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«:
Editor-in-Chief: Allan Amsel ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Library of Congress Cataloging-
Publication Data
Editors: Maureen McClellan The, Publisher is particularly indebted to
Derek Maitland Paul But, BSc, MA, CPh, PhD, Curator, Reid, Daniel P., 1948-
Chinese Medicinal Materials Reserach Chinese herbal medicine.
Art Direction: Hon Bing-wah
Centre, Chinese University of Hong Kong,
Photography: Nik Wheeler Bibliography: p.
and
for his advice
Chan Man
assistance, also to
for her work checking the 1. Herbs — Therapeutic use. 2. Materia
Botanical drawings: Myumi Terao Sio
Pinyin romanisation of Chinese characters
medica — China. Medicine, Chinese.
3.

Other photo credits: Cover: John Leung; I. Title. RM666.H33R45 1987

used in this book.
615'.321'0951 86-17814

SHAMBHALA PUBLICATIONS, INC. ISBN 0-87773-397-X

All rights reserved. No part of this
ISBN 0-87773-398-8 (pbk.)
314 Dartmouth Street
publication may be reproduced, stored in a
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
retrieval system or transmitted in any form,
First Published 1987 .
or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
Printed in Korea photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission o f the
Distributed in the United States by
publisher.
Random House and in Canada by
Random House of Canada Ltd.

© 1987 CFW Publications Ltd

Text: © 1987 Daniel P Reid

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 I I
Daniel P. Reid

Shambhala
Boston
1987

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8AUSALIT0 PUBLIC LIB^i

 Contents

Foreword
EH
pi The Inner Reaches — Introduction HH
The Search A^es
II of
SH
ym The Heart of the Matter
Principles and Promises ot Chinese Herbal Medicine

\w The Constant Cure

Practical Applications of Chinese Herbal Medicine

pm The Perennial Cornucopia

Chinese Herbal Medicine Toda\
•

pvi The Herbal Companion

The Tools ot the Trade

Herbal Descriptions Hji

Herbal Prescriptions
SB
Herbal Recipes 1641

Bibliography
bH
Index Eh
'
'

1
 ^Foreword

-$
^4V
The art of practising Chinese herbal k~i*-

medicine stretches back over more than

5000 years, embracing all the domains
of nature — earth and sea, season and
weather, plant and animals —
and all
the elements that constitute the
universe. Contemporary Chinese
medicine represents the cumulative
clinical experience and time-tested
theories of five millenia of continuous
practice bv- traditional Chinese
physicians. It remains the world's
oldest, safest, and most comprehensive
system of medical care, developing as
dynamically today as throughout its
long history. It seems about time for the
West to start paying serious attention
to Chinese medicine, and to benefit
from its profound insights and potent
remedies. It is towards this end that
Chinese Herbal Medicine was written.
To insure an and
original
comprehensive approach to the subject,
all research for the book was done from

original Chinese sources, both ancient

and contemporary. While readers may
find some of the concepts and
terminology somewhat exotic at first, I
hope that the material is presented
clearly enough so that, with a little
further thought, the insights will be
gained. For those who wish to pursue
various aspects of the subject, a brief
bibliography of other available works
in English is provided at the end of the
book.
owe a special debt of gratitude to
I

Drs.Huang Powen, Hung Yixiang, and

Sammy j.C Mei of Taipei, who literally
"showed me the ropes" of Chinese
medicine. Without them, this book
would^have been impossible, and it is

to them that it is dedicated.

Daniel P Reid
April 23, 1986
Peitou, Taiwan

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 *X^V>

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wtrfr
The Inner
 any centuries ago, ac- powders, pills, salves, tonics and in this context, it could be rash to say
cording to Chinese folk- other remedies of Chinese herbal that there is absolutely no remedial

^4 lore, a farmer in Yunnan

found a snake near his
hut and beat it senseless with a hoe,
medicine.

fact
The same alchemy
must be taken
of
into account in
myth and
value at all in stalactites
horns as a tonic for the renewal of
youthful vigour, in fossil bones and
and stag-

leaving it for dead. A

few days later any comprehensive study of the oyster shells as astringents, or
he discovered the same snake slither- roots and growth of Chinese herbal verdigris, bear's gall and turtle shell
ing in his yard, and again he tried to medicine, and the element of myth as purgatives — or dried centipedes,
kill it. When the apparently inde- and folklore is likewise understand- scorpions, silkworms and beetles, the
structible reptile appeared again a able. For just as the developed exuviae of cicadae, bat's dung, tiger's
few days later, the farmer gave it pharmacopoeia of this medical bones, hedgehog skins, minerals such
another beating, but this time he science is vast, so too is its history, as realgar, brown mica, cinnabar ore
watched the bleeding snake crawl going back at least 5,000 years. and and the myriad herbs,
clay
into a clump of weeds and begin Chinese historians attribute the plants and shrubs that form the
eating them. By the next morning its discovery of herbal medicine to a pharmacopoeia of herbal medicine.
wounds were healing again, and it legendary emperor, Shen Nong Antiquity and faith built the
was already recovering its vitality. (3494 B.C.), who is said to have storehouse of this science, and it is
introduced agriculture to his people a testament to the power of herbal
and to have become fascinated and medicine that all its lore and sym-
intrigued by the apparent medicinal bolism has flourished and survived
properties of various plants. "Shen to this day, adding much to its exotic
Nong myriad herbs,"wrote
tested the and bizarre nature, if indeed casting
the great Han dynasty historian a shadow upon its validity as a time-
Sima Qian, "and so the art of honoured complement or even chal-
medicine was born." lenge to modern medicine. Science
Even then, it was many centuries itself is now vigorously testing that
before myth and fact could begin to validity, and with some interesting
be scientifically separated. Within results. In 1983, for example, public
that time there were no written health officials in Beijing announced
records, save for primitive inscrip- that a 400-year-old prescription for
tions of prayers for the sick carved on the treatment of hemorrhoids had
and animal
pieces of tortoise carapace been tested on 40,000 patients has
bones, and the discoveries and proved to be 96-percent effective and
remedies of Shen Nong and the had been officially designated as a
shamans and sorcerers of that cure. They described the remedy as
ancient era were passed from gener- "an injection of insect secretions on
ation to generation by word of sumac leaves mixed with crystal salt."
mouth. This naturally led to a great But certainly, it can safely be
deal of superstition and symbolism imagined that in the mists of its
Such was the discovery, as legend — treatments and remedies and, beginning Chinese herbal medicine
has it, of son qi (Panax notoginseng), indeed, even maladies that we in the developed at the flickering evolution
the main Yunnan bai
ingredient of West would call "old wives tales" of fact fiction, of sorcery and
and
yao, a white herbal powder that and the great storehouse of this and peasant wisdom. If
superstition
counteracts internal or external science, even as it stands today, is still we accept that the emperor Shen
bleeding. It does this by bonding the riddled with herbal, animal and Nong was the father of this science,
edges of wounds and swiftly healing mineral drugs, and various combi- then we must appreciate that it was
torn tissue. It is also called shan qi, nations of them, that were selected probably another 2,000 years before
meaning "mountain varnish". mainly for their symbolic and em- the herbal observations attributed to
It would take more than a little blematic significance rather than him and to others who followed him
historical licence to suggest that many proven medicinal properties. This is were actually committed to writing.
millions of people have since owed not to say that Chinese herbal medi- Ittook that long, as well, for the very
their lives to a lowly, indomitable cine is largely a concoction of quack concept of medicine to take its place
reptile.Nonetheless, it is known for a theories, for within the proven and in the Chinese written language
fact that the medicinal plant proved unproven science of this medical medicine as yao and doctor as yi. It
to be so effective a treatment for practice there is an essential and was another half-century, about 500
combat wounds over many centuries long-established element of faith — B.C., before the term ben cao
of military conflict in China that the principle that Western medical appeared to describe the concept of
soldiers paid tribute to its precious science is beginning to turn its herbal medicine and its growing
qualities by calling it jin bu huan, attention to today in its bid, through —
pharmacopoeia ben meaning any
or "gold-no-trade." And
has quite it
research into placebos, to link plant with a rigid stalk and cao any
understandably been a powerful, key technology and psychology into a grass-like plant. This term eventually
weapon in the vast arsenal of potions, more "total" form of treatment. And embraced ingredients and medicines

10
taken from the animal and mineral
worlds too, and it continues to
describe the collective arsenal of
herbal medicine today.
It was in this period, about 500
years before the birth of Christ, that
the science of herbal medicine was
absorbed inextricably as a key el-
ement of Chinese philosophy and
spiritualism. Its faith, folklore and
proven science became an integral
part of religious doctrine, and this
role in Chinese spiritual life must be
understood before an understanding
of its own philosophy and technique
can be arrived at. Far from being just
a form of medical treatment, it is still

firmly planted at the core of a philos-

ophy that encompasses the well-
being of the body and the soul, a
code of spiritual and social be-
haviour and even a compelling and
possibly a valid attempt to define the
very meaning of life.
The roots of this philosophy are
said to go back, again, to the em-
peror Shen Nong. By some ancient
accounts he is said to have not only
tested many medicinal herbs but also
"wrested from Nature a knowledge
of her opposing principles." Over the
centuries that followed his reign,
Chinese alchemists, geomancers and

opposite Ancient wood block print depicts

climax of a hunt for snakes, an important
herbal medicine ingredient, above Emperor
Huang-di, one of three mythical fathers of
the Chinese civilisation, right Block print
portrait of Shen Nong, the founder of
medicine, and stone rubbing of his
agricultural work.

11
thinkers developed this concept of to its natural and inevitable fact and path the two basic expressions of the
opposing natural forces into a code pursuing a course of inaction. Never Tao lay locked in their perpetual
by which man could come to terms strive nor interfere, he declared, —
embrace the positive, active and
with the mystery of life and define because things would come to a suc- even aggressive yang, and the nega-
his own role within that mystery. cessful conclusion without effort. tive, passive, receptive yin, their
Shen Nong's "opposing principles" It appears that Lao Zi was the correlation and balance determining
were established as the opposing and man that a whole gamut of Chinese the universal order. By the year of
yet complementary and reciprocal science and philosophy had been 100 neo-Confucian thinker,
B.C., the
"yin" and "yang" forces of nature, of waiting for —
a convenient symbol Dong Zhongshu, had refined this
all matter, of all action and thought, and oracle for many of their cher- philosophy to include the inner
of all impetus. As a contemporary ished theories. Certainly they ascribed reaches of man himself, establishing
observation would have it: "Life is an their own ideas to his teachings, man on a small scale,
as the universe
eternal flux, and the universe is the pinning them to the famous figure's containing within himself the same
result of the interplay of yin and obvious prestige, and they deified locked cycle of yin and yang.
yang forces, of the dominant and the him as the godhead new and
of a It follows then that if physical
recessive, the positive and negative." uniquely Chinese religion. A new health became an integral part of the
In the years from about 600 B.C. legend eventually established itself in whole body of law of Chinese spiri-

two giants of Chinese thinking his name: Lao Zi had been carried in tual and social same Taoist
life, the
emerged to apply these concepts to a his mother's womb for eighty years, principles of correlationand balance
rigid form of belief and personal it preached, and was therefore born of forces applied as well to diet and
behaviour. Confucius (551-479 B.C.), with white Hence this name,
hair. medicine. Accordingly, food was
celebrated as China's greatest sage, which means
"Old Boy." Legend taken not just for sustenance and
established a code of rules and ethics inevitably tampered with Lao Zi's survival but also to constantly
which began with the premise that teachings and opinions as well. balance, regulate and tune up both
there is a right order and harmony to Despite his code of inaction in the physical and mental health. Food and
the universe, based upon a delicate face of a natural order of things, medicine became interrelated: foods
balance of yin and yang forces, and Taoists invented a path to salvation were chosen as much for their ther-
that the force exerted by man must and a spiritual destination — a myth- apeutic qualities as for nourishment
be essentially moral. Man, he ical "Island of the Eastern Sea" where and taste. They were to be taken in
declared, must cultivate the Five there existed a herb with the power moderation and adjusted to one's
Virtues of benevolence, justice, to bestow immortality. state of health. They were categorised
propriety, wisdom and sincerity in But aside from its mythical according to the nature of their
order to exert his own force in this aspects, Taoism essentially dealt with therapeutic value — "cold" foods such
eternal cycle of good and evil. the theory of a cosmic law and struc- as fruit and vegetables, sliced pork,
The
teachings of Confucius were ture —
and man's place within that crab and fish recommended to reduce
echoed by another great sage of that structure —
that Chinese thinkers had "heat" in body; "hot" high-
the
era, Lao Zi, the reputed father of been preoccupied with since Shen protein foods such as fatty meats,
Taoism. Taking the Confucian" doc- Nong's "opposing principles." The eggs, fried and spiced foods and
trine of universal order, Lao Zi Tao became the way, or path, within ingredients soaked in wine, taken to
taught that man himself can only the meaning, right order and uni- heat up and invigorate the system;
achieve personal harmony by bowing versal harmony of being. Along that and then there were "supplementary"

12
foods, also rich in protein and indeed, the fate that was to befall the cinnamon barks, fried licorice pow-
mainly the internal organs of ani- entire traditional culture of China by der and almonds to induce perspir-
mals (liver, heart, kidney, brains, the turn of the twentieth century. Put ation. It was now fairly certain that
placenta, penis and uterus), that were in its simplest terms, tradition died Pingya had in fact fallen victim to the
taken as an additional tonic and to hard in Old China, and tradition dreaded shang han, and now the
strengthen the corresponding organ ultimately brought about its down- physician's attention turned to the
in the human body. fall. This apocalyptic cultural col- crucial physiological forces which,
From here, diet and medicine lapse in the floodwave of modern according to tradition, had to be
began to merge into more powerful Western superbly
influence was balanced in order to restore the
medicinal diets, beginning with chronicled by the writer Lin Yutang young man's inner harmony.
herbal tonic of garlic, ginseng or in 1939 in the novel Moment in The disease was "supposed to
ginger soaked in liquor, then herbal Peking, an epic story of China in the attack first the three yang systems,
soups to cure mild ailments salted — throes of violent change. Lin Yutang's and might pass on to any of the three
fish-heads with tofu and ginger to novel not only explained the in- yin systems or all three. The three
counteract fever or palpitation, or fluences that brought about this yang systems are regarded as the
lotus root, daikon radish or water- relatively sudden and catastrophic alimentary or nourishing systems,
cress souppork broth to ward off
in sweeping away of Chinese tradition, being the small intestine, the large
bronchial infection and colds then — it showed quite graphically the
also
direct medicinal foods, including tenacity with which one of the key
recipes of loofah, fennel, arrowroot traditions, herbal medicine, had
starch or other herbs and plants, to continued to flourish right up to the
combat the more serious illnesses, advent of this century, with all its

skin diseases, allergies and blood practices and beliefs intact. Vast as
poisoning. At each step of this the practice of herbal medicine was,
escalating assault on debilitation and it faced doom in the struggle with
ill-health, the paramount concern modern Western medical techniques.
was the balancing of opposing forces In Moment in Peking, the eldest
within the metabolism, forces which son of a prominent Mandarin's
were inevitably part of the crucial family had contracted a serious
interplay of yin and yang. It was intestinal fever known as "shang
written as early as the reign of han," "the most dreaded, the most
Emperor Shen Nong that to keep debated, the most written about, the
these forces in harmony "is the duty most obscure and the least under-
of the physician, and to restore the stood, and the most complicated
equilibrium, when any of them is in disease in Chinese medicine." The
excess or deficiency, is the main time of this tragedy was shortly after
object of his endeavours." the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, when
Some 4,300 years later, in the the British expeditionary force in
early part of the 13th century, the China was pressing hard on the intestine, and the entrances to the
physician'sduty had not essentially tottering Manchu rule and when stomach, the bladder and the py-
changed. "Physicians," declared one Chinese science and philosophy, and lorus; at times we speak of the 'six

expert of the time, "must first re-
cognise the causes of an illness and
know that transgression of the nor-
mal (balance of yin and yang) has
taken place. To correct this imbal-
ance, adequate diet
necessity.Only when this has failed
should drugs be prescribed." And it
was here, it can be said, that the full
force of a 5,000-year-old folk-science
came into play.
There are many examples and
detailed descriptions
literature of the herbal physician at
work. And one major point that
the empire's entire social fabric, were yang systems' including the bladder,
being torn apart by an incoming the gall-bladder and the stomach.
flood of Western technology, physics The lungs, the heart, and the
and chemistry, mathematics, astron- membranes around the heart with
— the pancreas, the kidneys, and the
omy and geography and medi-
liver, form the yin group, responsible
is the first cine.
At condition of the for respiration, circulation and elim-
first, the
ination. The terms yin and yang are
young heir, Pingya, appeared to have
improved "by his drinking a regarded as relative and complemen-
tary, and not as absolute and mutu-
medicinal stew of sickle-leaved hare's
ear and other plants much relied ally exclusive.The nourishing sys-
upon for all kinds of colds, and when tems (yang) support and build up
in Chinese he was convalescent he had pills body heat and strength while the
made of various ingredients from other exchange systems (yin) regulate
cardamom, Sichuan varnish and nut- and secrete liquids for lubricating the

emerges from these texts is an grass, which drove off the illness
body, the kidney, the liver, and the
imperishable tradition, and one that definitely." But he was weak, and his opposite Stone rubbings of the carriage of
not only explains a great deal about system vulnerable, and within weeks Confucius and the renowned sage meeting
Laozi, the founder of Taoism, above The
the science itself but also anticipates he was ill again. This time, the aid of
patient's pulse was recognised as a key to
its latter-day relationship with con- the Imperial Physician was sought, diagnosis and health from the earliest stages
temporary Western medicine — and, and he prescribed a stew of ephedra, of Chinese herbal medicine.

13
pancreas in particular are regarded chicken soup, and when these failed cine, on the other hand, brought
as secreting important fluids for to help him the physician turned to with it the art of surgery, more ad-
balancing the system." the "Big Sustaining Stew" which, Lin vanced drugs and techniques aimed
Pingya's condition grew worse. Yutang explained, was used for "at- at the relatively swift cure of the
His fever ran high, his pulse was tacking organic or substantial fever, immediate problem. A much wider
weak, he began vomiting, his limbs which differs from functional fever. cultural challenge had to be taken
were cold and he complained of a Every illness comes from the disturb- into account as well. In the early
"cold pain" in the abdomen, which ance of some vital force and is only centuries, and indeed right into the
was tender and full. "By all signs, the brought on by some external cold or golden Ming dynasty of the 1600s,
yang systems had 'collapsed within' heat. It is like a plant; if the root is Chinese science and technology —
and the disease had spread to the yin strong some branches will prosper, and that, of course, included its
systems. It seemed that his body was and if the root is affected the medical science —
had been some
being dried up, and his throat branches dry up." 1,000 years ahead of developments in
became parched and his eyes dull. But the use of saltpeter, an the West. By the turn of this century,
The doctor no longer tried to faring ingredient of gunpowder, signalled however, the Western nations had
out' the fever by ephedrine and that Pingya's condition was probably accomplished a remarkably swift
cinnamon bark and licorice, but already beyond hope. "It is used only technological and scientific boom,
recognised the necessity of 'concili- for substantial fever in the blood, Chinese sciences,
far outstripping the
atory medicine' to tone up or 'warm and then only in extreme cases, to which had languished and stultified
up' the yin systems, for it was now remedy dry heat in the body and under the closed and insular influ-
recognised that it was a kind of yin soften hard formations. It is so ences and restrictions of the Manchu
cold and the secreting organs were powerful that it softens metals and Qing dynasty. Now, as this last of
not functioning properly. For this, a dissolves stones. When there is sub- the great dynasties collapsed, any-
stew of autumn roots, dried ginger, stantial feveryou have to clean the thing Western was seized upon by a
the white of small onions and pig's blood with it. But it must be used large part of the educated Chinese
gall were used. Then, as the patient sparingly, otherwise it injures the population, mainly the young, in
grew steadily worse, a more drastic system. When there is poison in the what was to become the birth of a
medicine was used, consisting of body, the poison receives the effect of long and painful, and sometimes
rhubarb, thorny limebush, magnolia the purgative, but if there is no violent campaign to redress the
officinalis and even mangxiao, a poison then the bodily system itself arrogant failure of the Manchu reign
product of saltpeter in fine crystals." is injured." In the end, even this and catapult China into the modern
Desperate now, Pingya's parents extreme antidote could not save the world.
hurriedly arranged for him to be young man. Within days of his hast- Yet the science of herbal medicine
married, hoping that love and the ily-arranged wedding, he was dead. was not swept away in this, the first
tender care of his bride would Within a matter of a few years, of many Chinese cultural revolutions.
breathe new strength into him. Chinese medical science certainly — It survived, and it did this because its

Meanwhile, he was at the level of the wealthier and philosophy and tradition were so
prescribed regular middle-class Chinese —
was engulfed deeply ingrained in the Chinese psy-
tonics of hot silver and relegated to a secondary role by che, especially that of the landed
fungus in Western medicine. It was usurped masses; because its concept of pre-
not because its theories and treat- ventive care and "total" treatment
ments were necessarily redundant, or was still so valid, even in the face of
wrong, or disreputable, but because apparent Western miracles, that it
of a basic philosophical difference could not in all conscience be dis-
between the two practices. In the missed; because it was so deeply in-
religion of thought and action that terrelated with diet that, far from
encompassed herbal medicine, the being vanquished, it held its ground
thrust of the medicine itself was as a complement and even a vital
toward preventive care — often a long backup to Western medicine. Thou-
and ponderous study of all aspects of sands of traditional Chinese herbal
a patient's condition, physical and medicine shops in China itsself,
mental, ancestral, and even environ- Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and
mental. Chinese physicians tended to any large centre of Chinese settle-
reject the idea of instant remedies, ment around the world will testify to
believing that most illness and debili- this even in this present day. And it

tation were the result of deep-rooted may well turn out that in the future
problems and that without contin- the world will be thankful for it.

uous long-range treatment the root- For all its myth, legend and sym-
problem would simply manifest itself bolism, herbal medicine is now re-
again and again, in different forms asserting its power, its validity and,
<? and in different parts of the body. in many respects, the triumph of its

Twentieth century Western medi- folk-wisdom. Modern research is

'

14
 —

Western medicine is taking a new

look at faith-healing in research into
the theory and effect of placebos and
the psychology of health care. In the
United States, the implications of
over-specialisation, and its cost, have
led to a campaign to bring back the
traditional family physician, with
his or her more intimate and long-
standing knowledge. of the patient's
emotional and medical needs. Mid-
wifery is being restored to take its
place alongside the physician. The
family environment is being recog-
nised as an important element in
health care, removing much of it
from the clinical isolation of hospi-
tals. Western medicine, particularly
in the United States, is also becoming
increasingly concerned about the
cost-effectiveness of high-tech medi-
cal treatment, and the alarming fail-
ure rate of electronic diagnosis. And
finally, herbal medicine itself is being
promoted as a direct challenge to
surgical and clinical science by the
emerging field of treatment called
"alternative medicine."
It would be presumptuous, and
even dangerous, to suggest that either
Chinese herbal medicine or Western
*»——
medicine are superior in their own
H '

,, -,-H
right. Each have their strengths, and
each their weaknesses —
herbal medi-

^L_ X cine still has a great history of sym-

bolism and hidebound tradition to
finally separating its myth and drugs applied over the centuries by unravel and test, and possibly dis-
science, and the science is standing the Chinese herbal physician, more card; Western medicine, with its

up well to the test. It is recognised, than 100 have already been tested, powerful drugs, its medicine and its

for instance, that while the use of and their curative properties con- propensity for the surgeon's knife,
anaesthetics in surgery was first firmed, by modern science. must yet come to terms with the con-
introduced in the West in 1847, the At same time, Western medi-
the sequences of a science that is losing
Chinese were using "narcotic soups" cine, having advanced so rapidly and touch with the essential human
for minor surgery some 700 years having rushed almost headlong into factor of medical treatment. It would
ago. Their use of arsenic and calomel specialisation and technology, is now be more by far to suggest
realistic
for the treatment of venereal diseases braking and turning much of its that if was ever a field for
there
foreshadowed Western practices by attention back toward its own folk- a momentous meeting of East and
at least 400 years. For centuries, the origins. The concepts of preventive West, in the field of medicine
it is

Chinese treated "ulcer of the lung," or care and "total" treatment, tradi- Western medical techc^logy com-
strep tococual diseases, with the fer- tional inChinese medicine, are being bined with Chinese medical phi-
mented brine of salted vegetables a — recognised as integral and important losophy and herbal treatment; a
process and remedy similar to mod- elements of a comprehensive public meeting of future and past, laying the
ern penicillin. The use of ephedra for health and fitness campaign now foundation for a new age of medical
the treatment of asthma, established being launched in the West. Diet, care in which the eyes of modern
in Chinese medicine as long ago as toot has become the catchword of electronics and the intuition of a
the second century, has been a West- societies alarmed at deteriorating 5,000-year-old science probe together
ern and world-wide practice only food and health standards in their the inner reaches of the human con-
since 1887. Iodine was used by the urbanised, industrialised and stress- dition.
Chinese at least 1,000 years ago to oriented "You are
environments. opposite Li of the Iron Crutch, one of the
treat enlarged thyroids; it is now a what you eat" is Madison Avenue's Eight Immortals, or fairies, of Chinese
common remedy belated echo of an ancient Chinese mythology, is often a patron symbol of herbal
in Western medi-
druggists, above Block print of a typical
cine. In fact, of the more than 700 wisdom. druggist's store.

15
V*

L/V>1
 apter

The Search
of
the Ages

FteS^
 If we were to search for
the point in history at
which Chinese medicine
became a profession —
emerging from the hearthside to
enter realm of science
the that —
point probably the time of the Han
is

dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago.

By then a widespread system of
orderly government had been estab-
lished —
thus the foundations of
Chinese civilisation had been laid —
and the Han dynasty was to see this
cultural unity become so firmly im-
planted that it has survived as such
to this present day.
More important, from the point
of view of this book,
keeping of historical records was
is that the %£~_,^
systemised during the Han period
(206 B.C. to A.D. 220). The first steps
were taken to record the pharmaco- cine men," and mountain recluses— speciaR^kegipeutic Breathing tecT>
poeia and remedies of herbal medi- the latter being men who turned their niques, a regimen not unlike that of
cine, and it is recognised now, from backs on community life and re- the gurus and holy men d^fedian
Han relics discovered in Gansu pro- treated deep into the hills. There they Hinduism. One of their fundamental
vince, that for the educated Chinese practiced the "Way of Long Life," beliefs was
that mountain mist con-
at least medical treatment had be- which included herbal diet and tained powerful concentrations of qi,
come an established and relatively medicine, kung-fu exercises and the "vital essence" of life. Their
sophisticated practice. A subject of
the Han reign who felt ill or off-
colour could readily refer to what we
would regard today as handy book-
lets giving remedies for specific
sicknesses; but these were not books
aswe know them, they were bam-
boo or wood strips, as many as 35 of
them, bound together with twine,
with each strip inscribed with a pre-
scription and recommended dosage.
The Gansu "books" include another
interesting note: veterinary science
had also emerged by this time, for on
one strip there is a prescription for
treating a horse.
But long before these early records
appeared, and long before the initial
structure of Chinese civilisation took
shape, herbal medicine was claiming
a prominent place in the primitive
cycle of Chinese tribal life. We speak
of a birth whose time we can only
roughly establish at around 3500
B.C., and in peering backward into
that distant mystery it is difficult to
escape the visual cliche of the "mists
of time." But in fact the infancy, if not
the birth, of Chinese medicine pro-
bably was shrouded in mountain
mists.
Before the advent of professional
physicians, herbal medicine was the
domain of tribal shamans, or "medi-

18
Hi J
 a

which cure disease."

The word yao appears often in the
great Zhou literary classics such as
the Book of Odes, Book of History
and Book of Changes. In the Book of
Odes, for example, there are numer-
ous poems which describe maidens
plucking medicinal plants in the
fields or by rivers. The herbs that
they picked were usually prepared as
a single remedy, boiled as medicinal
soups, but during the last two tumul-
tuous centuries of Zhou rule, referred
to as the Spring and Autumn and
Warring States period of Chinese
history, herbal medicine became
more sophisticated, with potions
developed from combinations of
herbs and plants.
This was a period of turmoil and
,5» » instability, with feudal lords plotting

contribution to medicine
Chinese beginnirigQn_JJ122 B.C., and warring for power. But it was
was not only the gathering of wild language underiA7eh£-rapia^eve also a period of great intellectual
plants and herbs, which they be- ment, and medicine began to d|l growth which came about because
lieved to have properties that would itself from the sorcery that had been many learned men simply aban-
nurture, strengthen and prolong life, part and parcel of its heritage. Up doned society, with its dangers,
but also the abiding link between until this time the written character corruption and intrigue, followed the
medicine and the martial arts — wu, with its root symbol meaning example of their forebears, the
link that is kept intact today by "sorcery," described the shaman.
certain martial arts masters. Now, thebottom portion of the
By the time of the Yin dynasty of character was changed to the symbol V?^
about 1500 B.C., references to herbal meaning "wine", and the character ^£5^
medicine were appearing on oracle that now appeared was yi, or doctor.
—
bones inscriptions that are able to This connection between wine and
give us some insight into the sick- doctor was significant —
the Chinese
nesses and diseases of that time. learned to ferment wine from rice,
Some 160,000 inscribed carapaces fruits and vegetables very early in
and bones have been unearthed in their history, and the liquor was used
archaeological excavations, and a as a base for the concoction and in-*
study of them has pinpointed 36 gestion of herbal medicines. It was
different illnesses that were prevalent found that the alcohol drew out the
among the people of Yin. Also, in potent elements in dried herbs,
this era, medicine was already diluted some medicines that were recluses, and went back to the safety
making its way down from the considered too powerful to be taken and isolation mountains.
of the
mountain mists and into the market on their own, aided rapid absorption There, these xian, or "Immortals of
place. As tribal communities of the medicine into the bloodstream the Mountains," also continued the
gathered at certain times of the year and, of course, added to the stimu- traditions of the recluses, experi-
for seasonal celebrations, rituals and lative property of the potion. well A menting with medicinal herbs; but
barter, the mountain men descended known tonic for nursing mothers, their goal was more than just every-
from their eyries to display their still used in southern China, was day health, it was nothing less than

kung-fu skills and trade their herbs simmered fresh chicken, pork, gin- immortality — the elusive Elixir of
and plants for tools, cloth and wine. ger, wood fungus and rice wine or Life. And their search was to become
It was left to the tribal shamans to whisky. Some wines were fermented one of the prime driving forces
test the and confirm their
herbs directly from medicinal plants and behind much of the development of
medicinal value. It was during this were called chang, a character which herbal medicine.
time that the emperor Shen Nong is made its debut at about the same
said to have carried out his own time as yi. The word for medicine
herbal experiments — the first of itself, yao, also first appeared during opposite Shamans or mountain mystics, were
many Chinese rulers to become avid the early Zhou dynasty. It was the earliest exponents of traditional Chinese
medicine, above A battle chariot of the
patrons, and recipients, of the formed with the "grass" radical on
Warring States period (450-221 BC), when
science. top of the character, reflecting its herbal medicine graduated from sorcery to
During the ensuing Zhou dynasty, original meaning which was "grasses sophistication.
 This search obsessed not only the iously consulted by omnipotent but
mountain sages but the Chinese aris- mortal rulers whose "mandate from
tocracy too. Emperors and feudal heaven," could ultimately be af-
barons began sponsoring herbal re- firmed, it can be said, only by im-
search projects, and several rulers, mortality.
grasping for the keys to longevity, One of the emerging Taoist medi-
actually died after taking concoctions cal doctrines that particularly
dreamed up by their medical ad- trigued these and yet
all-powerful
During the later Han dynasty
visers. politically vulnerable despots was a
and the infancy of Taoism, an close association of medicine and
emperor organised and funded an sex. The Taoist physicians believed
expedition to locate the Taoist "Island that one of the paths to strength and
sidering the large harems of con-
cubines that they supported.
Taoist theory dictated that while
regular and even abandoned sex was
good for the health, it had to be
accomplished without release of the
in- semen to promote and nourish the
vigour of the male. Even at the bed-
pillow, the principle of "opposing
forces" held sway.
Men were yang, and women yin,
and was considered crucial that in
it

of the Eastern Sea" where it was longevity lay in frequent and pro- the sexual union of the two the male
believed the herb of immortality longed sexual intercourse —
a practice must retain and conserve his vital
grew. that the emperors and nobles could and limited yang while absorbing as
If the Zhou dynasty gave medi- pay wholesale devotion to, con- much as he could of the female's
cine its framework and its
theoretical unlimited supplies of yin essence. "If
status in the language and culture, (one) regards sperm as precious and
the science met its first real test in the does not ejaculate," it was written,
ensuing Qin dynasty, established by "then life will never be exhausting."
powerful invaders who swept down Another early sexual manual, re-
from the northwest of China. The ferring to the apparently inexhausti-
Qins crushed the warring fiefdoms ble powers of Emperor Huang Di, re-
and set up a stable, centralised counted that "the Yellow Emperor
bureaucracy that formed the basis of had sexual intercourse with 1,200
what was to become the Chinese girls and became a god, while nor-
empire. To consolidate his authority
and break the mould of the past, the
first Qin emperor engineered what

was possibly the first of many "cul-

tural revolutions" in Chinese history:
he ordered that all books
the society's
be burned. Almost all. Only books
on three subjects were to be withheld
from the flames, he decreed divin- —
and medicine.
ation, agriculture
The Qin dynasty was a short-
lived one, lasting only 15 years, but
the seeds of civilisation that it planted
and nurtured were begin blooming
to
under the next rulers of China, the
Hans. The great Han dynasty was to
nearly four and a half centuries,
last
and it was to become such a vital
force in the history of China that the
Chinese have since referred to them-
selves as the "people of Han." Such
was the energy of the times that arts,
sciences, philosophy and all the other
trappings of civilisation flourished.
This was the era of Confucius; it was
also the spiritual crucible that pro-
duced Taoism, along with an even
more vigorous study and develop-
ment of medicine. Under Taoist doc-
trine the search continued for the
fabled Elixir of Life; experimentation
with herbal medicines became more
and more sophisticated; alchemists
and herbalists became prominent
figures in the imperial courts, gen-
erously funded and no doubt anx-

20
mal people are killed by only one girl the first in man's history, appeared in
... if one loves the beauty of girls and Chinese medicine. It was practiced
tries to ejaculate, then his body will by another great Han physician, Hua
be damaged and all kinds of diseases Tuo (A.D. 141-208), who began using
will be encountered. By doing this, herbal "narcotic soups" to numb his
one is actually seeking for death." patient for the treatment of abcesses,
Longevity could be attained, how- surface tumours and other superficial
ever, by absorbing the female diseases and wounds. Among the
"semen" when she reached orgasm, herbal ingredients he used were
and at the same time retaining and Datura metel, Rhododendron sinense
recycling the male sperm, which was and Aconitum. History records that
said to travel back up through the one of the his most noted cases was
male partner's system and nourish that of the General Guan Yu, whose
the brain. arm had been struck in battle by a
Medicine played its part in this poisoned arrow. Hua applied his
constant thrust for vitality in the and managed to save the
anaesthetic
form of herbal tonics which were arm, and the general, by scraping
taken to stimulate sexual potency away the infected flesh to the bone.
and to fortify weaker yang
the who "practiced medicine and acu- But Hua Tuo was not only a
essence of the male. There are many puncture and introduced the first
surgeon, he was also a devotee of the
references in the Hart era and in later gynaecological and pediatrical treat- early marriage of martial arts and
literature to men who had mastered ments." If this is true, then China's medicine brought about by the
this technique and lived to the age of second most noted physician was mountain recluses; and he developed
150 or more. almost certainly Dr Zhang Zhongjing a series of therapeutic kung-fu exer-
On the more mundane level, the who, around 200 B.C., wrote the cises based upon the rhythmic move-
expansionist goals of the Han em- most celebrated medical treatises of ments of five animals, the deer, bear,
perors added to the storehouse of the Han dynasty, Shang Han Lun, or tiger, monkey and crane. These he
herbal medicine. In the conquest of Discussion of Fevers. More than half prescribed as a regimen to tone up
China's fertile southern regions, of Zhang's family elders are said to the circulation and respiration, ease
whole new fields of plants and herbs have died of fever-related diseases constipation and help digestion,
became available to the herbal scien- such as typhoid, and he devoted his limber up the joints, eliminate fatigue
life to the study of these sicknesses.
tists and physicians. Other herbs and and depression and invigorate the
medicines trickled into the phar- His book contains 113 medical pre- heart and kidneys and other vital
macopoeia by way of trade with scriptions based on 100 medicines, of organs. By the end of the Han
India and the Persian Gulf. As the which more than 80 percent are her- dynasty, all the elements that make
pharmacopoeia grew, the first at- bal One of these is
remedies. up what we regard as the "total"
tempts were made to gather and recorded under the name "Cinnamon treatment of Chinese medicine were
chronicle the herbal knowledge that Sap Soup," prescribed for a variety of firmly in place —
its herbal pharma-
had accumulated through the ages. It chills and fevers, and is a concoction
copoeia, its science, its spiritual
was during the early Han dynasty of sap of cinnamon, fresh ginger beliefs, its sexual code, its therapeutic
that the theories and exploits of the root, jujubes, licorice root and exercises and its essential relationship
Yellow Emperor were written down Chinese peony. with diet. Though there was to be a
in Huang Di Nei Jing, The Internal Dr Zhang's book also reflects the great deal of experimentation and
Book of Huang Di. And the atten- continuing study of that time into the refinement over the following cen-
tion of the scholars also turned to yin and yang principles of herbal turies, these traditions were to reign
that other great
legendary leader, medicine. He divided diseases into until the turn of the twentieth cen-
Shen Nong, recording all herbal six types, three yang and three yin, tury — and, indeed, still govern the
knowledge from the time he had and his prescriptions set out to science in this present time.
"tasted the myriad herbs" to the Han two forces
correct imbalances of the Throughout the Tang, Song and
book called Shen Nong Ben
era in a by inducing or reducing sweating, Ming dynasties, therefore, continuing
Cao Jing, The Pharmacopoeia of elimination or vomiting. He also study and practice tended to consoli-
Shen Nong. In this book all known contributed much to the parallel
date the principles of Chinese medi-
herbal plants were divided into three study of acupuncture by adding the cine rather than strike out into new
categories: an upper class of drugs "map" of meridians along which the fields of thought. By the beginning of
that nurtured life, a middle group body's vital energy, or qi, was said to the Tang dynasty (A.D. 608-906) a
that nurtured "nature" or vitality and flow. It is also known that by the distinguished herbalist and phar-
a lower group labelled "poisons" or middle of the Han dynasty another
medicines from toxic plants which book on medicine had appeared, the
Nei Jing, which included the theory oppositeDr Zhang Zhongjing, the great
were used to fight the most virulent
physician and early scholar of Chinese
diseases. of the circulation of the blood.
medicine, above Bian Que (407-310 BC),
It was also during the Han reign
It is claimed that China's first claimed to have been China's very first
doctor was Bian Que (407-310 B.C.) that the use of anaesthetics, probably doctor.

21
 '

with drawings of the various plants

and herbs. The dietary link with
medicine was advanced by one of the
foremost physicians of the era, Dr
Sun Simiao, a dedicated man who
turned down the requests of the first

two emperors of Tang to become

their personal physician, preferring
on his practice
instead to concentrate
and research among the diseases of pillars of culture
the common people. and integrity raised
In this field, Dr Sun was able to the standards of
specialise, and distinguish himself, in medicine as well:
the treatment of sicknesses caused by respect for physicians grew, and their
Tao Hongjing,
macist,
malnutrition. And study and use
his position in the monolithic pyramidal
had contributed two
of diet as a medical therapy produced structure of Chinese society was now
new and valuable text-
treatments that are among those one of eminence. In fact the term ren
books to the bibliography of medi-
proved accurate by Western research yi, or "benevolent doctor," was
cine.Once again, the founding dis-
some 1,000 to 1,300 years after his coined by the Song dynasty's neo-
coveries and theories of emperor
time. For example, he prescribed sea- Confucianists. It was also during this
Shen Nong were echoed, and sup-
weed and extracts of deer and lamb time that the physician and his an-
ported by Dr Tao's own data, in one
of these books, Herbs as Studied by
thyroid —all high in iodine content cient forefather, the herb-gathering

Shen Nong. The advances made by

— as a dietary supplement for moun- mountain mystic, went their separate
tain folk suffering from goiter, or ways, for the Confucianists cold-
scholars and physicians since Shen
enlarged thyroid glands. He also shouldered the intense and austere
Nong's reign were gathered by Tao
cured beriberi with calf and lamb spiritualism of the confirmed Taoists.
and presented in Anecdotes of Cele-
liver, almond, wild Sichuan pepper The Song era saw all the empire's
brated Doctors. This process of con-
solidation was promoted ever further
and wheat germ — herbal prescriptions standardised. It

treatments that are also saw the herbal treatments ex-

by the founding emperor of the Tang
all rich in vita- panded to include pastes and poul-
dynasty. He issued a decree that all
medical knowledge throughout the
mins A and B. tices, —
and pills powdered herbs
bound and coated with thick honey.
empire should be concentrated in the
Technology also raced ahead under
capital, where in A.D. 629 he estab-
Song rule, and paper and wood-
lished China's first school of medi-
block printing presses were devel-
cine. Once this system of formal
oped, with the result that the phar-
study was set up, open and competi-
macopoeia of herbal medicine was
tive examinations for doctors were
also instituted, and for the first time
revised four times — the last Song
edition listing almost 1,000 medicines.
the science was able to begin sifting
out unqualified quacks who had
been dishonouring the profession,
and making a lot of money, by
defrauding the sick with phoney
medical advice and prescriptions. These and other developments of
The pharmacopoeia of herbal Tang dynasty medicine were ad-
medicine was again updated and re- vanced and refined in the Song
vised by Tang medical
dynasty (A.D. 960-1279). New medi-
scholars, and the
cal schools were established, their
first illustrated
curricula expanded, and a more rigid
version appeared
and comprehensive system of exami-
nations brought in. Medical students
were now required to treat sick
faculty members, bureaucrats and
soldiers as part of their practical
studies, and the were applied
results
to their examination scores at the end
opposite Hua Tuo, the renowned Han
of each year. There was a general dynasty physician, used a "narcotic" to
elevation of Chinese arts and science anaesthesise General Guan Yu when he

during the Song period, along with a removed a arrow head from his arm. above
Tai ji exercises depict the stance of the bear
resurgence of Confucian philosophy, (top left), tiger (bottom left), deer (centre),
especially its ethics. These twin monkey (top) and bird (above).

