D, unblocks the channels and collaterals; Promotes urination and reduces edema; treats itching skin lesions; also as gargle for toothache due to dental caries |
Qing Feng Teng **
"Blue wind vine" | Dispels wind and stops pain, unblocks collaterals and channels for Bi, and promotes urination |
Liang Mian Zhen **
"2 faced needle" | Dispels W and unblocks collaterals, overcomes dampness and stops pain
NOT for use in pregnancy |
Hai Feng Teng **
"Sea wind vine" | Dispels W-D and unblocks channels and collaterals stop pain (Bi) |
Xi Xian Cao **
(a type of grass) | Dispels W-D and unblocks the channels and collaterals (Bi, cramps, spasms, numbness, wind-stroke sequelae); Clears heat and pacifies LV (Yang rising); Clears and transforms D-H (sores/itching); Also for hypertension |
Chou Wu Tong *
"Stinky parasol tree" | Dispels W-D Bi, numbness of trunk or extremities, or hemiplegia; Also for eczema; Calms LV yang |
Luo Shi Teng **
"Collateral stone vine" | Dispels W-D and unblocks collaterals; cools the blood and reduces (toxic) swellings (abscesses and sores) |
Can Sha **
(silk worm feces) | Dispels wind and eliminates dampness (topically for skin); Harmonizes the ST and transforms turbid dampness (often used this way) |
Shen Jin Cao **
"Stretch sinew herb"
(ground pine, club moss) | Dispels Wind eliminates Dampness (Bi); Relaxes sinews and invigorates the collaterals
Caution with pregnancy due to invigorating nature |
Wu Shao She **
"black tip snake"
(snake skin) | Powerfully unblocks the channels and extinguishes wind; Dispels wind from the skin; Dispels wind from the sinews and settles jitteriness and convulsions |