23
 The Mongols of Genghis Khan to Japan to study oriental plants and
conquered China in 1260 and ruled took many back to grow and experi-
the empire from Beijing for 108 ment with in Holland. In fact, what
years. Medicine, along with many he took back were Chinese medical
other fields of Chinese learning, fell herbs which had earlier spread to
into a period of dormancy under the Japan to form the basis of Japanese
Mongol Yuan rule, but the following herbal medicine. And so, herbs and
Ming dynasty restored Chinese sov- plants like rhubarb, hydrasts, gen-
ereignty and triggered a cultural tian, licorice, aconite, field mint,
renaissance which was to affect all ginger and yellow vetch all used —
areas of the intellectual world. The for centuries by the Chinese phys-
Ming period was one of the great icians — made their way into Euro-
adventure, marked by the celebrated pean and British pharmacology.
voyages of trade and discovery under With Western military and mis-
the eunuch admiral, Zheng He — sionary incursion in China, herbal
voyages that took huge Chinese junk medicine came under growing press-
fleets as far as, and perhaps beyond, ure from Western medicine. British
the Cape of Good Hope. Medical doctors opened up practices in Guang-
science flourished again and there zhou and the other trading conces-
emerged another giant of herbal sions. Missionary doctors such as
medicine, Dr Li Shizhen (A.D. John Kerr of Glasgow introduced
1517-1593), who produced the Chinese translations of Western
classic herbal encyclopaedia, medical journals into Guang-
Ben Cao Gang Mu, General zhou and Shanghai. After the
Outlines and Divisions of collapse of the Manchus and
Herbal Medicine, that re- the establishment of the Re-
mains to this day the key public of China, Western medi-
reference work of the science. cine took its place alongside tradi-
It took Dr Li 27 years to complete tional herbal science in new
this huge book, during which he Chinese medical schools set up in
travelled all over China in search Shanghai and other major cities. In-
of medical herbs. The result was 52 evitably, the time came when Chinese
book-scrolls listing no less than 1,892 and Western medicine faced each other
medicines. It was not ony widely dis- in direct confrontation, and this struggle
tributed throughout China but was also came to a head in 1929 when Chinese
translated into Japanese, Korean, doctors who had studied Western medi-
Vietnamese, English, French, German cine in Japan returned home to demand
and Russian, and is said to have had that traditional herbal be
medicine
some influence on the studies and Dr Li Shizhen, the Ming dynasty medical banned. Such was the strength of tradi-
scholar, who worked for 27 years on his
revolutionary theories of Charles tion, however, that the demand was met
classic herbal encyclopaedia.
Darwin. with vehement opposition throughout
In this respect, Dr Li's works all classes of Chinese society. A meeting

marked the beginning of a cultural
exchange between Chinese and West-
ern medical science. The Venetian
adventurers who had followed Marco
Polo's path to the "Middle Kingdom"
brought Western science and tech-
nology to the Ming court and trans-
lated many European medical books
into Chinese. In return,
pharmacopoeia of herbal medicine
was thrown open to the West. Dur-
ing the Manchu dynasty which sup-
planted the Mings and drew cultural
bars on the age of adventure, this
exchange was intensified by British
and European military adventures
aimed* at forcing the insular," xeno-
phobic Manchus to open China's
doors to free trade and modernis-
ation. In 1790 a Dutch botanist went
of physicians from all over China was
held in Shanghai, and it elected a
delegation to go before the Nationalist
government in Nanjing to plead the case
for herbal medicine. It succeeded in
winning the government's support, and
to commemorate the victory, the date of
that fateful petition, March 17, was
the vast declared "Chinese Doctors' Day". Four
years later the government paid tribute
to the importance of the science by
establishing the Central Chinese Hos-
pital inNanjing, and a chief justice of
the Supreme Court, Chiao Yi-tang was
appointed president and charged with
the duty of further systemising and
promoting herbal medicine.
Thus, this 5,000-year-old science
survived, and there now began a
process of scientific review that has

24
brought the theory and practice of
the medicine into the laboratories of
the twentieth century. The first step
toward review was taken at a
this
conference of the League of Nations
in Geneva in 1931 when a committee
was set up to undertake research on
Chinese medicine. At about the same
time, the science was given a strong
academic boost in the West by a
wealthy American businessman,
G.M. Gest, who had an eye disease
that was healed by a Chinese phy-
sician after all other efforts had
failed. Mr Gest's gratitude was such
that he collected some 75,000
volumes of Chinese medical books

and established the Gest Oriental

Library at Princeton University.
Western research has since con-
firmed much of the science of
Chinese herbal medicine. It remains
now for an historic marriage to take
place between Western medical tech-
nology and both the curative powers
and the undeniably humane and
spiritual precepts of Chinese healing.

opposite: Dr. Li Shizhen, compiler of the

classic herbal encyclopaedia. Ben Cao Gang
Mu, General Outfitter and Divisions of Herbal
Medicine, left Gathering and tasting "the
myriad herbs." above Dr Sun Simiao, the
Tang dynasty medical scholar, who first
advanced the theory of a link between diet
and health.

25^gt
 /J6*
BOO
i

if

*?ki; $
 :

The Heart
of the
Matter
Principles and Premises of
Chinese Herbal Medicine

_»«»
 he cosmic element pre- called qi. Qi alsomeans "breath" and environment is dominated by heat,

II vails throughout the en-

tire field of traditional
"air" and is

concept of prana. Invisible,

similar to the Hindu
tasteless,
than in mid-winter, when the body
needs extra heat-inducing foods to
I Chinese medicine. The odourless, and formless, qi never- balance the excess cold outside. To
same concepts and terminology theless permeates the entire cosmos. eliminate these "hot" symptoms and
which define the traditional Chinese Qi is transferable and transmutable: restore the proper energy balance,
view of the universe are also used to digestion extracts qi from food and one need only ingest a few "cool"
describe the myriad phenomena of drink and transfers it to the body; foods such as water-melon, citrus
health and disease. The Chinese breathing extracts qi from air and fruits, white turnips, etc There is a
regard the human body and all of its transfers it to the lungs. When these constant co-mingling of the various
functions as a microcosm of the two forms of qi meet in the blood- types of energy within and without
grand cosmic order. They believe stream, they transmute to form the body. The person who is aware
that the same forces which permeate human-qi, which then circulates of this can adjust the balance of
the universe and animate nature in throughout the body as vital energy. energies in his body on a daily or
all its variety are also at work in It is the quality, quantity, and even hourly basis with diet, exercise,
man. The and premises of
principles balance of your qi that determines breathing, and herbal medicines.
Chinese medicine are drawn directly your state of health and span of life. The quantity, quality, and balance
from traditional Taoist philosophy, There are many kinds of qi: "hot- of a person's qi are as variable as the
China's most ancient and singular qi" and "co\d-qi;" "y'm-qi" and "yang- weather and are significantly in-
school of thought. qi;" "dry-qi" and "moist-qi;" and fluenced by changes in season and
The Chinese have always learned many others. There is the "evi\-qi" climate. The most important factors
from empirical observation. They emanating from swamps (miasma) concerning qi, however, are the food
have little systems
faith in rigid which causes disease and the "pure- and drink we consume and the air
drawn from abstract theories, such qi" of mountain mists which we breathe. This explains the great
as those that prevail in the West. promotes health and prolongs life. importance of diet and breathing
Taoist thought stresses fluctuation The key to maintaining optimum exercisesin the Taoist system of
and mutability and explains all health is a natural and harmonious health and longevity. Quality and
natural phenomena in terms of the balance among the vital energies quantity of qi are further influenced
constant ebb and flow of cosmic within the body, as well as between by the condition of the organs which
forces. Western minds, in contrast, those of the body and the external absorb qi. If the stomach and lungs
prefer to deal with structured con- environment. Forover-example, are not functioning properly, they
cepts, fixed quantities, and absolute indulgence in peppery, highly-spiced are unable to extract and absorb vital
laws. Consequently, the principles "hot" foods generally results in a energy in pure form and sufficient
and premises of Chinese medicine, build-up of huo qi (fire-energy) in the quantity. The result is that the entire
especially the concepts and terms body, with all the attendant symp- body suffers and energy deficiency
used to explain them, are difficult for toms of dry lips, parched mouth and arises. Many common ailments are
the average Westerner to absorb at throat, distended chest, and con- simply due to insufficient levels and
first glance. Closer scrutiny usually stipation. These symptoms would be inferior quality of vital energy in the
reveals the soundness, sense and pro- far worse in mid-summer, when the system. This is why astute Chinese
fundity of the insights which per- doctors first look to their patients'
meate the system. The symbolic general life-styles and daily habits for
terms used in Chinese medicine, clues. Q/-deficient ailments can
drawn directly from nature or bor- usually be corrected with a combina-
rowed from Taoist philosophy, have tion of proper diet, exercise, breath-
an exotic charm and poetic tone. The ing,and hygiene. Only when a prob-
symbolic nature should always be lem has become so serious that it
kept in mind. In the following pages impairs the functions of vital organs
Chinese medical concepts are pre- and glands, does the Chinese phy-
sented as clearly and concisely as sician resort to curative herbal medi-
possible and woven into a compre- cations. Due to their natural affinities
hensive theoretical description of the for certain parts of the body, the qi
inner workings of Chinese herbal extracted from medicinal plants goes
medicine. straight to the organ or gland for
which they have been prescribed.
There they act to restore the diseased
Qi And The Four Vital Bodily ^organ to its orginal tissue tone
Humours k
and natural functions, in the
process redressing the attendant
The major premise of Chinese medi- imbalances of vital energy.

cal theory is that all the forms of life The original and ideal state of

in the universe are animated by an 'one's collective vital energies is called

essential life-force or vital energy yuan qi, literally "primordial vital

28
energy." From the day we are born and moistens the skin, controls the ach and small intestine. It constitutes
until our last day of life, a gradual opening and closing of pores and the creative force inside the body and
but inexorable process of deteriora- protects the body from invasion by takes two forms: life-essence and
tion and dissipation of our yuan qi "outside evi\-qi'.' When internal semen-essence. Life-essence is stored
takes place. The rate of this process nourishing-^/ is deficient, the body is in the kidneys, which secrete it into
determines our life-span. The Taoists, susceptible to weaknesses or diseases the bloodstream as needed. It con-
in seeking longevity developed (or both) of the vital organs. When trols growth, development, decay
techniques to slow down the dissipa- the surface protecting-^/ is too weak, and death. In terms of Western
tion of their primordial vital energy the body becomes vulnerable to out- medical science, "kidneys" here mean
and redress the constant deteriora- side invasion by wind, cold, damp, the vital glands which straddle the
tion of organs and glands. In short, and other environmental "excesses" kidneys —
the renal and suprarenal
they sought to slow down the aging which can cause disease. glands. "Life-essence" refers to the
process. Breathing and kung-fu Qi is one of the four bodily vital hormones secreted from these
exercises, diet and herbal medicine all humours and by far the most im- glands, which control many vital life
work to increase the quantity and portant one. The others are blood functions.
improve the quality of one's vital xue, vital essence jing, and fluid jin Semen-essence refers to the sper-
energy and to repair damage to vital ye. Blood is formed together with matozoa in males and the ova in
females. Embryos formed from the
union of male and female semen-
essence are nourished by the life-
1. stomach 8. vermiform essence also formed by this union.
appendix After birth, the child produces its
2. duodenum 14 own life-essence by digestion. Ac-
9. ascending
cording to traditional Chinese views,
3. liver
colon
the sexual-/mg in girls matures at two
10. transverse times seven years, around age four-
4. gall bladder
colon teen, and deteriorates at seven times
5. jejunum seven, around age forty-nine. Like-
11. descending wise, the jing of boys matures at two
5
colon
6. ileum times eight years, age sixteen, and
11 begins to lose potency at eight times
12. colon
7. caecum eight, age sixty-four. The life and
13. rectum semen types of vital essence are
closely related, are both stored in and
14. spleen around the kidneys, and manifest
themselves as general as well as
sexual vitality.

The other vital bodily humour is

organs caused by disease, weakness,
or natural deterioration. This process
iscalled bu yuan qi, or "tonifying the
primordial vital energies," a cardinal
a fluid, jin ye, which is also extracted
nourishing-^/ from the most refined
products of digestion, and they travel from digested food and drink. After
together in the circulatory system to being acted upon by qi, it acquires
nourish the body. The movement of the special quality of life which dis-

and primary purpose of blood tinguishes bodily fluid from ordinary

principle
Chinese herbal medicine.
After qi has been converted to
human-g/ in the body it takes the
two forms of nourishing-^ ying qi
and protecting-*?/, wei qi. "Nour-
ishing-^' is produced from the purest
parts of the food and drink we di-
gest, and circulates throughout the
body with the blood.
nourishes
It
organs, glands, nerves, bones, and
other tissues. Protecting-^/ is com-
is controlled by
general of the blood;
then the blood moves," according to
the ancient texts. Qi can be regulated
i, with breathing exercises. You'll notice
that if you take a slow, deep breath,
sink it down to your abdomen, and
hold it a few seconds, your pulse-rate
will slow down considerably. As you
slowly, evenly release the breath,
circulation accelerates, expanding
until the pulse can be felt throbbing
qi: "Qi is the
if qi moves,
water and liquids. The amount and
balance of fluid in the body is a vital
health factor. Too much or too little
will upset the natural equilibrium of
yin and yang, and it is therefore
constantly regulated by the organs.
The small intestine separates pure
from impure fluids, the kidneys
control the amount to be used or
rejected,and the bladder stores and
expels waste and excess fluid. Various

plementary to nourishing-^/. It is to the extremities and up to the brain. organs convert fluid to different
produced from the coarser products The importance of proper breathing forms for different uses. The liver,
of digestion and cannot penetrate the is largely due to qi's control over which is associated with eye func-
delicate walls of the blood vessels. blood circulation. tions converts fluid to tears. The
Instead, it circulates around the sur- Vital-essence jing is also produced
OPPOSITE Early illustration of the "Stream of
face of the body in the subcutaneous by the transforming effects of qi on Life," the main bodily functions, above The
tissues just below the skin. It warms digested food and drink in the stom- internal organs.

29
spleen, which has digestive func- sive, and is represented by
ascending,
tions,produces saliva from fluid. The fire. Of two forces, Taoists be-
the
lungs form mucus. The heart trans- lieve yin to be superior and stronger.
forms fluid to sweat and the kidneys Citing the analogy of fire and water,
convert fluid to urine. they point out that fire tends to flare
The Chinese distinguish two types up quickly, giving a brief appearance
of bodily fluid: clear-fluid jin and of great power, but is easily extin-
thick-fluid ye. Clear-fluid circulates guished by water. Water, on the
with protecting-^/, moistening the other hand, is indestructible, fills
flesh and skin and appearing as nor- everything, and eventually wears
mal, clear perspiration on the sur- down even the hardest rock. Water
face. Thick-fluid travels with nour- can be gradually warmed and even
ishing-^/ and blood lubricating the aroused to the boiling point by
sinews and joints and filling the mar- fire —if fire doesn't burn itself out

row of bones and the hollows of the first. It has the power to absorb and

brain. It appears on the body's retain yang energy for a long time.
surface as the greasy excretion of Ever since the term first appeared
sweat glands. over 3,000 years ago, yin has been
Qi, blood, vital-essence, and fluid placed before yang in word order.
are all closely associated. A defi- Yin and yang are mutually de-
ciency in one inevitably has adverse pendent forces: one cannot exist
effects on the others. Nevertheless, without the other. The ideal state of
— the great energiser
qi of the body nature, including health, is a har-
— remains most vital. It is the action monious balance between the two.
of qi on digested food and drink When yang is in excess, yin tends to
which actually produces blood, vital- recede. When yin overflows, yang
essence, and fluid, and qi moves to- tends to retreat. The net total,
gether with these substances through however, is always the same.
the body. In addition, qi is the only Yin and yang transmute into their
one of the four vital substances own opposites when they reach
which can be obtained other than by critical levels of excess. This concept
digestion of food and drink: it is also is best illustrated by the classical
extracted from air by the lungs. One Chinese symbol for the cosmic bal-
reason that proper diet has always ance of yin and yang. The dark yin
been so important in Chinese medi- and bright yang are depicted in per-
cine is and quantity
that the quality fect balance. Note that where yin
of the other three substances depend tapers off and becomes weak, yang is
entirely upon food and drink. at its strongest, and where yang
tapers off, yin builds up. Both yin
and yang contain the germ of their
Yin And Yang own opposite within themselves, as
symbolised by the white and black
Yin and yang are familiar Chinese dots. It is the seed of yin within the
terms to Western ears. The concepts yang and the seed of yang within the
these terms embody are central to yin that gives impetus to their con-
Taoist philosophy as well as to stant flux and the ceaseless waxing
Chinese medicine. The theory of yin and waning of the two forces.
and yang pervades every aspect of The key to understanding the
Chinese life and thought. The bal- theory of yin and yang is the concept
ance between these two primordial of relative balance. The Chinese do
cosmic forces is viewed as the key not believe in absolutes or ideals:
factor in all natural phenomena and everything is relative, flexible, and
life processes. changing. What may be a perfect
The
interplay between yin and yin-yang balance in the body during
yang sparks all change and move- summer, for example, would be
ment in the universe. Yin represents inappropriate during winter, when
the negative, passive force. It is cold yin-forces dominate the envi-
female in nature, dark, low-lying, ronment and the body requires extra
contractive, descending, and is sym- warming yang-energy. When the
bolised by water. Yang symbolises body fills with excess yang-energy,
the positive, active force. It is male in driving out the yin to the point of
nature, bright, high-flying, expan- deficiency, then cooling yin medi-

30
cines and foods are prescribed to relatively yin or yang nature, every Based on the generative-subjuga-
restore the relative balance. Similarly, item in an herbal prescription affects Elements interact
tive cycles, the Five
if yin rises and yang recedes, the body's yin-yang balance to some to form complex relationships, the
warming yang medications are re- degree. Chinese physicians engage most important of which are the
quired to re-establish the proper nature in an extraordinary balancing "mother-son" and the "victor-van-
relative balance. Within certain act. After determining the cause and quished" relationships. Mother-son
limits, the body adjusts the relative nature of a patient's energy imbal- connections are based on the genera-
balance of yin-yang automatically. ances, they must weigh such general tive Fire is mother to son
cycle:
When imbalances reach critical factors as weather, season, and geo- Earth, which it generates, but Fire is
levels, medication is required. For graphy with the factors that are son to mother Wood, which gen-
optimum health it is best to avoid unique to the patient's condition, erates it; Wood is mother to son Fire,
yin-yang imbalances with basic pre- balancing the whole act with appro- but Wood is son to mother Water;
ventive care such as proper diet and priate herbal prescriptions and die- etc The subjugative cycle determines
exercise combined with careful atten- tary advice. the victor-vanquished relationship:
tion to changes in season, weather, Fire is vanquished by Water but is

and geography. victor over Wood; Wood is van-

Yin and yang each have their own The Five Elements quished by Metal but is victor over
domains within the human body, Destroys
Creates
although these spheres of influence Since ancient times, the Chinese have
Liver Gall bladder
intersect. Yin controls the internal, divided the world into five symbolic
the lower, and the front portions of elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,
the body, while yang dominates the and Water. Everything on earth is Kidney Heart

external, upper, and back parts. Half dominated by one of these elements, > WATERS ^sFIRE^
^
si
the vital organs belong to yin and arid their constant interplay, comined Bladder Small
intestine
half to Yin governs blood,
yang. with those of yin and yang, explain
all change and activity in nature. The
yang governs energy-qi. Yin de- Lung Spleen
scends, while yang ascends. Innate Internal Book of Huang Di, China's ^> METAL EARTH <
instincts are yin, and learned skills oldest medical treatise, states: "The Large Stomach
intestine
belong to yang. However, these dis- five elements Wood, Fire, Earth,
Wood generates Fire Wood subjugates Earth
tinctions remain relative,
always Metal, and Water encompass all the Fire generates Earth Earth subjugates Water
Earth generates Metal Water subjugates Fire
never absolute. For example, it is said phenomena of nature. It is a sym- Metal generates Water Fire subjugates Metal
bolism that applies itself equally to '
Water generates Wood Metal subjugates Wood
that the body's exterior is yang and
its interior yin; yet at the same time man." Note the word "symbolism." (Water 1

the exterior surface of each internal The primeval forces represented

organ governed by yang, while its
is
by the Five Elements interact in set knerateT" P°°^)
interior is ruled by yin. Man is yang patterns according to their natural '
EartrA
^—~^r^ ^^*
and woman is yin, but both man and
woman have elements of both. Yin-
relationships. Each force has a gener-
ative and a subjugative influence on
j_ J*<. ( FireT
K ) U
f Earth"

yang is simply a symbolic way of one other force and, in turn, is gen-
Earth, and so forth. It must always
designating opposite forces that are erated or subjugated by a different
be remembered that the Five Ele-
at work in everything from the solar one. While these relationships are
ments, as well as other traditional
system down to the minutest cell of symbolic, it is perhaps easiest to
Chinese descriptions of the world,
the body. The relative balance be- understand them in literal terms. The
are symbolic representations of
tween these cosmic forces within the generative cycle proceeds as follows:
fundamental natural forces. The
body and between thebody and the Wood burns to generate Fire; Fire
most important aspect of these forces
environment is the most basic regu- produces ashes, which generates
is their interplay.
lator of health and longevity. Earth; Earth generates Metal, which
Each vital organ belongs by
Foods and herbal medicines can be mined from the ground; when
nature to one of the Five Elements.
redress yin-yang imbalances by heated, Metal becomes molten, like
Thus, the fundamental relations
supplementing the deficient element. Water; and Water promotes growth
of plants, thereby generating Wood.
among the Five Elements are the key
One example of basic preventive care
to understanding how the vital
based on the yin-yang theory is to The negative, subjugative cycle is
organs interact and influence each
adjust the diet according to the complementary to the positive, gen-
erative one. Plants, represented by
other. The generative-subjugative
season: in summer, cooling yin foods
Wood, subjugate Earth by breaking
cycle also explains how external
should be increased in the diet and
environmental factors affect each
overly hot yang foods avoided. In up the soil and depleting its nutri-
organ and the body as a whole.
winter, plenty of warming yang ents; Earth subjugates Water by
Using herbal medicines, Chinese
foods should be included in the diet, containing it in one place and soiling
and in extreme cold a few warming its clarity; Water subjugates Fire by opposite The characters for yin (top) and yang
yang herbal medications should be extinguishing it; Fire subjugates (bottom), with the Tai ji, the symbol for the
Metal by melting and Metal sub- balance of the two forces, in between, above
consumed regularly as well. Since it;
The traditional Five Elements and their
each item in the ben cao has its own jugates Wood by cutting it.
relationship to health.

31
doctors manipulate these natural
relationships to adjust energy imbal-
ances caused by excess or deficiency Liver Spleen Lungs Kidneys
Heart
of these forces in the body.
Chinese medical views regarding 1 Element Fire Wood Earth Metal Water
the vital internal organs are based on 2 Planet Mars lupiter Saturn Venus Mercury
and yang and the
the theories of yin 3 Colour Red Green Yellow White Black
4 Taste Bitter Sour Sweet Pungent Salt
Five Elements and do not correspond
5 Climate Hot Windy Moist Dry Cool
exactly to Western anatomical science.
6 Direction South East Centre West North
Cutting open a human body, dead or
7 Odour Scorched Rancid Fragrant Goatish Putrid
alive,was considered a grave insult to 8 Emotion Icy Anger Desire Worry Fear
the person's ancestors. Therefore, dis- 9 Animal Horse Chicken Cow Dog Pig
secting corpses and performing in- 10 Number Seven Eight Five Nine Six
terna! surgery were generally taboo 11 Fruit Apricot Plum Date Pear Chestnut
in China up to the twentieth century. 12 Sound Laugh Shout Sing Weep Groan
Instead, Chinese physicians observed 13 Grain Glutinous rice Wheat Millet Rice Pea.
external manifestations of internal
activities to gradually determine how diagnose the causes of disease and
the vital organs interact. The loca- weakness, and to effect cures by
tions of the organs were established evaluating the patterned connections
by common sense, comparisons to and prescribing herbal medicines.
animals, and connections to
their The Chinese refer to the vital
external, visible parts of the body. organs as the wu zang and liu fu (the
Though not as physically detailed five "solid" and six "hollow" organs).
as Western anatomy, the Chinese With the exception of son jiao the —
frame of reference is remarkably "three-points" or "triple-warmer" —
precise in tracing the sources and the organs correspond to those of
courses of disease in the body. Since Western anatomy. The triple-warmer,
internal surgery was unheard of, the one of the six hollow organs, consists
exact anatomical location of every of the openings to the stomach, small
organ, gland, vein, and artery was intestine, and bladder. As such, it is
not important. What was important not, strictly speaking, an indepen-
were the exact functional relation- dent organ in the Western sense, but
ships among the organs, glands, and rather an energy system which deals
other parts of the body, and these with the passing of food and fluid.
have been firmly established by organ was added
Later, a sixth solid
Chinese medical practice. Time and to correspond to the triple-warmer
again the basic natural relationships and balance the system. This is the
of yin and yang and the Five Ele- pericardium, the sack which sur-
ments prove to be reliable guides in rounds the heart. Because the triple-
both diagnosis and treatment of warmer and the pericardium are not
disease. vital organs in the traditional West-
Yin-yang and the Five Elements tie ern sense, and since they are used
Chinese medicine directly to tradi- primarily in acupuncture rather than
tional Chinese philosophy and de- herbal therapy, we will limit our dis-
Mf-
scribe the human body in terms of cussion to the familiar ten: heart,
the universal patterns of nature. This lungs, liver, kidney, spleen (the five
syncretic, symbiotic, symbolic ap- "solid" or yin organs); small
proach to health and disease is a intestine, large intestine, gall-bladder,
unique, profound feature of tradi- bladder, stomach (the five "hollow"
tional Chinese medicine. or yang organs).

**•_
These ten organs are divided into
five coupled pairs. Each pair consists
The Vital Organs of a solid yin organ and a corre-
sponding hollow yang organ, and
The functioning relationships among each pair is dominated by one of the
the vital organs are key factors in the Five Elements. All other parts of the
Chinese approach to the diagnosis body reflect the condition and activ-
and treatment of disease. Their pre- of the vital organs. According to
ities

on yin-
dictable interactions, based the Five Elements, each of the five
yang and the Five Elements, permit coupled pairs is identified with other
'"" '
:

the experienced Chinese doctor to parts of the body and with other

32
basic natural factors which reflect or For example, a person who suffers vitalthan the Yang organs, "which
influence their activities. These from chronic depression (Wood transform but do not retain." Coupled
factors are outlined in the chart emotion) can often be cured simply organs are connected to one another
opposite. Note that a fifth season, by treating his liver, for depression is by meridians, or energy channels,
"mid-summer/' is included to cor- a clear manifestation of liver dys- along which their vital energies flow.
respond to the element Earth and its function. A
person with a very red The meridians of coupled organs
attendant phenomena. The Chinese complexion (Fire colour) who laughs meet in the fingers, toes, and head.
love balance and are suspicious of a lot (Fire sound) probably has an The yin-yang coupling of organs is
anything that is lop-sided. over-fired heart (Fire organ). In such not arbitrary. It is based on their
While there may be some doubt a case, the heart should be sedated actual functional relationships, as
as to the accuracy of a few of the with appropriate herbs. However, established by observation over
factors in this chart, there is no doubt another way to treat this case is to use many centuries.
that most of them are correct and the victor-vanquished relationship of Before going on to discuss how
represent real relationships in nature. Water to Fire by tonifying the kid- the connections among the organs
This chart is used successfully by neys (Water organ). Since Water van- are used in Chinese medical diagno-
Chinese doctors in both diagnosis quishes Fire, the heart will be sedated sis and treatment, a brief description
and treatment. by the tonified kidneys. Because there of the organs themselves is in order.
Take, for example, the liver, are so many related factors and pos- Following the Chinese mode, the five
which belongs to the element Wood. sibilities, Chinese doctors must have yin organs (which house the five at-
Western medicine agrees that persons a detailed account of each patient's tributes of spirit, human-soul,
suffering from liver ailments often dietary, physical, and emotional animal-soul, mind, and will-power)
have symptons of foggy vision with habits. Only broad clinical experi-
black spots, muscular spasms, and ence, combined with a thorough
blemished nails. On the Chinese grasp of the principles involved,
chart sight, muscles, and nails all enables the physician to weigh
belong to Wood and reflect liver the many relevant factors for
The emotions associated
functions. accurate diagnosis and treatment.
with Wood are anger and depress- The yin organs, which "store
ion. Persons with volatile, over- but do not transmit," are
active livers are prone to violent fits considered more
of anger followed by bouts of de-
pression and they often shout (Wood
sound) at others.
The factors associated with each
of the Five Elements invariably re-
flect the activity of the related organs
and, in turn, can be used to influence
them. A child who suffers from
chronic fear (Water emotion) tends to
wet his bed (urine belongs to Water),
and therefore he probably has weak
kidneys (Water organ). Trying to
cure his fear and his bedwetting with
comforting words, stern warnings, or
other psychological means, will
prove frustrating, perhaps even
futile, for both parent and child if —
indeed the problem lies in weak
kidneys. Tonifying the kidneys with
herbs, or herbs and acupuncture,
should quickly eliminate the symp-
toms of fear and incontinence.
Chinese medicine is still well ahead
of Western medicine in tracing and
treating the physical causes of mental
disturbances.
The possibilities for using these
patterned relationships are endless.

opposite Internal organs as depicted on an

ancient anatomical chart. (By courtesy of the
Wellcome Trustees), above a block-print showing
acupuncture points for liver treatment.

33
are described according to their vital by combined liver and gall-bladder The lungs govern breathing, and
functions, while their five yang activity. when breath is insufficient, so is
counterparts are given secondary energy. The lungs extract qi from the
importance: Spleen: The spleen controls the air and transfer it to the blood
"moving and transforming" of pure through the alveoli. "Man's breathing
Heart: Called the "Chief of the vital essence extracted by the stom- combines the pure vital essence of
Vital Organs", the heart regulates the ach from food and drink. It is re- Heaven (air) and Earth (food and
other organs by controlling circula- sponsible for distributing nutrients water) in order to form the true
tion of blood. It houses the spirit and and qi to the rest of the body. Spleen human-^/ of the body." The lungs
thus governs one's moods and clarity dysfunction is indicated by weakness house the animal-soul, which is said
of thought. It is closely connected to or emaciation of the skin, flesh, and to enter the embryo at the moment of
liver functions by the generative limbs. The spleen houses the mind. It conception. The condition of the
mother-son relationship of Wood to iscoupled with the stomach, which is lungs is closely associated with that
Fire. Heart activity is reflected on the described as "the sea of water and of the skin, a fact well known to
colour of the face and tongue: a dark, nourishment and the controller of Western medicine. In many animals,
reddish colour indicates excess heart- rotting and ripening of liquid and skin performs important respiratory
energy while a pale, grey colour re- solid food." If the spleen fails to move functions. Lung dysfunctions usually
flects deficient heart-energy. The manifest themselves as skin problems.
heart is coupled with the small in- The lungs are coupled with the large
testine,which separates the pure intestine,which "controls the trans-
from the impure products of diges- mitting and drainage of the dregs."
tion, controls the ratio of liquid to Pneumonia and influenza are gen-
solid wastes, and absorbs nutrients erally accompanied by constipation,
from digested food and drink. while the latter ailment usually
causes distension of the chest.
Liver : The liver stores blcod and
regulates the amount be circulated
to Kidneys: The kidneys control water,
by the heart. When man moves, the receive the vital essence of the wu
blood travels to several meridians; zang and liu fu — vital
organs and —
when man is still, the blood returns store it. The kidneys store both life-
to the liver. During sleep, blood is essence and semen-essence. Excess
enriched with energy in the liver and liquid sent by the small intestine is
distributed to the rest of the body converted by the kidneys to urine and
during activity. The liver houses the passed on to its coupled organ, the
human soul, which is said to enter bladder, for storage and expulsion.
the foetus at the moment of birth. Growth and development of bones
The popular Chinese term of and marrow are connected to the
endearment xin gan (literally "heart- sun
kidneys. Since the brain is the
liver"), which means "dear" or "sweet- "meeting point for all marrow," the
heart," is derived from the fact that and transform, the stomach will kidneys influence brain function.
these two organs house the most back up and fail to digest properly. If They house the attribute of will-
precious of human attributes: spirit the stomach fails to rot and ripen power. When kidney-gz is deficient,
and human soul. The liver is the food and water, the spleen cannot the symptomsare amnesia, insom-
centre of metabolism, life's most vital move and transform nutrition and nia,mental confusion, and a constant
function, and therefore its condition qi. The harmonious functioning of ringing inside the ears. Kidneys
is perhaps most responsible for our these two organs is vital for proper control the loins, lumbar region, and
overall sense of physical and mental digestion and distribution of nutri- sacral areas of the body, and their
well-being. While liver dysfunction tion. Western medical science does dysfunction often causes lower back
causes symptoms of anger and de- not assign the spleen any digestive pains and the inability to straighten
pression, a healthy liver is also functions and recognises no func- up. The kidneys are closely related to
particularly psychoso-
sensitive to tional connection to the stomach. It the adrenal cortex which produces
matic injury caused by prolonged has been suggested therefore that the the cortisone hormones as well as sex
emotional fits of anger or depression. digestive functions assigned to the hormones like androgen, oestrogen,
Liver condition is reflected in the spleen in the Chinese system may in and progesterone. Therefore, the kid-
eyes, muscles, finger- and toe-nails. It fact include those of the pancreas, neys and surrounding glands control
is coupled with the gall-bladder, which is located nearby and secretes all sexual functions. A recent study
whose functions are closely related such vital digestive juices as trypsin, in America has revealed that frequent
to, and often inseparable from, those maltase, lapase, and others. sexual intercourse helps relieve the
of the The gall-bladder is called
liver. pain of rheumatism in elderly people
the "true and upright official who LUNGS : The lungs control vital by stimulating production of cor-
excels in making decisions." Planning energy, qi, in both senses of the tisone through sexual excitation of
and deciding are said to be governed word, namely energy and breath. the adrenal cortex. The therapeutic

34
 —

applications of sexual intercourse the patterns by which these forces Coupled yin-yang organs are di-
have long been known in China. The and energies interact. To develop rectly connected by the main merid-
kidneys and bladder function closely natural herbal techniques favourably ians which meet in the fingers, toes,
together in moving, converting, influencing their relative balance in and head. In addition, there are eight
storing, and expelling excess fluids the body has been part of that con- "extra", twelve "muscle" and fifteen

from the system. cern. "connecting" meridians. All are

The above is a simplified account branches of the twelve main merid-
of the organs according to
vital ians and serve to distribute qi to
traditional Chinese medical theory. The Vital Connections those areas not covered by them. The
A full accounting would require a entirecomplex forms a fine, intricate
book in itself but it can be seen from Since the Chinese emphasise the grid. Stimulating one of the main
this brief sketch that the Chinese lay functional relationships rather than meridians with acupuncture or herbs
emphasis on the functions of the the physical anatomy of the vital has a specific effect on the connected
vital organs, and the functional organs, the means by which they in- organ as well as a general effect on
relationships among them. Western fluence each other is of prime im- the entire system. As can be seen
medicine, in contrast, stresses the portance. That the circulatory, from the below figure, there are
location, structure, and physical lymphatic, and systems
nervous countless combinations of connec-
description of the organs. What carry blood, fluids, and messages tions by which organs and the
concerns the Chinese physician is the through the body is agreed upon by
elaborate interplay of basic forces both Chinese and Western medicine.
which ultimately regulate all bodily However, the Chinese distinguish an
functions, not microscopic anatomy, additional connecting system called
biochemical formulas, or isolated jing luo or meridians. Of all the
phenomena. While Western medical connectors in the body, the Chinese
science has managed to analyse and view the meridians as the most
isolate every single functional important because they circulate and
structure in the body, right down to transmit the body's most vital sub-
individual cells, nuclei, and beyond, stance qi, the essential energy of

it has less ideas of what makes the life.

whole system tick and function har-
moniously. Chinese medicine has
dwelled on such questions as what is
the nature of the vital energy at the
root of all life? how does it work?
what factors influence it? what forms
does it take? Both physical and men-
tal symptoms of health and disease
are viewed as concrete manifesta-
tions of potent natural forces and
vital energies at work inside the
body. In treating disease, the Chinese
believe they must exert a balancing
on these forces and energies, rather
than simply eliminate the symptoms
of the disease.
Unfortunately, Western science
does not readily accept as real things
that cannot be directly detected and
measured with the senses, or with
equipment to aid them. Chinese
doctors are quick to point out,
however, that even the senses are
mere physical entities controlled by
the same unseen vital energy as the
rest of the body. At best, the sense
can be used to detect physical mani-
festations of cosmic forces and vital
energy. The nature of the forces
themselves has to be intuited and
inferred from the evidence. The main
concern of Chinese medicine during
its long history has been to establish
There has been much speculation
in Western medical circles regarding
the mechanics of the meridian com-
plex. The most common Western
view is that meridians are actually
fibres of the autonomous nervous
system, and that qi is actually the
electrical phenomenon aroused by
the stimulation of the nervous sys-
tem. The Chinese deny this, pointing
out that qi also travels where there
are no nerve fibres and that merid- energy systems they represent can
ians, like qi itself, only manifest influence one another. The task of
themselves functionally, not physi- the clinical physician is to determine
cally. Meridians can also be felt when the most likely and most frequent
vital points along them are stimu- patterns of interplay among the vital
lated with acupuncture. In this pre- energies which emanate from the
sentation we take the Chinese view. organs.
There are a total of fifty-nine me- Chinese herbal medicine imparts
ridians in the body, ofwhich twelve its healing benefits to the body as
— the "main" meridians dominate — much through the meridian complex
the others. Each of the main merid- as through the bloodstream. When
ians represents a biological energy an herbal prescription is ingested, its
system centred around one of the vital essence is extracted by the
twelve vital organs, including the stomach and distributed to the blood
triple-warmer and pericardium. Qi by the spleen. After mixing with air-
flows from one meridian to another qi in the lungs to form usable
in a certain order until the entire human-^j, the herbal essence travels
network is covered, delivering vital to the organ for which it has a natu-
energy to every part of the body.
Adepts of Taoist breathing tech- opposite Block print shows acupuncture
points for small intestine treatment, above
niques are able to sense and direct the Anatomical chart of acupuncture points and
flow of q\'along the meridian complex. the course of "travelling vessels."

35
 ral affinity and for which it has lationship of Water to Fire. It is (Fire). This case should be treated by
therefore been prescribed. There it common knowledge in Western tonifying the lungs to control the
has a direct biochemical effect on the medical pathology that heart failure liver, sedating the liver to cool down
organ, in turn affecting the quality is generally accompanied by renal the heart, sedating the heart to take
and quantity of vital energy flowing complications, and that kidney the heat off the lungs, or some com-
along the organ's meridian. Through problems induce
usually heart bination of these.
the meridian complex, the energy palpitations and other Fire symp- According to the Chinese, "every-
emanating from the treated organ toms. If, for example, the kidneys are thing under heaven" is animated and

influences other organs and parts of empty of yin-energy, they become influenced by the same universal
the body. An herbal liver tonic, for weak and thus Water loses its sub- cosmic forces. The human body is
example, will improve the biochem- jugative control over Fire. Heart-fire viewed as a living microcosm of the
ical functions of a weak or diseased flares up, inducing symptoms of divine pattern. Just as too much
liver, tone up its damaged tissues and restlessness, insomnia, talkativeness, water in the atmosphere causes rain,
fortify the blood which the liver and excess laughter. In this case, too much water in the body causes
nourishes. By correcting the liver's the kidneys should be tonified to sweating and urination. Too much
dysfunction, the herbal tonic also strengthen their yin-energy, which in heat parches and cracks the earth,
corrects the imbalance of energies in turn will quell the fire in the heart just as too much heat in the body
the liver and tonifies \iver-qi. Tonified and restore the proper Fire-Water parches the throat and cracks the
liver-gz benefits the gall bladder equilibrium. lips. Health and vitality depend
through the yin-yang connection, The liver and heart interact upon the harmonious balance
stimulates the heart through the through the mother-son relationship among these forces, and all disease
mother-son relationship of Wood to of Wood to Fire. The heart controls begins with or causes some sort of
Fire, improves vision, muscle tone circulation of blood while the liver energy imbalance. Lasting, effective
and other Wood attributes, and regulates its quality and quantity cures can only be achieved by
promotes general vitality through the through metabolism. If the heart-^z is sedating excess, tonifying deficiency,
minor meridian connections. weak, the heart cannot provide suf- cooling excess heat, warming excess
Important as the direct, immedi- ficient circulatory power to handle cold, and otherwise redressing en-
ate biochemical herbal
effects of the enriched blood sent up by the ergy imbalance to restore the original
drugs are, the long-term
indirect, liver, and liver function is thus condition of our primordial energies.
benefits which they impart to the impaired. In the more colourful This is the meaning of bu yuan qi.
organ-based energy system are even Chinese terminology, the Fire of the
more significant for health and heart is insufficient to burn the Wood
longevity. While Western medical provided by the liver; thus, Wood The Causes Of Disease
science acknowledges the biochem- piles up unburned and \iver-qi accu-
ical therapeutic effects of some of the mulates in excess. Dizziness, spasms, Modern Western medical science at-
crude, knarled, ungainly items of the pains in the joints, and anger are tempts to isolate purely physical fac-
Chinese pharmacopoeia, it still has common symptoms of such liver-^z tors as the cause of all diseases.
trouble dealing with such concepts as excess. The Wood-Fire equilibrium Germs and bugs, bacteria and vi-
qi, pure vital essence, meridians, may be restored by tonifying the ruses, chemical compounds, and
cosmic forces and other factors heart. other tangible factors are blamed for
which cannot be physically dissected The interplay of energies between virtually every illness. The Chinese,
and measured. two organs can also occur through a however, view many of these "causes"
The foregoing is a basic outline of third intermediary organ. The lungs merely as symptoms of the disease;
the highly complex subject of merid- and liver, for example, interact because a certain organ is already
ian networks. In addition to the through the victory-vanquished re- weak and unable to resist outside
circulatory, lymphatic,and nervous lationship of Metal to Wood. Nor- invasion, it prone to
therefore is

systems, meridians form the primary
communications system among the
vital organs. For a very readable and
comprehensive study of meridians
and acupuncture, the reader
mally, Metal subjugates Wood, and attack by germs. Killing the germs
thereby the lungs keep the liver in eliminates the immediate symptoms
check. If \ung-qi becomes deficient, but does nothing to restore the yuan
Metal loses control over Wood, and qi of the diseased organ and tissues.
is re- the liver becomes inflamed with It is only a matter of time before it is

ferred to Dr. Felix Mann's excellent excess qi. Excess \iver-qi (Wood) attacked again.
series of books on the subject, listed feeds the Fire of the heart through the Of course, ancient China did not
in the Bibliography. Below, we will mother-son relationship of Wood to have the technological means to
illustrate how these vital connections Fire. When heart-qi (Fire) is in excess, observe and identify minute germs.
work with three concrete examples, it damages the lungs (Metal) through But even modern practitioners of the
dealing only with the more impor- the victory-vanquished relationship ancient art consider the presence of
tant yin organs. of to Metal. Thus, the lung
Fire germs to be a more a manifestation
One of the most important con- (Metal), which normally subjugate rather than a cause of disease. Why
nections is between the heart and the liver (Wood), can also be sub- do germs attack some people and
kidneys. They influence each other jugated and damaged by the liver not others? Why do common bac-
through the victor-vanquished re- through the intermediary of the heart terial infections invade the lungs of

36
one patient, the knees of another, scopes, i.e., germs, Chinese doctors coughing, stuffy runny nose,
or
and the bowels of a third? The rea- treat the conditions which attract headache, and sneezing.
dizziness,
son, according to Chinese theory, is and support germs. When those con- Wind often combines with heat,
that germs gather and thrive only in ditions are corrected, the germs can "wind-heat,' or cold, "wind-cold,"
weakened parts of the body of no longer thrive, and the disease depending on the weather, and such
patients with low resistance. Thus, disappears. winds induce symptoms of both ex-
the true cause of disease are those The Six Excesses are wind, cold, cesses. There is also an "inner-wind,"
conditions which lower a patient's summer-heat, dampness, dryness, unrelated to weather, which orig-
resistance, weaken certain parts of and fire. They are briefly described inates in the heart, liver, or kidneys
his body, and expose him to attack below: due to energy imbalances. Symptoms
by germs. Similarly thetrue cure for of "inner-wind injury" are fainting,
disease not simply to kill germs. It
is Wind: Wind belongs to the element weakness, nervous spasms, blurry
is to counteract those conditions Wood and dominates in spring. In vision, and stiffness in the muscles
which permit disease to develop in spring, the body is unaccustomed to and joints.
the first place; to re-establish the the warm temperatures and the pores
body's optimum relative balance of dilate easily making it easier for COLD: Cold is associated with the
energies and tonify the primordial "evil-wind" excess to enter the body element Water and dominates in
energies of the weakened organs. Symptoms of "wind-injury" are winter. Belonging to Water, cold is a
Germs simply cannot attack strong "yin-evil," which usually injures the
healthy organs. body's yang-energy. If cold enters the
Chinese medicine attributes the exterior surface of the body,it pro-

cause of most diseases to external duces symptoms of fever, aversion to

cosmological and internal emotional cold, headache, and body pains. If it
factors. These factors conform with reaches the meridians, it produces
and act according to the principles of muscle cramps and pains in the
yin-yang and the Five Elements. The bones and joints. If it enters as far
small percentage of diseases which as the internal organs, cold-excess
do not fall into either of these two causes diarrhoea, vomiting, abdomi-
categories are listed under "miscel- nal pains, and intestinal noises.
laneous causes" such as traumatic in- "Inner-cold," again unrelated to
jury, food poisoning, major epidem- weather, is usually caused by defi-
ics, and so forth. ciency of yang-energy in the stomach
The external cosmological causes and spleen, inducing the internal cold
of disease are called the "Six Excesses" symptoms of nausea, diarrhoea, cold-
and are governed by the meteoro- ess in the limbs and a pallid com-
logical conditions of season and plexion. Excessive consumption of
climate. "The Six Excesses are the cold foods ("cold" in sense of energy,
mother of germs," states a modern not temperature) can also induce
treatise called The Art of inner-cold.
Acupuncture by Cheng Mingchi.
When certain meteorological condi- Summer-Heat Summer-heat be-
:

tions are in excess, they tend to have longs to the element Fire and is pre-
adverse effects on the body. Heat, dominant during the mid-summer
damp, cold, dryness, and various season. Major symptoms of summer
combinations thereof accumulate in heat are excess body heat, profuse
weakened parts of the body of sweating, parched mouth and throat,
patients with low resistance. It is a constipation,and heart palpitations.
well known fact that each type of When summer-heat combines with
germ thrives only under certain exact dampness, it produces abdominal
conditions of temperature, humidity pains, vomiting, and intestinal
and other elements. The delicate art spasms. Iced drinks taken in the heat
of fermenting wines, for example, of mid-summer sometimes cause
attests to this fact. Careful control of "yin-summer-heat." The two excesses
heat, moisture, air-circulation, and combine in the stomach and induce
other meteorological conditions re- symptoms of unpleasant chills, dull
gulates the activities of the yeast headache, abdominal pains, and
germs. The same is true in the body. profuse perspiration.
When meteorological excesses invade
a weak body, they establish the con- Dampness: Dampness is associated
ditions favourable to the growth of with the element Earth and is most
A bronze model of acupuncture points, used
germs. While Western doctors treat The Chinese University
for training, (courtesy active in late-summer. Ailments of
what they can see with their micro- of Hongkong). damp-excess can be induced by

37
sudden exposure to fog or mists, them. An "evil-excess" will attack the The Seven Emotions are joy,
immersion in water or exposure to body only when and where it is anger, anxiety concentration, grief,
rain, and living in excessively damp weak and only when the protecting- fear, and fright. In excess, each of
locations or climates. The symptoms qi is deficient somewhere along the these emotions has debilitating ef-
— lethargy, aching joints, and op- surface of the body. One of the pur- fects on specific organs. They are
pressive sensations in the chest — poses of preventive medicine is to described briefly below.
are characteristically heavy and keep the body strong and resistent to "When one is excessively joyful,
sluggish in nature and tend to block such outside attacks. the spirit scatters and can no longer
the flow of energy throughout the Disease of the Six Excesses are be Chinese
stored," stated the texts.

body. "Inner-dampness" is caused by most likely to occur under abnormal Since the houses the
heart spirit,

excess consumption of liquor, tea, weather conditions, when the body excessive and prolonged joy — such
cold melons,and sweet, greasy is prepared for the dominant sea- as fits of uncontrollable laughter
foods. These impede spleen func- sonal excess and suddenly faces an injures the heart.It has already been

tions and cause symptoms of abdo-
minal swelling, vomiting, and
diarrhoea.
DRYNESS: Dryness belongs to the
element Metal and dominates in
autumn. Two types are distinguished:
"cold-dryness" and "hot-dryness,"
depending on other conditions. Dry-
excess easily injures the lungs, cau-
sing symptoms of heavy coughing,
blood sputum, dry nose and
in the
throat, and pains in the chest. Dry-
excess is also harmful to the body's
opposite force. Sudden cold spells in noted that people who laugh a lot
mid-summer, for example, often (Fire sound) are often found to have
cause epidemics of influenza. Simi- over-active hearts (Fire organ).
larly, people who travel or move blood has a surplus, then there
"If
from a cold, dry place to a warm, is Quality and quantity of
anger."
damp climate are more vulnerable to available blood are controlled by the
invasion by local meteorological ex- liver, and anger is the emotion asso-
cesses than natives of the region. ciated with it. An excess of rich
The Seven Emotions are the major blood in the system makes one prone
internal causes of disease in Chinese to anger. It is commonly observed
medical theory. Emotional activity is that ruddy, "full-blooded" people
seen as a normal, internal, physio- with flushed faces (blood-excess) are
logical response to stimuli from the more prone than others to sudden
external environment. Within nor- fits of rage at the slightest provo-

fluid balance. "

Inner-dry ness" is mal limits, emotions cause no disease cation. Rather than burn itself out,
caused by excessive loss of fluids due or weakness in the body. However, anger feeds itself. It weakens the
to too much sweating, vomiting, when emotions become so powerful blood and injures the liver. This
bleeding, or diarrhoea. Use of herbal that they are uncontrollable and causes \iver-qi to flare up even more
medicines which induce sweating, overwhelm or possess a person, then uncontrollably, which in turn rushes
vomiting, or purging of the bowels they can cause serious injury to the upward and feeds the anger even
can also induce inner-dryness. Cha- internal organs and open the door to more. Uncontrolled fits of anger are
racteristic symptoms are dry, disease. It is not the intensity as extremely injurious to the liver.
wrinkled, or withered skin, dry hair much as the prolonged duration of "When one feels anxiety, the qi is
and scalp,dry mouth and cracked an extreme emotion which causes blocked and does not move." Anxiety
lips, dry stomach, and hard, dry damage. Diseases of the Seven Emo- injures the lungs, which control qi
stools. tions are essentially psychosomatic through breathing. Common symp-
in nature. While Western physicians toms of extreme anxiety are retention
FlRE: When any of the five excesses tend to stress the psychological of breath, shallow and irregular
as described above become too aspects of psychosomatic ailments, breathing, and breathing only with
extreme, they often transform to fire- the pathological damage these ail- the upper chest. The shortage of
excess. The symptoms are usually ments cause to the internal organs is breath experienced during periods
more intense forms of those asso- very real indeed and is of primary of anxiety is common to everyone.
ciated with the original excess, plus concern to the Chinese physician. Anxiety also injures the lungs'
symptoms of extreme heat-excess. Excess emotional activity causes coupled organ, the large intestine.
"Inner-fire" is caused by excess severe yin-yang energy imbalances, For example, over-anxious people are
emotional activity or by over-in- wild aberrations in the flow of blood highly prone to ulcerative colitis.
dulgence in food, drink, and sex. and qi blockages in the meridians, Over-concentration is said to
Violent anger, for example, often and impairment of vital organ func- harm which houses the
the spleen,
causes a sensation of heat rising from tions. Extreme emotions, when per- mind. This emotion refers to the type
the upper abdomen, where liver-fire mitted to dominate a person for too of obsessive fixation with the sort of
is raging. Too much strong food and long, result in damage to the organs, problem which occupies one's mind
drink causes fire to collect in the allowing disease to enter the body from dawn to dusk. Such excessive,
stomach; deep grief or passion will from the outside or to develop from prolonged brooding impedes spleen
often cause it to rise in the lungs. some mild, inherent weakness inside. and stomach functions, impairing
The Six Excesses which occur Once physical damage has begun, it digestion and causing abdominal
during the four seasons do not affect is insufficient to eliminate the of- pains.
every person in the same way. In- fending emotion to effect a cure; the Grief is not associated exclusively
deed, exceptionally healthy persons prolonged emotional stress will re- with one organ. Depending on its
are not adversely affected by any of quire physical action as well. origin, grief can come to rest in either

38
 —

cited as theprimary cause of dysen-

tery. Stomach aches, vomiting, di-
arrhoea, and abdominal swelling are
often attributed to too much "cold"
or "cool" foods in the diet. Excessive
indulgence in one of the five flavours
associated with the Five Elements
injures the associated organ. The
various ailments caused by excess
intake of alcohol are similar to those
in the West.
Proper exercise
is considered vital

to maintaining health, and its absence

is one of the miscellaneous causes of

disease. Lack of physical exercise im-

pairs health by making the flow of
blood and energy sluggish. This
accelerates the natural process of
deterioration in the vital organs,
muscles, and qi. On the other hand,
excessive physical labour or fatigue
will also promote weakness and dis-
ease in the body. "If there is exhaus-
tion, the qi deteriorates."
Epidemics, serious wounds, insect
and animal bites, worm infestation,
penetrating poisons, and hereditary
diseases are other factors which
appear under "miscellaneous causes."
Diseases which fall under this
heading are the exception, not the
rule.
In Chinese medical theory, all

diseases have a definite cause, either

internal or external in origin. Of the
two, internal factors are more im-
portant because it is internal weak-
ness which first permits invasion by
external excess forces. A strong,
healthy, well-balanced body and
spirit will resist attack from even the
most extreme environmental excesses.
This again explains the important
the heart, lungs, pericardium, or Fright is the other emotion not and repetitious stress in all Chinese
triple-warmer. It has a very debili- specifically related to only one organ. medical texts on basic preventive care
tating effect on the body's store of qi. It distinguished from fear by its
is through diet, exercise, breathing,
"If the qi of the kidneys is weak, sudden, unexpected nature. Fright regulated sex, and preventive herbal
then one is prone to fear." The primarily affects the heart, especially prescriptions.
kidneys house the human attribute of in its initial stages, but persists
if it
The relative balance among the
will-power. When will-power is for some time, it becomes conscious body's vital energies and the environ-
weak, one easily succumbs to fear. fear and moves to the kidneys. ment's cosmic forces are the primary
Excess fear injures the kidneys, and In addition to the meteorological regulators of health and vitality. In
weak kidneys in turn arouse further and emotional causes of disease the end, it boils down to a battle
feelings of fear. Again, the cycle of which comprise the vast majority between and "pure-qi" The
"evi\-qi"
emotional excess and physical dam- the Chinese also acknowledge a Internal Book of Huang Di states,
age becomes a vicious circle. The variety of other causal factors for "where evi\-qi gathers, it will cause
phenomenon of involuntary urina- certain diseases. Excess food and weakness....When pure-qi is inside,
tion during moments of intense fear drink or improper diet can cause a
has been observed often enough, variety of ailments, with symptoms
demonstrating its association with such as heartburn, constipation or
above Taking the pulse, qie mai, the initial
the kidneys (and thus with its irregularity, foul breath, and loss of diagnostic technique of both Chinese and
coupled organ, the bladder). appetite. Ingestion of rotten foods is Western medicine.

39
evi\-qi cannot interfere with the cators are emphasized during this in this area involve sexual vitality,

body. .. .When pure-qi prospers, evil- part of the interview: impotence, incontinence, nocturnal
qi flees...When evi\-qi is driven out, emissions and spermatorrhoea, and
pure-qi grows." The beginning and Chills And Fever : Intermittent fe- frequency of coitus. For women, fre-
end of Chinese medical theory is the ver and chills usually indicate an ail- quency of menstruation, its colour
concept of qi and its many ment which affects both the internal and texture, other vaginal discharges
manifestations, and it is qi that is and external parts, or is moving from such as leukorrhoea, past pregnan-
manipulated in the practical applica- one to the other. Fever and thirst cies and/or abortions, childbirths,
tions of Chinese herbal medicine. with no chills indicates an internal and frequency of coition are vital
ailment, chills without fever reflects indicators of the nature of disease in
yang-deficiency, and fever without the body.
Chinese Diagnosis And an ovei -abundance of
chills indicates In addition to the history of the
Symptomology yang-energy. Other factors, such as specific disease based on the above
what time of day chills and fever indicators, a comprehensive past his-
Chinese diagnosis involves the occur, further refine the reading of tory of the patient himself is also
reading of basic physical indicators of this indicator. taken. Besides stressing past illnesses,
health and disease such as com- living habits, enviromental sur-
plexion, eyes, colour and texture of Perspiration: The amount and vis- rounding, allergies, and so forth, the
tongue and tongue fur, the patient's cosity of perspiration, when it occurs general health history of the patient's
personal habits, pulse, and so forth. and on what parts of the body it family is also covered. In cases in-
To this data, the physician applies the appears, are the main questions re- volving infants, the deaf and dumb,
medical theories of disease to form a garding this sign. and others who are unable to con-
diagnosis and recommend a treat- duct the interview for themselves, the
ment. Neither the diagnosis nor the Stool And Urine Constipation ac-
: relevant information is provided by
treatment remains static: the doctor companied by hard stools is a sign of the patient's spouse, parent, close
must keep in close touch with the "hot" and "solid" disease. Loose family member, or friend.
patient throughout the course of stools containing partially digested Methodical visual observation of
treatment and constantly review food indicates a "cold" and "empty" the patient is the second diagnostic
both diagnosis and treatment ac- ailment. The presence of blood or technique used by traditional Chinese
cording to the derections taken by the mucus in the stool must also be re- doctors. Changes in the body's skin
disease. These directions are reflected ported. Scanty, dark urine reflects colouring and form, tongue colour
in symptomatic changes. Herbal pre- "heat-excess," while profuse, clear and tongue fur, eyes, secretions and
scriptions are thus regularly revised urine is a sign of "cold" and "empty" excretions, all reflect the state of
according to the requirements indi- disease. Cloudy urine indicates disease inside. First, the doctor notes
catedby the latest developments and "moist-heat excess." the patient's mood and movements.
symptoms. If he is spirited and alert, with re-
Chinese physicians use four basic Food, Drink, And Taste An : incli- gular breathing and normal col-
methods of diagnosis: interviewing, nation for hot drinks reflects a "cold" ouring, the illness is not yet serious
observing, listening, and feeling. In- disease, while a preference for cold and can be easily treated. If he is

terviews take the form of compre- drinks and food indicates a "hot-type depressed and moody, with irregular
hensive, and detailed dialogue be- disease. A
revulsion towards drinking breathing, wan complexion, and list-

tween the doctor and patient. The water is a sign of "moist" disease. less eyes, the disease has reached a
interview must be well-organised The presence of a flat, bitter, sweet, serious stage and the treatment will
and systematic focusing on the or other dominant taste in the mouth be more complex. The colour and
major symptoms of the disease and must be reported. A
strong desire for flesh-tone of a patient's facial com-
background factors which may have spicy, deep-fried foods or strange plexion are direct indicators of
contributed to development.
its materials (such as dirt, candle-wax, pathological changes in the vital
Above all, the interview must be coffee-grounds etc) usually indicates organs. The physician observes the
objective and frank. the presence of parasites in the patient's general physical condition
The order of business in such system. by noting the way he walks, talks,
diagnostic interviews is first for the sits down, lies, breathes, and moves
patient todescribe the chief com- SLEEP: Excessive sleep indicates yang- his limbs.
plaints and more obvious symptoms deficiency, while insomnia is a sign One of the most important
of his ailment. This is followed by an of poor circulation, excessive worry, methods of observation-diagnosis is
explanation of how, when, and or spleen-deficiency. Fitful sleep visual examination of the tongue.
where he first felt ill, followed by a indicates emotional disturbance or Such muscular form and
factors as
description of the history of the ill- over-indulgence in food and drink. colour of the tongue and the colour
ness from its onset right up to the Unusually early rising often indicates and texture of the tongue fur reveal
day he visits the doctor, noting an over-active heart. the empty-full nature of disease as
especially symptomatic changes, well as Normal tongues
its severity.

specific pains, and other manifesta- Sex, Menstruation, And Preg are and moist, light-pink in
soft
tions unique to the ailment. Six indi- NANCY: For men, the vital questions colour and neither thick nor thin. If

40
 , —

ances and dysfunction in those

Diagnosis Based On Examination Of The Tongue And Tongue Fur organs.
Tactile examination includes tra-
Tongue colour Tongue fur Diagnosis
ditional Chinese pulse diagnosis and
and/of form
other manual methods such as mass-
pale-white and weak white, thin qi and blood empty
age and acupressure. In pulse di-
pale-white; swollen and white, thin yang-empty agnosis, the physician places his first
tender with teethmarks three fingers along the radial artery
pale-white; swollen grey-black yang-weak; internal of the patient's wrist, feeling for three
and tender slippery and moist organs cold special points. Light pressure on
pale-red; tender and jagged no fur q /-empty; y in-weak these points reveals three separate
pale-red white, thin, slippery external wind-cold pulses, while heavy pressure reveals
yet three different ones, a total of six
pale-red white, thick, oily indigestion; internal
inflammation pulses on each wrist. Each of the
twelve pulses reflects the condition of
pale-red moving white with yellow external evil-qi
traces inward
one of the twelve vital organs. With
skilled, sensitive fingers, theChinese
pale-red already yellow and thick external evi\-qi
doctor can detect over thirty different
centre; white, thin inside; stomach and
pulse qualities on each of the twelve
and slippery at edges intestines hot

bright-red white, very thin yin-empty; heat-excess

pulses. The pulse qualities such as —
"floating," and "sunken," "weak,"
red, deep and jagged
wrinkles
no fur yin-weak; fluid-
deficient
"bounding," — indicate the condition
of the related organ. Past, as well as
red yellow, thin heat-excess rising current diseases sustained by the
red yellow, oily moist-heat excess organ are revealed by this method. It
red yellow, thick and dry heat-excess deep inside may also indicate inherent weakness
red black, dry heat-excess has injured
which may lead to disease in the

yin future. Chinese pulse diagnosis is a

delicate art, difficult to master and
crimson dark-yellow heat-excess penetrated
to nourishing-^;
requiring many years of practice. Its
proven ability to trace the sources
dark-purple dark-yellow, thin, dry heat-excess penetrated
blood
and courses of disease in the vital
to

light-purple white, slippery internal cold; qi

organs —
past, present and future
seems almost miraculous to those
and blood blocked
unfamiliar with the technique.
Other tactile techniques include
the tongue appears tight and shrivel- examination by ear and stethoscope light massage examination and pal-
led, the disease is of the "full" type; if as well as by smell (one Chinese pitation of the internal organs. Mas-
it appears thick, porous, and tender, character for "hear" also means sage reveals the temperature of the
the ailment is of the "empty" type. A "smell"). The physician listens to the skin, flesh, and extremities, "full"
fat and swollen tongue indicates patient's speech, breathing, coughing, and "hot" or "empty" and "cold"
"moist-heat" excess inside the body. and to the sounds emanating from disease. Massaging the spinal column
A light, pallid colour instead of the the visceral organs. He uses his nose often indicates where a disease is lo-
normal soft-pink indicates "blood- to check the smell of the patient's cated because the spinal nerves asso-
empty" and "qi-empty" disease, while body which helps to
excretions, ciated with the diseased organ will be
a bright-red colour reflects "hot" and determine the nature and location of knotted and tight to the touch. Cer-
"full" disease. Normal tongues have a disease. "Empty" ailments are tain vital points along the meridians,
thin, white, clear fur coating that is indicated by low, weak speech, shal- called "alarm points," will be tender
neither too moist nor too dry. Dis- low, weak-sounding respiration, and and painful under acupressure when
ease in the body usually thickens this a weak, low-pitched cough. "Full" the related organ is diseased or weak.
fur coating. A raw, white fur results ailments are reflected in restless, Palpitation involves applying finger
from "cold" and "moist" disease, confused speech, rapid and noisy and palm pressure to the body's sur-
while a yellow fur indicates "hot" and breathing, and a heavy, loud cough. face directly over vital organs to
"full" disease. In observing tongue- Examination of the internal organs check their consistency and tone.
fur, care must be taken not to confuse by stethoscope is performed over the Similar to this method is percussion:
symptomatic colour changes with heart, lungs, and abdomen. The the physician uses the middle finger
residual colouring from food and various sounds or murmurs made by of one hand to hit the mid-joint of
drink. The accompanying chart gives the heart during various stages of the middle finger of the other hand,
a detailed account of the diagnostic heart beat, and the sounds produced which isplaced palm down over the
indications of tongue structure, by the lungs during inhalation and organ. The resonance of this per-
colour, and fur. exhalation are all important di- cussion indicates the condition of the
The listening technique includes agnostic indicators of energy imbal- organ below.

41

s/,
 Determining the nature and loca- BWHH5BMBHBIf8M8litiS
tion of disease is only the beginning Yin- Yang Diagnosis Based On The Four Diagnostic
of Chinese diagnosis. To treat pa-
tients effectively with herbal medi-
Diagnostic Yang diagnosis Yin diagnosis
technique
cines, the physician must next make
a "differential diagnosis" based on interview excess body heat and desire cold feeling and desire for
symptomology. Differential diagno- for coolness; great thirst warmth; lack of thirst and
sisdetermines in which direction the and desire for fluids; preference for hot drinks;
disease is moving and the nature of constipation and hard stools; loose stools; profuse, clear
itssymptoms. Symptoms sometimes scanty, hot, dark urine urine; flat taste in mouth;
seem to disappear during treatment. poor appetite
In actual fact, they have usually
transformed and moved elsewhere, observation flushed red face; bright pale, light complexion;
following, for better or worse, the eyes; nervousness; dry, drowsy eyes; fatigue; pale
course of the disease. Halting treat- cracked lips; bright-red lips; pale, tender, swollen
ment at this juncture, when the dis- tongue; thick, yellow tongue; tongue fur white
ease is still inside, may permit the tongue fur and slippery
disease to recur at some time in the
future. Continuing the same herbal listening talkative and loud-mouthed; soft, low voice; few words;
treatment, when the symptoms and and smelling rapid, coarse breathing; shortness of breath;

disease have already changed form, heavy, foul-smelling shallow breathing;

is not effective in the long run. excretia light, raw-smelling

Herbal prescriptions must be regu- excretia

larly adjusted to meet the ever-

feeling fast, floating, heavy, slow, sunken, weak pulse;
changing symptomatic situation.
slippery pulse; warm hands cold hands and feet;
Since no two patients are exactly
and feet; abdominal pain abdominal pain with desire
alike in their reactions to disease and
with aversion to applied for applied pressure to
to medications, differential diagnosis
pressure relieve cramps
is vital to the successful application of
Chinese herbal medicine in individ- Note allsymptomatic changes allsymptomatic changes
ual patients. which stimulate vital organ which suppress vital organ
There are eight categories of ba functions belong functions belong to yin

gang, differential diagnosis: yin/ to yang

yang, internal /external, cold/hot,
and empty/ full. These categories ulti-
are used to differentiate the nature of extent the disease has developed; in
mately overlap, and all disease falls
the disease itself, while empty-solid which direction it is moving and
into one of the two great categories of
yin and yang, according to the clini-
indicators reflect the nature and ex- exactly how the symptoms are af-
tent of the illness, as well as the fecting the individual patient. Finally,
cal manifestations of all the eight
body's resistence to the specific based on the latest differential di-
indicators. The principles of dif-
disease. agnosis, an herbal prescription is pre-
ferential diagnosis are indispensable
The following chart lists the broad pared which takes the body in the
guides for prescribing herbal treat-
ments which match the requirements
indications drawn from the eight opposite symptomatic direction of
principles of differential diagnosis. the disease and redresses the energy
of the disease and its symptoms.
There are, of course, many dif- imbalances caused by it. Regular re-
Yin-yang designates whether the evaluation of the data and diagnosis,
ferent combinations of the above
disease is primarily injuring the factors, and their manifestations are followed by re-adjustment of the her-
patient's yin- or yang-energy and different for every patient and bal formulas prescribed, continues
whether to treat with yin or yang disease. The important point until a complete cure is effected.
is to
herbs. Based on the four diagnostic
match the medications directly to the Having briefly covered the es-
techniques, the general symptoms actual symptoms hand, regardless
at sential principles upon which tradi-
indicate yin or yang disease, as out-
of the original diagnosis. Some of the tional Chinese medicine is founded,
lined below:
more common combinations of the we now return to the ben cao itself to
Internal-external indicators differ- eight principles are charted below. see how this vast treasure-house of
entiate the site, extent, and serious- Chinese diagnosis involves a Chinese herbal knowledge is actually
ness of the disease, revealing in three-step process: The four diagnos- used in the practical application of
which direction it is moving. As tic techniques, (si zhen), are first Chinese herbal medicine.
diseases get worse, they tend to move employed to determine the general
inward toward the bones and vital type, location, and cause of the
organs. Movement towards the ex- disease. Next, differential diagnosis
terior usually indicates that the cure based on the eight principles, (ba
is working. Cold-hot manifestations gang), is applied to reveal to what

42
Principle
The Eight Principles Of Differential Diagnosis
Major symptoms Tongue and fur Pulse Treatment
JTZ
yin pale complexion; fatigue; short pale, tender; sunken; warming;
ness of breath; weak voice; loose white, slippery weak; tonifying
stools profuse, clear urine fur slow
yang flushed, red complexion; bright-red; floating; cooling;
restlessness; loud voice; rapid, thick, yellow heavy; sedative
hard breathing; scant, dark urine; fur fast
constipation and hard stools

internal no independent symptoms; changing sunken depends on

depends on hot /cold and hot /cold
full/empty indicators and full/
empty
indicators

external fever and /or chills; normal colour; floating expel; induce
aversion to wind and cold white, thin fur perspiration
cold aversion to cold; cold hands pale; white, slow warming
and feet; pale, white slippery fur dispel cold
complexion; no thirst and
preference for hot drinks;
profuse, clear urine; loose stools

hot aversion to heat; hot hands and red; dry, rapid; cooling;
feet; great thirst with preference yellow fur bounding edative
for cold drinks; nervousness;
scant, dark urine; hard stools
empty weakness and fatigue; shortness thick, tender; weak; tonifying
of breath; low resistance; poor little or no slow
appetite; weight loss fur

full over-active body functions; hard; thick fur bounding scatter and
restlessness; loud voice; coarse expel; purge
breathing; abdominal distention;
scanty, dark urine; constipation

Common Combinations Of The First Principles Of Different Diagnosis

Combination Major symptoms Tongue and fur Pulse

external-cold fever and chill; normal colour; floating;

no perspiration; white, thin fur tight
head-and body-aches
Pulsation and palpation techniques, top a
external-hot fever; head-ache; red; white or floating;
doctor compares his pulse with that of his
aversion to wind; slightly yellow rapid patient, and above for the right wrist of a
intermittent perspiration fur female patient and below the left wrist offa
man. (below).
external-empty aversion to wind; pale floating;
perspiration slow
external-full head-and body-aches; normal colour; floating;
no perspiration white fur bounding
internal-cold aversion to cold; white, slippery sunken;
no thirst; cold hands fur slow
and feet; loose stools
internal-hot aversion to heat; great red; yellow fur rapid
thirst;bloodshot eyes;
fever; nervousness

internal-empty weakness and fatigue; pale-red; pale weak

shortness of breath; pale, thin fur
aversion to talk; list-
less spirit; diarrhoea
internal-full coarse breathing; pers- hard; thick, foraful;
piration on hands and yellow, dry fur sliding
feet; full feeling in
abdomen; nervousness

43
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 he theories of yin and relieve the symptoms and cure the terms of the yin-yang balance, the

Tyang and
ments underpin
the Five
the prac-
Ele- causes of hot /full /yang diseases are
classified as cold or cool yin drugs.
hot, sweet,and plain flavoured herbs
belong to yang, and the sour, bitter,
tical application as well Those which relieve and cure cold/ and salty herbs belong to yin.
as the principles and premises of empty/yin illnesses are classified as The Five Flavours are as import-
Chinese herbal medicine. Just as hot or warm yang herbs. The ant as the Four Energies in deter-
causes, disease, and symptoms are all between hot and warm,
distinction mining which medications suit the
classified by their cosmological cold and cool, is simply one of patient's condition. For example,
natures, so are herbal medicines degree. Strong, robust patients can patients who generally have insuf-
classified. Items for herbal prescrip- tolerate the more potent, faster-acting body should avoid
ficient fluid in the
tions are selected from the various hot and cold medications. Weak and using bitter herbs because they have
categories to counteract the causes elderly patients are generally treated a drying effect and would only
and to relieve the symptoms of with the milder, slower-acting warm aggravate the patient's fluid-
disease. and cool drugs. deficiency. Similarly, people with
The principle of opposites applies energy-deficiency must avoid hot-
in selecting medications according to flavoured medications because this
Getting The Right Tool For
the Four Energies. The Internal Book category of herbs tends to scatter
The Job
of Huang Di states, "If the disease is energy. The Five Flavours and Four
The pathology of a disease and the cold, heat it; if the disease is hot, cool Energies are thus considered together
pharmacology of the herbs used to it And the Pharmacopoeia of Shen
.

" in selecting appropriate items for an

cure it must match like lock and key Nong agrees: "Cure cold diseases herbal prescription.
throughout the entire course of treat- with warming medications; cure hot Some herbs have the same energy
ment. The universal principles of diseases with cooling medications." It classification but different flavours.
yin-yang and the Five Elements are is vital to properly match symptoms Others may belong to the same
especially useful here because the and treatments. If a patient dis- flavour-group but have different
same principles apply equally in playing the symptoms of yang-excess energies. Examples of same energy,
plants and man, thereby providing a (body heat, nervousness, thirst, different flavour are fresh ginger
common theoretical framework for flushed face, etc) yang
is treated with (warm and hot), magnolia (warm
both human pathology and herbal herbs, these symptoms would be and sour), and Astragalus mem-
pharmacology. quickly compounded and intensified branaceus (warm and sweet).
Differential diagnosis classifies all until yin-yang balance in his
the Examples of same flavour, different
diseases by their symptoms into the body is so upset that, in extreme energy are mint (hot and cool),
broad categories of yin or yang. cases, death might occur. Pinellia ternata (hot and warm), and
Chinese herbology similarly divides The Five Flavours of herbal drugs aconite (hot and-hot). There are also
all herbal medicines into yin and tie them to the theory of the Five herbs which possess several flavours
yang Employing the
categories. Elements. The Five Flavours are hot, and thus have several effects in the
principles of opposites and relative sour, bitter, sweet, and salty. The body: cinnamon is both hot and
balance, yin drugs are used for yang empirical evidence of the ages has sweet in flavour, and Rehmannia
illnesses, and yang drugs are used to shown that each of these five basic glutinosa is both bitter and sweet.

treat yin The connections

illnesses. flavours indicates a specific pharma- These distinctions are vital in the
between symptoms and diseases, cological trait and specific patho- practical applications of Chinese
medications and effects, are outlined logical effect of the drug. The Five herbal medicine and can become
in a simple chart: Flavours and their associations are very complex. Many herbs are added
described like this: to prescriptions solely to offset
Symptoms Disease Medication Desired effects
In addition, Chinese herbalists also unwanted side-effects of other, more
hot yang yin cooling distinguish a "plain" or "flat" flavour, vital ingredients. Extensive clinical
cold yin yang warming i.e., no particular flavour, which acts experience with a broad range of
full yang yin sedate
empty
similarly to hot and sweet herbs. In cases is required to learn the
yin yang tonify
external yang yin suppress
internal yin yang elevate Flavour* Element Related organ Effects Example
hot metal lungs; large induce sweat; fresh ginger
Medicinal plants are first intestine balance qi; scatter
categorised by their Four Energies, si blockage
qi, and Five Flavours, wu wei. The sweet earth stomach; digestive tonic; Chinese
Four Energies are hot, warm, cold, spleen distribute nutrition licorice

and cool, and they indicate the basic sour wood liver; gall binding; astringent; unripened
bladder anti-pyretic plums
effect of the herb on the body. Hot
bitter fire heart; small drying; antidysenteric bark of amur
and warm medications belong to
intestine cork tree
yang, while cold and cool medica- algae and sea
salty water kidneys; softening;
tions fall under the yin heading. In bladder laxative; diuretic weed
other words, those medications
which have been proven over time to hot like ginger; sweet like sugar; sour like vinegar; bitter like lime salty like salt

46
subtleties of selecting the right herbal
Yang Yin
tools for the job of curing a par-
ticular disease in a particular patient.
ESSENTIAL ENERGY
Two other important functional tonify yang hot cold tonify yin
distinctions among herbal potions purge cold warm cool purge cold
are those of ascending-descending ESSENTIAL FLAVOUR
and elevating-suppressing. Medica- scatter balance qi hot sour astringent;
tions which cause energy to rise in
binding
the body are used against symptoms digestive tonic; sweet bitter drying;
of descending energy. Medications distribution concentrating
which cause energy to descend are move fluid; diuretic plain salty soften; laxative
used in cases of uncontrolled as-
ESSENTIAL DIRECTION
cending energy; this is also known as
Elevating
upward-moving ascend descend downward-moving;
"quelling rebellious-^/".
q /-nurturing
herbs tend to move upwards and
^/-suppressing
scatter energy, while suppressing
outward-moving; elevate suppress inward-moving;
herbs move downward to gather and scattering concentrating
concentrate energy. Combining these
functions, it is said that herbal precise requirements of the disease
potions which ascend and elevate in and patient. Medicinal plants with
the system tend to move vital-energy the same essential energy, flavour,
—
up and out for example, those and direction often have widely dif-
which induce sweating or vomiting. ferent uses in application. This de-
They belong yang. Herbs which
to pends upon their natural affinities Gall
bladder
descend and suppress tend to move (gui jing) for various parts of the '« muscles
meridians
vital-energy down and in — such as body. Once the correct categories of
those which stop swearing or vomit- herbal medication have been deter-
ing, purge the bowels, or suppress mined, the doctor must select items
rebellious-^/. They belong to yin. from' among those categories which
While each individual ingredient have natural affinities for the parts
in an herbal prescription has a of the body he wants to treat. For
natural tendency to ascend and example, excess heat in the lungs
elevate or desend and suppress, it is and excess heat in the liver are both
the dominant net tendency of the treated with yin herbs which cool,
entire prescription which determines descend, and suppress and fall into
how the entire mixture behaves in the the sour, bitter, or salty flavour
body. For example, if items with a categories. However, the specific
strong tendency to ascend and elevate items chosen for the lung prescrip-
are mixed with an equal quantity of tion are not the same as those through centuries of trial-and-error
items with a weak tendency to chosen for the liver prescription, experimentation and inductive rea-
descend and suppress, the entire because their organ affinities are soning.
herbal mixture will tend to ascend different. Furthermore, during the The natural affinities of herbs
and elevate energy. Both the doctor course of disease, "evi\-qi" may may also be determined by using
and the herbalist must be thoroughly move from the originally infected the Five Elements system. Colour,
familiar with the basic nature, domi- organ another one, in which case
to aroma, and flavour of the herbal
nant tendency, natural affinity, and the herbal prescription must be items are used as guides in this
general effects of every item in the adjusted to include herbs with system of identification:
ben cao in order to prepare effective affinities for the newly infected An herbal medication with a
herbal prescriptions. The correla- organ. Like everything in Chinese natural affinity for an organ not only
tions among the essential energies, herbal medicine, the natural affin- affects that organ directly, but also
flavours, directions and effects of ities of the myriad herbs in the ben affects the entire meridian connected
herbal drugs are summarised in the cao have been gradually established to the organ. A drug's organ affinity
chart below:
The broad division of herbal Herbal drug Five elements Organ affinity
medicines according to their Four identity
Energies, Five Flavours, and general Flavour Aroma Yang
Colour Element Yin
directions is only the first step in
tailoring herbal prescriptions to the blue /green sour pungent Wood liver gallbladder
red bitter scorched Fire heart small intestine
RIGHT Diagram shows the gall bladder yellow sweet fragrant Earth spleen stomach
meridians and their relationship to the white hot rank /raw Metal lungs large intestine
shoulder muscles —hence the treatment of
black salty rotten/putrid Water kidneys bladder
the gall bladder or liver to relieve tension.

47
therefore indicates not only which the tone of bodily tissues, and elim- have to be treated, but also the main
organ it goes to, but also which other inate symptoms and fa-
of weakness organ affecting, or being affected by,
parts of the body are affected by it. tigue. Sedative herbs are those which the diseased organ. The mother-son
For example, there are no vital have a calming, soothing effect and relationship applies, and the rule is:

organs located in the head, yet herbal suppress excess evi\-qi. "Full" symp- If the organ is "empty," tonify its

prescriptions are very effective in —

toms energy-excess, over-activity mother; if the organ is "full," sedate
curing headaches of all types. How? — are thus treated with sedative, its For example, if
son. the heart,
If it is a frontal headache, herbs with calming, medications, and "empty" empty, then the liver, Wood,
Fire, is
affinity for the stomach are used. symptoms — energy-deficiency, under- must be tonified as well as the heart
The stomach meridian passes up activity — are treated with tonic, because Wood is mother to son Fire,
through the face and forehead, stimulating, medication. Again, and a tonified mother generates a
which therefore benefit from the these distinctions indicate the general more tonified son. On the other
vital-energy flowing along the type and general effects of herbal hand, if the heart is full, then the
stomach meridian. If the headache is drugs. For specific application to stomach as well as the heart should
in the back of the head, it can be specific organs, natural affinities be sedated because Earth is son to
relieved by treating the gall bladder must be considered in selecting the mother Fire, and sedation relieves the
because the gall bladder meridian right herbal tools. stomach, Earth, of excess generation
runs up the back of the neck and In curing full /empty disease, not by the full heart, Fire.
head. A simple glance at a meridian only does the diseased organ itself Herbs have an essentially drying
chart indicates which organs must be or moistening nature as well. Those
treated to effect relief of pain on any herbs high in oil and water content
part of the body. are considered moisturising and are
There are two other functional used against disease of dry-excess
distinctions among herbal medica- and fluid deficiency. Drying herbs
tions which must be considered: are usually devoid of oil and moist-
tonify-sedate and moisten-dry. These ure and are used to absorb damp-
distinctions relate to the full /empty excess in the body.
symptomology of disease. The Inter- Based on these details, we can
nal Book of Huang Di states, "If delineate eight basic approaches to
there is fullness, sedate it; if there is the treatment of disease using
emptiness, tonify Tonic herbs are
it." Chinese herbs:
those which tonify the vital primor-
dial energies, bu yuan qi, improve Perspiration Method: The Chinese

48
term literally means "to release utilises the neutralising, balancing cooling yin medications used in this
externally." It is used against ailments effects of herbal drugs. It is often method clear up fever, reduce body
of external exposure. Herbs which employed when a disease is on the temperature, stimulate salivary
induce perspiration are divided into move between internal and external glands, and detoxify system. the
warm and cool types: the warm in- locations. It is particularly effective There are a wide variety of heat-
ducers are used in wind-cold ail- against liver diseases which have a clearing herbs, and they are used
ments; the cool inducers are applied disruptive effect on other organs. against a broad spectrum of ail-
to wind-heat ailments. ments. They all have the general
Stimulation Method: This method
effect of cooling the body's heat-
is also called "warming." These drugs
Emetic Method: Emetic herbs in- excess and eliminating toxins.
duce vomiting and are used for "full"
warm the interior to dispel cold,
tonify and stimulate
yang-energy,
and /or acute ailments of the upper Deflection Method: This group of
and blood. The
circulation of energy
parts of the body. All drugs which drugs is used in cases of stagnation,
yang herbs used in this method
induce vomiting fall into this cat- accumulation, congestion, etc They
generally stimulate organ functions
egory. They remove pathogenic mat- tend to dispel, re-channel, and cor-
and eliminate co\d-qi. They are also
ter from the stomach and small in- rect energy imbalances, and to loosen
well suited for any type of ^/-de-
testine. accumulated moisture such as
ficient ailment.
sputum. They are divided into five
Purgative Method: This method Heat-Clearing Method: The types: energy-correcting; blood-
lubricates the large intestine to induce correcting; digestion-promoting;
loose, "hot" stools, which bring out sputum-liquefying; and moisture-
the "full-heat" accumulated inside. converting.
There are two types: purgatives and
laxatives. Purgatives exert a strong Tonic Method: Tonics are used to
action and are appropriate for acute treat cases classified as "empty", indi-
illnesses in patients who are still and to supple-
cating a deficiency,
strong and otherwise healthy. Laxa- ment imbalances between yin and
tives have a milder, slower lubri-
cating actionand are best suited for
chronic ailments and weak, elderly
opposite: A typical herbal medicine store
patients. where remedies are often sold by weight
(top) and ingredients are sliced (above) or

NEUTRALISE!* METHOD: This method ground (left) into powder.

49
 yang in blood and qi. There are four Chinese have been following since ate relief to those who suffer from
types: yang-nurturing; y in-nur- the early beginning of herbal medi- bronchial asthma, but not only is the
turing; energy-nurturing; and blood- cine. It is also the way that herbal cost of the drug high, but so is the
nurturing. Yang-nurturing tonics are medicine works most effectively. cost to the body: in its refined,
used against yang-energy deteriora- Take, for example, the Chinese Western form, ephedrine over-stimu-
tion and "cold-empty" ailments. Yin- herb ma huang, (Ephedra sinica). lates the heart muscle, causing pal-
nurturers prescribed for yin-
are The roots and stems contain up to pitations and hypertension; it raises
energy deficiency and damage to yin- one percent of the alkaloid, ephe- the blood-pressure considerably; and
energy caused by fever, heat, dryness drine, which is the world's most it induces a general state of nervous
and other yang excesses. Energy- effective preventive for bronchial sensitivity. Obviously, such side-
nurturing herbs are suitable for asthma. This herb has now become effects are exhausting in the long run
general convalescence, fatigue, and scarce and quite expensive in Asia and intolerable for patients with high
weakness. Blood-nurturing tonics because the Western pharmaceutical blood-pressure or weak hearts.
supplement and nourish the blood industry buys up most of the avail- The Chinese, however, use ma
and are used in all cases of blood- able supply to refine the "modern" huang in its crude, natural form.
deficiency, such as anemia, post- drug ephedrine from it. Refined, con- While the effects are slower, there are
natal blood loss, malnutrition, etc centrated ephedrine brings immedi- no ill side-effects. The drug, in its
The classification of all herbal natural state, is more suitable for
ingredients according to their
essential natures and primary effects
| J ;>;j
gradual absorption into the metab-
olism of the body because the active
is the starting point for mixing ingredient, ephedrine, is accom-
effective herbal prescriptions. The Li ' \M '

-J panied by other natural ingredients

herbal distinctions of Four Energies in the plant. These act as metabolic
and Five Flavours, ascend-descend, buffers and prevent the shocks to
elevate-suppress, tonify-sedate, and the system caused by concentrated
moisten-dry all correspond to equi- chemicals. Using crude herbs, the
valent distinctions in diagnosis and Chinese physician has the option to
symptomology. Applying the uni- select not only the appropriate in-
and the
versal principles of yin-yang gredients but also the appropriate
Five Elements as well as the specific T method of preparing them for each
natural affinities of each herb, individual patient. The traditional
Chinese physicians use the basic — — methods of mixing herbal prescrip-
-r^-
herbal classifications to select the tions permit the herbalist to balance
right tools for job of curing
the i*' s^**i^ta* y^^? ,
'

precisely and tune carefully the net

1- . r pe>|- say 1swt *
disease by matching herbal phar- effects of the prescription, according
macology to disease pathology. ^0 ^^^t to the doctor's instructions. These
methods of mixing and adminis-
.
tering medications
herbal are
How The Herbs Are Mixed For therefore every bit as important as
The Patient the ingredients themselves.
To be sure, some progress has
Even today, the typical Chinese her- been made in recent years in China in
bal medicine shop conveys a feeling producing refined, concentrated
that little has changed for thousands medications from crude herbs,
of years. Rows and rows of worn mostly for relief of common ailments
wooden drawers, a simple teak such as colds, fevers, indigestion, etc
counter, crude balance scales, the Western medical technology is par-
everpresent abacus, choppers and ticularly helpful in this new aspect of
grinders identical to those depicted in herbal pharmaceutics, but on the
the ancient scrolls, and, of course, ^K>le this field of development is
the age-old varieties of herbs them- still The overwhel-
in its infancy.
I

selves. Why, Western physicians may Kming majority of both practi-

wonder, don't they modernise the tioners and patients revere the
ancient art of herbal healing? Why traditional time- tested ways, and
don't they refine and purify the crude it seems likely that they will be
and concentrate their
herbs, extract supplanted very slowly by modern
active and produce
ingredients, methods. That is why little has
modern medications in capsules and
ampules? The answer is that the left Herbal tea, one of the basic tonics of
modern Western way is not necess- Chinese medicine, opposite: Roots, deer
antlers, dried sea-horses and homs are
arily nature's way and nature's way,
among the more exotic tonics and
which never changes, is the way the aphrodesiacs.

50
changed in Chinese herbal shops nature of the herbs used, the nature patients are given gentler prepara-
for thousands of years. of the disease to be treated, and the tions which are absorbed slowly,
Chinese herbal prescriptions are patient's own physical constitution. while more robust patients can
written up by the attending physician Some herbs, for example, are only tolerate the stronger, faster-acting
in the clinic then taken by the patient effectivewhen ground to a talc-fine forms. Here is a brief description of
to a Chinese herbalist, who expertly powder and mixed into pills, while the eight traditional methods of
prepares the mixture. When the pre- others must be boiled or steamed to mixing herbal medications.
scription takes the form of broth, tea, become medically active. On the
wine, or powder, the mixed ingredi- other hand, some herbal ingredients Broth This
: is the oldest and most
ents are taken home and prepared for can be used in many different forms, common method of mixing and
consumption by the patient. Pills, such as in pills for internal use as well ingesting herbal prescriptions. The
pastes, and other special forms must as in pastes for external use. The main advantages of this method is
be prepared at the shop by the her- various methods of preparing pre- that the ingredients are absorbed
balist and usually require several scriptions differ in their concentra- quickly after ingestion and take effect
days. tions of active ingredients and in immediately. The herbs are placed in
The actual form an herbal pre- their rates ofabsorption and distri- a clean, earthenware cooking vessels
scription takes depends upon the bution in the body. Weak or elderly with 3-4 cups of water, covered

51
 tighly, and boiled until nearly half of
the liquid has evaporated. The
amount of water, boiling time, and
heat intensity all depend upon the
type of herbs used. Fragrant, aro-
matic drugs such as mint, rose-buds,
and cardamom are boiled for a short
time over low heat. Mineral-derived
ingredients, however, must be finely
ground and first boiled alone over
intense heat before the remaining
herbs are added and the heat is
turned down. Tonic prescriptions,
which usually contain animal-de-
rivatives, are boiled with much water
over a low flame for a long time.
Some ingredients must be wrapped
in a cheese-cloth pouch to prevent
irritating fibres from entering the
broth.
After boiling, the broth is strained
through cheese-cloth and divided slow and gradual enough for the the process and no other binder or
into two or three portions, to be body to tolerate the toxins. Four buffer added, such pills absorb
ingested between meals, when the varieties of pills are made from rapidly and act fast.
stomach is empty and able to absorb powdered herbs: A large, round flat basket made
quickly.
Honey pills: Honey-based pills are of finely-woven bamboo is first
A related technique is to place the
made by mixing all the powders with sprinkled well with water. The
ingredients in a small covered clay or powdered herbs are then sprinkled
honey until smooth, rolling the
ceramic bowl with only a little water onto the inner surface, and the whole
dough-like mixture into long thin
and steam the entire bowl in a
tubes, pinching off the amount re- basket is rolled about in a circular
steamer. This extracts a concentrated motion. As the moisture activates the
quired, and rolling it into pills
liquid known as "medicine dew." It is
between the thumb and fingers. The adhesive elements in the powders,
strong and fast-acting. Ginseng is small pills begin to form in the basket
honey must first be boiled and
often prepared this way by itself.
skimmed to remove impurities so as it is rolled about. More water and
When fresh rather than dried
that the pills do not spoil in storage. powder are gradually sprinkled on
herbs are available, "medicine-juice" until the correctly sized pills are
Honey absorbs slowly in the stom-
can be extracted by mashing the formed.
ach and small intestine and is itself a
herbs with a little water and
yin-tonic medication. Thus, honey
squeezing out the juice. Fresh in- Wax pills: Wax pills are made by
pills are prescribed for long-term
gredients are stonger and more active using a binder of beeswax. They
weaknesses and chronic ailments in
than dried ones. absorb very slowly, usually in the
which gradual but constant tonifica-
small intestine. Beeswax is used
tion is desirable.
Pills : Chinese herbal pills are made when highly toxic ingredients such as
Flour-paste pills: Rice or wheat flour mercury or aconite appear in the
by grinding all the ingredients to a
talc-fine powder, adding a binder
is mixed with water to form a dry prescription. This insures the
such as honey, water, or beeswax, paste, to which the powdered herbs slowest, most gradual rate of absorp-
then rolling the mixture by hand into are added. The dough is formed into tion possible.
pills as above. These are used pri-
round pills. Size varies from that After pills have been formed, they
of buck-shot to large marbles, de- marily in cases of stomach and
are sometimes coated with another
pending upon the strength required intestinal ulcers, which cannot single,pure ingredient. This is called
by tolerate direct contact with potent
the prescription. To ensure "putting on the clothing." There are
gradual, even absorption and the herbal medications. The flour-paste
three purposes for this over-coat:
constant presence of the medication acts as a digestive buffer while the
sometimes a single ingredient from
medications are gradually dissolved
in the system, most pill prescriptions the prescription is set aside and put
require the patient to take fifteen to and absorbed. The consistency and on an over-coat to insure that
last as
twenty proportion of flour-paste is a vital and absorbs first; over-
little pills three or four times it dissolves
a day. Herbal factor in the efficacy of this type of
pills are slow-acting coats are sometimes added to prevent
pill.
and gentle. They are used for treating dampness and bugs from getting into
long-standing, chronic ailments. This Water pills: This method utilises the the pills; and sometimes they are
method is also preferred when the adhesive, sticky properties inherent added to bitter prescriptions to make
prescription includes strong, poi- to certain herbs in order to form pills. the flavour more palatable and the
sonous drugs, because absorption is Since most of the water is removed in pills easier to eat.

52
PASTE: Pastes are prepared for both Dan Medications: The Chinese In ancient times, herbs were
internal and external use. For internal character dan has been closely sometimes added directly to fer-
use, the herbal ingredients are slowly associated with Taoist alchemy and menting rice, so that they would
boiled with water until a thick soup Chinese medicine for millennia. It ferment along with the rice to pro-
is formed. Water continuously
is literally means "the pill of immor- duce an herbal wine. This method is
added and boiled off until a smooth, tality" or "elixir of life." These medi- rarely used today because of diffi-
viscous texture is achieved. This is cations can resemble pills, powders, culty in measuring dosages and con-
filtered to remove sediment and or chunks of metallic alloy de- trolling the fermenting process.
impurities, returned to the pot, and pending upon the ingredients. They
very slowly cooked until all water generally contain very potent or toxic GUM: Gums are made from animal
has evaporated, leaving a thick, mineral derivatives, which originally parts such as skin, bones, flesh,
smooth paste. To this paste honey or were thought to contain the essential shells, and horns. They are mainly
melted rock crystal sugar is added secret ingredients to immortality. used in tonic preparations for
for flavour and to facilitate metabo- Hence, the label dan is often attached patients suffering from weakness,
lism in the system. These concoctions to medications employing such in- fatigue, lassitude, and general lack of
may be stored in sealed jars in a cool, gredients. They are used for a wide vitality.The dried hides of wild
dry place. They are generally pre- variety of ailments and are highly donkeys, tiger bones, tortoise shells,
scribed for chronic ailments and potent. and stag-horns are common items
tonic use. for making gums. The ingredients
most commonly used
Pastes are
Medicine- Wine Medications steeped
:
are scraped clean of excess dried flesh
for a long time in strong liquor form
for external forms of herbal treat- and sinew, washed well, and placed
"medicine-wine." It has the advan- pot with water. They are slowly
ment and are of two types: "medi- in a
tages of not spoiling in storage, easy simmered for a whole day and night,
cine-paste" and "paste-medicine."
ingestion, and fast action. However,
Medicine-paste is produced by strained of sediment, simmered again
since the liquor used must be quite
mixing the powdered herbal ingre- with more water, strained, and
strong, medicine-wine should not be
dients in a base of animal fat, yellow simmered once more, until a thick,
vaseline, or vegetable oil to form an used by patients who cannot tolerate viscous liquid remains in the bottom
alcohol or for ailments which pre-
ointment. This is used as a balm for of the pot. This is strained again and
skin diseases, abscesses, etc Paste-
clude use of liquor. The most potent returned to the pot until all re-
medicine is made by boiling the
form medicine-wine
of is called
maining water evaporates, leaving a
herbs until thick and "Spring-Wine" because it contains gluey, translucent residue. When the
sticky,
skimming the oil from the surface ingredients which nurture sexual residue cools, it achieves the texture
vitality.
and removing the sediment from the of gum rubber and is cut into squares
bottom, then adding lead or mer- The herbs are coarsely cut or left
for use.
curic oxide and white vaseline until a
whole, put in large bottles or crocks,
sticky paste is formed. This paste is
covered completely with a strong Fermentation: With this method,
spread like butter onto a piece of liquor, sealed, and stored for at least
powdered herbs are mixed with flour
cloth or wax-paper and taped tightly
half a year. Today, brandy — es- and water and kneaded into dough.
over the injured area for eight to pecially fine French cognac is — The dough is formed into balls and
twelve hours. These herbal poultices highly favoured among Chinese con- set aside to ferment. Such medica-
noisseurs for making Spring-Wine.
penetrate the skin to relieve ailments tions are used mostly for diseases of
such as arthritis, rheumatism, twists When ready, the liquor is filtered and the stomach and spleen because fer-
and sprains, "wind-dampness" in sweetened with rock crystal sugar for mentation with flour gives the entire
joints and sinews, pain and numb- flavour and easier metabolism. One prescription a natural affinity for
to two ounces should be drunk
ness in muscle, and spinal ailments those organs. Fermented prescrip-
of all types. They are usually highly before retiring at night, more in
tions also promote digestion.
effective both in relieving sympto- i
cold weather and less in hot
matic pain and effecting long-lasting weather. Such methods of preparing herbal
cures forall such ailments. Patients prescriptions have stood the test of
with overly-sensitive time. Ingredients are used in their
skin must be natural forms, mixed with appropri-
careful using ate natural buffers, binders, and
herbal poultices. metabolic catalysts, and prepared in
such a way that the body absorbs,
distributes, and metabolises them at
a rate suitable to the individual
patient and his ailment, and appro-
priate dietary advice is always given

left Medicinal or tonic wines, some of which

are boosted with other remedial ingredients.
opposite: A
tiny selection of the vast modern-
day pharmacopoeia of Chinese medicine.

53
along with the medications. Western Pulse diagnosis generally reveals
medications, prepared and pre- weaknesses in a patient's vital organs

packaged according to patent for- long before they become critical and
mulas, are not so readily tailored to permit disease to develop. Such
the individual requirements of each weaknesses manifest themselves as
patient. So common were personal abnormalities in the pulse of the
herbal prescriptions by the time of affected organ. When discovered,
the Ming dynasty, that in one novel they are immediately treated with
of that era, the Jin Ping Mei ("Golden appropriate herbal prescriptions
Lotus"), herbal prescriptions some- and/or acupuncture. If the affected
times even appear in verse! This is organs are too weak, or the detection
one indication of how pervasive the of weakness comes too late, preven-
use of herbal medicine has been in tive treatment with herbs may need

Chinese society. to continue for life in order to avoid

serious disease. On the other hand,
when the weak conditions are cor-
Preventive And Curative rected and the pulse abnormalities
Medicine and other pre-clinical symptoms dis-

In ancient China, the primary pur- This personal, daily approach to pre- appear, the treatment may be dis-
ventive care is especially effective in continued.
pose of herbal medicine was to pre-
vent disease. Doctors were retained preventing chronic and degenerative The Chinese have always been
to keep families healthy and were
diseases from developing. It also concerned about their progeny, and
held personally accountable when- raises one's general level of health, one of the main purposes of preven-
and resistance infective tive medicine is to strengthen the
ever preventive efforts failed. A vitality, to
diseases. genetic plasma passed on to their
physician who had to wait for the
onset of obvious signs and symp- The latter preventive approach offspring. Healthy, robust parents

toms of disease before treating the depends upon the physician's skill in usually beget healthy, robust chil-
problem was considered inferior. In reading the subtle signs of pre-clinical dren. And children born healthy and
the Internal Book of Huang Di, the symptomology. Indicators such as a robust go through life with less dis-

Yellow Emperor's chief medical ad- certain way of walking or talking, ease, greater vitality, and healthier

viser states the point succinctly:
To administer medicines
seases which have already devel-
oped and to suppress revolts
which have already developed is
comparable to the behaviour of
those persons who begin to dig
a well after they have become
thirsty, and of those who begin
to make their weapons after they
have already engaged in
Would these actions not be too
late?
Preventive medicine involves
basic approaches: the patient
cultivate proper personal habits of
health and hygiene, and the phys-
icianmust detect diseases to which
the patient is prone and treat his
vulnerable condition before disease
strikes.The first approach includes
such measures as proper diet, plenty
of exercise, proper breathing, re-
gulated sex and other daily
life,
preventive routines. Changes in sea-
son and weather must be met by ap-
propriate adjustments in diet and
other routines so that the optimum
relative balance of energies within
and without the body is maintained.
nervous habits, timbre of voice and minds. By keeping themselves in
breathing, emotional changes, die- optimum health through preventive
to di- tary preferences, etc often reflect a care, especially around the time of
patient's vulnerability to certain conception, the Chinese continually
forms of disease long before they seek to improve their genetic stock.
strike. If the conditions which make This no doubt contributes to the
the body vulnerable are corrected great tenacity and vitality the
early enough, disease is prevented. Chinese race has demonstrated
throughout its long history.
Curative medicine is used when
preventive medicine has failed or
battle. been ignored, thereby permitting
disease to develop. It is also used in
cases of virulent infectious disease,
seriouswounds, traumatic injuries,
two and other problems which defy pre-
must ventive medicine. Curative herbal
concoctions relieve the symptoms of
disease by producing opposite symp-
tomatic changes in the body. They
cure the causes of disease by re-
dressing the energy imbalances and
tonifying the weak organs which
permit disease to develop.
Chinese herbal cures may take a
long time, but results often last a
long time. If followed up with proper
preventive care, the cures are usually
permanent.
In applying curative herbal medi-
cation, it is vital not only to get the
right tools for the job but also to be

54
 —

perhaps a bit envious of, their

amorous behaviour, the goat-herd
observed the horny animals carefully
for a few weeks. He noted that
whenever they ate from a certain
patch of weeds, their promiscuous
proclivities became pronounced for
several hours thereafter. One thing
led to another, and before long
Chinese herbalists discovered Epi-
medium one of the
sagittatum,
strongest herbs for male potency in
the entire ben cao. They called it yin
yang huo—"horny goat weed".
This remarkable herb seemed
custom-made by nature for the
flagging male libido. Its strong,
stimulating affinity for the supra
renal glands—'kidney-glands" in
Chinese — promote increased secre-
tions of male hormones almost im-
mediately Recent research has
shown that sperm count and semen
density increase substantially during
the first few hours after ingestion of
this herb. In addition, it expands the
minutest capillaries as well as the
major vessels of the circulatory
system, permitting hormone-en-
riched blood to penetrate the body's
finest, most sensitive tissues. Im-
proved circulation of fortified blood
eliminates fatigue and multiplies
available energy. Expansion of blood
vessels induces a proportionate de-
crease in blood pressure, making the
herb safe for those who
need it most.
And by flooding the brain with hor-
mone-rich blood, sensitivity to
effective at the right time. If the the curative properties of this drug.
tactile, visual, olfactory, and other
doctor misreads a symptom and pre- Finally the herbal treatment must be
forms of nervous stimulation is
scribes the wrong medication, the followed scrupulously according to
greatly amplified as well.
condition is only compounded. Pa- the doctor's instructions from be-
Tonics are the most interesting
tients must consult the attending ginning to end. Some chronic ail-
and by far the most expensive
physician often enough for sympto- ments require months or even years items in the Chinese pharmacopoeia.
matic changes to be analysed and of herbal treatment before they are
They are directly linked to longevity
herbal prescriptions adjusted accord- thoroughly eliminated, and many
because of their proven power to
ingly. The doctor must follow the patients sacrifice their chance for a
promote vital-hormone production
disease's development carefully and permanent cure by becoming im- the "vital-essence" of Chinese medical
time his treatments so that they are patient and giving up the treatment
argot. The use of tonic herbs which
always antagonistic to the major too soon.
increase sexual vitality combined
symptoms. Any side-effects or un- with the practice of sexual techniques
expected reactions must be promptly which preserve the vital-essence is an
reported by the patient, and his diet original and very old method of
Tonics: The Legend Of The
and other daily routines adjusted and yang sheng, "nurturing-life". Only in
timed to the requirements of the
Goat
recent decades has Western medical
cure. For example, when using Once there was a goat-herd in
mountain varnish (Panax noto- ancient China who noticed that
ginseng) internally, the patient must several of his billy-goats were opposite Deer antlers, used inpowdered form
as a tonic and aphrodesiac, adorn a druggists
avoid beans, seafoods, and cold especially randy, often mounting
store, along with tonic wine measures
drinks of all kinds during the treat- their mates many times in a brief (below) above Bottles and ceramic jugs of
ment because these items neutralise span of time. Curious about, and tonic wine.

55
 science discovered the fundamental
connection between hormone pro-
duction and the aging process.
The role of tonics in Chinese
herbal medicine is best illustrated by
the modern example of Yang Sen, the
vigorous general from Sichuan who
died in Taipei only a few years ago.
He attained the ripe old age of 98,
only three years short of the 101-year
life-span of the great Sun Simiao,
whose Taoist theories he practiced.
Yang Sen had always been in-
terested in herbal medicines in his
native Sichuan, where the best
Chinese herbs grow. While still a
young man, he began using tonics
and other preventive herbs. He was
known as a fierce fighter, an insa- out a new partner, offering generous rigorous regimens of exercise, careful
tiable lover, and a man
with a great terms and stating only two require- diet, and proper personal habits.
zest for life. By the time he and his —
ments that she be young and True enough: tonic herbs alone can-
entourage arrived in Taiwan in 1949, healthy and that she practise the Way not guarantee health and longevity.
he already had numerous wives and of Yin and Yang with him for a few But equally true is the fact that
concubines and countless children to years. In this way he remained phy- without the tonic medicine-wines he
his name. sically, mentally, and sexually imbibed each night before retiring,
After retiring from military duty, vigorous throughout ninety-eight he could never have practised and
Yang Sen became active in sports and very full years of life. At last count, benefited from the Way of Yin and
physical education. He served as he had over forty acknowledged sons Yang and his other healthy Taoist
director of the Taiwan Sports Feder- living in the United States, not to regimens to the advanced age of 98.
ation as well
as the Taiwan mention the uncounted scores left Animal-derived medications are
Mountain Climbing Association. In behind on the mainland and still prominent among the tonics. Such
the latter role, he led an annual climb living in Taiwan. exotic items as rhinocerous horn,
to the 12,000-feet peak of Jade The man is a legend in Taiwan, stag horn, the dried genitalia of male
Mountain, the highest in Taiwan, but his story is by no means unusual sea-lions and seals, the tails of red-
and invariably left most of his much in the context of Taoist traditions. spotted lizards, dried sea-horses,
younger climbing companions pant- Though he used tonic herbs most of gum of tortoise shell and wild
ing and puzzled far down the trail. his life, in interviews he always donkey hide are all tonics. The
He continued this practice right to attributed his health and vitality to reason for their potency is simple:
the year of his death. In fact, he had these items contain elements which
planned to celebrate his 100th birth- promote the production of vital-
day on the peak of Jade Mountain. essence. Many of them, such as dried
Why did Yang Sen possess more male genitalia and horns, actually
vigour than men half his age? He contain high concentrations of male
followed the Taoist "Way of Long- hormones because they are the dis-
Life", including the sexual "Way of tinguishing male characteristics of
Yin and Yang". He used medicine- the species, and these develop only
wine tonics to nurture his vital-en- in the presence of male hormones.
ergy and vital-essence and followed a Animal-derived tonics are also rich
strict regimen of physical exercise, in vital protein substances such as
always early to bed and early to rise. albumins, gelatins, and amino acids.
His foods were as carefully selected In addition, they contain enzymes,
for potency and energy as were his minerals, and trace elements. They
herbs. And
he cultivated the Way of have natural affinity for the kidneys
Yin and Yang: he engaged in frequent and related glands and have a general
and vigorous sexual intercourse with stimulating effect on the body's vital
infrequent emission of semen, con- primordial energies.
stantly building up and storing vital- Plant-derived items still comprise
essence. An
extremely wealthy man, the majority of tonic herbs. They are
Yang Sen could well afford' the ex- considered safer and gentler in action
pensive tonic herbs he favoured in than animal products, and they form
and the young mistresses he kept. the bulk of most tonic prescriptions.
Every three to five years he sought Among the most effective tonic herbs

56
are Chinese wolfberry, Astragalus treatment involves insertion of very BLOOD-LETTING: A sharp triangular
membranaceus, Selincum monnieri, thin steel needles into vital-energy needle is used open the site
to prick
Ligustrum japonicum, red Korean points along the meridians. Over 800 of injury (for external disease) or a
ginseng, and of course the potent such points have been identified, vital acupuncture point (for internal
Horny Goat Weed. A
favoured although only about 50 are com- disease). A small amount of blood is

method of preparing Spring-Wine is monly used. Stimulation of the point released. Blood-letting is commonly
to first steep a batch of Horny Goat is achieved by rotating the needles used for heat stroke, fever, colic
Weed in the liquor for three to six until a tight, twisting sensation is felt vomiting and diarrhoea, abscesses
months, then remove the depleted at the point by the patient. Every and swelling, strokes, and traumatic
herb, add all the rest of the tonic point has specific therapeutic effects injuries. After the has been
site

ingredients, and steep it for another on the related organ, specific effects selected, it is routinely sterilised and
half year or so before use. When this on the body areas covered by the the skin sharply pricked. The release
type of Spring-Wine is imbibed, the meridian, and a general effect on the of blood induces excess "evil-^f and
Horny Gloat Weed first clears the body's vital-energy through the excess heat-energy to escape.
path by dilating all the blood vessels: meridian complex. Acupuncture can
this permits maximum circulation therefore be used to cure diseases of Suction Cups: Suction cups are
and distribution of all the other the internal organs as well as to used against wind-chills, damp-
ingredients carried in the wine. Two relieve painful symptoms in bones,
vital discoveries revealed the connec- muscles, joints, and skin. Acupunc-

tions among sex, longevity, and ture and internal herbal prescriptions
tonics: Vital-essence (semen and are commonly used together.
hormones) which promotes vitality
and retards aging; and vital-essence ACUPRESSURE: Acupressure utilises
which can be nurtured with certain the same principles and points as
herbs found in nature and preserved acupuncture, but sharp finger pres-
by practising the Way of Yin and sure rather than needles is used to
Yang. A few herbal recipes for effect stimulation. Acupressure is
Spring-Wine, including the one used often used to simultaneously stimu-
by Yang Sen, are given in Chapter late two points (one with each hand)
Six. while the part of the body in between
is twisted and stretched to effect
maximum energy flow between the
points. Acupressure and massage are
External Applications Of
usually combined in therapy.
Chinese Therapy
No system of medicine puts greater Skin-Scrape This technique
: isused
emphasis on external forms of for heat-stroke, fever, colds, head-
therapy than traditional Chinese ache, colic painful joints, and
medicine. Internal and external indigestion. A blunt Chinese soup
treatments go hand in hand, regard- spoon or a blunt coin is dipped in excess, and such common problems
less of the type of ailment, and few wine or salt-water and scraped over as arthritis, rheumatism, abdominal
cases are treated without using some the patient's skin surface in regular pain, bruises, and abscesses. The
form of both methods. strokes with pressure applied. An- cups are made of bamboo or glass
Chinese techniques of external other version pinch a piece of
is to and vary in size from a shot-glass to
therapy include acupuncture, acu- skin tightly between the big knuckles a highball-glass. A piece of cotton
pressure, massage, moxibustion, of the index and middle fingers, pull held in forceps is dipped in alcohol
suction cups, blood-letting, skin- back sharply, and let it snap back. and ignited. The cup is held mouth-
scraping, and a wide range of herbal Both methods are performed rapidly down near the patient and the inside
poultices, compresses, and oint- and continuously until bright red briefly flamed with the burning
ments. For internal diseases, the sites stripes appear on the skin. Common cotton wad. This reduces air-pressure
chosen for external therapy are vital sites for skin-scrape therapy are the inside the cup. The cup is then im-
points and meridians associated with back of the neck, both sides of the mediately pressed tightly against the
the diseased organ. In case of exter- neck, both sides of the Adam's apple, site of treatment, to which it adheres
nal ailments or injuries, external the bridge of the nose, the space
therapy is applied directly to the between the eyebrows, the upper
affected areas. chest, and along both sides of the
There are eight basic methods of spine. This technique relieves
external therapy in Chinese medi- symptoms of "hot" and "full" ail-
cine: ments by drawing excess heat and
opposite Herbal prescriptions (top) and tea
energy to thescraped area, releasing
(bottom) are sorted and weighed, ready for
ACUPUNCTURE: This form has al- it. It is usually used in combination sale, above Ceramic figure of Hua Tuo,

ready been mentioned briefly. The with cooling yin herbal prescriptions. claimed to be the "father" of anaesthesia.

57
firmly by suction. After fifteen to MoxiBUSTlON: This therapeutic blocked meridians, nervous dis-
twenty minutes, the cup is released method employs a burning moxa orders, bruising, swelling, and
by pressure down on the skin around wick placed directly over the skin at abscesses. They are usually applied
it and allowing air to enter and vital points. "Moxa" is derived from massage or acupressure therapy.
after
equalise the air-pressure. It will leave Japanese and means "burning herb". Sometimes several of the major in-
a bright red circle on the skin,and It is a soft, downy material obtained gredients of the poultice will also
the treated surface will be beaded from a variety of herbs, which is appear in an internal prescription to
with droplets of moisture and, in rolled tightly in rice paper to form be taken during the course of treat-
severe cases, blood. This method tubes about the size of a large cigar. ment.
literally sucks out excess moisture, One end is ignited until it glows The external therapeutic tech-
chills, dampness, and leaked blood evenly, then held about an inch
it is niques described above can all be
from the areas treated. from the skin over a vital point and combined with internal herbal treat-
rotated slowly. Its healing effects ments, and they all follow the the-
Massage (TuiNa): Chinese massage radiate directly through the skin to oretical guidelines of yin-yang and
techniques are simple and effective. influence the meridian below. The the Five Elements. As usual, syn-
Massage clears the meridians of most common herb used for moxi- cretism — not specialisation — is the
blockages, stimulates circulation of bustion is Chinese wormwood, Arte- key. Just as the Chinese often burn

blood and energy, loosens stiff joints misia vulgaris. It is used for a wide insense and make offerings simul-
and muscles, and raises vitality and variety of ailments, including taneously to several gods of different
resistances to disease. It is most mumps, chronic nose-bleeds, vaginal religious traditions — just to make
commonly used in cases of acute bleeding, arthritis and rheumatism, sure covered by all
they're so —
back strain, sprained joints, pulled pulled nerves, numbness in muscles, Chinese doctors often employ two or
muscles and tendons, rheumatism and others. three different therapeutic methods
and arthritis, nerve paralysis, against the same ailment, just to
prolapse of internal organs, sciatica, Herbal Poultices: Herbal poultices make sure the treatment hits the
and similar ailments. There are many employ many of the same ingredients mark.
massage techniques, but the most used for internal herbal prescrip-
common and effective focus on the tions. The herbs are first ground to a
nerve centres and meridians that run very fine powder and mixed dry for Food, Sex, And Longevity
from the base of the neck down to storage. Just before use, some
the heels, especially along either side "Food and sex are natural," admitted
powder is mixed with a little water
of the spinal column. The ball of the the great sage Confucius over 2,000
until the texture of peanut-butter is
years ago. Civilised as he was, even
thumb isused to alternately push achieved. This spread thickly over
is
hard then rub
Confucius could not deny the funda-
lightly along and a piece of cloth or wax-paper, stuck
around the of massage. This
mental nature of these two functions.
site tightly over the injured area, and
method simultaneously stimulates Food and sex are the only two
taped in place for eight to twelve
the internal organs connected to the
indispensable requirements for the
hours. The combination of moisture
meridians and nerves while it tones and body heat activates the herbal
up the muscles, tendons and liga- mix, which draws out excess "evil-gz"
Suction cups and moxibustion (above and
ments through which e nerves and and radiates in healing vapours. right) are used in the treatment of
meridians run. Massa^ herapy is Herbal poultices are used for arthritic rheumatism and muscular pain —the cups

often followed up with herbal poul- drawing out "dampness" and leaked blood,
and rheumatic conditions, strained
and the moxibustion heat radiating down
tices and pills. backs, sprained joints and tendons, into vital meridiens.

58
 survival and propagation of the medications, while other foods com- consumption in the kitchen. Chinese
species. All else is They
superfluous. pletely neutralise them. Such foods physicians try to follow Sun Simiao's
are the strongest natural instincts and are either recommended or pro- ancient dictum: first try food; resort
the most basic functions we have. As hibited during treatment with to medication only when food fails to
such, foodand sex are also the most Chinese herbs. Foods are categorised effect a cure. Food is the first line of
fundamental indicators of health and according to the same classifications defense in traditional Chinese medi-
disease and the best means of at- used to distinguish herbs: Four En- cine.
taining longevity. ergies (hot, warm, cold, cool); Five The principles involved in food
Food, above all, is the constant Flavours (hot, sweet, sour, bitter, therapy are identical to those of
cure and forms the foundation of salty); yin and yang; tonic-sedative; herbal therapy. After consuming a
Chinese preventive medicine. If etc Herbal prescriptions are some- meal rich in "hot" food items, such as
proper dietary habits are cultivated, times mixed right into common lamb, ginger, peanuts, chilis, etc, you
even when disease does strike, its foods, while others must be taken on can prevent the symptoms of internal
effects are far less debilitating, and an empty stomach. Much that "heat-excess" simply by taking a few
recovery is quick. In China, food is appears on the spice shelf in Western "cool" foods for desert, such as fresh
medicine. kitchens is commonly used in oranges or limes, watermelon (the
Chinese herbal medicine is so Chinese herbal medicine. In China, coolest of all), papaya, and so forth.
closely tied to food that the two are the realms of the kitchen and the Chinese chefs have always been
inseparable. Some foods act as clinic overlap, and indeed most familiar with the pharmaceutical
specific catalysts for certain herbal herbal prescriptions are prepared for nature of the foods they cook with,

60
and therefore the average Chinese the Max Planck Institute of Psy- Longevity has always been the
banquet strikes a fine balance not chiatry in Munich, researchers dis- most prized and respected achieve-
only in flavour, aroma, texture, and covered a significant increase in ment among the Chinese people.
colour, but also in the energies and testosterone levels in the blood of 75 Their idea of longevity, however,
essences they impart to the body percent of men who were shown a does not envision years spent in
upon digestion. After the banquet, mildly erotic film. Imagine how wheelchairs and sanatoria, sexual
you sometimes "feel hungry an hour much more effective real sexual impotence, inability to eat and digest
later" not because of insufficient activity is in securing high hormone properly, nervous disorders, senility,
quantity but because of superior levels in the blood! German scientists and other common attendant evils of
quality and balance. Good Chinese subsequently discovered that men old age in the West. The Chinese
food mixes well in the stomach, with high hormone levels, high expect to live out their years in health
digests easily, and is distributed sperm count, and dense semen have and vitality, remaining fully active
rapidly throughout the system. unusually high resistance to some and alert to the end. Chinese herbal
A regulated, healthy sexual life is diseases and absolute immunity to medicine, especially of the tonic
the other side of the coin of others! This was heralded as a "great is thus employed most often
variety,
longevity. In Precious Recipes Sun new discovery" in the international by people moving from middle into
Simiao tells us: press. old age, when body begins to
the
degenerate at a faster rate, and food
A man can live a healthy and long and sex unaided are no longer
life he carries out an emission
if
enough to effectively retard the aging
frequency of two times monthly
process.
or twenty-four times yearly. If at
Herbal medicines promote lon-
the same time he also pays atten-
gevity both by improving the tone of
tion to wholesome food and exer-
muscles, organs, and other tissues
cises, he may attain longevity.
and by stimulating their natural
functions, so that as the body ages it
Dr. Sun lived to the age of 101 by
following his own advice. His per- can continue to derive maximum
sonal schedule of emission was once benefits from food, sex, exercise,
every hundred coitions, though he breathing, and other regimens.
considered this too strict a regimen Tonifying the body with expensive
herbal concoctions only to ruin it
for the average man. In another
seventh-century treatise called
with poor food, a reckless sex life,
Longevity Principles, Master Liu and bad habits is obviously going to
Ching gives us his version of be self-defeating. On the other hand,
regulated sex for men: herbs can double and even triple the
benefits the body derives from the
In Spring, a man can permit good food, regulated sex, and healthy
himself to ejaculate once in three habits. This is especially true as one
days. In Summer and Autumn, gets older. Chinese herbal prepara-
twice a month. During cold tions act as the great balancers of the
Winter, one should save semen body, the traffic directors of the
and not ejaculate at all. The way complex cross-currents of vital-
of Heaven is to accumulate Yang- Chinese physicians, however, energies and cosmic forces which
essence during Winter. A man will have always maintained that insuf- constantly course through our
attain longevity if he follows this ficient vital-hormone production — bodies. They promote health and
yardstick. One ejaculation in cold "empty kidney-glands", results in low longevity but do not guarantee them.
Winter is one hundred times more resistance to disease and a short life- This is a most important point to
harmful than in Springtime. span. The herbal tonics they pre- remember. Herbs can only keep the
scribe for this condition stimulate body and its many functional parts
One therapeutic effect ofSpring- hormone production, raise sperm well balanced and in good working
Wine is to tonify and strengthen the count, and thicken the semen. The order: the rest is up to you.
tissue of the ureter and seminal- purpose of therapy is not
this
vessels so that retention techniques aphrodisiac —
although that is
can be successfully employed. Not sometimes a side-effect in healthy
only have these Taoist practices been persons —
but medical: it is meant to
used effectively to maintain health increase vitality, strengthen resis-
and prolong life by countless gener- tance, and promote longevity. Taoist
ations of Chinese adepts, their techniques of retaining semen to
underlying medical principles have preserve the vital-essence may be opposite In the treatment of rheumatism,
and nerve paralysis, massage
sciatica, strain
also been confirmed by recent viewed as the complementary form isused along with herbal poultices and
scientific research in the West. of external therapy to internal herbal moxibustion. above Diet is enlisted too into
In a study conducted in 1974 at tonics. the vast armoury of the herbal physician.

61
 t;

ffj«f
V
pwygp-i

m < . ..
(

- v &i/ /-

The
Perennial
Cornucopia
Chinese Herbal Medicine Today

U.9 -

ft*
Shinese still relies
herbal
upon
medicine
the vast
domains of nature, which
constantly replenish them-
selves despite the deprecations of
man. As long as there are sunshine
and rain, trees and flowers, animals
and fish, earth and sea, there will
always be sources of herbal medi-
cine. Nature hasn't changed much
since the dawn of Chinese herbal
arts, over 5,000 years ago. Neither
have the underlying theories and
basic techniques of traditional
Chinese medicine, which are pat-
terned precisely after nature. How-
ever, new herbs, new prescriptions,
new and new insights
applications,
based on the age-old knowledge are

being developed every day by con-

temporary practitioners of the
ancient art of Chinese healing. In this
chapter, we first take a brief look at
the sources of Chinese herbs today,
how they are gathered, dried, and
stored, and where they are sold.
Then we will cover some recent
modern developments in the field
and look in on two contemporary
Chinese physicians —
a Taoist and a
Confucianist — who still practice the
ancient art in the modern world.

Growing, Gathering, Drying,

And Storing The Herbs
The best Chinese herbsgrow natu-
rally inChina. Ever since the earliest
beginnings, the craggy mountains
and deep valleys of Sichuan have
provided the richest sources of potent
wild herbs, those which depend on

Part of the "vast domains of nature" (right &

opposite) that contribute to the immense
pharmacopoeia of traditional. Chinese
medicine.

64
nature, not man, for growth and
propagation. Many of these cannot
be cultivated: they must be sought in
their wild, natural surroundings. The
unique conditions of geography and
climate which prevail in Sichuan
seem to suit the requirements of
many of the most useful wild herbs.
Some plants thrive in extremely
harsh conditions, and this environ-
mental adversity seems to be the
source of their potency. Some of the
more potent herbs, such as ginseng
root, leave the soil in which they are
found totally depleted, and nothing
else will grow in the same spot for
many years after the herb is
gathered.
The other southern provinces,
such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi,
and Guangdong, also abound with
the natural flora and fauna which
provide the raw materials of the ben
cao. Cultivated herbs —
those which
depend on artificial seed selection,
grafting, fertilisation, irrigation, and
other human help — grow well in the
temperate lush regions of south
China. The cultivation of medicinal
plants is a major agricultural indus-
try in this region of China.

65
 Northern China is home to many quite potent, and fetches a good price others, only the stems, flowers, seeds
of the potent tonic plants, such as on the Asian herb market. Northern or leaves are used. There are also
ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, America such as Minnesota
states of plants which are used whole and
and Lycium chinense. It is also in the and North Dakota have recently ones whose every part is used for
north where the famous spotted deer begun exporting deer horn to the Far widely different purposes. For ex-
is found: everything from the velvet East as well. ample, the roots and stems of the
and horns to the blood and bile of Mineral and animal derived medi- herb ma huang (Ephedra sinica) con-
the spotted deer is used in Chinese cines from non-Chinese sources are tain the bronchial asthma preventive,
medicine. Today, spotted deer are generally more acceptable than ephedrine, but the joints have a
raised on large ranches in Manchuria plants which are far more specific completely opposite action and are
and other northern provinces to meet and sensitive to the unique condi- used for totally different purposes.
the great demand for one of the most tions of soil and weather which Since different parts of plants mature
potent and popular tonics —
spotted prevail in China.The essential and become medically active at dif-
deer horn. The horns are cut from energies, flavour, and effects of the ferent times of the year,
it is import-

the live deer —a painful process for myriad herbs used in Chinese medi- ant to gather the medicinal parts of
the animal— so that the same herd cine were determined from the var- each variety at just the right time.
can be used to produce the precious ieties native to China. Varieties of the Roots and rhizomes, which grow
material year after year. When the same plants which grow elsewhere below ground, are most potent in
deer get too old to regenerate new can have very different phar- late autumn and early spring, when
horns, the entire animal is used for maceutical properties, and it takes the bulk of plant nutrients are stored
its many medicinally useful parts. centuries to fully determine their in them. Barks are collected between
New sources of medicinal ingredi- natural affinities and pharmaco- February and May, when their
ents which can be used in Chinese dynamic effects. Fortunately for over- moisture content is highest. Most
herbal medicine are constantly being seas Chinese communities, modern leaves are gathered just before the
sought. Southeast Asia provides a transportation has made it possible flowers begin to bloom, although
number of the plants and animals for the genuine articles to be shipped some varieties may be collected in the
required. Even North America ex- from China. autumn, when they begin to drop.
ports an herbal item to the Far East The parts of the plant used for When gathering medicinal flowers,
called "American Gingseng." It is a medicinal purposes each
differ in timing is even more important be-

different species of ginseng which variety of herb. In some plants, only cause the flowering season for most
grows wild in North America; it is the roots are medically useful; in plants is generally quite short. Flowers

66
are gathered between March and ferent uses are separated. of the drugs. Whenthey get to the
May and during July and August, After sorting, the plants should be herbal shop, they are stored in
depending on when they begin to washed well to remove remaining wooden drawers, ceramic vessels,
bloom. They should be picked in dirt and dust. Before washing, flowers and glass bottles, always in a cool,
bud or after just having burst into must be removed and dried sepa- dry, well-ventilated place. The stored
bloom. They must be sun-dried im- rately. A few plants,
such as plantain herbs should be inspected regularly
mediately. and green bristlegrass, should not be for mildew, bugs, oil loss, and other
Fruits used in herbal medicine are washed at all. damage. They are sun-aired fre-
usually picked upon ripening. How- When the have been
plants quently, especially during the damp
a few varieties, such as
ever, there are gathered, sorted, and washed, they rainy season, to prevent such dam-
wu mei ("black-plums," Prunus are ready for drying. Most herbs are age.
mume), which are used unripened, dried in direct which
sunshine, In gathering wild herbs, it is vital
and they should be picked earlier. During the rainy
insures best storage. to avoid over-picking an area and to
Seeds used in herbal medicine are season or on cloudy days, the herbs take the long-range view in pro-
also collected after they have com- may be dried indoors around a fire. tecting these precious resources. A
pletely matured. Some are gathered Aromatics such as mint are dried in planned schedule of collection
directly from the ground, while well-ventilated shade. Animal parts should be followed, gathering only
others are collected from the ripe, must be steamed to kill parasites,
first enough for current needs and con-
withered fruit before it splits apart. eggs, and germs before drying. sidering future requirements. If

After the herbs have been When they are thoroughly dry, possible, parts should be picked in
gathered, they must be properly pro- the plants are sliced into convenient such a way that the entire plant does
cessed for maximum drug efficacy. sizes and shapes for storage. Thick not perish. Roots should be left in the
The first step is to sort the herbs. On roots, rhizomes, and woody vines soil whenever possible. If roots are
a typical day of herb gathering, the are cut into thin slices. Barks and the parts to be collected, the main
picker's basket will contain a variety leaves are shaved into long, fine tap root should be left intact. When
of plants and plant parts, depending strips. Whole plants are divided into gathering leaves, a single plant
on which plants and parts are in sections. Flowers and seeds are stored should never be stripped clean, or it
season and mature that day. Dirt, and shipped whole. After cutting will die. The same applies to barks.
impurities, and non-medicinal parts and sectioning, different items Comprehensive, systematic util-
are first removed from all the plants. should immediately be labeled to isation of both wild and cultivated
Then the plants and parts with dif- prevent mis-identification and misuse herbs is essential to ensure adequate

supplies of vital ingredients. When-

ever wasteland or forests are cleared
for agricultural use, for example, a
thorough inspection of the areas to
be cleared should first be made and
all medically-useful plants gathered.
No plant materials should be dis-
carded or burned until their potential
medical uses have been determined.
Medicinal plants which adapt well
to cultivation should be planted
wherever possible on land reclaimed

opposite With herbal medicines, as with their

everyday foods, the Chinese prefer to see
exactly what they're buying, left "Barefoot"
doctor and patient in post-revolutionary
China, above "Barefoot" rural ambulance.

67
from the wild, on the banks of the prices are more reasonable. between the two cousins is banned.
streams and ponds, on the edges of US$10,000 a reasonable price to
Is While the government in Taiwan
paddy-fields, and on road-sides. pay for a single ounce of an exotic authorises certain firms in Hong
Proper planning and planting ensure variety of ginseng root? Would you Kong purchase limited amounts of
to
sufficient supplies of herbs for pay US$250 for a tiny shrivelled vital mainland herbs for trans-
normal needs as well as back-up black wad, purported to be the dried shipment to Taiwan, this legal supply
reserves for sudden emergencies. testicle of a rare breed of deer? In comes nowhere close to meeting ac-
Hong Kong, these are the sort of tual demands, especially for the
prices asked and fetched, demon- more exotic tonics. Furthermore, im-

The Herbal Trade
Today, Chinese herbs are available in
Chinese herb shops in many parts of
the world, thanks to the demands of
the far-flung overseas Chinese com-
munities. Most large cities, East or
West, with a Chinese community
and a few Chinese restaurants have
at least one well-stocked Chinese
herb shop.
The Chinese herbal trade centres
around Hong Kong, China's main
commercial outlet to the world for
close to 150 years. After the herbs
have been gathered and processed in
China, they are carefully inspected
for quality; only the best are offered
for sale on the international market.
Top quality herbs fetch high prices
and for some really rare, exotic but
potent tonics the prices may attract
only the richest of overseas Chinese
tycoons but the total sum contributes
significantly to China's foreign ex-
change reserves.
The herbs are sold retail at the
herb counters of special China-pro-
duct emporiums in Hong Kong, as
well as at the hundreds of private
little herb shops which flourish there.
Wholesalers in Hong Kong supply
both the local retailers and the inter-
national market. The further away
from Hong Kong you go, the more
expensive the drugs become. Hong
Kong is a Mecca for Chinese herbal
enthusiasts because everything is
available, the quality is the best, and
strating that certain people are
willing to pay that much to obtain
them. The reason they are willing to
pay so much is because a few extra
years, months, or even weeks of
healthy life are more precious to the
Chinese than "all the tea in China."
Such items are, of course, the Cadil-
lacs of Chinese herbs, and only
wealthy individuals can afford them.
But there are items on the Chinese
herbalist's shelves every
to suit
budget and every need, and indeed
many of the best drugs are quite
common and inexpensive. Chinese
herbal prescriptions are, more often
than not, less expensive than their
chemical Western counterparts and
thus more generally available to the
common people. Men and women,
young and and poor alike,
old, rich
almost all Chinese the world over
resort to herbal remedies at
sometimes during their life.
Occasionally the most popular
and potent herbal medicines are
subject to the fluctuations of supply
and demand. For example, Yunnan
bai yao, the healing white powder
made from "mountain varnish,"
today in ample supply at any medi-
cine counter in Hong Kong for less
than US$2.00 a vial. Only a few
years ago, however, during the height
of the Vietnam War, it was usually
impossible to find at any price. The
entire supply was being sent to the
North Vietnamese Army, where the
precious powder became a part of
every soldier's field kit. Recall that
the other name for this herb is "gold-
no-trade." The Chinese sometimes
have to make careful choices between
commercial and benevolent motives
when distributing limited supplies of
healing herbs.
Taiwan, today one of the wealth-
iest, also one of the most traditional
Chinese communities in the world,
has the greatest demand for high-
quality Chinese herbs. However, due
to the long-standing hostility between
Taipei and Beijing, formal trade
port duties are astronomical, driving
prices sky-high. Consequently, a
bustling illegal trade across the
Taiwan Straits brings close to US$10
million worth of precious Chinese
herbs to Taiwan each year. It is
significant that whenever Taiwanese
fishing boats are caught smuggling
contraband between Taiwan and the
China coast, the items brought back
to Taiwan are usually priceless an-
and Chinese herbs.
tiques, gold bars,
Even politics cannot stand between
the Chinese people and their beloved
herbal remedies.
Modern Developments
Despite its well established theories
and techniques, Chinese herbal
medicine continues to develop
least dynamically in the modern world. It
is unfortunate that the orthodox
medical establishment in the West
remains leery of Chinese medical
theories and practises, for the
Chinese system holds profound in-
sights and effective remedies from
is which the whole world should
benefit.
One modern development already
alluded to is the production of patent
herbal medicines refined from ex-
tracts of the crude herbs. These
medications cannot be relied upon
for acute or serious ailments. In such
cases, specific herbal prescriptions
based on differential diagnosis must
be obtained from qualified Chinese
doctors. For chronic ailments and
long-standing weaknesses, however,
the patent herbal potions are quite
effective. They contain the essential
ingredients required for gradual and
constant tonification of the internal
organs. Such modern Chinese medi-
cines as Royal Jelly Capsules, Deer-
Testicle Pills, Great Tonic Pills, Deer
Horn Extract, Essence of Ginseng,
and many others are all mild but
effective tonics when used regularly
over an extended period of time.

68
 Another development made pos- holds much promise. It is interesting traceptive. He
has already discovered
sible by modern technology is ex- to note that this modern application the plant which he thinks
will help
tracting and refining the active in- of the ancient art has been made control the world's exploding popu-
gredients of the crude herbs until a possible by modern Western tech- lation. "We are convinced the plant
very concentrated, pure essence is nology. can be used as an effective means of
obtained. This herbal essence is in- Perhaps the most promising con- preventing gestation," he states.
jected directly into vital energy temporary development in the an- Furthermore, the herb grows natu-
points along the major meridians. cient field of Chinese herbal medicine rally and in abundance throughout
Due to the herb's natural affinity for is the discovery of an herb which can most of the world's tropical and
a specific organ, the herbal essence be safely used for birth control. Dr. subtropical zones. "Women in most
has an immediate effect on that Y. C. Kong, biochemist and master developing countries will be able to
organ's meridian when injected Chinese herbalist at The Chinese gather or grow it and make a tea out
directly into one of its vital points. University of Hong Kong, is cur- of it." The herbal contraceptive works
The effect is then transmitted to the rently heading a multi-million dollar "the morning after" and apparently
organ through the meridian net- research project sponsored by the has no ill side effects. Dr. Kong has
work. This is a more recent develop- World Health Organisation to de- been besieged by offers from phar-
ment in Chinese herbal medicine and velop a safe, effective herbal con- maceutical companies to sell his

secret for this potential panacea for

the world's population problem, but
he remains adamant in his insistence
that the public interest be served first.
In about two years, when research
on the plant's long-term effects and
toxicity are complete, he will turn the
resultsover to the World Health
Organisation to utilize as they see fit.

In the Far East, the process of

melding Chinese and
traditional
modern Western
approaches to
medical care is already well under
way. The resulting hybrid system is
generally referred to as the "New

opposite Wild ginseng, one of the most

popular tonics in East Asia, left Two
contrasting herbal medicine stores in China.
above Characters list the various herbs and
potions available for sale.

69
I
Medicine." New Medicine relies hensive, effective, and flexible in the private physician to ailing men of
heavily on such aspects of modern world. It remains so today. Perhaps it great wealth and power. He prefers,
Western technology as integrated is fitting that more work is being instead, to remain in his humble
scientific laboratories, X-ray chemical done in the East on the New Medi- clinic and fulfill his sacred obliga-
analysis, microscopic biochemistry cine. Grafting scientific investigative tions to his many patients. One, a
refining and purifying techniques, disciplines onto an empirical system wealthy Lebanese tycoon who suffers
electronics, optics, and others. But may be less of a leap in perception from a painful chronic sciatic condi-
when it comes to the fundamental than moving from scientific disci- tion, offered to pay his roundtrip fare
theories of disease and the practical plines to embrace the less quantifi- first-class between Taipei and Beirut,

applications of therapy, the Chinese able "Wisdom of the East." plus a fantastic fee, to treat him at his
system is generally followed. home in Beirut for a month! Citing
In China today, Chinese and the many patients who rely daily on
Western medical approaches are Modern Practitioners Of The his "benevolent heart, benevolent
practised side by side. The official Ancient Art art," the benevolent doctor politely
Chinese paramedical manual, called declined. So, the tycoon flew to
A Barefoot Doctor's Manual (see Just as Chinese herbal shops and Taipei and Dr. Huang treated him in
bibliography), gives both alternative herbal remedies have changed little his suite at the Hilton Hotel after
and combined Chinese and Western since the Song and Ming dynasties, closing up his clinic at night.
treatments for every type of disease Chinese physicians have also con- Huang Powen is a native Tai-
discussed. At an agricultural com- tinued to practise their ancient wanese whose family has been prac-
mune's clinic in Anhui Province, a healing arts according to the tradi- tising tui na massage, acupuncture,
Western journalist asked the head tions and standards established by and herbal medicine for several
physician whether he relies more on their forefathers in the field. Such generations. Asked what the main
Chinese or Western methods in the great Chinese physicians as Hua Tuo, sources of his profound knowledge
treatment of disease. "Both," the Sun Simiao, and Li Shizhen of the and exceptional skills were, he
doctor answered without hesitation. late Han, Tang and Ming
early replied, "My family and my own
But how does the physician know dynasties respectively, would have experience." He holds all the
when to apply which method, the felt very much at home in the clinics necessary government licenses to
journalist wanted to know. "By ex- of some modern-day practitioners. practise Chinese medicine but insists
perience," was the doctor's confident Contemporary Chinese doctors have that these are mere formalities.
and characteristically Chinese re- found little use for most of the Difficult as the Chinese
medical
sponse. therapeutic chemicals and equipment examinations are, passing them only
The Chinese have always been found in typical Western clinics. proves that one has mastered the
open to new experience and experi- They do, however, combine some theories and memorised the mass of
mentation in the field of medicine, basic Western diagnostic techniques, medical and herbal terminology re-
which is why their medical system such as X-rays, blood-pressure, quired to practise the art. Skill,
has always been the most compre- blood and urine analysis, etc, with insight, clinical experience, special
their own traditional diagnostic
methods.
One of our examples of contem-
porary Chinese physician, of the
Confucian tradition in Chinese medi-
cine, is Dr. Huang Powen, who has
conducted a small clinic in Taipei for
the past twenty-five years. He is

master of the Chinese

traditional
massage method called "push-and-
rub," tux na, which he combines in
therapy with acupuncture, herbal
poultices, and internal herbal pre-
scriptions. His patients come from all

walks of life — high government offi-

cals, house-wives, American business-
men, Chinese secretaries, Arabian
oil-sheiks and local cab-drivers. The
walls of his clinic are covered with
framed letters from his patients, ex-
pressions of effusive praise and heart-
felt gratitude.
Like the great Tang physician Sun
Simiao, Dr. Huang has refused many
lucrative offers to become personal

70
techniques passed from master to
apprentice, and a refined personal
touch combine to elevate an ordinary
doctor to an exceptional one.
Dr. Huang recommends
herbal prescriptions and properly
balanced diets as complementary
supplements to his external therapies
of tux na massage and
poultices. It is not uncommon for
Chinese doctors to develop remedies
based on their own clinical experience
and interest. Dr. Huang is certainly
no exception to this practice; the
herbal poultice he applies after mas-
sage evolved in this way and contains
16 herbal ingredients. It is
effective in cases of rheumatism and
arthritis, strainedbacks and sprained
joints, sciatica and other nerve dis-
orders, twisted tendons and pulled
internal muscles, energy and blood stagna-
tion, bruises and abscesses, wind-
chills,and other related conditions.
An elderly American woman on
herbal tour in Taipei was once brought to
him for treatment of acute, unbear-
able pain resulting from a sudden
flare-up of a pinched nerve in her
spine, which had plagued her for
over 20 years. Her Western-prescribed
treatment for this condition for the
past two decades was a bottle of
highly powerful pain-killers: "take two or
three for pain." This time, however,
even these did nothing to alleviate
her misery. She was prepared to can-
cel her trip and return to New York
on a stretcher under sedation when a
Chinese acquaintance insisted that
she try Dr. Huang. After her first
treatment, she felt so much better
that she decided to stay and complete
her tour of Taiwan. After her second
tui na massage and herbal poultice,
she burst into grateful tears before the
doctor and said, "It's a miracle." She
vowed to return to Taipei for further
treatment.
More recently, Dr. Huang has de-
veloped his own secret prescription
of herbal ingredients to be taken in-
ternally as an herbal broth for relief
of thesame conditions he treats with
massage and poultice. The internal
and external herbal treatments work
together to eliminate the painful
symptoms and correct the causes of
the conditions mentioned above.
This potion is so effective that other
Chinese doctors suffering from these
ailments visit Dr. Huang to obtain
relief with his secret elixir.
It is common practice for Chinese
physicians to visit other renowned
doctors as patients, first of all to seek
relief for ailments in which other
doctors specialise, and secondly to
obtain samples of secret prescriptions
in hopes of duplicating them. For
example, Dr. Huang, who recently
suffered from a stubborn liver in-
flammation, paid several visits to
a Taiwanese doctor whose secret
herbal remedy for serious liver
ailments was reported to be ex-
tremely effective. Liver ailments are
particularly difficult to cure com-
pletely. "The poisons were quickly
driven out of my liver and brought to
the surface by this prescription. My
skin was mottled, itchy, sticky, and
smelly for several weeks during the
treatment, and then I was completely
cured," he reports. So impressed was
Dr. Huang with the quick effective
cure that he has begun the long and
arduous task of deciphering the
prescription's secret formula.
left A travelling Korean physician. In Korea,
likeChina, travelling physicians offer their
herbal remedies throughout the country.
Weighing herbal
Photo: Alain Ei'rard. opposite
ingredients with traditional balance and (for
left) entering items in a ledger.
71
 Professional physicians like Dr.
Huang maintain the finest traditions
of Confucian benevolence and are
responsible for making the benefits
of China's ancient healing arts
directly available to the common
people. The average cost of a half-
hour massage and /or acupuncture
treatment, including an herbal poul-
tice, run at less than half of what it

costs just to walk into a private

doctor's office in the West and say
"Ahhh." Furthermore, Dr. Huang
charges even less to those who cannot
afford it and accepts more from those
wealthy patients who willingly offer
it. He won't be found on the golf-

course on week-ends, nor is the

doctor ever "out." Dr. Huang lives in
a modest apartment directly above
his clinic and answers patients' calls
any time of day or night. For him, as
for his Confucian forerunners, the
practice of Chinese medicine is a full-
time, lifetime commitment.
On the other side of town lives
and practises a Chinese doctor of the a narrow lane off a small street deep
Taoist tradition, Dr. Hong Yixiang, in the west side of Taipei. He draws
our other contemporary example. above Bamboo beakers are sometimes used upon the martial arts for medical
instead of glass cups for suction treatment,
His philosophic persuasions and life- therapy, and uses herbal medicine to
applied along with massage and
style are as different from Dr. Huang's moxibustion. below Dr Huang Po Wen improve the performance of, and re-
as those of Confucius were from Lao opposite Dr Hong Yixiang. pair injuries sustained by, his kung-fu
Zi, the founding father of Taoism. students in class.
He practises the syncretic total Hong Yixiang follows the "soft"
approach to health and disease path of traditional Chinese kung-fu,
handed down by such great Taoist which relies on the internal power of
physicians as Hua Tuo and Sun qi rather than external muscular
Simiao. His commitment is more to strength. He has combined the three
the art of healing itself than to classical soft styles of xing yi, "form
society at large. of will," ba gua "eight trigrams," and
Like Dr. Huang, Dr. Hong favours tai ji quart, "ultimate supreme fist" to
the external forms of Chinese therapy found his own school of kung-fu
combined with internal herbal supple- called Tang shou dao, "the way of the
ments. The theories and methods hands of Tang." In the grand Chinese
they employ are drawn from the tradition, his first two mentors were
same ancient canons and herbal his grandfather and his father. Sub-
pharmacopoeias. Dr. Hong's pre- sequently, he studied under seven-
ferred techniques acupressure
are teen famous Chinese masters, each of
and massage, moxibustion, and whom specialised in specific forms
suction cups, and he uses them for and imparted precious secrets to him.
both internal and external ailments! His three sons and the handful of
His clinic is quite similar to Dr. students who are lucky enough to
Huang's, and he too lives in an find and be accepted by him study
apartment attached to the clinic But Tang shou dao under his tutelage in
this is where the similarity ends. a small kung-fu studio attached to
In addition to being a qualified, clinic
licensed Chinese doctor, Hong HongYixiang defies the image of
Yixiang is also one of the greatest the kung-fu master commonly held
living masters of the 'Chinese martial in the West. Neither the handsome,
arts. He has been ractising the dashing young adventurer like the
medical and martial ar ide by side late Bruce Lee, nor the wizened,
for nearly thirty years ai home in ; white-bearded old man in robes,

72
Hong Yixiang stands about 5 ft 6 in
(1.68 m)tall and weighs well over

200 lb (90.8 kg). His clothing is

nondescript, he generally appears
unshaven, and he walks with a slow,
ambling shuffle. He has the long
Luohan ear-lobes which Buddhists
identify as a sign of high spiritual
development. Yet to watch him
demonstrate his subtle fighting forms
is a stark lesson in contrast and con-

tradiction: he controls his massive

bulk with the agility of a cat, his
every movement is soft and smooth
as water, swift and sudden as
lightning, and effortless as the wind.
He has mastered control of his qi to
such a degree that he can concentrate
and direct the full bulk of his weight
and the full force of his internal
power on a single point. Should that
point happen to .be your heart or
lungs or kidney or other vital spot,
you would perish instantly. To com-
plete the contrast, when the fist
which commands such immense
power and takes up the
relaxes of exercises based on the fighting the most difficult of all to master,
Chinese brush, becomes the deli-
it forms of various animals in nature. requiring decades of dedicated
cate hand of an accomplished These forms adhere to the soft path devotion. As an form of
effective
Chinese painter and calligrapher: of Chinese kung-fu, each move exercise and preventive medicine,
Hong Yixiang is indeed a man of flowing smoothly from the last and however, tai ji quan can be easily
many talents, an archetype, adept at melting gracefully into the next. His learned and practised by anyone,
the ancient Taoist arts. students must practise these forms young and old, man and woman,
Qi is the great secret of Chinese over and over again under his weak and strong alike.
medicine as well as Chinese kung-fu. watchful eye until they are "soft and Just as Dr. Huang draws from the
As such, it is the common denomi- natural." Based on the animal forms vast store of herbal knowledge to
nator linking the medical and martial he teaches,he also extracts and create his own new secret prescrip-
arts. Dr. Hong teaches his students simplifies a few basic movements tions, so Dr. Hong draws from the
breathing exercise which improve the which can be practised by his un- many styles and forms established
quality and increase the quantity of trained patients. He prescribes these by past masters of the martial arts to
qi stored in the body. He himself exercises for a wide variety of ail- create his own original style. The
practices Taoist breathing techniques ments: rheumatism and arthritis, breathing and other therapeutic ex-
more than any other form of ex- nervous disorders, digestive prob- ercises which he has developed are
ercises, and he recommends that lems, energy and blood stagnation, every bit as effective as herbs, mass-
both his students and his patients do chronic fatigue, muscular aches, age, acupuncture, and other more
the same. Qi is the body's great hypertension, and many more. conventional forms of Chinese
energiser: it controls the production In addition to the animal forms, therapy.
of the other vital substances (blood, Dr. Hong is also a great proponent Unlike Dr. Huang, Dr. Hong does
vital-essence, and fluid) and is and master of tai ji quan, the classical not devote his entire life to serving
involved in every vital function. Chinese exercise system for main- society, for he is a Taoist and Taoists
Since qi itself is regulated with breath taining health and prolonging life. are devoted only to the Tao itself.
control, proper breathing is thus the This is one form of Chinese therapy Since his interest led him to choose
best way to "cultivate qi" and con- which has gained some acceptance in the Tao of the medical and martial
stitutes the best form of preventive the West in recent years. Tai ji quan arts, he is totally devoted to and
medicine. A man of few words, Hong consists of a series of thirty to sixty- immersed in those arts. While Dr.
Yixiang simply states, "Breathing is four smooth, rhythmic movements Huang practises medicine for the
best." which must be executed with a benefit of society, Dr. Hong practises
Another aspect of kung-fu which thoroughly relaxed body, an un- the medicaland martial arts for the
Dr. Hong emphasises in his medical cluttered mind, and correct rhythmic advancement of the arts themselv*
practice is physical exercise. Like Hua breathing. Asa means of self-de- He does not seek students for r
Tuo nearly 2,000 years before him, fense, it is ultimately the most kung-fu class or patients for his
Hong Yixiang has developed a series devastating of all forms, but it also is clinic, he lets them stumble upon him

73
74
by chance. One gets the impression gives credibility to the ancient
that he teaches students and treats The Meeting Of East And Chinese premise that the key to pre-
patients as a side-line, preferring in West The "New Medicine" venting and curing disease lies inside
fact to spend his time practising the body and that external agents
breathing and kung-fu forms, should only be used to stimulate the
dabbling with esoteric medical There are several important instances body's natural disease-fighting mech-
techniques, and simply pondering of Western medicine borrowing from anisms cure itself. Yet without
to
the profundities of the Tao. Until a Chinese herbal medicine but ex- modern Western technology, the
few years ago, he even refused to join amples are often not duly credited. specific mechanics of this premise
Taiwan's Chinese Kung-fu Asso- Reference to New Medicine has been would never have been known.
ciation, regarding all such social made earlier in this chapter. It is the
See Time magazine's cover story March 31,
organisations as bothersome bores. only hope for up-dating the
1980
He does not hesitate to turn away a technological backwardness of tradi-
potential student or patient whom he tional Chinese medicine without In the case of interferon, the par-
intuitively dislikes or feels is un- sacrificing its sound principles and allels between ancient Chinese the-
worthy of his attention. He is a direct effective practical applications. ories and modern Western findings
descendant of the gruff, independent Similarly, it is the only hope for are remarkable. Western researchers
mountain recluses who gave such
great creative impetus to the develop-
ment of Chinese medicine, a truly
traditional Taoist eccentric, who is

amidst the hustle and bustle of

living
modern Taipei, yet remains oblivious
to it.

There are many such Chinese

doctors practising today, especially in
East Asia, where overseas Chinese
communities flourish and traditional
Chinese medicine is generally
respected. Usually the only way to
find such competent Chinese doctors
is by word of mouth, for the best of

them are modest, retiring people,

totally devoted to the art of healing.
They rarely advertise or tout their
services —
they don't have to. Like the
Lebanese tycoon described earlier,
you may well have to journey to the
East to find the best Chinese healers.
While there are plenty of qualified salvaging Western medical treatment have established that interferon is
Chinese herbalists practising in the from the blind excesses of "pure produced in the body by three types
West, current laws prohibit even the science" while still utilising its of cells. The first are leukocytes or
most qualified Chinese doctors from technological superiority. A theoreti- white blood cells. The second are
practising medicine in Western cal case in point for the meeting of fibroblasts, special cells which form
countries —
unless they pass Western East and West in the field of New fibrous connective tissue. And the
medical examinations and qualify Medicine can be built around the third type are T-lymphocytes, cells
for Western medical licenses. Unfor- recent Western discovery of the which are part of the body's im-
tunately this deprives patients in the incredible disease-preventing agent munity system and produce a type of
West of the benefits of the world's interferon*. interferon which works directly with
oldest, safest, and in many cases, Interferon is first and foremost a DNA master-molecules in trans-
most effective medical treatments. natural substance, produced in mi- cribing genetic messages. A careful
nute microscopic quantities by cer- look at these findings will reveal
tain types of cells in the body. As a profound similarities to the theories
natural substance, a sort of "vital of the ancient Chinese physicians.
essence," it thus meets the first re- In our discussion of "Qi and the
quirement of Chinese medicine: it Four Vital Bodily Humours" in
comes directly from nature. As a Chapter Three, we saw that qi,
microscopic molecule produced by blood, fluid, and vital-essence are the
the nuclei of living cells, however, it four vital substances which Chinese
opposite and right Tai ji, the therapeutic
requires the sophistication of the medical theory cites as essential to
variety of kung-fu, is practised daily by
millions of people throughout China as an most advanced Western technology maintaining health and prolonging
aid to both physical and mental health. to identify and isolate it. Interferon life. Note, therefore, that the first

75
type of which produces inter-
cell bodily humour "vital-essence." Vital-
feron, white blood cells, is found in essence includes all the vital hor-
the blood, one of the vital bodily mones, both sexual and other, which
humours. The second type corres- protect the body from disease and
ponds directly to what the Chinese retard the aging process. Recall as
describe as fluid which "lubricates well that German scientists have
the sinews and joints" and "tempers proven that men with dense semen
the skin and flesh," i.e. forms supple and high sperm-count, displaying
connective tissue in skin, bones, strong vital-essence, are completely
muscles, joints, and sinews. immune to many diseases, and highly
The third type of interferon, resistant to others. This correlation
which transcribes genetic messages between high resistance and high
and is related to the body's immunity hormone levels has been known to
system, is to be found in the vital the Chinese for millennia.
While the ancient Chinese had no
knowledge of interferon or any other
microscopic molecule, they neverthe-
less correctly identified those vital
bodily substances capable of pro-
ducing interferon. Since traditional
Chinese preventive therapy prescribes
above and right mass taiji exercises on The constant nourishment and tonifi-
Bund, the famous waterfroni >f Shanghai. cation of the vital bodily humours, it

76
 benefits of proper breathing.
The logic of the Chinese medical
system indicates that interferon pro-
duction in the body can be greatly
enhanced by cultivating qi, the
regulator of the three vital substances
which are capable of producing inter-
feron. Qi is best cultivated through
correct breathing. Should proper
breathing indeed prove to have this
capacity, it certainly would revol-
utionise Western medical concepts. In
light of China's past achievements in
the medical field, it would seem that
this aspect of Chinese therapy merits
further attention in Western medical
scientific circles. It is due time for
Western science to take a serious look
at the concept of qi and to bring its
formidable technological resources to
bear upon the problem.
The potential for further meetings
of East and West in the field of
medicine is exciting indeed. Cur-
rently, the initative is up to the West.
The East has already embarked upon
the syncretic, hybrid path of the New
Medicine, which is rapidly taking
root in China, Japan, and elsewhere
in Asia. There is such a vast collec-
tion of Chinese medical materials to
be investigated under the light of
modern medical technology that re-
searchers East and West could be
kept busy for many decades to come.
In this shrinking and ever more
interdependent world, there is no
further excuse for the Western
medical establishment to continue
stands to reason that Chinese therapy article entitled "The Role of Lungs neglecting the profound medical
increases the body's ability to pro- Expanding: Air Sacs to Endocrine. discoveries of the world's oldest,
duce interferon. Without knowing Glands,"* in which some initial most sophisticated civilisation. Such
specifically why it works, the findings on the relationship between continued lack of attention to Chinese
Chinese have always known exactly breath control, qi, and hormone medical alternatives, whether for
how improve the body's disease-
to production, vital-essence, are dis- reasons of ignorance or professional
fighting and life-prolonging mec- cussed. This would seem to verify the jealousy, is tantamount to profes-
hanisms. Chinese idea that qi regulates the sional negligence, for Western doctors
This brings us to the problem of production of vital-essence. owe opportunity to
their patients the
the most vital of all bodily humours Is it possible that the Chinese have benefit from Chinese treatments in
— qi. According to the Chinese been so accurate about so many those many cases where they have
system, qi regulates the production medical phenomena but wrong about proved time and again to be superior
of the other three substances and is the most fundamental of all their to Western alternatives.
itself the greatest of all protectors of concepts? Unlikely. The evidence
health and life. Qi, however, not is seems to indicate that they are right *
Science News, 6 September, 1975
recognised at all by Western medical about the role of qi and the role of
science, and therefore no accurate correct breathing in "cultivating qi".

correlations between East and West In every corner of the Orient, from
can be drawn on this point. But at Istanbul to Tokyo, doctors, yogis,
least the West is beginning to realise martial artists, monks, philosophers,
that breathing involves far more than and other enlightened souls have
the simple exchange of oxygen and consistently agreed upon the funda- above Solitary tai ji exercises and "morning
carbon dioxide in the blood. An mental health-and-life-promoting mass" in Shanghai park.

77
 Herbal
Companion
The Tools of the Trade
 he Ming physician Li group's general effects and uses. Anaesthetic: producing a state of not
Shizhen listed 1892 items Each herbal item is described ac- feeling pain or any other sensation;
in his great herbal phar- cording to the following outline: in general anaesthesia, loss of con-
macopoeia General Out- — Latin botanical name and family sciousnessis induced

lines and Divisions of the Ben Cao name Anthelmintic: killing and/or ejecting
(Ben Cao Gang Mu). The bulk of these — Common English name, if avail- intestinal worms and parasites
items, however, are seldom used in able Antidote: counteracting poisons and
normal practice or are employed only — Chinese name, romanised and in other toxic substances
when other more common ingredients Chinese characters Antiphlogistic: counteracting inflam-
are unavailable. Many are rare, exotic — Natural distribution mation
tonics, which are not needed in ordi- — Parts used Antipyretic: reducing fever
nary preventive and curative pre- — Nature: flavour; essen-
essexitial Antiseptic: killing or inhibiting the
scription and which only the very tial energy action of microorganisms (germs)
Antispasmodic: relieving or pre-
venting spasms
Antitussive: reducing the severity
and frequency of coughs
Aphrodisiac: arousing or increasing
sexual desire
Astringent, styptic: contracting body
tissue and blood vessels to check the
flow of blood
Carminative: causing gas to be ex-
pelled from the stomach and in-
testines
Cathartic: inducing the evacuation
of the bowels; medium-strength
Demulcent: soothing irritated or in-
flamed mucous membranes
wealthy can afford. About 300 — Natural affinity: organs and Diaphoretic: inducing or increasing
varieties of herbal ingredients are meridians affected perspiration
commonly used in preparing pre- — Essential pharmacodynamic ef- Digestive: aiding digestion and dis-
scriptions, and of those, about 150 fects tribution of nutrients
are considered vital, indispensable — Chinese therapeutic uses Diuretic: increasing the secretion and
components. In order to provide — Average daily dosage (when used flow of urine
more detailed descriptions of each singly as decoction or infusion) Emmenagogue: stimulating the men-
item, we restrict our discussion here — Remarks strual flow
to these but, to round off our pres- After the herbal descriptions, a list Emollient: softening; soothing
entation, include some of the more of common herbal prescriptions in Expectorant: causing or easing the
unusual, esoteric items. Most of the which they appear is presented. These bringing up of phlegm/ mucus, and
essential and frequently used ingredi- prescriptions have been gleaned from sputum from the respiratory tract
ents can be readily obtained in ancient Chinese herbal manuals as Emetic: inducing vomitimg
Chinese herb shops around the well as contemporary Chinese herbal Hemostatic: stopping the flow of
world. practice. They are not meant
be to blood
Following the example of many viewed as magic panaceas for every Laxative: inducing the evacuation of
Chinese herbal handbooks, the herbs ill, but rather as examples of how the the bowels; mild form
described below are arranged in tools of the herbalist's trade are em- Purgative: inducing the evacuation
groups according to their essential ployed in practical applications. of the bowels; strong, drastic form
functional effects, rather than botan- When properly prepared with good Refrigerant: cooling and reducing
ical or zoological types. This is the ingredients and used for the purposes heat and fever
practical approach used by most described, these prescriptions are Sedative: tending to soothe and
practising Chinese herbalists: all perfectly safe and effective remedies. reduce excitement, nervousness, ir-
drugs which take essentially similar It is always best, however, to consult ritation, and other forms of over-
action and direction in the body are a Chinese doctor or herbalist before stimulation
listed under the same headings, such embarking on herbal treatments. Stimulant: increasing the activity of
as "purgatives," "demulcents," "tonics," The following Western medical vital processes and organs
etc Under this arrangement, plant, terms appear in the descriptions of Stomachic: tonifying the stomach to
animal, and mineral derivatives with the herb's pharmacodynamic effects: improve digestive functions
similar effects appear together under Tonic: restoring or increasing mus-
the appropriate headings. Each func- Analgesic: producing a state of not cular tone of damaged or weak tis-
tionalgroup of herbs listed is pre- feeling while retaining full
pain sues; stimulating vitality; promoting
ceded by a brief description of the consciousness and other sensations vital functions

80
 EPHEDRA S1NICA C1NNAMOMUM CASSIA
(Gnetaceae) (Lauraceae)
Herbal Descriptions JOINT FIR CINNAMON TREE
m — I

iL
ma
It
huang

Diaphoretic Or "Release Natural distribution: Southern

Externally" China, Laos, Vietnam
Parts used: Tender young stems
Diaphoretic medicines are those Nature: Pungent and sweet; warm
which induce or increase perspiration Affinity: Heart, lungs, bladder
in order to release "evi\-qi" in cases of Effects: Diaphoretic; carminative;
external ailments, such as exposure antiseptic; emmenagogue
to excess wind, rain, or heat. The Indications: "Wind-cold" chills and
Internal Book of Huang Di states, "If fever; diarrhoea; nausea; menstrual
it's in the skin, sweat it out." These disorders
herbs are most effective in the initial Dosage: 1-5 g
stages of such ailments, before they Remarks: Fevers without sweat, use
have moved inward. with Ephedra sinica; with sweat, use
Diaphoretics are generally with Paeonia albiflora; for menstrual
pungent and warm by nature and disorders, use with Paeonia lactiflora,
tend to scatter qi. Used in excess, they Prunus persica, and Angelica sinensis
have adverse effects on fluid balance
and yang-energy. There are two
types: those used to dispel "wind-
cold" and those used to dispel "wind-
heat" symptoms.

>J"}'

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Mongolia, Europe
Parts used: Stems
Nature: Pungent and slightly bitter;
warm
Affinity: Lungs, bladder
Effects: Diaphoretic; stimulant to
respiration; dilate bronchi; diuretic
Indications: "Wind-cold" chills and
fever; bronchial asthma; hay fever
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: For asthma use with
almond; for "wind-cold" injury use
with cinnamon; for allergic skin
reaction use with mint and cicada
moltings. Roots are anti-diaphoretic

81
 PERILLA FRUTESCENS SCHIZONEPETA TENUIFOLIA LEDEBOURIELLA SESELDIDES
(Labiatae) (Labiatae) (Umbelliferae)

BEEFSTEAK PLANT JAPANESE CATNIP

>^
fiAViS
Zl su

Natural distribution: Sichuan,

Jiangxi
Parts used: Stems and leaves, floral
buds
Nature: Pungent and slightly bitter;

warm
Affinity: Lungs, liver
Effects: Diaphoretic; antipyretic; he-
mostatic
Indications: Fevers, chills, headache,
pains, and sore throat due to "wind-
cold"
Dosage: 4-11 g
Remarks: This drug is also quite
effective in stopping excess menstrual
or post-natal bleeding

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Japan
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Pungent and sweet; slightly
warm
Affinity: Bladder, spleen, liver
Effects: Analgesic in "wind-moist"
symptoms; antipyretic; expectorant;
astringent; hemostatic
Natural distribution: Southern Indications: Pains and aches in
China, Taiwan, Japan, India muscles and joints due to all wind
Parts used: Stems and leaves injuries
Nature: Pungent; warm Dosage: 4-7 g
Affinity: Lungs, spleen Remarks: Especially effective in
Effects: Diaphoretic; antitussive; "wind-moist" ailments
stomachic; diuretic
Indications: Cold, headache, fever,
chills due to "wind-cold;" allergic
reactions to fish and shellfish
Dosage: 7-10 g
Remarks: Especially effective for any
type of congestion in chest and
abdomen

82
 ASARUM SIEBOLDII ANGELICA ANOMALA ELSHOLTZIA SPLENDENS
(Aristolochiaceae) (Umbelliferae) (Labiatae)

Natural distribution: Northern China,

Japan
Parts used: Whole plant, roots are best
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys
Effects: Diaphoretic; expectorant;
sedative; analgesic
Indications: All types of colds,
fevers, chills, and headaches
Dosage: 2-5 g
Remarks: Effective relief for all types
of pain in the head, including acute
toothaches; the powdered herb is

stuffed into the navel to eliminate

abscesses in the mouth

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Roots
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Analgesic in wind-injury; re- Natural distribution: China, Japan,
duces swelling; antidote Korea, Vietnam, Laos
Indications: Colds, headaches, aches Parts used: Whole plant, with
and pains due to wind-injury; ab- flowers
scesses and swelling; leucorrhoea; Nature: Pungent; slightly warm
congestion; snake-bites Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Dosage: 4-7 g Effects: Diaphoretic; carminative;
Remarks: Important ingredient in stomachic; diuretic
antidote potions for poisonous Indications: Ailments and swelling
snake-bites from "moist-excess;" "wind-cold" in-
juries; summer chills; nausea and
diarrhoea
Dosage: 4-8 g
Remarks: This herb is also used to
eliminate bad breath

83
 ALLIUM FISTUIOSUM MENTHA ARVENS1S
(Liliaceae) (Labiatae)

CHINESE "SPRING ONIONS' FIELD MINT

Natural distribution: China, Remarks: For "wind-heat" injury

Southeast Asia, Europe
Parts used: Tender stalks and leaves
Nature: Pungent; cool
Affinity: Lung, liver
Effects: Diaphoretic; carminative;
stomachic; stimulant
Indications: Colds, headaches, and
sore throat due to "wind-heat"
Dosage: 2-4
make a decoction with chrysanthe-
mum and Schizonepeta tenuifolia;
ground to a fine powder and blown
down the throat with a tube, it gives
great relief for sore throats due to
"wind-heat"

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Mongolia, Siberia
Parts used: White stalks and rootlets,
fresh plant only
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Diaphoretic; stomachic; anti-
septic
Indications: Colds and chills from
wind injuries;stomach ache
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: A paste of this fresh herb
with honey is used as ointment for
abscesses and pus-infections; a
decoction with fresh ginger-root and
raw sugar is highly effective in elim-
inating wind-chills

84
 MAGNOLIA LILIFIDRA ARCTIUM LAPPA MORUS ALBA
(Magnoliaceae) (Compositae) (Moraceae)
MAGNOLIA TREE GREAT BURDOCK WHITE MULBERRY TREE

Natural distribution: Northern China,

Europe
Parts used: Seeds, sometimes the root
Nature: Pungent and bitter; cold
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Antipyretic; antiphlogistic-
diuretic; expectorant; anti-toxic
Indications: All "wind-heat" ail-
ments; throat infections; pneumonia;
inflammations of urinal tract; ab-
scesses
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: A tincture of the seed
applied topically is effective in curing
psoriasis inveterata, hemorrhoids, and
chronic sores

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Unopened floral buds
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Lungs, stomach Natural distribution: China, Japan,
Effects: Analgesic; decongestant Southeast Asia
Indications: All ailments of the nose; Parts used: Leaves
sinusitis Nature: Bitter and sweet; cold
Dosage: 5-8 g Affinity: Lungs, liver
Remarks: Incompatible with Astra- Effects: Antipyretic; sedative to liver;
galus membranaceus improves vision; refrigerant
Indications: Colds, headache and
coughs due to "wind-heat" injury;
swelling and pain in the eyes
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: The root is used as an

antitussive and expectorant in

asthma, bronchitis, and coughs

85
 CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM PUERARIA IDBATA
(Compositae) (Leguminosae)

CHRYSANTHEMUM

ju hua

Natural distribution: China, Japan to "wind-heat" injury; swelling and

Rowers
Parts used: aches in the eyes; dizziness and head-
Nature: Sweet and bitter; slightly aches due to liver inflammation
cold Dosage: 4-10 g
Affinity: Lungs, liver Remarks: An infusion is used as an
Effects: Antipyretic; improves vision; eye-wash in conjunctivitis; it is
anti-toxic; refrigerant; sedative; applied internally and externally for
lowers blood pressure abscesses
Indications: Headache and fever due

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Root
Nature: Sweet and bitter; neutral
Affinity: Spleen, stomach
Effects: Antipyretic; demulcent; re-
frigerant
Indications: Cold, fever, and chills
with attendant aches in shoulders,
neck and back; dry throat and
stomach
Dosage: 4-11 g
Remarks: Especially effective in
relaxing tight, painful muscles in
neck, shoulders and back due to
"wind-heat" injury
 BUPLEURUM FALCATUM GLYCINE MAX CRYPTOTYMPANA PUSTULATA
(Umbelliferae) (Leguminosae) (Cicadidae)

HARE'S EAR BLACK SOYBEAN CICADA

SjjjlM.
chan tui

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Seeds (beans) of black
variety
Nature: Sweet and slightly bitter;
cold
Affinity: Lung, stomach
Effects: Carminative; sedative; anti-
pyretic
and head-
Indications: Colds, fevers,
aches due to "wind-heat" injury;
oppression in chest; insomnia
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: Black soybeans must be
fermented before becoming medi-
cally useful

Natural distribution: China, Taiwan,

Japan
Parts used: Exuviae (molting)
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Lungs, liver
Effects: Antipyretic; antispasmodic
Indications: Cataracts; "wind-heat"
injuries; convulsions
Natural distribution: Northern Dosage: 3-5 g
China, northern Europe Remarks: For cataracts, mix with
Parts used: Root Chrysanthemum morifolium
Nature: Bitter; neutral
Affinity: Pericardium, liver, triple-
warmer, gall bladder
Effects: Antipyretic; sedative to liver
Indications: Intermittant fevers and
malaria; blackwater fever
chills;

Dosage: 2-5 g
Remarks: This herb is quite effective
in treatingprolapse of internal
organs such as rectum, womb, etc

87
 RHEUM OFFICINALE ,
MIRABILITE
(Polygonaceae) (Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate)

RHUBARB GLAUBER'S SALT

e«i mang xiao

Purgative, Cathartic, And

Natural distribution: Western China,
Laxative Or "Purge Down" Tibet
Parts used: Rhizomes
All herbs which induce evacuation of Nature: Bitter; cold
the bowels fall into this category. The Affinity: Spleen, stomach, large in-
strong, fast-acting drugs which purge testine, pericardium, liver
drastically are called purgative; Effects: Purgative (2-5 g); laxative
medium-strength herbs are called (1-2 g); astringent (0.3 g) refrigerant;
cathartic; and mild, gentle drugs emmenagogue
which act mainly by lubrication of Indications: Constipation; amen-
the large intestine are referred to as orrhoea; eye pressure from liver in-
laxative. In addition to various other flammation; energy and blood stag-
organs, these herbs have a strong
all nation due to traumatic injury
affinity for the large intestine and/or Dosage: see above
its connected organ, the lungs. Remarks: The powdered herb ap-
These medications have three plied to burns relieves pain and
basic effects: they induce or facilitate swelling
loose bowel movements in order to
eliminate stagnant food and accu-
mulated faeces from the intestinal
tract; they tend to "clear heat" and
"purge fire" from the system by
forcing these excesses out through
the bowels with the faeces; they expel
excess liquidsand reduce swelling by
driving out "water-evil" through the Natural distribution: Common
faeces and urine. world-wide
Strong purgatives should only be Parts used: Crystals
used for acute constipation in strong, Nature: Salty, pungent and bitter;
otherwise healthy patients. Cathartics very cold
and laxatives are more appropriate Affinity: Stomach, large intestine,
for chronic constipation, as well as triple-warmer
children, the elderly, and the weak. Effects: Purgative
Indications: Constipation due to heat
excess
Dosage: 10-18 g
Remarks: Used with Rheum offi-
cinale for constipation; used as eye
wash and gargle for heat excess
symptoms and on abscesses; the
powdered drug is rubbed on the
nipples to wean children from breast-
feeding; a paste of this drug with
Rheum officinale and fresh garlic
cloves is taped tightlyover the
appendix in cases of acute appendi-
citis

88
 CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA ALOE BARBADENS1S CANNABIS SATIVA
(Leguminosae) (Liliaceae) (Cannabinaceae)

TINNEVELLY SENNA BARBADOS or CURACAO AIDE HEMP

Natural distribution: Western Africa,

West Indies, India
Parts used: Condensed juice of the
fresh leaves
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Liver, stomach, large intes-
tine
Effects: Purgative (0.3-1 g); laxative
(0.06-0.2 g);
Indications: stomachic (0.01-0.03 g)
refrigerant; antiseptic; emmenagogue
sedative to liver Chronic constipation
dizziness, headache and delirium due
to liver inflammations; intestinal
parasites
Dosage: 0.01-1 g
Remarks: Does not lose effect with
prolonged use, so is good for chronic
cases of constipation

Natural distribution: India, Arabia,

Africa
Parts used: Leaflets Natural distribution: China, India,
Nature: Sweet and bitter; very cold Afghanistan, Indochina, North
Affinity: Large intestine Africa
Effects: Purgative (4-8 g); cathartic Parts used: Seeds
(1-3 g); laxative (0.5-1 g) Nature: Sweet; neutral
Indications: Constipation from heat Affinity: Spleen, stomach, large
excess intestine
Dosage: see above Effects: Laxative; emollient; de-
Remarks: Doses over 5 g may cause mulcent; antitussive; antiseptic;
unpleasant symptoms of nausea, antidote
vomiting and stomach ache Indications: Constipation due to
fluid deficiency, especially in old age
and post-natal
Dosage: 11 g
Remarks: Every part is used in
medicine; the stalk is diuretic; the oil
is demulcent for dry throat; the male
flowers are used in wind-injury and
menstrual disorders; the resinous
female flowers are slightly poi-
sonous, are stimulant to the central
nervous system, and are used in
nervous disorders; used in excess,
remarks Li Shizhen, the latter will
induce "hallucinations and an
unsteady gait."

89
 PRUNUS JAPONICA APIS MELUFERA EUPHORBIA KANSUI
(Rosaceae) (Apidae) (Euphorbiaceae)

CHINESE PLUM TREE HONEY

*€ Mi
teng mi

Natural distribution: Common

world-wide
Nature: Sweet; neutral
Affinity: Lungs, spleen, large intes-
tine
Effects: Laxative; demulcent; nutri-
ent; emollient in chronic bronchitis,
dry throat and mouth
Dosage: 10-75 g
Indications: Remarks: Honey is the
base for making most herbal pill

prescriptions; should be avoided by

those with chronic loose bowels

Natural distribution: Sichuan,

Jiangsu
Parts used: Kernel of the seeds
Nature: Pungent, bitter and sweet; Natural distribution: China, Korea,
neutral Japan
Affinity: Large intestine, small intes- Parts used: Roots
tine, spleen Nature: Bitter; cold
Effects: Laxative; emollient; diuretic; Affinity: Lungs, spleen, kidneys
reduces swelling Effects: Purgative; diuretic; reduces
Indications: Constipation due to swelling; expectorant
fluid deficiency; water-retention Indications: Constipation; water re-
Dosage: 4-7 g tention; swelling; oppression in
Remarks: May cause slight abdo- chest; epilepsy; external application
minal discomfort when taking for pain and numbness in muscles
effect against constipation Dosage: 2-4 g
Remarks: Mildy poisonous; the drug
is strong and should be used cau-

tiously; should be avoided by preg-

nant women, the weak and elderly

90
 PHARBITIS NIL CROTQN TIGLIUM
(Convolvulaceae) (Euphorbiaceae)

BLUE MORNING GLORY PURGING CRCTON

qian niu zi

Natural distribution: China, India Natural distribution: Southwestern

Parts used: Seeds China, Burma, Laos, Vietnam
Nature: Bitter; cold Parts used: Mature seeds
Affinity: Lungs, kidneys, large intes- Nature: Pungent; hot
tine Affinity: Stomach, large intestine
Effects: Cathartic; diuretic; reduces Effects: Drastic purgative; expec-
swelling; expectorant; antithelmintic torant; external irritant to erupt
Indications: Constipation; water re- abscesses and boils
tention; intestinal parasites Indications: Acute constipation due
Dosage: 1-2 g to "cold-excess;" swelling and other
Remarks: Mildly poisonous; the forms of water retention; respiratory
herb is very drying and should be difficulties due to phlegm accumula-
used in small doses sporadically, not tion; epilepsy; abscesses
regularly Dosage: 0.04-0.1 g
Remarks: Highly poisonous; the
strongest of all purgatives; should be
used in small doses sporadically; the
croton oil extracted from the seeds is
very potent in external treatment of
abscesses, boils, carbuncles, etc

<*^&j 91
 GYPSUM FIBROSUM
(Calcium sulfate)

GYPSUM

Antipyretic, Refrigerant Or
"Clearing Heat"

Antipyretics and refrigerants are excess in that vital bodily humour.

those drugs which "clear up internal "Clear heat, expel poison" type
heat." They are used against all herbs eliminate natural toxins,
ailments and symptoms caused by such as pus, produced in the body
excess internal heat: dysentery due to heat excess; they are also
ulcers, abscesses, carbuncles, sore general antidotes.
and swollen eyes, hot throat and "Clear heat, dry dampness" drugs
parched mouth, heat-rash, liver and are used against symptoms of
gland inflammations, dizziness, de- "damp-full" and "damp-hot" ex-
lirium, jaundice, insomnia, and cess, such as summer colds, aching
others The Internal Book of Huang joints and muscles, leukorrhoea,
Di instructs, "If it's hot, cool it down." jaundice, etc
Chinese herbal manuals distin- "Clear empty-heat" items are used
guish six sub-categories of heat- in cases of "dry-hot" excess and in
clearing herbs: heat injuries caused by blood or
energy deficiency.
"Purge-fire" types are used when
the body is literally "over-heated" These drugs are all "cold" or "cool"
from excess "hot" and "full" con- yin medicines. Those with yang-
ditions. energy deficiency and/or weak
"Clear liver, brighten eyes" herbs stomach and spleen should use these
are used against liver inflamma- items sparingly.
tions and attendant symptoms,
such as sore, swollen, and red
eyes, blurry vision, headaches,
etc
"Clear heat, cool blood" medi-
cines go directly to the blood to
"cool" down side-effects of heat

Natural distribution: Common

world-wide
Parts used: Crystal
Nature: Pungent, sweet; very cold
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Antipyretic; antiphlogistic-
astringent
Indications: Physical and emotional
symptoms of heat excess: body heat,
thirst, heat rash, headache, tooth-
ache; heat excess in stomach and
lungs; coughs due to asthma and
bronchitis; external application to
abscesses and burns
Dosage: 10-35 g

92
 •J

ANEMARRHENA GARDENIA JASMINOIDES PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS

ASPHODELDIDE5 (Rubiaceae) (Gramineae)
(Liliaceae) GARDENIA REED GRASS

zhi mu lu gen

Natural distribution: China, Taiwan,

Japan
Parts used: Mature fruit
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Heart, liver, lungs, stomach
Effects: Antipyretic; refrigerant to
blood; antidote; antiphlogistic;
hemostatic
Indications: Heat excess ailments:
fever, restlessness, irritability, nose-
bleeds,blood in urine and sputum,
swollen and sore eyes, abscesses
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: A paste of the herb with
flour and wine is used as poultice on
twists, sprains, strains, bruises, and
abscesses; very effective in injuries to
tendons, ligaments, joints, and
muscles

Natural distribution: Common

world-wide
Natural distribution: Northern Parts used: Roots and stems
China Nature: Sweet; cold
Parts used: Rhizomes and stems Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Nature: Bitter; cold Effects: Antipyretic; demulcent; re-
Affinity: Lungs, stomach, kidneys frigerant to stomach and lungs
Effects: Antipyretic; demulcent; tonic Indications: Body heat, thirst and
to kidneys parched throat due to heat excess;
Indications: Body heat, irritability vomiting due to excess stomach heat;
thirst, insomnia, etc due
heat to coughing and thick, dark phlegm
excess; pneumonia and
chronic due to excess lung heat
bronchitis; "yin-empty" ailments Dosage: 20-40 g
Dosage: 3-7 g Remarks: The herb is an antidote in
Remarks: This drug is incompatible food poisoning, especially from
with iron preparations seafood

93
 PHYLLOSTACHYS [genus] PRUNELLA VULGARIS CELOSIA ARGENTEA
(Gramineae) (Labiatae) (Amarantaceae)

VARIOUS SPECIES OF BAMBOO SELF-HEAL or HEAL-ALL

zhu ye xia ku cao

Natural distribution: Central China,

Japan
Parts used: Leaves
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Heart, small intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; diuretic; anti-
spasmodic
Indications: Body heat, thirst, ir-

ritability, abscesses in mouth, dark

and scanty urine due to heat excess
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: The fresh leaves are more
effective for heat excess symptoms in
stomach, heart, and parts above; the
dried leaves are better for diuretic
purposes

Natural distribution: Northern Natural distribution: Southern

China, northern Europe, North China, India, Sri Lanka, Africa,
America America
Parts used: Rowers and kernels (in- Parts used: Seeds
florescence) Nature: Bitter; slightly cold
Nature: Pungent and bitter; cold Affinity: Liver
Affinity: Liver, gall bladder Effects: Antipyretic and antiphlo-
Effects: Antipyretic; refrigerant to gistic to liver; astringent in conjunc-
liver; diuretic; reduces swelling of tivitis
^lymph glands Indications: High blood pressure, all
Indications: Jaundice: sore and attendant eye problems
swollen eyeballs; over-sensitivity to Dosage: 6-15 g
light; headache and dizziness; gout; Remarks: A recent, effective new
scrofula; high blood pressure application of this drug is to mix it
Dosage: 5-7 g with Chrysanthemum and Prunella
Remarks: This drug is highly effec- vulgaris for high blood pressure
tive in all symptoms of jaundice

94
 NELUMBO NUCIFERA CASSIA TORA
(Nymphaeaceae) (Leguminosae)
LOTUS SICKLE SENNA

Natural distribution: Asia, Australia plant is used in medicine: the stem

Parts used: Leaves relieves congestion in chest due to
Nature: Bitter; neutral "damp-heat" excess; the peduncle is
Affinity: Liver, spleen, stomach used for stomach aches, to calm the
Effects: Antipyretic; refrigerant foetus, and leukorrhoea; the seeds
Indications: Summer-heat ailments; are used insomnia, sperma-
for
oppression in chest; pressure in head; torrhoea, and diarrhoea; the stamens
thirst; dark and scanty urine are a preventive for premature
Dosage: Vi of a leaf per dose ejaculation
Remarks: Every part of the lotus

Natural distribution: Southern

China, Indochina, India, Southeast
Asia
Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Sweet, bitter and salty;
slightly cold
Affinity: Liver, gall bladder
Effects: Antipyretic to liver; laxative;
promotes clear vision
Indications: All eye problems due to
liver inflammation: swelling, sore-
ness, over-sensitivity to light, etc
Dosage: 5-8 g
Remarks: A very natural-acting
laxative; safe and effective for chro-
nic constipation; it also lowers blood
pressure effectively

95
 REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA LITHOSPERMUM RHINOCEROS UNICORNIS
(Scrophulariaceae) (Rhinocerotidae)
ERYTHRORHIZON
(Boraginaceae) RHINO HORN

Natural distribution: Northern

China
Parts used: Root
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Heart, liver, kidneys, small
intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; "cools" and
tonifies the blood; cardiotonic;
demulcent; hemostatic; diuretic
Indications: Body heat and heat rash
due to internal heat excess; yin-
deficiency due to heat injuries;
diabetes
Dosage: 5-8 g
Remarks: A strong cardiovascular
tonic, excellent for patients with
weak hearts; this drug effectively
lowers blood sugar

Natural distribution: Northern Natural distribution: Africa, India

China, Japan Parts used: Horn
Parts used: Roots Nature: Bitter, sour and salty; cold
Nature: Sweet; cold Affinity: Heart, liver, stomach
Affinity: Heart, liver Effects: Antipyretic; cardiotonic-
Effects: Antipyretic; "cools" the antispasmodic; hemostatic; antidote
blood; antidote to body toxins in- Indications: Persistent and serious
duced by heat excess symptoms of internal heat excess:
Indications: Heat-rash, itchy skin, nosebleed, blood in sputum, diz-
etc due to internal heat excess; ziness, delirium, heat
convulsions,
measles rash, painful dark and scanty urine
Dosage: 5-8 g Dosage: 1-2 g
Remarks: The drug is applied as an Remarks: This drug is very expen-
external emollient to eczema, ab- sive today; water-buffalo horn is

scesses, and burns; the oil is effective often substituted, though not as
it is

for diaper rash potent and requires larger doses (lOg)

96
 BOS TAURUS DOMESTICUS
BUBALUS BUBALIS
or PAEONIA MOUTAN PAEONIA LACTIFLDRA
(Bovidae) (Ranunculaceae) (Ranunculaceae)
GALL STONES FROM COW or TREE PEONY CHINESE WHITE PEONY
WATER-BUFFALO

Natural distribution: Common Natural distribution: China,

world-wide Manchuria, Siberia, Japan
Parts used: Bezoar Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter and sweet; cool Nature: Bitter; slightly cold
Affinity: Heart, liver Affinity: Liver
Effects: Antipyretic; diuretic; cardio- Effects: Antipyretic; hemostatic; anti-
tonic; sedative; antispasmodic; anti- septic; emmenagogue
dote Indications: All symptoms of heat
Indications: Body heat, irritability, excess; heat rash; amenorrhoea;
and delirium due to internal heat ulcers; intestinal infections
excess; spasms; sore, swollen, or Dosage: 5-10 g
infected throat; abscesses and sores Remarks: Two varieties are distin-
of heat excess guished: white and red; white variety
Dosage: 0.2-0.4 g is tonic to blood and yin-energy; red
Remarks: The genuine item is hard to variety is hemostatic and promotes
find and very expensive; substitutes circulation
refined from the extract of cow's or
pig's gall bladder fluid are common
and also quite effective

Natural distribution: Northern

China
Parts used: Skin of the roots
Nature: Pungent and bitter; slightly
cold
Affinity: Heart, liver, kidneys
Effects: Antipyretic; "cools" the
blood; promotes circulation; anti-
coagulant; emmenagogue; antiseptic;
diuretic
Indications: All symptoms of heat
excess: blood insputum and urine,
nosebleeds, irritability and others;
yin-deficiencydue to heat excess
damage; amenorrhoea; ulcers; infec-
tions in intestinal tract
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: The drug has highly effec-
tive antiseptic action against a broad
range of germs

97
 1SATIS TINCTORIA SCROPHULAR1A NINGPOENSIS MPERATA CYLINDRICA
(Crucifereae) (Scrohpulariaceae) (Gramineae)

Natural distribution: China, Japan Natural distribution: Northern

Parts used: Leaves China, Japan
Nature: Bitter; very cold Parts used: Roots
Affinity: Heart, stomach Nature: Bitter and salty; cold
Effects: Antipyretic; antiphlogistic; Affinity: Lungs, stomach, kidneys
antidote; antiseptic Effects: Antipyretic, antiphlogistic;
Indications: Delirium, fainting spells, refrigerant; tonic to yin-energy;
heat rash, dry and sore throat, antidote
abscesses, and swelling due to in- Indications: All heat excess symp-
ternal heat excess; erysipelas toms: delirium, insomnia, red sore
Dosage: 7-15 g and swollen eyes, abscesses and car-
Remarks: Effective preventive in buncles, thirst, inflamed tongue, etc.;
chronic encephalitis; suppresses or laryngitis; tonsillitis
killsa broad range of germs Dosage: 7-10 g
Remarks: Small doses are cardio-
tonic; large doses impede cardiac
functions; the drug also lowers blood
sugar

Natural distribution: South China,

India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Africa
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Antipyretic; diuretic; de-
mulcent; hemostatic
Indications: All symptoms of heat
excess;nausea or vomiting due to dry
stomach; cough due to dry lungs;
blood in sputum and urine
Dosage: 10-35 g
Remarks: Strong hemostatic action;
promotes immediate coagulation in
bleeding wounds; suppresses bruising
and other forms of internal bleeding

98
 IDNICERA IAPONICA FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA TARAXACUM OFFICINALE
(Caprifoliaoeae) (Oleaceae) (Compositae)

JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE GOLDEN BELL ANDELION

S£Sf?I72B
jin yin hua

Natural distribution: China, Japan, Natural distribution: Temperate

Korea zones of the world
Parts used: Rowers Parts used: Whole plant
Nature: Sweet; cold Nature: Bitter and sweet; cold
Affinity: Lungs, stomach, heart, Affinity: Liver, stomach
spleen Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; re-
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; re- duces swelling
frigerant Indications: Breast tumors; ab-
Indications: Heat-injury moving scesses; tumors and clots in lungs
from external to internal areas: sore, Dosage: 10-30 g
inflamed and swollen throat, blood Remarks: The juice squeezed from
in stool and sputum; ulcers the fresh plants is applied directly to
Dosage: 10-17 g poisonous snake-bites as antidote
Remarks: The entire plant is used in
medicine; and infusion of the fresh
flowers is applied externally to skin
sores and infections

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Japan
Parts used: Fruit
Nature: Bitter; slightly cold
Affinity: Heart, gall bladder
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; anti-
phlogistic
Indications: Heat-injury moving
from external to internal areas: excess
body heat, thirst, irritability, heat
rash; swelling of lymph glands;
erysipelas; breast tumors
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: Similar action as Lonicera
japonica; used in combination, their
efficacy is greatly enhanced

99
 YEDOENSIS BELAMCANDA CHINENSIS SOPHORA SUBPROSTRATA
(Violaceae) (Iridaceae) (Leguminosae)

WILD CHINESE VIOLET BLACKBERRY LILY, PIGEON PEA

LEOPARD FLOWER

%J
zi hua
m
di ding
1 guang dou gen

Natural distribution: China, Indo-

china, Japan, India
Parts used: Whole plant
Nature: Bitter and pungent; cold
Affinity: Heart, liver
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; anti-
phlogistic
Indications: Abscesses; carbuncles;
boils; ulcers
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: Juice of the fresh root is

applied externally to abscesses; juice

of the fresh whole plant is applied
directly to poisonous snake-bites as
antidote

Natural distribution: Southern Natural distribution: Southern

China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos China, Indochina, India
Parts used: Rhizomes and stems Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; cold Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Lungs, liver Affinity: Heart, lungs
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote, ex- Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; anti-
pectorant; antiphlogistic to upper phlogistic to respiratory tract
respiratory tract Indications: Throat inflammations
Indications: Upper respiratory in- and infections
flammations; excess phlegm, sputum Dosage: 3-8 g
due to asthma or bronchitis; coughs Remarks: Excellent antidote for
Dosage: 3-6 g natural internal toxins produced in
Remarks: Slightly poisonous body due to heat excess

100
 LYCOPERDON PERLATUM CANARIUM ALBUM PULSATILLA CHINENSIS
(Lycoperdaceae) (Burseraceae) (Ranunculaceae)

PUFF BALL CHINESE OLIVE CHINESE ANEMONE

fej El j
gan Ian bai tou weng

Natural distribution: Common Natural distribution: Northern

world-wide China, Japan, Korea
Parts used: Spore dust Parts used: Roots
Nature: Pungent; neutral Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Lungs Affinity: Stomach, large intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; anti- Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; re-
phlogistic to respiratory tract; frigerant; antidysenteric
antitussive; hemostatic Indications: Amoebic dysentery
Indications:Respiratory problems Dosage: 5-10 g
due to extreme heat excess; excess Remarks: One of the most effective
heat in lungs of all drugs for amoebic dysentery;
Dosage: 1-2 g can be used singly in decoction
Remarks: This drug is also applied
externally to bleeding wounds to
promote coagulation

Natural distribution: Southeastern

China, Indochina
Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Sweet and sour; neutral
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; anti-
phlogistic; astringent
Indications: All symptoms of heat
excess in stomach and lungs; phar-
yngitis
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: The fruits are slowly
chewed and swallowed to dissolve
fish-bones lodged in the throat; the
drug is a good antidote for seafood
poisoning and allergic reactions
 PORTULACA OLERACEA BRUCEA JAVAN1CA SCUTELLARIA BARBATA
(Portulacaceae) (Simaroubaceae) (Labiatae)

PURSLANE

HB^P
Natural distribution: Southern Natural distribution: China, Japan
China, India, Sumatra Parts used: Whole plant
Parts used: Fruits Nature: Bitter; cold
Nature: Bitter; cold Affinity: (Affinity not determined)
Affinity: Large intestine Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; di-
Effects: Antidysenteric; anthelmintic; uretic; hemostatic; reduces swellings
antipyretic Indications: Abscessesand boils due
Indications: Chronic amoebic dysen- poisonous snake-bites;
to heat excess;
tery; intermittent dysentery; malaria; ulcers in stomach and lungs; cancer
corns in lungs, stomach and intestines
Dosage: Malaria — 7-12 fruits 3 times Dosage: 10-30 g
a day for 5-7 days; dysentery 10-15 — Remarks: This herb was discovered
fruits 3 times a day for 7 days after Li Shizhen's time (Ming); its

Remarks: The drug has strong natural affinities have not been de-
antiseptic action against amoebic and termined; it has been found effective
malarial germs, intestinal parasites, in treating certain forms of cancer
and vaginal infections

Natural distribution: China, Europe,

North America
Parts used: Whole plant
Nature: Sour; cold
Affinity: Liver, large intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; refrig-
erant; antidysenteric; antiphlogistic
Indications: Amoebic dysentery; hem-
orrhoids; abscesses due to heat excess
Dosage: 10-30 g
Remarks: The Chinese eat this plant
as a vegetable; may be used safely in
high dosages; the fresh herb is best
for all therapeutic purposes

102
 COPTIS SINENSIS SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS PHELIDDENDRON AMURENSE
(Ranunculaceae) (Labiatae) (Rutaceae)

MISHMI BITTER _ \L SKULLCAP SIBERIAN CORK TREE

huang Han

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Manchuria, Siberia
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Heart, lungs, gall bladder,
large intestine, small intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; antidote; refrig-
erant; drying; sedative to restless
foetus
Indications: Ailments of "full" and
"hot" excess: oppression in chest,
thirst with no desire for water,
dysentery and diarrhoea, jaundice,
body heat, irritability, blood in stool
and sputum, nosebleeds
Dosage: 5-8 g
Remarks: The drug also lowers
blood pressure, has sedative effects
on the central nervous system, and is
antiseptic against a broad range of
germs

Natural distribution: Central China,

northern India
Parts used: Rhizomes
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Heart, liver, stomach, large
intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; drying; anti-
dote; refrigerant Natural distribution: Northern
Indications: Ailments of "full" and China, Japan, Siberia
"hot" excess: oppression in chest, Parts used: Bark
jaundice, dysentery and diarrhoea, Nature: Bitter; cold
abscesses, heat stroke, nosebleeds Affinity: Kidneys, bladder, large in-
Dosage: 3-5 g testine
Remarks: Juice of the fresh root is Effects: Antipyretic: drying, refri-

used as eye wash for sore, red and gerant; antidote

swollen eyes and as gargle for Indications: Ailments of "damp-
abscesses in mouth; strong suppres- heat" excess: diarrhoea, jaundice,
sive action against broad range of painful urination, dark leukorrhoea,
germs and toxins vaginal swelling and pain, arthritic
and rheumatic pain; skin diseases;
yin-deficiency; nocturnal emissions
Dosage: 5 g
Remarks: Strong antiseptic action in
dysentery, enteritis, cystitis, ure-
thritis; also lowers blood pressure
and blood sugar

103
 GENTIANA SCABRA FRAXINUS BUNGEANA SOPHORA FLAVESCENS
(Gentianaceae) (Oleaceae) (Leguminosae)

GENTIAN ROOT NORTHERN ASH

Natural distribution: China Natural distribution: China

Parts used: Roots Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; cold Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Liver, gall bladder Affinity: Heart, liver, large intestine,
Effects: Antipyretic; drying; refrig- small intestine, stomach
erant; stomachic Effects: Antipyretic; drying, anthel-
Indications:"Damp-heat" excess ail- mintic
ments: jaundice, dark leukorrhoea, Indications: "Damp-heat" ailments:
pain and swelling in scrotum, head- dysentery and diarrhoea, jaundice,
aches, sore eyes, chest pains; leukorrhoea, vaginal infections, sores
tantrums in children and itchy skin, allergic reactions;
Dosage: 3-8 g leprosy
Remarks: Taken in small doses half Dosage: 4-7 g
an hour before meals, the drug pro- Remarks: Used internally and exter-
motes digestion by inducing secre- nally, the drug is an excellent remedy
tion of digestive juices in stomach; for sores, pruritus and other skin
taken after meals, it will impair flow ailments
of digestive juices and impede diges-
tion

Natural distribution: Northern

China
Parts used: Bark
Nature: Bitter and sour; cold
Affinity: Liver, gall bladder, large
intestine
Effects: Antipyretic; drying; pro-
motes vision
Indications: Dysentery; painful
bowel movements; swollen, aching
and red eyes
Dosage: 5-8 g
Remarks: A decoction of this herb is
used as antiphlogistic eye wash

U,
 LYCIUM CHINENSE ARTEMISIA ANNUA CYNANCHUM ATRATUM
(Solanaceae) (Compositae) (Asclepiadaceae)
CHINESE WOLFBERRY, SWEET WORMWOOD
BOX THORN

di gu pi

Natural distribution: China, Japan Natural distribution: Northern

Parts used: Skin of the roots China, Japan
Nature: Sweet and plain; cold Parts used: Roots
Affinity: Lungs, kidneys Nature: Bitter and salty; cold
Effects: Antipyretic; refrigerant; anti- Affinity: Liver, stomach
tussive Effects: Antipyretic; refrigerant to
Indications: Ailments of heat excess blood; diuretic
in lungs:asthma, coughs, blood in Indications: Extreme and prolonged
sputum; blood in urine; body heat, ailments of heat excess: coughs due
feversdue to yin-deficiency to excess heat in lungs; heat excess
Dosage: 10-15 g due to yin-deficiency; painful, hot,
Remarks: The fresh root lowers and scanty urine
blood pressure and blood sugar Dosage: 4-7 g

Natural distribution: China,

Vietnam, Siberia, India
Parts used: Stems and leaves
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Liver, gall bladder
Effects: Antipyretic
Indications: Summer colds; sweatless
fevers; malaria; nocturnal sweats;
heat excess
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: An excellent refrigerant
remedy in ailments of "empty-hot"
excess

105
 AGASTACHE RUGOSA EUPATQRIUM FORTUNEI
(Labiatae) (Compositae)

Aromatic Dehydrators Or Natural distribution: China, Japan

"Transform Moisture" Parts used: Stems and leaves
Nature: Pungent; neutral
Drugs which are aromatic and tend Affinity: Spleen, stomach
to drive out or convert excess moist- Effects: Drying; stomachic; anti-
ure in the body fall under this pyretic; diaphoretic
category. The spleen is the organ Indications: Ailments of damp excess
most sensitive to damp excess, which in spleen and stomach: dyspepsia,
impedes its digestive and distributive oppression in chest, nausea and
functions. Therefore, these herbs are vomiting, diarrhoea, pressure and
also called "spleen restoratives." pain in abdomen; summer chills
They employed against slug-
are Dosage: 3-10 g
gish stagnation of bloodand energy, Remarks: A highly effective pre-
impeded spleen function and other ventive remedy for heat stroke and
damp excess ailments. Common summer colds when mixed with
symptoms of such ailments are Agastache rugosa
oppressive sensations in the chest,
vomiting bile, loose bowels, lack of
appetite, fatigue, a sweet taste in the
mouth, profuse saliva, or white and
slippery tongue fur. Injuries of"damp
heat" and "damp summer heat," such
as excess phlegm in the respiratory
tract, are also remedied with these
herbs.
Most of the drugs in this category
are "pungent" and "warm" in nature.
They are all aromatics which tend to
dehydrate the system and thus have
adverse effects on yin-energy and Natural distribution: China, Japan,
fluid balance. Patients with yin- Vietnam, Laos
deficiency, fluid-deficiency or qi- Parts used: Leaves and stems
deficiency should use them with Nature: Pungent and sweet; slightly
caution. warm
Affinity: Spleen, stomach, lungs
Effects: Drying, stomachic; carmina-
tive; diaphoretic
Indications: Damp excess in stomach
and spleen:oppression in chest,
nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea;
sluggishness and oppression due to
"damp summer heat" excess; external
injuries of "wind-cold"
Dosage: 5-7 g
Remarks: A highly effective pre-
ventive for heat stroke and summer
colds

106
 ATRACTYIDDES CHINENSIS MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS AMOMUM XANTHIOIDES
(Compositae) (Magnoliaceae) (Zingiberaceae)

MAGNOLIA GRAINS-OF-PARADISE

cang zhu

Natural distribution: China, Japan,

Korea
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; warm
Affinity: Spleen, stomach
Effects: Drying; stomachic; elimin-
ates "wind-damp" symptoms
Indications: Ailments of damp excess
in spleen and stomach: diarrhoea,
nausea and vomiting, oppression in
chest and abdomen, leukorrhoea,
gastronenteritis; "damp-heat" in-
juries: aching joints and muscles,
swelling and pain in feet and legs,
weakness and sluggishness
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: Effective remedy for night
blindness

Natural distribution: Southern

China, Indochina
Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Spleen, stomach, kidneys
Effects: Drying; stomachic; digestive;
carminative; decongestant; sedative
to restless foetus
Indications: Damp excess in spleen
and stomach: oppression in chest
Natural distribution: Central China and abdomen, diarrhoea, dyspepsia;
Parts used: Bark nausea and vomiting during preg-
Nature: Bitter and pungent: warm nancy; restless foetus
Affinity: Spleen, stomach, lungs, Dosage: 2-4 g
large intestine
Effects: Drying; digestive; antiemetic
Indications: Ailments of damp excess
in spleen and stomach: abdominal
pressure and pain, oppression in
chest, excess phlegm in respiratory
tract, shortness of breath
Dosage: 6-10 g
Remarks: Especially effective in re-
lieving pressure, fullness and oppres-
sion in abdominal region

107
 PORIA COCOS (Polyporaceae) ALISMA PLANTAGO-AQUATICA
SUBTERRANEAN FUNGUS (Alismataceae)
(known as TUCKAHOE, INDIAN WATER PLANTAIN
BREAD, VIRGINIA TRUFFLE)

Diuretic Or "Pass Water, Natural distribution: Northern

Facilitate Urine"
China, northern Europe, North
America
Herbs whose primary pharmaco- Parts used: Tubers
dynamic effects are to eliminate Nature: Sweet; cold
excess water from the system by con- Affinity: Kidneys, bladder
verting it to urine and facilitating its Effects: Diuretic; refrigerant
passage through the bladder and Indications: Difficult urination;
ureter are called "diuretics." These swelling; diarrhoea; murky urine;
drugs all increase the quantity of leukorrhoea; excess phlegm
urine and frequency of urination. Dosage: 5-15 g
They are mostly of "sweet" and Remarks: Strong affinity for the
"plain" flavour and "neutral" energy. female genitalia
Diuretic herbs are used against all

symptoms of water retention, "damp-

heat," and "damp-cold" ailments.
Common symptoms are difficult
and/or painful urination, murky
urine, painful joints and sinews, Natural distribution: Common
jaundice, and rashes on skin,
sore world-wide
excess phlegm, swelling and leuko- Parts used: Fungal body
rrhoea. Nature: Sweet; neutral
Diuretics should be sparingly used Affinity: Heart, lungs, spleen, stom-
by patients suffering from yin-de- ach, kidneys
ficiency or fluid deficiency. Effects: Diuretic; stomachic; diges-
tive; sedative
Indications: Difficult urination;
swelling; oppression in abdomen;
lack of appetite; diarrhoea; excess
phlegm; coughing; insomnia; nerv-
ousness; heart palpitations
Dosage: 5-10 g

108
 PLANTAGO ASIATICA AKEBIA QU1NATA
(Plantaginaceae) (Lardizabalaceae)

COMMON PLANTAIN AKEBIA

Natural distribution: Eastern China, Indications: Abscesses on tongue and

Japan mouth; insomnia; restlessness; dark
Parts used: Stems and scanty urine; difficult and pain-
Nature: Bitter; cold ful urination; pain and swelling in
Affinity: Heart, lungs, small intes- feet and legs; insufficient lactation
tine, bladder Dosage: 4-7 g
Effects: Diuretic; antiphlogistic; pro- Remarks: The drug brewed together
motes lactation with pork knuckles is highly effective
in promoting lactation; doses should
not exceed 15 g a day

Natural distribution: Common

world-wide
Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Liver, kidneys, small intes-
tine, lungs
Effects: Diuretic; antidysenteric; ex-
pectorant; improves vision
Indications: Difficult or painful uri-
nation; diarrhoea of "full-hot" type;
aching and swollen eyes; blurry
vision; coughs; excess phlegm
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: This is the only diuretic
that also tonifies the kidneys and
appears in many aphrodisiac pre-
scriptions; it also lowers blood
pressure

109
 ARTEMISIA CAPILLARIS COIX LACRYMA-JOBI
(Compositae) (Gramineae)

CHINESE MOXA WEED JOB'S TEARS

yin chen hao

Natural distribution: Northern Natural distribution: China, India, Natural distribution: North
China, Japan, Taiwan Africa, America America, China
Parts used: Stems and leaves of the Parts used: Seeds Parts used: The pistils and stamens
young shoots Nature: Sweet and plain; slightly of the young flowers; the "corn-silk"
Nature: Bitter; neutral cold of the mature ears
Affinity: Spleen, stomach, liver, gall Affinity: Spleen, stomach, lungs Nature: Sweet; neutral (affinity not
bladder Effects: Diuretic; decongestant to determined; the herb was introduced
Effects: Diuretic; antipyretic lungs; digestive; refrigerant; anti- to China from North America after
Indications: Jaundice due to "damp- dysenteric Li Shizhen's time)
heat" excess Indications: Dark and scanty urine; Effects: Diuretic; reduces swelling
Dosage: 10-15 g swelling; painful joints, sinews and Indications: Difficult and painful uri-
Remarks: Effective remedy for bones due to damp excess; ulcers in nation; swelling jaundice due to
jaundice; the drug also promotes the stomach or lungs; diarrhoea and damp inflammations
excess; liver
secretion of bile when insufficient dyspepsia due to damp injury to Dosage: 15-30 g
spleen Remarks: Research has shown this
Dosage: 10-30 g herb to be highly effective in
Remarks: This is a common food dissolving gall stones; it also lowers
item in China and Japan and blood pressure and blood sugar
contains 17 percent protein; the drug
tonifies yang-energy; a liquor fer-
mented from the seeds is effective in
relieving rheumatic pains

110
 DIOSCOREA HYPOGLAUCA HYDROUS MAGNESIUM MALVA VERTICILLATA
(Dioscoreaceae) SILICATE (Malvaceae)
TALC FARMERS' TOBACCO

Natural distribution: Common

mineral
Parts used: Powder
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Stomach, bladder
Effects: Diuretic; antiphlogistic;
refrigerant
Indications: Difficult urination;
urethritis; diarrhoea due to "damp-
heat;" summer fevers and chills;

oppression in chest
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: Applied externally, it has a
drying on surface moisture;
effect
effective remedy for boils and
prickly heat

''%.

Natural distribution: Sichuan, ...„*w &

Henan, Hubei
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; neutral Natural distribution: Southern
Affinity: Liver, stomach China, Indochina
Effects: Diuretic; eliminates "wind- Parts used: Seeds
damp" symptoms Nature: Sweet; cold
Indications: Murky urine; urethritis; Affinity: Large intestine, small
leukorrhoea; pains due to "wind- intestine
damp" injury: stiff joints, sore Effects: Diuretic; promotes lactation
muscles, pain and stiffness in lower Indications: Difficult urination;
back and knees urethritis; swelling; insufficient lacta-
Dosage: 10-15 g tion; swollen and painful breasts
Dosage: 5-15 g
Remarks: Promotes lactation and
facilitates secretion in breast-feeding
mothers

111
 ANGELICA PUBESCENS
(Umbelliferae) CLERODENDRUM
TRICHOTOMUM
(Verbenaceae)

Antirheumatic Or "Expel Natural distribution: Sichuan, Hubei Natural distribution: Jiangsu,

Wind-Damp" Parts used: Roots Shandong, Anhui
Nature: Pungent and bitter; slightly Parts used: Tender leaves
warm Nature: Bitter; cold
Herbs which expel "evil" wind-and- Affinity: Kidneys, bladder Affinity: Liver
damp-excess from the body and Effects: Antirheumatic; analgesic Effects: Antirheumatic
thereby relieve painful symptoms of Indications: Rheumatism and Indications: Rheumatism and
rheumatism and arthritis in joints, arthritis; pain and stiffness in lower arthritis; pruritus due to damp
sinews, muscles, bones and merid- back and knees excess; high blood pressure; hyper-
ians belong in the "antirheumatic" Dosage: 4-10 g tension
group. Their primary pharmaco- Dosage: 10-15 g
dynamic effects are to drive out Remarks: The drug effectively lowers
"wind-damp" excess accumulated in blood pressure if the tender leaves are
the body and to facilitate the flow of picked before the flowers bloom;
energy in the meridians. There are they should be brewed briefly over
many forms of this ailment, and the low heat; the roots are also used to
mix of drugs used in antirheumatic lower blood pressure
prescriptions must follow detailed
differential diagnosis.
If the ailment is external, they are
mixed with diaphoretic drugs. If
"wind-damp" injury has moved into
the meridians and joints, causing
energy and blood stagnation, they
are used with blood regulators and
energy regulators. If the ailment
combines with heat excess and its
attendant symptoms, these herbs are
mixed with antipyretic, refrigerant
drugs. If the patient suffers from
energy and/or blood deficiency,
these herbs should be used along
with herbs which tonify and nourish
energy and blood.

112
 GENTIANA MACROPHYLLA CHAENOMELES LAGENAR1A ELEUTHEROCOCCUS GRACIUSTYLUS
(Gentianaceae) (Rosaceae) (Araliaceae)

GENTIAN CHINESE QUINCE ELEUTHEROS

Wli 1 I IV
wu jia pi

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Skin of the roots and
stems
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Effects: Antirheumatic; analgesic-
diuretic; tonifies ligaments and
tendons
Indications: Rheumatism and arthri-
tis; cramps; liver and kidney de-
ficiencies; weak lower back and legs
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: A strong liquor made with
this herb has effective antirheumatic
action and also tonifies general and
sexual vitality

Natural distribution: Yunnan, Natural distribution: Northern

Sichuan China, India, Taiwan
Parts used: Roots Parts used: Fruit
Nature: Bitter and pungent; neutral Nature: Sour; warm
Affinity: Stomach, liver, gall bladder Affinity: Liver, spleen
Effects: Antirheumatic; antipyretic; Effects: Antirheumatic; antispasmo-
analgesic dic; astringent; analgesic; stomachic
Indications:Rheumatism and arthri- Rheumatism and arthri-
Indications:
tis: and stiff extremities, tight
painful tis; and legs; weak
swelling in feet
muscles; jaundice due to "damp-heat" lower back and knees; stomach
excess; yin-deficiency cramps due to diarrhoea and
Dosage: 4-10 g vomiting; painfullegs; spasms
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: Especially effective anti-
spasmodic for cramps in the calves

113
 m 1

CLEMATIS CHINENSIS LUFFA CYLINDRICA AGKISTRODON ACUTUS

(Ranunculaceae) (Cucurbitaceae) (Viperidae)

CLEMATIS VINE A TYPE OF GOURD VIPER SNAKE

si gua luo

Natural distribution: Eastern China,

Southeast Asia
Parts used: The entire body without
the head
Nature: Sweet and salty; warm
Affinity: Liver
Effects: Antirheumatic; sedative;
anthelmintic
Indications: Rheumatism and arthri-
tis; facial paralysis; paralytic strokes;
leprosy; ringworm
Dosage: 4-10 g
Remarks: Poisonous; the drug is

highly effective against tetanus

infections and attendant spasmic
convulsions

Natural distribution: China,

Indochina, Philippines, Japan
Natural distribution: China, Taiwan, Parts used: The fibres of the fully
Vietnam matured fruits
Parts used: Roots Nature: Sweet; neutral
Nature: Pungent; warm Affinity: Lungs, stomach, liver
Affinity: Bladder Effects: Antirheumatic; clears the
Effects: Antirheumatic; analgesic; meridians; analgesic; hemostatic
diuretic; antipyretic Indications: Rheumatic pains in
Indications: Rhumatism and arthritis joints and sinews; aches in chest and
Dosage: 5-10 g rib-cage; painful breast tumours
Remarks: 15 g of the drug in decoc- Dosage: 5-10 g
tion with 250 g of rice vinegar dis- Remarks: The flesh of the fruit is

solves fish bones lodged in the used as a cooling food item in China
throat; it is incompatible with tea

114
 ACONITUM CARMICHAEL1
(Ranunculaceae)

ACONITE

Warming Or "Warm Interior,

Natural distribution: Sichuan, deficiency in kidneys, dysfunction in
Dispel Cold" Shanxi spleen, diarrhoea, abdominal pain;
Nature: Very pungent; very hot pains and body aches due to "wind-
Affinity: Heart, spleen, kidneys cold-damp" ailments
Herbs which warm the interiorand Effects: Stimulant to yang-energy; Dosage: 3-8 g
dispel cold to correct symptoms of cardiotonic; warming to spleen and Remarks: The fresh drug is very
"internal-cold" ailments are called
kidneys; analgesic poisonous but becomes somewhat
"warming" drugs. Their nature tends Indications: All yang-injuries: cold less toxic after drying; it should be
towards the warm and hot type. The brewed for a long time
hands and feet, weak pulse, yang-
Internal Book of Huang-Di states, "If
it's cold, warm it up."
"Internal-cold" ailments are of two
kinds: one results from external "evil-
cold" invading the interior regions
with attendant symptoms of nausea
and vomiting, diarrhoea, yang-
energy injuries, cold and painful
sensations in chest and abdomen,
lack of appetite, etc The other type
develops internally when the heart
and/or kidneys are "empty" of yang-
energy thereby permitting yin-cold
to rise inside, with attendant symp-
toms of perspiration, fear of cold,
cold breath, cold hands and feet and
other symptoms of yang-deficiency.
When applying these drugs thera-
peutically, attention should be paid
to the following points:

— In cases of external cold moving

— inward but still displaying certain
external symptoms, they should
be used together with diaphoretic
herbs.
— In hot summer weather or in
patients whose bodies are by
nature overly "hot," these drugs
should be used in smaller doses.
— Warming drugs are generally
pungent, warm and dehydrating
and should be used with caution
in patients with yin-deficiency
and fluid deficiency.

115
 CINNAMOMUM CASSIA
(Lauraceae)
CASSIA, CHINESE CINNAMON

Natural distribution: Tropical phlegm; stomachic; antiemetic

countries Indications: Cold excess in spleen
Parts used: Dried rhizomes and stomach: nausea and vomiting,
Nature: Pungent; warm diarrhoea, cold and painful abdo-
Affinity: Heart, lungs, spleen, men, cold hands and feet, weak
stomach, kidneys pulse; cold excess in lungs: cough,
Effects: Warming; stimulant to yang- profuse clear sputum
energy; warms the lungs; dissolves Dosage: 3-8 g
Remarks: The fresh root used as a
is

remedy for colds, stomach,

cold
nausea and seafood poisoning

Natural distribution: Southern

China, Indochina, Sumatra
Parts used: Unscraped bark of the
large trees
Nature: Pungent and sweet; very hot
Affinity: Liver, kidneys, spleen
Effects: Tonic to yang-energy; stimu-
lant; warming; analgesic
Indications: Yang-deficiency in kid-
neys, yang-deficiency in spleen; cold
hands and feet, cold, painful stom-
ach, lack of appetite, diarrhoea; lack
of vitality due to prolonged illness;
blood and energy deficiency; dys-
menorrhoea
Dosage: 1-5 g
Remarks: This medication is phar-
macodynamically different from the
tender stalks used for diaphoretic
purposes

116
 EUODIA RUTAECARPA SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM FOENICULUM VULOARE
(Rutaoeae) (Myrtaceae) (Umbelliferae)

CLOVE TREE FENNEL

Natural distribution: East Indies,

India, West Indies, Brazil
Parts used: Floral buds (cloves)
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Lungs, stomach, spleen,
kidneys
Effects: Warming; antiemetic; stimu-
lant; carminative; tonic to yang-
energy; warms the kidneys
Indications: Vomiting and burping;
yang-deficiency in kidneys; leu-
korrhoea
Dosage: 2-5 g
Remarks: This is a common remedy
for excessive burping; the oil of the
cloves is an excellent local anaes-
thetic; the drug promotes circulation

Natural distribution: Southeastern

China, Japan, India
Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Pungent and bitter; very hot
Affinity: Liver, stomach, spleen,
kidneys
Effects: Warming; analgesic; anti-
emetic; anthelmintic
Indications: Abdominal pains due to Natural distribution: Asia, Europe,
internal-cold; painful rib-cage; pains North Africa
in scrotum; dysmenorrhoea; dys- Parts used: Fruits
functions of liver and stomach Nature: Pungent; warm
Dosage: 3-5 g Affinity: Liver, kidneys, spleen,
Remarks: Highly effective anthel- stomach
mintic against pinworms; tonic to the Effects: Regulates and balances qi;
uterus analgesic; stomachic; carminative
Indications: Ailments of cold excess:
hernias and pains in groin, drooping
testicle, pain and cold in abdomen;

nausea and vomiting due to cold

excess in stomach
Dosage: 2-5 g
Remarks: The drug sometimes
causes flatulence and burping

117
 DRYOBALANOPS AROMATICA
(Dipterocarpaceae)

BORNEO CAMPHOR TREE

Resuscitate, Revive Or
Natural distribution: Malaysia Indications: convulsions
Fainting;
"Open Spirit-Gate" Parts used: Coagulated resinous fis- and spasms; used on ab-
externally
sures of the tree scesses, boils, ringworm, cold sores,
Resuscitive herbs are those which Nature: Pungent and bitter; slightly conjunctivitis, nasal mucositis,
restore consciousness and revive the cold coughs
spirit. They are used in fainting Affinity: Heart, spleen, lungs Dosage: 0.18-0.35 g
spells, children's convulsions, epilepsy, Effects: Resuscitive; antipyretic; an- Remarks: The drug's analgesic and
strokes and other instances of sudden algesic; antispasmodic antipyretic properties make it an
unconsciousness. excellent external remedy for ab-
Unconsciousness due to heat ex- scesses, boils, sores, sore throat and
cess is indicated by flushed com- other external heat excess symptoms
plexion, body heat, yellow tongue
fur and a rapid pulse. In such cases,
resuscitives are combined with "heat-
clearing" drugs. Unconsciousness due
to cold excess (pale complexion, cold
extremities, white tongue fur and
slow pulse) is treated in combination
with "warming" drugs.
These drugs are generally reserved
for use in emergencies: their pro-
longed use is damaging to the body's
primordial energies, yuan qi. If

patients are weak or display symp-

toms of profuse, cold sweat, special
care should be taken in using these
drugs.

118
 MOSCHUS MOSCHIFERUS ACORUS GRAMINEUS
(Cervidae) (Araceae)

MUSK ROCK SWEET-FLAG

shi chang pu

Natural distribution: Tibet, northern Natural distribution: Southern due to heat ex-
Indications: Fainting
India, Siberia China, Japan, Tibet, India cess or excess phlegm; hysteria;
Parts used: Dried secretion of the Parts used: Rhizomes ringing in the ears and deafness;
preputial follicles of the musk-deer Nature: Pungent; warm oppression in the chest; chronic
Nature: Pungent; warm Affinity: Heart, liver dysentery
Affinity: Heart, spleen Effects: Resuscitive; dissolves phlegm Dosage: Dry 3-8 g; fresh 10-15 g
Effects: Resuscitive; cardiotonic; in respiratory tract; stomachic; Remarks: Sedative in insomnia; also
promotes circulation; stimulant digestive a good digestive
Indications: Fainting; delirium; semi-
conscious states; amenorrhoea; trau-
matic injuries; retained placenta or
foetus
Dosage: 0.2-0.4 g
Remarks: Pregnant women should
not be exposed to the drug, for it
may induce miscarriage
 MERCURIC SULFIDE FERROSOFERRIC OXh
CINNABAR MAGNETIC MAGNETITE

Sedative Or "Calm The Spirit" Natural distribution: Common Natural distribution: Common
mineral mineral
Parts used: Ground powder Parts used: Crushed stone
Drugs which calm the nerves, relax Nature: Sweet; slightly cold Nature: Pungent; cold
the body and quieten the spirit are Affinity: Heart Affinity: Liver, kidneys
called "sedatives." They are of two Effects: Sedative; antidote; anti- Effects: Sedative; tonic to blood and
types: one type is derived from spasmodic kidneys
heavy minerals and shellfish and is Indications: Hypertension; nervous Indications: Hypertension; heart pal-
used in cases of over-stimulation and excitement; insomnia; traumatic pitations;insomnia; hysteria; trau-
excitement due to "full" ailments. shock; fright; applied externally to matic shock; fright; asthma due to
The other type is derived from plants abscesses on body, tongue, and "empty" kidneys; dizziness; ringing in
which nourish the heart and tonify mouth, and swollen, painful throat ears and deafness
the liver. These are used when the Dosage: 0.5-1.5 g Dosage: 7-15 g
symptoms indicate "empty" ailments. Remarks: Slightly poisonous; an ef- Remarks: An effective treatment for
Common symptoms for which seda- fective remedy for chronic night- prolapse of the rectum; appropriate
tive medications areused include mares and hysteria; ancient Taoist sedative for patients with weak
jittery, "floating" yang-energy alchemists attributed great power to blood and kidneys
insomnia, hysteria, traumatic shock, this mineral and it was a principal
fright, nervous irritability, quick ingredient in their "Elixir of Life"
temper, and other nervous disorders
of yang-injury. If symptoms combine
with heat excess, "heat-clearing"
drugs should be included in the treat-
ment. If symptoms are caused by ex-
cess liver-yang ascending, drugs
which are specifically sedative to the
liver should be combined with regu-
lar sedatives. Patients with blood,
heart, or liver-yin deficiencies should
be treated with sedative drugs which
nourish yin-energy and tonify blood.

120
 FOSSILISED BONES OF OSTREA RIVULARIS ZIZIPHUS JUJUBA
DINOSAURS AND REPTILES (Ostreidae) (Rhamnaceae)
DRAGON BONES OYSTER SHELLS CHINESE JUJUBE

R
o o suan zao ren

Natural distribution: World-wide Natural distribution: China, Japan,

Parts used: Crushed fossilised bones India, Afghanistan, Malaysia
Nature: Sweet and sour; neutral Parts used: Seeds
Affinity: Heart, liver, kidneys Nature: Sweet and sour; neutral
Effects: Sedative; calms excess liver- Affinity: Heart, spleen, liver,

yang; astringent gall-bladder

Indications: Hypertension; insomnia; Effects: Sedative to liver; cardiotonic;
shock; fright; hysteria; dizziness; nutrient; tonic to yin; inhibits
spermatorrhoea; leukorrhoea;. di- perspiration
arrhoea Indications: Insomnia; neurasthenia;
Dosage: 10-20 g heart palpitations; cold sweats
Remarks: Effective external styptic Dosage: 6-15 g
action on abscesses and other per- Remarks: Long-term use improves
sistent sores the complexion

Natural distribution: World-wide

Parts used: Crushed or powdered
shells
Nature: Salty and sour; slightly cold
Affinity: Liver, gall-bladder, kidneys
Effects: Sedative; calms excess liver-
yang; astringent; softens and dis-
solves hard tumours
Indications: Hypertension; heart pal-
pitations; insomnia; ascending excess
liver-yang: dizziness, headache,
blurry vision, etc; severe fright;
spasms; spermatorrhoea; menorrha-
gia; leukorrhoea; diarrhoea; cold-
sweats; swollen lymph glands; hard
tumours; vomiting bile
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: Contains 75 percent cal-
cium carbonate; promotes bone
growth; prescribed for calcium-
deficiency in pregnant women
 m
POLYGALA TENUIFOLIA TRITICUM AEST1VUM
(Polygalaceae) (Gramineae)
COMMON WHEAT

Natural distribution: Northern Indications: Insomnia; hypertension

hemisphere Dosage: 15-30 g
Parts used: Mature kernels Remarks: The immature grain is pre-

Nature: Sweet; neutral scribed to inhibit profuse sweating

Affinity: Heart due to "empty" ailments
Effects: Sedative; cardiotonic;

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Mongolia
Parts used: Skin of the roots
Nature: Bitter and pungent; warm
Affinity: Lungs, heart, kidneys
Effects: Sedative; expectorant; tonic
to heart and kidneys
Indications: Dizziness or fainting due
to excess phlegm accumulation; in-
somnia; coughs with profuse phlegm
Dosage: 5-7 g
Remarks: The drug irritates the
mucous membranes in the throat,
causing hypersecretion and expector-
ation; combined with Chinese licor-
ice, it is a good expectorant for heavy

smokers

122
 SAIGA TATARICA HALIOTIS GIGANTEA
(Bovidae) (Haliotidae)

ANTELOPE SEA-EAR SHELLS

\j*\\ |Lg I

ling yang jiao

Liver Sedatives Or "Calm The Natural distribution: Northwestern

Liver, Stop The Wind" China
Parts used: Horn
These drugs have specific affinity Nature: Salty; cold
for the liver and function to "calm Affinity: Liver
ascending liver-yang" and all its Effects: Sedative to liver; antipyretic;
attendant nervous symptoms. Many antispasmodic; improves vision
serious nervous ailments are directly Indications: Symptoms of ascending
related to liver dysfunction. "Stop the liver-yang excess: giddyness, blurry
wind" means to impede the nervous vision, headache; convulsions and
energy "wind" which emanates from spasms; epilepsy; excess body heat;
a diseased or inflamed liver and in- delirium; swollen, painful eyes
jures other parts. Common symp- Dosage: 1.5-3 g
toms of uncontrolled ascending Remarks: The drug is very expensive
"liver-wind" are blurry vision, today, so is generally prescribed as
nervous excitability quick temper, part of pill prescriptions, not brews;

convulsions, dizziness and delirium lowers blood pressure; effective pre-

and other disorders of the central ventive in strokes
nervous system. Nervous disorders
are often best remedied by highly
toxic drugs.
These drugs must be carefully
selected according to differential
diagnosis to insure that the right type
of liver sedative is chosen to match Natural distribution: World-wide
the specific causes of the liver's Parts used: Crushed or powdered
dysfunction. Patients with weak shell
spleens and chronic spasmic condi- Nature: Salty, slightly cold
tions should avoid the cool and cold Affinity: Liver
liver sedatives. Those with blood Effects: Sedative to liver; antipyretic;
deficiency and yin-injuries should improves vision
use the warm and hot liver sedatives Indications: Dizziness, giddyness,
sparingly. blurry vision, painful and swollen
eyes and other liver-yang ascending
symptoms
Dosage: 15-30 g
Remarks: Especially effective remedy
for cataracts

123
 £
GASTRODIA ELATA UNCARIA RHYNCHOPHYLLA
(Orchidaceae) (Rubiaceae)

MORNING STAR BROWN IRON OXIDE

gou teng dal zhe shi

Natural distribution: Central China

Parts used: Stem and spines
Nature: Sweet; slightly cold
Affinity: Liver, pericardium
Effects: Sedative to liver; antipyretic;
antispasmodic in children's nervous
disorders
Indications: Ailments of liver-yang
ascending: pressure and pain in head,
dizziness, blurry vision; body heat
due to heat excess; convulsions and
spasms in children; fainting and
convulsions during the sixth, seventh
and eighth month of pregnancy
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: The drug dilates the capil-
and other blood vessels and is
laries
now used to lower blood pressure as Natural distribution: Common
well mineral
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Liver, pericardium
Effects: Sedative to liver; antiemetic;
hemostatic; tonic to blood; astringent
Indications: Hiccups, burps, nausea
and vomiting; nosebleeds; ringing in
ear, dizziness headaches due to
ascending liver-yang
Dosage: 10-105 g
Natural distribution: West China, Remarks: The drug has also been
Tibet, Korea, Japan found effective in bronchial asthma
Parts used: Rhizomes
Nature: Sweet; slightly warm
Affinity: Liver
Effects: Sedative to liver; clear the
meridians
Indications: Giddyness and fainting
due to liver inflammations; convul-
sions due to heat excess; headaches;
numbness
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: This drug is most effective

against dizziness and giddyness due

to liver inflammations

124
 PHERETIMA ASPERGILLUM BUTHUS MARTENS1 SCOIOPENDRA SUBSPINIPES
(Megascolecidae) (Buthidae) (Scolopendridae)
COMMON EARTHWORM SCORPION CENTIPEDE

Natural distribution: World-wide Natural distribution: World-wide Natural distribution: World-wide

Nature: Salty; cold Parts used: Whole insect Parts used: Whole insect
Affinity: Stomach, spleen, liver, Nature: Pungent; neutral Nature: Pungent; warm
kidneys Affinity: Liver Affinity: Liver
Effects: Sedative to liver; antipyretic; Effects: Sedative to liver; tonic to Effects: Sedative to liver; antispas-
clears the meridians; dilates bronchii; nerves; antispasmodic; analgesic; modic; antidote
diuretic antidote Indications: Traumatic shock; fright;
Indications: Nervous convulsions; Indications: Spasms and nervous con- tetanus infection; externally applied
pains of "wind-damp;" stroke paral- vulsions; tetanus infection; headache to pus-abscesses and serious infec-
ysis; asthma; difficult urination; and other pains of "wind-damp," tions
swelling abscesses and boils Dosage: Pure powder — 0.3-1 g;
Dosage: 5-10 g —
Dosage: Pure powder 0.05-0.1 g; brewed 1-3 g —
Remarks: Lowers blood pressure; re- —
brewed 1.5-3 g Remarks: Poisonous; antidote in
laxes and softens hard arteries and Remarks: Poisonous poisonous snake-bites; ingredient in
veins cancer prescriptions; should be
avoided by pregnant women; anti-
dote for centipede bites is juice of
fresh mulberry leaves with salt
applied directly to wound

125

J
 CITRUS RETICULATA
(Rutaceae)

MANDARIN ORANGE

Energy Regulators Or
"Manage And Discipline Qf

Drugs which regulate and balance comfort, poor appetite; dyspepsia,

the flow of vital-energies in the body rising bile, nausea and vomiting,
and remedy illnesses due to energy stomach aches, irregular bowel
imbalances are called "energy regula- movements. Liver energy stagnation:
tors." Such ailments are of two types: pain and pressure in rib-cage, painful
energy deficient and energy stag- testicles and scrotum, dysmenorrhoea

nant. Energy deficient ailments are and swelling, pain, or tumours in

treated with tonic medications, which breast. Lung energy stagnation: short-
appear under the "tonic" section. ness of breath, irregular respiration,
Energy stagnant ailments are treated oppression in chest, cough, asthma.
with drugs which "manage and dis- Depending on the type of stagna-
cipline qi'.' tion, these drugs have a variety of
Energy stagnation occurs when qi effects: they clear meridian blockages,
does not flow freely through the alleviate pain, eliminate mental de-
body's meridian network. Qi is lit- pression, facilitate energy flow, ex-
erally "blocked" in the meridians, pand the chest cavity, scatter stag-
depriving the rest of the body of vital nant qi, suppress "rebellious qi"
energy. Energy stagnation is caused tonify the stomach, promote diges-
by extreme imbalances between "hot" tion and others.
and "cold" energies, sudden emo- The drugs are mostly "pungent"
tional outbursts, poor diet, over- and "warm," properties which tend to
eating, prolonged hunger, excess scatter qi. Patients with energy- and
phlegm, damp excess, bruises and yin-deficiencies should use them
clots due to traumatic injuries. sparingly.
Common symptoms of energy
stagnation fall into three categories.
Spleen and stomach energy stagna-
tion: abdominal swelling and dis-
Natural distribution: Southeastern
China, Taiwan, Vietnam
Parts used: Rind of the fruit
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Spleen, lungs
Effects: Regulates energy; digestive;
stomachic; expectorant; antitussive;
antiemetic; drying
Indications: Energy stagnation in
spleen and stomach: abdominal pain
and pressure, nausea and vomiting,
dyspepsia, etc; oppression in chest,
cough, stagnation due to excess
phlegm
Dosage: 3-8 g
Remarks: The rind contains Vita-
mins A, B, and C; the white fibres of
the rind are the most effective parts
as expectorants; the seeds are
analgesic

126
L
 PONCIRUS TRIFOLIATA SAUSSUREA LAPPA
(Rutaceae) (Compositae)

TRIFOLIATE ORANGE COSTUS

zhi shi mu xiang

Natural distribution: China, Japan food in intestinal tract; abdominal Natural distribution: India, Yunnan
Parts used: Unripe fruits fullness and pain; constipation; di- Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; slightly cold arrhoea; oppression in chest due to Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Spleen, stomach phlegm Affinity: Spleen, large intestine
Effects: Regulates energy; stomachic; Dosage: 5-10 g Effects: Regulates energy; analgesic;
antidiarrhoeic; expectorant Remarks: When stomach and spleen stomachic
Indications: Dyspepsia; undigested stagnation cause constipation, the Indications: Abdominal pain and
drug purges; when it causes di- pressure; abdominal noises; dis-
arrhoea, the drug facilitates complete comforts of dysentery
evacuation of bowels so the condi- Dosage: 1.5-8 g
tion will stop. Research has shown it Remarks: Juice of the fresh root is an
tobe effective in shrinking distended asthma remedy
effective
stomach and in prolapse of rectum
and womb

127

1
 vm wM^tw^mmm
CYPERUS ROTUNDUS DIOSPYROS KAKI
(Cyperaceae) (Ebenaceae)

NUT GRASS JAPANESE PERSIMMOM

xiang fu shi di

Blood Regulators Or
Natural distribution: China, Japan,
'Manage And Discipline
Vietnam, eastern India
Parts used: Peduncle
Blood"
Nature: Bitter; neutral
Affinity: Stomach Drugs which facilitate blood circu-
Effects: Regulatesstomach and spleen lation, dissolve clots and keep the
energy; controls hiccups and coughs blood vessels soft and supple are
Indications: Hiccups called "blood This
regulators."
Dosage: 4-6 g category also hemostatic
includes
Remarks: For effective control of herbs which stop or prevent internal
hiccups, use with clove and fresh and external hemorrhage. They are
ginger; the ripe, dried fruit is stom- used in ailments due to poor
achic and astringent; the juice of the circulation —
"blood stagnation" —
fresh, unripe fruits lowers blood blockages in the circulatory system,
pressure and is used in hypertension or uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Clot-dissolving and circulation-
promoting drugs should only be
used when the symptoms indicate
stagnation or blockage in the blood-
stream. The opposite acting hemo-
static herbs are used in cases of
hemorrhage, seepage, or other
"leaks" in the circulatory system. The
Natural distribution: Asia, Australia, same drug, however, can have both
America, Europe effects, depending upon the dosage.
Parts used: Roots and tubercles These drugs have a strong affinity
Nature: Pungent, slightly bitter and for the heart and/or liver, which are
sweet; neutral the two vital organs controlling
Affinity: Liver, pericardium blood. They are among the most
Effects: Regulates liver energy; em- useful and effective of all Chinese
menagogue; sedative; analgesic herbs.
Indications: Liver energy stagnation:
oppression in chest and pain in rib-
cage, stomach ache, dyspepsia;
amenorrhoea; dysmenorrhoea
Dosage: 5-10 g

128
 SALVIA M1LTIORRH1ZA LIGUSTICUM WALLICHII PRUNUS PERSICA
(Labiatae) (Umbelliferae) (Rosaceae)

PEACH

Ethli
chuan xiong tao ren

Natural distribution: Northeastern Natural distribution: China, Europe,

China, Manchuria, Japan North America
Parts used: Roots Parts used: Kernel of the pits
Nature: Bitter; slightly cold Nature: Bitter and sweet; neutral
Affinity: Heart, pericardium Affinity: Heart, liver, large intestine
Effects: Promotes circulation; dis- Effects: Promotes circulation; dis-
solves clots; refrigerant to blood; solves clots; laxative; emollient; anti-
tonic to blood; sedative tussive
Indications: Amenorrhoea; me- Indications: Amenorrhoea; dys-
trorrhagia; mastitis; post-natalabdo- menorrhoea; post-natal abdominal
minal pains; bodily pains due to pain; accumulated blood clots; blood
poor circulation; acute pains in chest seepage; traumatic injuries; pain and
and abdomen; blood clots; heart pal- pressure in rib-cage; constipation due
pitation; insomnia to dry intestines
Dosage: 5-6 g Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: The drug is most com- Remarks: Also effective against high
monly used in blood-related dis- blood pressure and chronic appendi-
orders in women; it is also anti- citis; high doses are toxic
phlogistic to the liver; excellent for
coronary diseases

Natural distribution: Sichuan,

Yunnan, Guangdong
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Liver, gall-bladder, pericar-
dium
Effects: Promotes circulation; regulates
energy; emmenagogue; analgesic;
sedative
Indications: Amenorrhoea; dys-
menorrhoea; abdominal
post-natal
pain; traumatic injury; painful ab-
scesses; "wind-damp" discomfort;
headaches due to colds
Dosage: 4-11 g
Remarks: The drug dilates the capil-
laries and other blood vessels and
thus lowers blood pressure
 CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS ACHYRANTHES BIDENTATA MANIS PENTADACTYLA
(Compositae) (Amarantaceae) (Manidae)

SAFFLDWER PANGOLIN

hong hua

Natural distribution: China, Natural distribution: China, Indo- Natural distribution: Southern
Indochina, Tibet china, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Taiwan
Parts used: Rowers Indonesia Parts used: Scales
Nature: Pungent; warm Parts used: Roots Nature: Salty; slightly cold
Affinity: Heart, liver Nature: Bitter and sour; neutral stomach
Affinity: Liver,
Effects: Promotes circulation; dis- Affinity: Liver, kidneys Effects:Promotes circulation; em-
solves clots; emennagogue; astring- Effects: Promotes circulation; dis- menagogue; promotes lactation and
ent solves clots; emmenagogue; tonic to secretion; reduces swelling; dispels
Indications:Amenorrhoea; dys- liver and kidneys; nourishes sinews pus
menorrhoea, post-natal abdominal and bones; diuretic Indications: Amenorrhoea; insuf-
pain; clots or seepages of blood in Indications: Amenorrhoea; dys- ficient lactation; discomforts of
abdominal region; traumatic in- menorrhoea; traumatic injuries; stiff- "wind-damp"; tight, painful joints
juries; stiffness and pain in joints ness and pain in lower back and and sinews; promotes suppuration in
Dosage: 2-5 g loins; weak legs and feet; blood in skin ailments
Remarks: The extracted oil of the vomit, sputum and nosebleeds; pain- Dosage: 5-10 g
herb is used in tui na massage; pre- ful or bleeding gums; urethritis Remarks: This drug promotes
gnant women should avoid the drug Dosage: 5-10 g growth of white blood cells, which
have been shown to produce the
potent curative agent interferon

130
 BOSWELLIA CARTERII CURCUMA AROMATICA AGRIMONIA PllDSA
(Burseraceae) (Zingiberaceae) (Rosaceae)

MASTIC TREE GRIMONY

long ya cao

Natural distribution: China, Japan,

Korea, Taiwan, Europe
Parts used: Leaves and stems
Nature: Bitter; cool
Affinity: Lungs, liver, spleen
Effects: Astringent; hemostatic
hemorrhage
Indications: All forms of
Dosage: 10-30 g
Remarks: The drug increases the
number of thrombocytes (blood-
clotting cells), which improves
coagulation capacity by 40-50 per-
cent; it strengthens osmotic resistance
of blood vessel walls; it is cardiotonic

Natural distribution: Mediterranean

area
Parts used: Solid, resinous exudation
beneath the bark
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Heart, liver, spleen
Effects: Promotes circulation; an-
algesic; antitussive; promotes growth Natural distribution: India, Indo-
of muscle china, Taiwan
Indications: Amenorrhoea; dys- Parts used: Roots
menorrhoea; traumatic injury; lower Nature: Pungent and bitter; cold
abdominal pains; "wind-damp" dis- Affinity: Heart, lungs, liver
comforts; externally applied to stub- Effects: Hemostatic; dissolves clots;
born abscesses, boils and carbuncles refrigerant to blood; nourishes the
Dosage: 3-6 g gall-bladder; stimulant to gall-blad-
Remarks: Used as gargle to eliminate der
bad breath Indications: Pressure and pain in
chest; semi-conscious states; trau-
matic shock; hysteria; acute, sharp
pains in rib-cage; amenorrhoea; dys-
menorrhoea; blood in vomit, urine
and nosebleeds; jaundice
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: This is one of the drugs
which both stop hemorrhage and
dissolve clots

131
 BLETILLA STRIATA ARTEMISIA VUL3ARIS CIRSIUM JAPONICUM
(Orchidaceae) (Compositae) (Compositae)

BLETILLA MUGWORT TIGER THISTLE

Natural distribution: China, Indo- Natural distribution: China, Asia,

china Europe
Parts used: Tubers Parts used: Leaves
Nature: Bitter, sweet and sour; Nature: Bitter and pungent; warm
slightly cold Affinity: Liver, spleen, kidneys
Affinity: Liver, lungs, stomach Effects: Hemostatic; astringent;
Effects: hemostatic; re-
Astringent; warms the meridians; analgesic;
duces swelling; promotes healing of dispels internal cold
flesh Indications: Blood in vomit, sputum
Indications: Blood in vomit, sputum and stool; nosebleeds; menorrhagia
and nosebleeds; external application (vaginal bleeding): excess menses,
to traumatic injuries, skin infections bleeding during pregnancy; dys-
and abscesses menorrhoea
Dosage: Pure powder — 1-3 g; Dosage: 5-10 g
brewed 3-8 g — Remarks: This herb is the main
Remarks: For external use, the drug source of moxa used in moxibustion
ispowdered and mixed with sesame
oil;it is astringent and emollient to

burns, abscesses and other skin ir-

ritations; it is highly hemostatic in
bleeding wounds; internally, it is
most effective in stomach and lung
hemorrhages

Natural distribution: China, Japan,

Vietnam
Parts used: Whole plant
Nature: Sweet; cold
Affinity: Liver
Effects: Hemostatic; refrigerant to
blood
Indications: Blood in sputum, vomit,
urine and nosebleeeds; menorrhagia
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: Effective remedy for high
blood pressure; externally, the
pulverised leaves are applied to scaly
skin diseases
 THUJA OR1ENTALIS SOPHORA JAPONICA SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS
(Cupressaceae) (Leguminosae) (Rosaceae)

ARBOR-VITAE PAGODA TREE GARDEN BURNET

ce bai ye huai hua

Natural distribution: China, Japan, Natural distribution: China, north-

India ern Asia, northern Europe
Parts used: Leaves and stems Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter and sour; slightly cold Nature: Bitter and sour; slightly cold
Affinity: Lungs, liver, large intestine Affinity: Liver, large intestine
Effects: Hemostatic; astringent; Effects: Hemostatic; astringent; re-
refrigerant to blood; emmenagogue; frigerant to blood
antipyretic Indications: Blood in stool and urine;
Indications: All forms of hemorrhage bleeding dysentery; bleeding hem-
Dosage: 5-10 g morrhoids; menorrhagia
Remarks: The seeds are used as seda- Dosage: 3-10 g
tive in insomnia, heart palpitation Remarks: The fresh root is pul-
and nervous disorders; the fresh verised, mixed with sesame oil and
leaves steeped for 7 days in 60 applied to burns, pruritus and eczema
percent alcohol solution produce a
potion which is rubbed on bald spots
3 times a day to promote hair growth

Natural distribution: China, Korea,

Vietnam
Parts used: Flowers or flower buds
Nature: Bitter, slightly cold
Affinity: Liver, large intestine
Effects: Hemostatic; refrigerant to
blood; dissolves clots and cholesterol
Indications: Blood in stool; bleeding
dysentery; bleeding hemmorrhoids;
menorrhagia; blood in vomit,
sputum and nosebleeds
Dosage: 9-15 g
Remarks: Recent new uses for the
flowers are to lower blood pressure
and as preventive in cerebral hem-
orrhage (10-15 g infusion per day);
the drug strengthens and tonifies the
walls of capillaries to prevent
seepage; the seeds are effective
against bleeding hemmorrhoids and
bloody stool

133

J
 RUBIA CORDIFOLIA TYPHA LATIFOLIA PANAX NOTOGINSENG
(Rubiaceae) (Typhaceae) (Araliaceae)

INDIAN MADDER )N CATT/

Natural distribution: Northern

China, northern Europe, North
America
Parts used: Pollen
Nature: Sweet; neutral
Affinity: Liver, pericardium
Effects: Hemostatic; astringent; pro-
motes circulation and dissolves clots;
diuretic
Indications: Blood in vomit, urine
and stools; coughing blood; nose-
bleeds; menorrhagia; traumatic in-
juries; pain and pressure in heart
region; post-natal abdominal pain;
dysmenorrhoea
Dosage: 4-8 g
Remarks: The plain herb promotes
circulation and dissolves clots; dry-
fried with lumps of charcoal, it be-
comes highly hemostatic

Natural distribution: China, India,

Africa
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; cold
Affinity: Liver
Effects: Hemostatic; refrigerant to
blood; dissolves clots and choles-
terol; emmenagogue
Indications: All types of hem- Natural distribution: Yunnan,
orrhage; amenorrhoea; post-natal Sichuan, Japan
bleeding; traumatic injuries Parts used: Roots
Dosage: 5-10 g Nature: Sweet and slightly bitter;
Remarks: The drug has hemostatic warm
properties in small doses (5-10 g) and Affinity: Liver, stomach
clot-dissolving properties high
in Effects: Hemostatic; promotes circu-
doses (over 20 g); its hemostatic lation; dissolves clots; analgesic
action is greatly enhanced if the herb Indications: Coughing blood; blood
is first dry-fried in a hot pan with in stool; nosebleeds; traumatic in-
lumps of charcoal juries
Dosage: Pure powder 1-2 g; —
brewed 5-10 g —
Remarks: Extremely effective styptic
action when applied directly to trau-
matic wounds; heals without leaving
clots and scars; internally and exter-
drug for serious bleeding;
nally, best
can be used safely in large doses

134
 CRATAEGUS PINNATIFIDA
(Rosaceae)

HAWTHORN
!<c

shan zha

Stomachic, Digestive Or
Natural distribution: Eastern China, consumption of meats and fats;
"Digest And Guide"
Japan diarrhoea; post-natal abdominal
Parts used: Fruits pain; scrotal pain and pressure
Stomachics and digestives are those Nature: Sweet and sour; slightly Dosage: 6-15 g
herbs which tonify the stomach and warm Remarks: The drug is especially ef-
spleen, promote digestion, facilitate Affinity: Spleen, stomach, liver fective in promoting digestion and
distribution, and accelerate, move- Effects: Digestive; stomachic; moves movement of meats and fats; it
ment of accumulated excess food in stagnant excess food; antidiarrhoeic dilates the blood vessels to lower
the stomach. Digestive ailments re- Indications: Stagnant, undigested blood pressure; dissolves cholesterol
quiring treatment with these medica- food accumulated in stomach; excess deposits in lining of blood vessels
tions are indicated by symptoms of
oppression and swelling in abdomen,
belching, coughing up
bile, nausea

and vomiting, bowel move-

irregular
ments, dyspepsia, and all "empty"
spleen and stomach symptoms. In
cases of "empty" spleen and stomach,
stomachic herbs should be combined
with spleen tonics. In cases of "cold"
in spleenand stomach, use with
drugs which are "warming" to in-
terior. When the digestive problems
are due to damp-excess, combine
with aromatic "moisture trans-
forming" herbs. When energy stag-
nation is the source of problems, use
in combination with energy regu-
lating herbs. If symptoms include
constipation, include cathartics in the
treatment.
 GALLU5 GALLUS DOMESTICUS HORDEUM VULGARE
(Phasianidae) (Gramineae)

CHICKEN BARLEY

Expectorants And
AntitussivesOr "Melt
Mucus, Stop Coughs"

Medicines which facilitate the

bringing up or the transformation of
phlegm from the respiratory tract are
called "expectorant." Those which
control coughing and soothe the
•*>? throat are called "antitussive." Ex-
pectorants generally have antitussive
action and vice versa, which is why
i
they appear under the same heading.
Expectorants are used
not only
against excess phlegm due
to coughs
and colds, but also against other
phlegm excess related ailments such
as goitre, swelling of the lymph
glands, epilepsy, certain types of
fainting spells and others.
In clinical applications of these
herbs, attention should be paid to the
Natural distribution: Common following points: both internal and
world-wide external ailments can induce excess
Parts used: Gastric tissue from phlegm accumulation and coughing.
gizzard When selecting expectorants and
Nature: Sweet; neutral antitussives for therapeutic use, they
Affinity: Spleen, stomach, small in- must be combined with other types
testine, bladder of herbs appropriate to the original
Effects: Stomachic; digestive; moves Natural distribution: China, Europe, causes of the problem. Phlegm and
accumulated excess food in stomach America coughs due to external ailments
Indications: Stagnant, undigested Parts used: Dried, germinated should be treated in combination
food in stomach; oppressive, full sprouts with diaphoretic herbs which "re-
feeling in abdomen; gastroenteritis; Nature: Salty; neutral lease externally"; "empty" ailments
urinal incontinence; spermatorrhoea Affinity: Spleen, stomach should be treated in combination
Dosage: 4-8 g Effects: Stomachic; digestive; sup- with tonifying medications. When
Remarks: Dry-fried with lumps of presses lactation there is blood in the phlegm, avoid
charcoal and powdered, it is applied Indications: Stagnant, undigested using expectorants of a highly drying
to painful abscesses in the mouth food in stomach; pressure and full- nature, which would increase blood
ness in abdomen; loss of appetite due seepage. While coughingis one of the

to weak spleen and stomach; excess early symptoms of measles, do not

lactation; weaning use warm or astringent antitussives
Dosage: 10-20 g in such cases.
Remarks: The herb has abortifacient
propertieswhich facilitate contrac-
tions during childbirth; it is espe-
promoting diges-
cially effective in
tion and movement of grains and
vegetables

136
 PINELLIA TERNATA ARISAEMA CONSANGUINEUM PERILLA FRUTESCENS
(Araceae) (Araceae) (Labiatae)

BEEFSTEAK PLANT

tian nan xing Zl su Zl

Natural distribution: Southern Natural distribution: Southern

China, Japan China, Taiwan, Indochina, India
Parts used: Tubers Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Pungent; warm Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Spleen, stomach Affinity: Lungs
Effects: Expectorant; antiemetic; Effects: Antitussive; expectorant;
drying; prevents hardening of spleen asthma preventive; laxative
Indications: Nausea and vomiting; Indications: Excess phlegm; coughs;
chronic coughs; excess phlegm; gas- asthma; constipation due to dry
tritis intestines
Dosage: 3-7 g Dosage: 5-8 g
Remarks: Pregnant women should Remarks: Leaves also used as dia-
use herb sparingly; the fresh herb is phoretic and antitussive
slightly toxic, but the dried is not; the
toxin is neutralised with tea or
vinegar

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Korea, Japan
Parts used: Tubers
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Lungs, liver, spleen
Effects: Expectorant; drying; anti-
spasmodic; analgesic
Indications: Coughs; heavy, lumpy
phlegm; gastritis; dizziness and
fainting due to excess phlegm;
epilepsy; tetanus infections
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: The fresh drug is toxic, but
not the dried; when used fresh, it is
mixed with beef bile or Pinellia
temata to neutralise its toxins

137

J
 PLATYCODON GRANDIFIDRUM INULA BRITANNICA CYNANCHUM STAUNTONI
(Campanulaceae) (Compositae) (Asclepiadaceae)

BALLOON FLOWER YELLOW STARWORT DOG'S BANE

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter and pungent; neutral
Affinity: Lungs
Effects: Expectorant; dilates the bron-
chii; eliminates pus
Indications: Coughs; excess phlegm;
sore throat; lung ulcers; throat ulcers
Dosage: 3-5 g
Remarks: The drug induces secretion
of mucus in the throat to dilute
accumulations of hard phlegm and
facilitate bringing it up

Natural distribution: Southern

China,
Parts used: Pungent and sweet;
slightly warm
Nature: Lungs
Affinity: Antitussive; expectorant;
Natural distribution: China, Japan, antiemetic
Siberia, Europe Effects: Coughs; excess phlegm; acute
Parts used: Flowers asthma
Nature: Bitter, pungent and salty; Indications: Dosage: 3-6 g
slightly warm
Affinity: Lungs, spleen, stomach,
large intestine
Effects: Expectorant; antitussive;
antiemetic
Indications: Coughs; excess phlegm,
burping; nausea and vomiting
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: This drug should be
wrapped a cheesecloth pouch
in
when boiling to prevent irritating
fibres from entering the broth

138
 FRITILLARIA VERTICILLATA PEUCEDANUM DECURSIVUM TRICHOSANTHES KIRILOWII
(Liliaceae) (Umbelliferae) (Cucurbitaceae)

SNAKE GOURD

Natural distribution: Central China, Natural distribution: Southern

Japan China, Vietnam
Parts used: Corms Parts used: Kernels of the seeds
Nature: Bitter and sweet; slightly Nature: Sweet; cold
cold Affinity: Lungs, stomach, large
Affinity: Heart, lungs intestine
Effects: Antitussive; expectorant; Effects: Expectorant; dilates bronchii;
antipyretic; scatters blockage and emollient; laxative
softens hard tissues Indications: Coughs due to excess
Indications: Chronic coughs; dry heat in lungs; heavy, yellow phlegm;
throat; "wind-heat" coughs; heavy, lung tumours; pains in chest and rib-
yellow phlegm; swelling of lymph cage; breast tumours; constipation
glands; infected abscesses; lung and due to dry intestines
breast tumours Dosage: 10-15 g
Dosage: Pure powder — 1-2 g; Remarks: The root is antipyretic,
decoction — 5-10 g and it promotes lactation
Remarks: The variety from Sichuan
is superior

Natural distribution: Eastern China,

Japan
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter and pungent; slightly
cold
Affinity: Lungs
Effects: Antitussive; expectorant;
antiemetic; antipyretic; diaphoretic
Indications: Accumulations of excess
heavy phlegm; coughs; asthma;
bronchitis
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: Induces secretion of mucus
in respiratory tract to dilute hard
phlegm in bronchial tubes and
facilitate bringing it up

139

1
 LEPIDIUM APETALUM SARGASSUM FUSIFORME PRUNUS ARMENIACA
(Cruciferae) (Sargassaceae) (Rosaceae)

GULF SEAWEED APRICOT

ting li zi

Natural distribution: Coasts of Natural distribution: Northwestern

China and Japan China
Parts used: Whole plant Parts used: Kernels of the pits
Nature: Bitter and salty; cold Nature: Sweet and bitter; warm
Affinity: Liver, stomach, kidneys Affinity: Lungs, large intestine
Effects: Expectorant; diuretic; scatters Effects: Antitussive; sedative in
goiter swellings asthma and bronchitis; laxative
Indications: Swellings of lymph Indications: Coughs; asthma; bron-
glands; goiter; excess hard lumpy chitis; constipation due to dry
phlegm intestines
Dosage: 6-12 g Dosage: 4-10 g
Remarks: The herb contains 0.2 per- Remarks: Mildly poisonous; toxic
cent iodine and has been used for doses can be neutralised with a de-
centuries in ailments due to iodine coction of the rough outer bark of
deficiency the tree

Natural distribution: Northwestern

China, northern Asia, northern
Europe, North America
Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Pungent and bitter; very
cold
Affinity: Lungs, bladder
Effects: Expectorant; diuretic; reduces
swelling; sedative in asthma and
bronchitis
Indications: Excess phlegm; coughs;
asthma; facial paralysis; water-
retention in chest and abdomen
Dosage: 4-10 g

140
 AR1STOIDCHIA DEBILIS ERIOBOTRYA JAPONICA TUSSILAGO FARFARA
(Aristolochiaceae) (Rosaceae) (Compositae)
A CREEPING VINE LOQUAT COLTSFOOT

ma dou ling

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Europe, Africa
Parts used: Flowers and floral buds
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Lungs
Effects: Antitussive; expectorant
Indications: Coughs; asthma; chro-
nic coughs due to "empty" lungs
Dosage: 3-10 g

Natural distribution: Southwestern

China, Japan, Indonesia; Europe
Parts used: Leaves
Nature: Bitter; neutral
Affinity: Lungs, stomach
Effects: Antitussive; expectorant;
antiemetic
Indications: Coughs due to heat
excess in lungs; difficult respiration;
chronic burping; nausea and
Natural distribution: Northern vomiting; thirst
China, Japan Dosage: 10-15 g
Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Bitter and slightly pungent;
cold
Affinity: Lungs, large intestine
Effects: Antitussive; expectorant
Indications: Coughs due to excess
heat in lungs; phlegm; ir-
excess
regular breathing; asthma; bron-
chitis; chronic coughs; blood in
phlegm
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: Mildly poisonous
 ASTER TATAR1CUS STEMONA TUBEROSA DATURA METEL
(Compositae) (Stemonaceae) (Solanaceae)

TARTARIAN ASTER JIMSON WEED, LOCO WEED

Natural distribution: Northern

China, Siberia, Japan
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Lungs
Effects: Antitussive; expectorant
Indications: Coughs, irregular
breathing; accumulated excess
phlegm; chronic coughs due to
"empty" lungs
Dosage: 4-10 g
Remarks: The drug's primary effects
are expectorant, not antitussive

Natural distribution: Central China,

Indochina, Taiwan, India
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Sweet and bitter; slightly
cold
Affinity: Lungs
Effects: Antitussive; demulcent to
lungs; anthelmintic; kills lice Natural distribution: Southern
Indications: Coughs; chronic, dry China, southern Asia, America
coughs; whooping cough; tape- Parts used: Flowers
worm; external application to lice Nature: Pungent; warm
Dosage: 5-10 g Affinity: Lung
Remarks: Recent applications have Effects: Antitussive; sedative in

found the drug to be effective against asthma; analgesic

tuberculosis Indications: Asthma; irregular or dif-
ficult breathing; shortness of breath;
stomach ache
Dosage: 0.1-0.25 g
Remarks: Poisonous; the dried
flowers are smoked in a pipe to
relieve asthma without phlegm ex-
cess;not suitable for use in children;
traditionally, thedrug has been used
as a local anaesthetic before topical
surgery; the leaves and seeds are used
as local anaesthetics as well

142
 Tonic Or "Repair And Tonify
Emptiness"

Herbs which restore strength and In clinical application, it is im- "empty," common symptoms are
tonify weakened tissues when the portant to match the right type of fatigue, and lumpy bowel
loose
body is " empty" deficien t are — — tonic to the equivalent type of movements, poor appetite, abdo-
called "tonic" They are used to repair deficiency, such as using yang-tonics minal pain and pressure, hernias,
damage caused by "empty" ailments. for yang-deficiency and so forth. prolapse of rectum, and others. The
Clinically tonics are used for two Energy deficiency and yang defi- lungs regulate qi. When they are
purposes. One is to increase the ciency are interrelated (energy "empty", common symptoms are lack
body's resistance to disease when belongs to yang) and their symptoms of energy, shallow and strained
resistance has impaired by
been often appear together. Degeneration breathing, aversion to talk, slow and
excess "evil-^z". Combined with drugs of vital energies and impairment of sluggish movements, cold sweats,
which dispel excess "ev\\-qi" tonics vital functions are the main indi- and others. Energy tonics are used in
are used in ailments caused by excess cators. Similarly, blood deficient and all the above ailments and symp-
"evil-^z" or deficient "pure-^z." They yin-deficient ailments often coincide toms.
tend to restore the body's original (blood belongs to yin), and their In therapy, energy tonics are often
primordial energies. The
second main symptoms involve internal used together with blood nourishers
clinical use is to restore energy and damage to the body's vital fluids and because "qi is the general of the
accelerate recovery in patients who fluid balance. Therefore, energy- and blood" and regulates its production
have become weak and vulnerable yang-tonics are often combined in and its circulation. Thus, when qi is
due to long-standing chronic ail- therapy, as are blood- and yin- deficient, blood also suffers. In cases
ments. Tonics are among the most nourishers. In cases of both blood of extreme blood deficiency, such as
useful of all drugs in Chinese herbal and energy deficiency, or combined due to profuse loss of blood, energy
medicine. yin-and yang-deficiency, both types tonics are used with blood nourishers
Tonics are primarily used in of tonics are applied. to facilitate renewed blood produc-
"empty" ailments, which are divided In patients who have not fully tion.
into four types: energy deficient, recovered from "full" ailments, Excess or prolonged use of energy
blood deficient, yang-deficient, and restorative should be used
tonics tonics may result in oppressive sen-
yin-deficient. Tonics are thus simi- sparingly in order to avoid retention sations in the chest and abdomen
larly sub-classified as energy tonics, of some of the "full-evil" excess. and loss of appetite.
blood nourishers, yang-tonics, and
yin-nourishers. "Tonic" and "nourish" Energy tonics or "tonify qi"
are interchangeable terms, though
customarily "tonic" is used to de- These tonics used
are against
scribe yang and energy herbs, while ailments caused by
energy qi-
"nourish" is used for yin and blood deficiency. They primarily tonify
herbs. lung energy and spleen energy where
energy deficiencies usually come to
rest. The spleen regulates digestion
and distribution, and when it is

143
 PANAX GINSENG CODONOPSIS TANGSHEN ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS
(Araliaceae) (Campanulaceae) (Leguminosae)

GINSENG

Natural distribution: Northeastern

China, northern Korea
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Sweet; neutral
Affinity: Spleen, lungs
Effects: Very tonifying to primordial
energy; tonic to lungs and spleen;
nourishes vital fluids; aphrodisiac
Indications: Energy deficiency: weak
pulse, asthma due to "empty" lungs,
dyspepsia, lack of appetite, prolapse
of rectum, hypertension, insomnia,
heart palpitations; diabetes
Dosage: Normal 2-8 g;—
acute — 15-20 g
Remarks: Strictly avoid tea and
turnips when
using ginseng; ginseng
regulates blood pressure and blood
sugar as well; promotes secretion of
sexual hormones in men and women;
promotes blood production by
tonifying qi

Natural distribution: Northern

China
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Sweet, warm Natural distribution: Northern
Affinity: Spleen, lungs China, Mongolia, Manchuria
Effects: Tonic to spleen and lungs; Parts used: Roots
stomachic Nature: Sweet; slightly warm
Indications: Energy deficiency: fatigue, Affinity: Spleen, lungs
shallow and strained breathing, lack Effects: Tonifies energy; diuretic;
of appetite, dyspepsia, facial impedes perspiration; promotes
swelling, prolapse of rectum suppuration of abscesses
Dosage: 10-15 g Indications: Energy deficiency: fa-
Remarks: Similar in action to tigue, prolapse of rectum, womb, or
ginseng, but not as strong; this drug other organs; profuse sweating due
is often substituted in places or at to external "empty" ailments; stub-
times when ginseng is too expensive born abscesses; facial swelling;
diabetes
Dosage: 8-15 g
Remarks: The drug is also cardio-
tonic, and lowers blood pressure and
blood sugar; improves circulation in
flesh and skin

144
I
 DIOSCOREA OPPOSITA ZIZIPHUS JUJUBA
ATRACTYLDDES (Dioscoreaceae) (Rhamnaceae)
MACROCEPHALA CHINESE JUJUBE
(Compositae) CHINESE YAM (cultivated variety)

Natural distribution: China, Korea,

Japan
Parts used: Roots
Nature: Sweet and bitter; warm
Affinity: Spleen, stomach
Effects: Tonic to spleen; drying;
diuretic;impedes perspiration
Indications: "Empty" stomach and
spleen: full feeling after small food
intake, fatigue, diarrhoea; phlegm
and swelling due to damp-excess;
profuse perspiration due to "empty-
cold" ailments
Dosage: 3-10 g
Remarks: The drug is sedative to
restless foetus

Natural distribution: China, Japan,

India, Afghanistan
Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Sweet; neutral
Affinity: Spleen
Effects: Tonic to spleen and stomach;
nutrient; sedative
Natural distribution: China, Japan Indications: "Empty" spleen and
Parts used: Roots (tubers) stomach; general energy deficiency;
Nature: Sweet; neutral fatigue; hysteria
Affinity: Spleen, lungs Dosage: 3-5 fruits
Effects:Tonic to spleen, stomach, Remarks: The plant is added to
and lungs; stomachic; digestive many strong tonic prescriptions as a
Indications: "Empty" spleen and metabolic buffer to slow down and
stomach: lack of appetite, fatigue, prolong their effects
diarrhoea, leukorrhoea; chronic
coughs; nocturnal emissions; sper-
matorrhoea; frequent and scanty
urination
Dosage: 10-30 g
Remarks: The drug also lowers
blood-sugar and is used in diabetes

145
 GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS DRIED HUMAN PLACENTA
(Leguminosae)

CHINESE LICORICE

Natural distribution: World-wide Yang-Tonics

Parts used: Dried placenta tissue
Nature: Sweet and salty; warm
Affinity: Heart, spleen, kidneys Yang-tonics are used in ailments
Effects: Tonifies energy, blood, and caused by yang-deficiency. The kid-
vital essence neys house primordial yang-energy,
Indications: Extreme blood and and thus most yang-deficient ail-
energy deficiency; general weakness ments come to rest in the kidneys,
and fatigue; asthma due to lung and yang-tonics primarily tonify and
deficiency "warm" that organ. Common symp-
Dosage: 3-5 g toms of kidney-yang deficiency are
Remarks: Also an effective tonic in fear of cold,cold hands and feet,
impotence, sterility and neurasthenia impotence, spermatorrhoea, noctur-
nal emissions, premature ejaculation,
urinal incontinence, etc Sexual
potency falls within the domain of
yang and also centres about the kid-
neys and surrounding glands. Thus,
the most renowned Chinese aphro-
disiacs fall into the yang-tonic
category. Aphrodisiac tonics, how-
ever, should only be used in cases of
yang-deficiency. If used by people
with yang-excess and /or yin-de-
ficiency, they further aggravate the
yin/yang imbalance by injuring the
alreadyweak yin-energy.
Natural distribution: Northern The other organs affected by
China, Mongolia, Siberia yang-deficiency are the spleen and
Parts used: Roots the heart. Spleen-yang deficient
Nature: Sweet; neutral ailments are similar to those of
Affinity: Enters all 12 meridians and "spleen-empty", described above
organs under "Energy Tonics". Heart-yang
Effects: Tonic; antipyretic; antidote; deficiencies, which display symp-
demulcent to lungs; expectorant; toms of profuse cold sweats, pale
analgesic complexion, and weak, irregular
Indications: "Empty" spleen and pulse, are injurious to the blood and
stomach; blood and energy de- circulation and are best treated with
ficiency; toxic abscesses; swollen and drugs which "warm" the blood and
sore throat; coughs; asthma; acute with energy tonics. The liver and
abdominal pains lungs rarely display yang-deficient
Dosage: 2-10 g ailments: on the contrary, yang-
Remarks: This is the most commonly excess is the most common
used Chinese herb, appearing in imbalance in those two organs.
almost all prescriptions; it benefits all Yang-tonics are generally warm
the organs; its flavour improves the and drying and should be used spar-
taste of all prescriptions; it slows and ingly by patients with chronic yin-
prolongs the effects of strong tonic deficiency or fire-excess.
prescriptions; antidote in mushroom
poisoning; emollient in peptic ulcers

146
 CERVUS NIPPON EPIMED1UM SAG1TTATUM CISTANCHE SALSA
(Cervidae) (Berberidaceae) (Orobanchaceae)
SPOTTED DEER HORNY GOAT WEED BROOMRAPE

lu rong yin yang huo

Natural distribution: Northeastern Natural distribution: China, Japan

China, northwestern China
Parts used: Horn, velvet antler
Nature: Sweet and salty; warm
Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Effects: Tonic to kidney-yang; tonic
to the 13th and 14th meridians
(meridians of "Life" and of "Con-
ception"); nutrient tonic to semen,
marrow, sinew, and cartilage;
aphrodisiac
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency
(insufficient secretions of
hormones): impotence, watery
semen, cold extremities, lumbago,
clear and profuse urine, anemia,
weight loss, slow growth in children,
weak bone and sinews,
norhoea, leukorrhoea; 13th and 14th
meridian deficiencies
Dosage: Pure powder 0.3-1 g; —
decoction —
3-5 g
Remarks: This is one of the most
renowned and popular sexual tonics
in the ben cao; the best is tender new
horn still in velvet with the dried
blood still visible in the cartilage; the
most potent essence is obtained by
drinking the fresh blood and secre-
tions directly from the freshly cut
horn
Parts used: Leaves
Nature: Pungent; warm
Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Effects: Tonic to kidney-yang; elim-
inates "wind-damp" ailments (rheu-
matic); aphrodisiac
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency:
impotence, spermatorrhoea, prema-
ture ejaculation, lumbago, cold
hands and feet, fear of cold; rheu-
matic discomforts of "wind-damp"
sexual excess; spasms; numbness
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: The drug dilates the capil-
laries and larger blood vessels; lowers
blood pressure; common ingredient
dysmen- in "Spring Wine"; remedies absent-
mindedness by flooding the brain
with blood
Natural distribution: Northern
China, Mongolia, Siberia
Parts used: Fleshy stems
Nature: Sweet and salty; warm
Affinity: Kidneys, large intestine
Effects: Tonic to kidney-yang; de-
mulcent laxative; aphrodisiac
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency:
impotence, spermatorrhoea; prema-
ture ejaculation, lumbago, weak
bones and sinews; constipation due
to dry intestines
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: Tonifies yin as well as
yang; lowers blood pressure

147
 ALP1NIA OXYPHYLLA TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS CUSCUTA JAPONICA
(Zingiberaceae) (Zygophylaceae) (Convulvulaceae)

Natural distribution: Southern Natural distribution: China, Japan

China Parts used: Seeds
Parts used: Seeds Nature: Pungent and sweet; neutral
Nature: Pungent; warm Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Affinity: Spleen, kidneys Effects: Tonic to kidneys; nutrient to
Effects: Tonic to kidney-yang; bones, sinew and cartilage; tonic to
nutrient to bones and sinew; inhibits liver: improves vision

excess urination; antidiarrhoeic; as- Indications: Kidney deficiency:

tringent;stomachic impotence, premature ejaculation,
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency: spermatorrhoea, ringing in ears, fre-
impotence, premature ejaculation, quent and profuse urination, urinal
frequent and profuse urination, incontinence, lumbago, leukorrhoea;
urinal incontinence; "cold" spleen blurry vision due to liver deficiency
symptoms: diarrhoea, profuse sali- Dosage: 10-15 g
vation, cold and pain in abdomen
Dosage: 3-10 g

Natural distribution: China,

Australia, Africa, South America
Parts used: Mature fruits
Nature: Sweet; warm
Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Effects: Tonic to kidneys; nutrient to
bones, sinew and cartilage; tonic to
liver: improves vision
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency:
impotence, premature ejaculation,
spermatorrhoea, frequent and pro-
fuse urination, ringing in the ears,
lumbago, leukorrhoea; blurry vision
due to liver deficiency
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: The drug facilitates labour
contractions during difficult child-
births

148
i
 CN1DIUM MONNIERI D1PSACUS ASPER EUCOMMIA ULMOIDES
(Umbelliferae) (Dipsacaceae) (Eucommiaceae)

TEASE EUCOMMIA

s4 &w Kd ^5
she chuang zi xu duan du zhong

Natural distribution: Central China

Parts used: Roots
Nature: Bitter; slightly warm
Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Effects: Tonic to kidneys and liver;
nutrient to bones, sinew and carti-
lage; promotes muscle growth; he-
mostatic
Indications: Kidney deficiency; liver
deficiency; lumbago; cold extrem-
ities; traumatic injury to bone and
sinews; menorrhagia; bleeding during
pregnancy
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: Effective hemostatic action
in female menstrual disorders; elimi-
nates pus from abscesses and wounds

Natural distribution: China,

Vietnam, Laos, eastern Europe
Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
Affinity: Kidneys
Effects: Tonic to kidney-yang; anti-
rheumatic; antiseptic; aphrodisiac;
astringent; stimulant Natural distribution: Central China
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency: Parts used: Bark
especially impotence and female Nature: Sweet; warm
sterility; external application to Affinity: Liver, kidneys
vaginal itching and infections, Effects: Tonic to liver and kidneys;
abscesses and ringworm nutrient to bone, sinew and cartilage;
Dosage: 5-10 g sedative to restless foetus
Remarks: A decoction of this herb is Indications: Kidney deficiency; liver
a highly effective antiseptic wash for deficiency; lumbago, dizziness; head-
vaginal itching, yeast infections, aches; weakness and fatigue; impo-
parasites, etc tence; frequent urination; weakness,
dizziness restless foetus and lumbago
inpregnant women
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: The drug lowers blood
pressure; preventive in miscarriage;
an especially effective remedy for
lumbago due to kidney deficiency

149
 REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM
(Scrophulariaceae) (Polygonaceae)

CHINESE CORNBIND

Blood Tonics Natural distribution: Southwestern

China, Japan, Taiwan
Parts used: Roots, stems and leaves
Blood tonics are used to "nourish the Nature: Bitter and sour; slightly
blood" in diseases caused by blood warm
deficiency. Common symptoms of Affinity: Liver, kidneys
"empty" blood ailments are a sallow Effects:Tonic to liver and kidneys;
complexion, pale lips, colourless nourishes blood and semen; demul-
fingernails, dizziness, ringing in the cent laxative; antidote
ears, heart palpitations, absent- Indications: Blood deficiency: sallow
mindedness, insomnia, etc Dys- complexion, dizziness, insomnia,
menorrhoea is an additional symp- premature greying of hair; kidney
tom in women. deficiency: lumbago, weak bone,
When blood deficiency appears sinew and cartilage; constipation due
together with energy deficiency, both to dry intestines; swelling of lymph
energy and blood tonics should be glands; abscesses and ulcers
applied in therapy. If yin-deficiency Dosage: 7-15 g
is also indicated, yin-tonics are used Remarks: Contemporary usage
as well. Basically blood tonics and shows the drug to be effective against
yin tonics have similar effects, the high blood pressure and hardening
former being more specific to the of the veins and arteries
blood and the latter generally af-
fecting the entire body.
Blood tonics are generally moist
and "sticky" by nature. Many have
high and moisture content.
oil Those
patients suffering from stagnation,
abdominal oppression, and poor ap-
petite due to damp-excess should use
them sparingly. If the spleen is
"empty," combine blood tonics with
stomachic and digestive herbs. Natural distribution: Northern
China
Parts used: Roots (steamed)
Nature: Sweet; slightly warm
Affinity: Heart, liver, kidneys
Effects: Tonic to blood; nourishes
yin; hemostatic
Indications: Blood deficiency: diz-
ziness, heart palpitations,insomnia,
dysmenorrhoea; menorrhagia; kid-
ney-yin deficiency: nocturnal sweats,
spermatorrhoea, diabetes
Dosage: 10-30 g
Remarks: The fresh root is refriger-
ant to blood and nourishes yin (see
Antipyretics, page 00); the steamed
root is exclusively used to tonify
blood and nourish yin

150
I
 ANGELICA SINENSIS EQUUS ASINUS EUPHORIA UDNGAN
(Umbelliferae) (Equidae) (Sapindaceae)

ASS-HIDE GLUE IDNGAN FRUIT

e jiao long yan rou

Natural distribution: World-wide Natural distribution: Southern

Parts used: Glue prepared from the China, Japan
hides Parts used: Dried flesh of the fruits
Nature: Sweet; neutral Nature: Sweet; warm
Affinity: Lungs, liver, kidneys Affinity: Heart, spleen
Effects: Tonic to blood; hemostatic; Effects: Cardiotonic; sedative; tonic
nourishes yin; demulcent to lungs to blood: digestive
Indications: Blood deficiency: sallow Indications: Heart and spleen de-
complexion, dizziness, heart ficiency; absent-mindedness; insom-
blood in urine, stool, or
palpitations, nia; heart palpitations; weakness,
sputum, menorrhagia; insomnia and fatiguedue to blood deficiency
restlessness of heat excess Dosage: 10-15 g
Dosage: 10-15g Remarks: The kernels are ground to
powder and applied as a styptic to
abscesses, sores, wounds, etc

Natural distribution: Central China

Parts used: Roots
Nature: Sweet and pungent; warm
Affinity: Liver, spleen
Effects: Tonic to blood; emennago-
gue; promotes circulation; analgesic;
sedative; laxative
Indications: Menstrual disorders:
dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, amen-
orrhoea; blood deficiency: painful
scarring in traumatic injuries, post-
natal abdominal pain; rheumatic
pains
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: This is the most important
drug for menstrual disorders

151
 ADENOPHORA TETRAPHYLLA
(Campanulaceae)

Yin Tonics Natural distribution: China, Japan Indications: Lung-yin deficiency: dry
Parts used: Roots coughs, chronic coughs, body-heat,
Nature: Sweet; slightly cold faint and feeble voice; stomach-yin
Yin-tonics are applied in "yin-empty" Affinity: Lungs, stomach deficiency: thirst, insufficient saliva-
ailments. They nourish kidney-yin, Effects: Demulcent to lungs; antitus- tion, red lips
lung-yin, stomach-yin, and liwr-yin sive; stomachic; expectorant Dosage: 8-15 g
and are used against ailments of
deficiency ("empty") in those organs.
Major symptoms of such ailments
are as follows: (1) Lung-yin defi-
ciency: dry coughs, blood in sputum,
"empty" body-heat, thirst, irritability.
(2) Stomach-yin deficiency: red lips,
dark red tongue, peeling tongue fur,
fluid deficiency, thirst, lack of
hunger. (3) Liver-yin deficiency: dry
eyes, blurry vision, dizziness, head-
aches. (4) Kidney-yin deficiency:
afternoon heat spells, nocturnal
sweats, spermatorrhoea.
Most yin-tonics are sweet, cold,
moist, and "sticky" by nature. Pa-
tients with spleen-yang and kidney-
yang deficiencies (for symptoms see
"Yang Tonics") should use yin-tonics
sparingly and in combination with
other appropriate herbs.

152 ',
 L1RIOPE SPICATA LYCIUM CHINENSE ECLIPTA PROSTRATA
(Liliaceae) (Solanaceae) (Compositae)

CREEPING LILYTURF CHINESE WOLFBERRY

''2MM
mai men dong gou qi zi

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Root-tubers
Nature: Sweet and slightly bitter;
slightly cold
Affinity: Heart, lungs, stomach
Effects: Refrigerant to heart;
demulcent to lungs; stomachic;
emollient; antitussive
Indications: Lung-yin deficiency: dry
coughs, blood in sputum, irritability;
due to fluid deficiency
thirst
Dosage: 4-10 g
Remarks: Promotes lactation

Natural distribution: China, Japan

Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Sweet; neutral Natural distribution: China, Japan,
Affinity: Liver, kidneys Taiwan, Indochina
Effects: Tonic to kidneys: nourishes Parts used: Whole plant
semen; tonic to liver: improves vision Nature: Sweet and sour; cold
Indications: Liver-yin deficiency: Affinity: Liver, kidneys
blurry vision, dizziness, headaches; Effects: Tonic to yin; tonic to kidney-
kidney-yin deficiency: spermator- yin; refrigerant to blood; hemostatic;
rhoea, lumbago astringent
Dosage: 4-10 g Indications: Liver-yin deficiency:
Remarks: The herb is also an effective blurry vision, dizziness, headache;
remedy in mild forms of diabetes kidney-yin deficiency: spermator-
rhoea, premature greying of hair;
bleeding due to yin-deficiency: blood
in sputum, urine and bile, menor-
rhagia
Dosage: 10-15 g
Remarks: An extract of the fresh
herb applied to the scalp promotes
hair growth; taken internally, it

blackens the hair, beard and

eyebrows

153
 CH1NEMYS REEVESII TRIONYX SINENSIS
(Testudinidae) (Trionychidae)

TURTLE TORTOISE

gui ban bie jia

Natural distribution: World-wide

Astringent Or "Withdraw
Parts used: Upper shell (topside)
And Hold Back"
Nature: Salty; neutral
Affinity: Liver, spleen, kidneys Medicines which contract and tighten
Effects: Tonic to yin; clears blockages tissues to impede uncontrolled
and softens tumours; antipyretic seepage of fluids are called
Indications: Kidney-yin deficiency: "astringent". They are employed in
afternoon heat spells, nocturnal ailments of fluid loss with
such
sweats; yin-deficiency due to yang- symptoms as profuse sweating, noc-
excess; yin-deficiency due to heat turnal sweats, chronic diarrhoea and
excess; swollen or infected pancreas; dysentery, chronic coughs, spermat-
pain in rib-cage; amenorrhoea; orrhoea, premature ejaculation, uri-
tumours nal incontinence, chronic leu-
Dosage: 10-20 g korrhoea, profuse bleeding, etc
Chronic fluid loss is harmful to the
body's primordial energies, and if left
unchecked, it can lead to far more
serious, acute ailments.
The primary pharmacodynamic
effects of astringents are to impede
perspiration, stop diarrhoea,
strengthen and "solidify" the semen,
retain urine, stop leukorrhoea, he-
mostatic, antitussive, and other fluid
preserving actions. In cases of exter-
nal and "full" ailments which have
Natural distribution: World-wide not been fully eliminated, and in the
Lower shell (underside)
Parts used: early stages of dysenteryand hacking
Nature: Salty and sweet; neutral coughs, astringents should not be
Affinity: Kidneys, heart, liver used, in order to prevent retention of
Effects: Tonic to yin; tonic to kidneys; "evil-qi" excess.
nutrient to sinew, bone and cartilage
Indications: Kidney-yin deficiency:
faint and weak voice, afternoon heat
spells, nocturnal sweats, lumbago,
weak sinews, bone and cartilage; yin-
deficiency due to heat injuries; failure
of opening in top of baby's scull to
close;menorrhagia
Dosage: 10-25 g
Remarks: Promotes contractions in
delayed or difficult childbirth; pro-
motes growth of bone and cartilage
in babies

154
 CORNUS OFFICINALIS SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS TERMINALIA CHEBULA
(Cornaceae) (Magnoliaceae) (Combretaceae)

DOGWOOD TREE SCHISANDRA MYROBALAN

shan zhu yu

Natural distribution: Eastern China, Natural distribution : Indochina,

Korea, Japan Malaysia
Parts used: Fruits Parts used: Fruits
Nature: Sour; slightly warm Nature: Bitter and sour; neutral
Affinity: Liver, kidneys Affinity: Lungs, large intestine
Effects: Tonic to liver and kidneys; Effects: Astringent, antidiarrhoeic;
astringent; hemostatic hemostatic
Indications: Kidney deficiency: im- Indications: Chronic diarrhoea and
potence, spermatorrhoea, premature dysentery; prolapse rectum;of
ejaculation, lumbago vertigo, noc- asthma and coughs due to "empty"
turnal sweats, urinal incontinence; lungs; leukorrhoea; menorrhagia
liver deficiency: dizziness, blurry Dosage: 3-8 g
vision,headaches Remarks: The drug is highly astrin-
Dosage: 5-10 g gent, especially in the large intestine

Natural distribution: Northeastern

China, Manchuria, Japan
Parts used: Dried berries
Nature: Sour; warm
Affinity: Lungs, kidneys
Effects: Astringent; tonic to kidneys;
demulcent; antidiarrhoeic; antitus-
sive
Indications: Chronic coughs; asth-
ma; profuse perspiration due
thirst;

to "empty" ailments; spermatorrhoea;

nocturnal emissions; profuse and
frequent urination; chronic
diarrhoea
Dosage; 2-5 g
Remarks: The drug is both astring-
ent and demulcent, depending on the
condition of the patient's fluid bal-
ance: in cases of fluid excess, it dries;
in cases of fluid deficiency, it

moistens
 RHUS CH1NENSIS PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM EURYALE FEROX
(Anacardiaceae) (Papaveraceae) (Nymphaeaceae)

CHINESE NUT-GALL TREE OPIUM POPPY

ymg su

Natural distribution: China, India,

Mediterranean
Parts used: The dried empty capsules
from which the opium latex has
already been extracted
Nature: Sour; neutral
Affinity: Lungs, large intestine,
kidneys
Effects: Astringent to lungs and large
intestine; analgesic; antitussive
Indications: Chronic cough; chronic
diarrhoea and dysentery; stomach
ache; prolapse of rectum; asthma;
opium withdrawal
Dosage: 4-10 g
Remarks: The extracted opium is
also used in medicine: its action is
narcotic, sedative, hypnotic anti-
spasmodic, astringent and analgesic

Natural distribution: China, Japan,

India
Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Sweet and sour; neutral
Affinity: Spleen, kidneys
Effects: Astringent; analgesic; tonic
Natural distribution: China to kidneys and spleen
Parts used: Hard, globular excretions Indications: Kidney deficiency:
on the leaves and stems induced by spermatorrhoea, impotence, prema-
the larva deposited there by the ture ejaculation, nocturnal emis-
aphid insect Melaphis chinensis sions, urinal incontinence; spleen
Nature: Sour; cold deficiency: chronic diarrhoea, dys-
Affinity: Lungs, kidneys, large pepsia; leukorrhoea due to damp
intestine excess
Effects: Astringent to lungs and large Dosage: 10-30 g
intestine; antipyretic;
hemostatic
Indications: Chronic coughs; chronic
diarrhoea and dysentery; profuse
perspiration due to "empty' ailments;
bleeding hemorrhoids and stools;
spermatorrhoea
Dosage: 1-3 g
Remarks: The drug has highly
astringent action; contains 70%
tannin

156
 PARATENODERA SINENSIS RUBUS COREANUS SEPIA ESCULENTA
(Mantidae) (Rosaceae) (Sepiidae)

PRAYING MANTIS BLACKBERRY CUTTLEFISH

sang piao xiao fu pen zi

Natural distribution: World-wide Natural distribution: Central China,

Parts used: Eggcase Europe
Nature: Sweet and salty; neutral Parts used: Unripe berries
Affinity: Liver, kidneys Nature: Sweet and sour; slightly
Effects: Tonic to kidney-yang; warm
astringent Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Indications: Kidney-yang deficiency: Effects: Tonic to kidneys; astringent
impotence, spermatorrhoea, prema- Indications: Kidney deficiency:
ture ejaculation, urinal incontinence, impotence, spermatorrhoea, prema-
bed-wetting ture ejaculation, urinal incontinence,
Dosage: 3-10 g bed-wetting
Dosage: 5-10 g
Remarks: The drug improves vision
in liver and kidney deficient
symptoms

Natural distribution: World-wide

Parts used: Cuttlefish bone
Nature: Salty; slightly warm
Affinity: Liver, kidneys
Effects: Astringent; hemostatic;
neutralizes stomach acid; styptic to
abscesses and sores
Indications: Menorrhagia; bleeding
abscesses, sores and wounds; sper-
matorrhoea; leukorrhoea; stomach
ulcers; rising bile; pruritis
Dosage: 4-10 g
Remarks: Highly astringent: pro-
longed or excess use may induce
constipation

157
 Anthelmintic Or "Drive Out
Worms"

Drugs which kill or expel intestinal

worms are called "anthelmintic"
Worms enter the body through the
skin or as ova in contaminated foods.
Some can only be detected by exam-
ining the faeces for ova. Other types
are indicatedby such symptoms as
abdominal pain and pressure, loss of
weight, loss of appetite, eating
without satisfying hunger, desire for
strange foods or materials, yellow
complexion, body swelling, and itchy
anus. Treatment of intestinal worms
should always be followed up with
appropriate preventive care to
prevent recurrence of contamination.
Anthelmintic herbs should be
used with the following points in
mind: Natural distribution:
China, India, Indochina
— Prolonged worm infestation with Parts used: Fruits
attendant symptoms of abdomi- Nature: Sweet; warm
nal stagnation should be treated Affinity: Spleen, stomach
in combination with digestives. Effects: Anthelmintic; digestive
— Anthelmintics are most effec- Indications: Pains and pressure in
tively administered on an empty abdomen due to stagnation caused
stomach, to insure direct contact by tapeworms; abdominal swelling
with the worms. If patients also and swollen limbs in children due to
sufferfrom chronic constipation, intestinal parasites
combine treatment with cathartics Dosage: 4-8 g (1 fruit per year of age
or laxatives to insure thorough in children)
elimination of worms and their Remarks: This is an important drug Natural distribution: Indochina,
ova. in treating parasitic contamination in India, Taiwan
— Dosages of anthelmintics should children Parts used: Betel Nuts
be carefully regulated, especially Nature: Pungent and bitter; warm
with highly poisonous herbs, to Affinity: Stomach, large intestine
prevent toxification Effects: Anthelmintic; digestive;
— When fever or acute abdominal diuretic
pain is displayed, use of anthel- Indications: All types of intestinal
mintics should be temporarily worms; stagnant accumulations of
halted undigested food; irregular bowel
— These drugs should be used movements; swelling in feet and legs
sparingly in pregnant women, the Dosage: 4-10 g
weak, and the elderly. Remarks: Also used in malaria

158
 CUCURBITA MOSCHATA DRYOPTERIS CRASSIRHIZOMA ALLIUM SATIVUM
(Cucurbitaceae) (Dryopteridaceae) (Liliaceae)

PUMPKIN GARLIC
i 1

E£ Nil
nan gua zi guan zhong da suan

Natural distribution: World-wide Natural distribution: World-wide

Parts used: Rhizomes Parts used: Bulbs
Nature: Bitter; slightly cold Nature: Pungent, warm
Affinity: Liver, stomach Affinity: Stomach, large intestine
Effects: Anthelmintic; antipyretic; Effects: Anthelmintic; antiseptic;
antidote; hemostatic antidote; stomachic; tonic
Indications: All types of intestinal Indications: Hookworm, pinworm;
worms; pain and pressure in abdo- diarrhoea and dysentery; tubercu-
men; inflamed and infected abscesses losis; coughing fits; external appli-
due to heat excess; thyroid inflam- cation to early stages of abscesses
mations; menorrhagia and ringworm on the head
Dosage: 8-15 g Dosage: 3-5 cloves (fresh)
Remarks: Mildly poisonous; effec- Remarks: Extracts of this family of
tive preventive against contagious herbs have recently become popular
colds remedies in the West; it has been
often noted that countries which
consume large quantities of garlic
have a lower incidence of cancer than
others; the herb is by far more effec-
tive when used fresh

Natural distribution: World-wide

Parts used: Seeds
Nature: Sweet; warm
Affinity: (Natural affinities not
determined)
Effects: Anthelmintic
Indications: Intestinal worms; swell-
ing and pain in abdomen
Dosage: 30-50 g
Remarks: The herb is relatively new
in Chinese medicine, which is why
its affinities have not yet been
established; usually followed up with
cathartics

159
 Preparation Preparation
Herbal Prescriptions Boil with 3 cups water in covered Boil with 5 cups water in covered
earthen or ceramic vessel until it vessel until it decocts to 3 cups.
decocts to IV2 cups. Low fire. Strain Strain. Drink through the day. 4-5
through cheesecloth and take in 2 days.
The following herbal prescriptions doses on empty stomach. Take 4 to 5
have been taken from traditional days during contagious season.
Chinese herbal manuals and are re-
presentative of the various types of Remarks
MENINGITIS
herbal remedies prepared for com- Curative remedy in "wind-heat" ail-
Phyllostachys (33) 20g [ tfr|£ ]

mon ailments. They are effective ments. Gypsum fibrosum (29) 30g [ Efl- ]

against the which

ailments fall

within the normal bounds of their

Preparation
Lonicera japonica (47) 6g [sir SITE]
category. People with acute or highly
Chrysanthemum morifolium (14) Boil with 5 cups water in covered
complicated illnesses should consult
6g %Vc [
vessel until it decocts to V-A cups.
qualified Chinese doctors to obtain ]

Euphoria longan (leaves) (180) Strain.Drink on empty stomach in

herbal remedies for their specific
4g [filSIt] two doses per day. Let cool first. Use
problems. 4-5 days during contagious season.
The have been
prescriptions
Preparation
divided into the three broad cat-
Boil with 4 cups water in covered
egories of Preventive, Curative, and
Tonic Various examples of each type
vessel until it decocts to 2-3 cups. ENCEPHALITIS
are given according to the type of
Low fire. Strain through cheesecloth.
Sweeten with sugar or honey. Drink Baphicacanthus cusia 30g [tSiitfi]
disease they cure.
The herbs are listed by their Latin
through the day as tea. Isatis tinctoria (44) 20g [^WH]
botanical names and their reference Preparation
Remarks
numbers in this book are given in Boil with 5 cups water in covered
Curative remedy in "wind-heat" ail-
parentheses. Those with no number vessel until it decocts to 3 cups.
ments.
do not appear in the preceding list of Strain. Drink through the day for 4-5
200 medicines, but are commonly days as tea.
available. The Chinese name in Elsholtzia splendens (8)
Chinese characters is also provided log [ mm }

to facilitate filling the prescriptions

HEPATITIS
atChinese herb shops. Proportions Preparation
and ingredients are in metric grams. Boil with 3 cups water in covered Artemisia capillaris (77)
Generally, prescriptions which are vessel until it decocts to IV2 cups.
20g mmm]
prepared by decoction should be Strain. Drink as tea.
Ziziphus jujuba (164)
boiled in a covered earthenware or 7-8 pieces [:*:!&]
ceramic vessel over a low flame. If Remarks
you find the taste unpleasant, a little Curative remedy in "wind-heat" ail- Preparation
sugar or honey may be added to ments. Boil with 4 cups water in covered
improve the taste. One day's dosage vessel until it decocts to 2 cups.
is prepared at a time, usually divided Strain. Drink through the day as tea
Allium fistulosum (9) daily during contagious season.
into two or three portions. It is
always best to consume herbal brews
4-5 stalks and rootlets [ Z&
Zingiber officinale (93) 20g r£
the same day they are prepared.
f • i~
[

Raw sugar to taste

HEAT-STROKE
Preparation Phyllostachys (33) lOg [ ¥iM ]

Boil with 3 cups water in covered Gypsum £i#

fibrosum (29) lOg [ ]

vessel until it decocts to 2V2 cups. Gardenia jasminoides (31)

Preventive Prescriptions
Strain. Drink hot in 2 doses during io g [ m? }

the day on empty stomach. Lonicera japonica (47) lOg [#$fTt:]

Crataegus pinnatifida (138)
Remarks iog \um
CONTAGIOUS COLDS [ }

Curative remedy in "wind-J-ieat" ail-

Glycyrrhiza uralensis (165)
Dryopteris crassizhizoma (199) ments. 10g [ -tt£ ]

.[ ** ]

6 months —
2 years 3g MUMPS (Parotitis) Preparation
3 years —
6 years 5g Boil with 4 cups water in covered
7 years —
10 years 7g Baphicacanthus cusia 50g [$5l£fil] vessel until it decocts to 2 cups.
over 10 years lOg Lonicera japonica (47) 20g [sfelgfE] Strain. Drink through the day as tea.

160
 Preparation thesymptoms, then add:
Curative Prescriptions Boil 2nd and 3rd ingredients with 3 Codonopsis tangshen (160)
cups water in covered vessel until i5 g [ mm )

it decocts to lVi cups. Add first Atractylodes macrocephala (162)

HIGH BLOOD-PRESSURE ingredient and boil 15 more minutes. 10g[ £ft ]

Then add last ingredient and stir it Ifblood deficiency is indicated among
Lorricera japonica (47) 30g [MzlSifE] in. Strain. Divide into 3 doses. If the symptoms, then add:
Chrysanthemum morifolium (14) bowels do not move after first, take Angelica sinensis (178) 12g [ #§§ ]

30g [ Wit ] second, etc Ligustrum lucidum (seeds)

Morus alba (13) 12g [ #H ] 10g[£-jtCi=-J
Crataegus pinnatifida (138) Indications
20g [ U4iS ]
"Empty-cold" type; common in weak Preparation
Cirsium japonicum (131) or elderly; desire to evacuate bowels Boil with 5 cups water in covered
20g [ xm }
without energy to do so; thin, pallid vessel until it decocts to 2 cups or
tongue fur; insomnia. less. Strain. Add honey 30-40 g. Take

Preparation in 2 doses on empty stomach.

Boil with 5 cups water in covered
vessel until it decocts to 3 cups.
Codonopsis tangshen (160)

Strain. Take in 2 doses per day on 30g [ «#] ACNE, PIMPLES

empty stomach. Astragalus membranaceus (161)
i5 g
Cistanche salsa (169) 15 g f*l £e#
[

[
m }

]
Schizonepeta tenuifolia (4)

8g [ Mft ]

Gastrodia elata (109) lOg [ XB Angelica sinensis (178) lOg [ Htfi ]

ledebouriella seseloides (5)

Uncaria rhynchophylla (110) Cannabis sativa (seeds) (23) 8g [ a

log [ $m iog [xmn] Angelica anomala (7) 8g [ £3±£
Haliotis gigantea (108) 20g [UiXm Bupleurum falcatum (16)
Eucommia ulmoides (175)
Ifinsomnia is one of the symptoms, 8g[ ^m
20g [ m* add the following: Gardenia jasminoides (31)

Loranthus yadoriki lOg [^^4. Ziziphus jujuba (104) 15g [@HBt] 8g[ #ef
Achyranthes bidentata (124) Thuja orientalis (seeds) (132) Paeonia lactiflora (43) 8g [ *5#g
log [ ^m lOgHWffiH] Forsythia suspensa (48) 8g [ MM
Gardenia jasminoides Preparation Scutellaria baicalensis (60)
(31)
Boil with 5 cups water in covered 8g[ Jt^?
io g [ m j-
vessel until it decocts to 3 cups. Poncirus trifoliata (rind) (116)
Scutellaria baicalensis (60)
10g [ n^ Strain. Divide into 2 doses and drink 8g [ mn
Leonurus artemisia lOg [Sfif: on empty stomach. Ligusticum wallichii (121)
Polygonum multiflorum (vines) (177 8g[ n\n
lOg [Hi\i Indications Platycodon grandiflorum (144)
Poria cocos (73) lOg [f*^ "Dry" type; pain and pressure in 8g ism [

head; dry nose; thirst with desire for Angelica sinensis (178) 8g [ #l§
Preparation water; cracked, dry lips; hot palms Glycyrrhiza uralensis (165)
Boil with 5 cups water in covered and soles; chronic constipation; 8g [ Wm ]

vessel until it decocts to 2 cups. common in elderly and yin-deficient

Strain. Take in 2 doses per day on persons; sometimes occurs in women Preparation
empty stomach. after childbirth. Boil with 5 cups water in covered
vessel until it decocts to 3 cups.
Strain. Take in 2 doses per day on
Rehmannia glutinosa (38) empty stomach. Avoid "pungent"
CONSTIPATION 30gHfetfeH] and "hot" foods.
Scrophularia ningpoensis (45)
Indications 12g [ £# ]

"Full-hot" type; fullness and pressure Liriope spicata (182) lOg [ ^ H ^- ]

TOOTHACHE
abdomen;
in

tongue fur;
hot, foul breath; foul
flatulence; hot feelings; thick,
headaches.
yellow
Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Cannabis sativa
8g
(seeds) (23)
[ W
(30)
]
Asarum sieboldii (6) 3g
Rheum officinale (19) 5g
[

[
B¥
XM
iog ['Xmn] Gypsum fibrosum (29) 20g [ \ i'#
Rheum officinale (19) 6g [ XM ] Trichosanthes kirilowii (roots) Gardenia jasminoides (31)
Poncirus trifoliata (116) iog [ mm ) iog [ m{
io g [ mn ] Trichosanthes kirilowii (seeds) Paeonia lactiflora (43) 6g *7H [

Mirabilite (20) lOg [ tlffi } 10g[Xttm Scrophularia ningpoensis (45)

Magnolia officinalis (71) lOg [ £#
10g [ mtt 1 If respiratory difficulties are among Prunus mume 3g

161
Preparation DYSMENORRHOEA thick, viscoussyrup which may be
First boil #29 for Vi hour on low fire kept in a sealed jar for a
long time.
with 4 cups water in covered vessel. Saussurea lappa (117) 3g [ ^ ?f ]
Use 5-7 days in a row to clean out
Then add all other ingredients except Cyperus rotundus (118) 6g [ ?rPft lungs and bronchial tubes of accu-
#19. Decoct to IV2 cups, more or Foeniculum vulgare (96) 2g [ M# ]
mulations of lodged phlegm. Highly
Then add #19 and continue to
less. Paeonia lactiflora (43) 6g [ *5f| ]
recommended treatment for heavy
simmer for 15 min. Strain. Cool and Curcuma aromatica (127) smokers.
take in 1 dose. 6g fl$£ [ ]

Angelica sinensis (178) lOg #§§ [ ]

Me/z'fl azedarach (seeds) 6g [Jllf^T-]

HANG-OVERS
INDIGESTION due to excess con- Corydalis ambigua 6g [&£#1^]
sumption of meats and fats Citrus medica 3g [f^^-ffl"] Hovenia dulcis 20g t° W =F
[ ]

Pueraria lobata (15) (roots)

Crataegus pinnatifida (138)
15g LUft
If symptoms include pain and swelling
Pueraria lobata (15) (flowers)
log mum
[ ]
of breasts, then add:
Citrus reticulata (115) 6g [ B£j£ Bupleurum falcatum (16) 10g [ MTt }

Poncirus trifoliata (116) 8g [

tRft
3g *&
Coptis sinensis (59) 4g [ MM ]
Poncirus trifoliata (rind) (116)
[ )

Preparation

Preparation
6g [ mm } Boil with 4 cups water in covered
#43, #178 additional 6g each vessel until it decocts to IV2 cups,
Boil with 3 cups water in covered
more or less. Strain. Take as 2 doses
vessel until it decocts to 1 cup. Strain.
If symptoms include constipation and on empty stomach.
Take as one dose, sipping the brew dark, hot urine, then add:
gradually.
Trichosanthes kirilowii (149)
i2g [ im ]

Plantago asiatica (75) lOg [^hu f]

NERVOUS DISORDERS
Areca catechu (197) 5g ftiU
[ ]
Tonics
Hysteria, irritability, hypertension,
Cirrus reticulata (115) 6g [ tgj£ ]

epilepsy, manic depression, violent

Preparation
temper, etc IMPOTENCE
Boil with 4 cups water in covered
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (165)
vessel until it decocts to IV2 cups.
12g [
ttIJ[ ]
Cistanche salsa (169) 30g [[*]?£#]
Strain. Take as two doses per day on
Triticum aestivum (106) Cuscuta japonica (172)
empty stomach the first day pain
30g [ 'J>* ]
3o g [mur]
begins.
Ziziphus jujuba (164) Schisandra chinensis (188)
lOpieces [ AH ] 30g [S3fc /-]
PHLEGM Polygala tenuifolia (105)
Preparation 3o g [ mm ]

Boil with 3 cups water in covered

Excess accumulations of phlegm; Cnidium monnieri (173)
vessel until it decocts to 1 cup. Strain.
hard phlegm lodged in the throat 45g [&m f-\

Take as one dose, sipping gradually.

Platycodon grandiflorum (144) Preparation
20g [ tfM )
Have the ingredients ground to a
FROST-BITE Polygala tenuifolia (105) very fine powder. Then have them
12g [ %LM ]
made into honey pills, or make the
Cinnamomum cassia (2) Citrus reticulata (115) lOg B$j£ pills yourself by mixing the powders
[ ]

lOg [ m& ]
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (165) with enough honey to make a dough-
Paeonia lactiflora (43) lOg [ *5H ] 20g [ tt^ ]
like paste. Roll off small, round
Angelica sinensis (178) 12g [ #§§ ]
pellets between the thumb and
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (165) Preparation fingers.

5g [ U- & ]
Have the herbs ground to fine Take lOg of pills twice a day on
Ziziphus jujuba (164) powder. Simmer them in IV2 cups of empty stomach with some wine or
10 pieces [ A'l ]
honey over low flame for Vi hour, liquor (no ice). Take twice daily for
Zingiber officinale (93) 5g ^11 stirring regularly. Let cool. Ingest by 2-3 months.
[ ]

the teaspoonful, 2-3 times a day, 5-7

Preparation days. Remarks
Boil with 4 cups water in covered While taking the medication, it is
vessel until it decocts to IV2 cups, Remarks best to refrain from excess sexual
more or less. Strain. Take as 2 doses The prescription helps to "transform activity. It is even better to practice
per day on empty stomach for about phlegm" and coughing up
facilitates Taoist retention techniques as part of
1 week. excess of lodged phlegm. It forms a the therapy.

162
Lycium chinense (183) 30g [t»jfc \ ] Chinemys reevesii (185) Dosage
Schisandra chinensis (188) 15g M Drink 1-2 ounces before retiring each
night, more in winter, less in summer.
Plantago asiatica (75) 30g [$hu f] Preparation
Cuscuta japonica (172) Boil with 5 cups water in covered Remarks
50g[^fftfj vessel until it decocts to IV2 cups, We have it on good authority that
Rubus coreanus (194) 30g [iSf] more or less. Strain. Take as 2 doses this is Yang Sen's genuine personal
per day on empty stomach. Continue prescription, developed by himself.
Preparation for several weeks, or as necessary.
Have the herbs made into honey
pills, or make them yourself as
above. Dosage same as above.
YANG SEN'S PRESCRIPTION FOR
Cervus nippon (167) lOOg [ H^ ]
TONIC "SPRING WINE"
Bombyx mori (silkworm)
loog [wnw.]
Cervus nippon (167) 150g [ gS^f
Preparation Cervus nippon (glue) (167)
Have the ingredients prepared, or isog mm
[

prepare them yourself as above. Take Equus asinus (glue) (179)

5 g of pills twice a day on empty 150g nm
[

stomach with wine or liquor (no ice). Chinemys reevesii (glue) (185)

Take for 1 month. isog mm

[

Angelica sinensis (178) 60g [ OsM

Remarks Rehmannia glutinosa (176)
This is the strongest of the three tonic 150g [BMM
prescriptions given here for impotence. Astragalus membranaceus (161)
If over-stimulaton results, it can be 80g [ Hcif
neutralised by drinking cool tea. Panax ginseng (best quality) (159)
20g [ A#
Rubus coreanus (194) 20g[m^f-
Lycium chinense (183) 60g [f&lfE f-
PREMATURE EJACULATION Dried Human Placenta (166)
60g [ %&m
Nelumbo nucifera (stamens) (36)

Euryale ferox (192)

ioog
lOOg
[ m
~%%
Ligustrum japonicum (seeds)
60g [-kMT
[
Cynomorium songaricum
Fossilised Bones of
Dinosaurs and Reptiles (102)
6o g [ mm
gekko gecko (Red-Spotted Lizard)
100g 1 male and 1 female $&%] [

Ostrea rivularis (103) lOOg [ £tfc! ]

Hippocampus kelloggi (Sea-Horse
Rhus chinensis (190) lOOg [Sfg^p] 2 or about 60g [ MM
Poria cocos (73) lOOg f^^
[ ]

Preparation Preparation
Have the ingredients ground to a fine Steep the ingredients in a large
powder and mixed. Take 10 g with a ceramic vessel with 6 litres of strong
large glass of hot water, twice a day liquor, such as brandy, Chinese gao
(morning and night) on an empty Hang, vodka, etc for 6 months or
stomach. Continue for 1 or 2 months. more. The vessel should be well
sealed. After 6 months or so, pour
Paratenodera sinensis (193) off half the brew, and strain well
10g through cheesecloth or filter paper.
Polygala tenuifolia (105) Refill the vessel with three fresh
5g [ ol bottles of liquor, reseal, and steep for
Acorus gramineus (99) 5g [ {
:

| another 6 months or so. Use the

Fossilised bones of entire batch the second time. The
dinosaurs and reptiles (102) Spring Wine may be flavoured to
20g[ ||# taste with honey or sugar. To make a
Panax ginseng (159) 3g [ A#
A ]
pleasing liqueur, add chopped chunks
Poria cocos (73) lOg [ & of rock crystal sugar to the strained
Angelica sinensis (178) lOg [ # liquor.

163
 idispensible in daily life; but
art of deriving the most tonic
Ffect from it is one which the Chinese
have developed since antiquity by the
application of their philosophy of
balance to diet, and to match the diet
to its tonifying effects on bodily func-
tions. The use of tonics taken with
food pre-date their use as medicine.
Combined with food, tonics are ab-
sorbed better and are seen as a
superior way to keep bodily func-
Chinese wolfberry stewed with beef
tions in trim. Medicinal tonics, as the
Chinese saying puts it, are inferior to
food tonics.
The recipes that follow are a selec-
tion of herbal recipes which have
earned their popularity both for their
taste and their efficacy. They are well
established in the treasurehouse of
Chinese folk recipes. The herbal in-
gredients, if not common herbs, are
readily obtainable at a Chinese
herbalist, along with other herbs and
herbal prescriptions mentioned earlier
in this chapter. Herbal recipes and
their place in the development of
Chinese herbal medicine are dis-
cussed in Chapter 1.

Quantities given in the recipes

serve 4 —
5 persons.

164
 m&izmm 60 g (2 oz) butter simmer until fluid is reduced to about
PEARL BARLEY ('JOB'S TEARS") 2 large carrots, cut 4 cups; strain through a cheesecloth,
STEWED WITH CHICKEN (78) into 1 cm (Vz in) reserve broth, discard dregs.
chunks Bring 3 cups water to boil with 1
Therapeutic benefits: Nutritive; tonic; 3 onions, sliced into tablespoon vinegar; break eggs one
diuretic; relieves arthritic pain in crescents by one, and gently place in simmering
joints. 1 cup (8 fl oz) fresh green peas water to poach about 1 minute; re-
1 cup (8 fl oz) tomato sauce move gently with a slotted spoon,
Ingredients: 30 g (1 oz) Chinese wolfberry rinse under cold water, and set aside.
1.2 — 1.4 kg chicken Lycium chinense
Add chicken bones and parts to
(2.5— 31b) (183)
310 g (10 oz) fresh mushrooms, 3Vi cups water
pine seed broth, boil for 30 — 60
minutes, strain out bones, reserve
sliced (28 fl oz)
broth.
3 — spring onions (seal-
lions), finely Method: Bring chicken /pine seed broth to
chopped Sprinkle cubed beef with salt and boil, add salt, pepper and wine to
3 —5 slices ginger-root, finely pepper. taste. Add mushrooms and spring
chopped Heat butter in a wok, add beef, onions Gently
(scallions).place
1 fresh orange, juiced and stir-fry until brown. poached eggs in broth and simmer
30 g (1 oz) pearl barley Coix Add onions and stir-fry another for 1 minute.
lacryma-jobi (78), 1 — 2 minutes. Place 1 egg and some mushroom
ground, including Addtomato sauce, 3 cups water, into individual soup bowls, then ladle
husks. Chinese wolfberry; cover, simmer for broth on top; serve.
To taste salt, pepper and 2 hours.
wine Half an hour before done, add
10 cups water carrots and peas, salt and pepper to
'^WliS
(2Vi litres) taste. ANGELICA CURRY RICE (178)
For thick broth, dissolve 2 tea-
Method: spoons cornstarch in Vz cup water, Therapeutic benefits: promotes blood
Crush or coarsely grind the pearl and stir into stew 10 minutes before circulation; improves complexion; en-
barley, including husks. done. hances metabolism; tonifies yin en-
Chop chicken into 2 cm
entire Eat the herb together with beef ergy.
(1 in) chunks, including bones, with a and other ingredients.
heavy cleaver. Wash well, place in a Ingredients:
large stew-pot with 10 cups water. 310 g (10 oz) lean beef, or
Mfo^F^'M
Add crushed pearl barley, ginger, deboned chicken
then bring to rolling boil, cover,
EGGS IN KOREAN PINE SEED 3 onions, sliced into
lower heat, and simmer for 2 hours,
BROTH crescents
or until chicken is tender. 1 large carrot, cut into
Therapeutic benefits: Tonic; nutritive;
For the very young, elderly or
enhances strength and endurance. 1 cm (Vz in) pieces
ailing patients, remove chicken to a 1 large potato, cut
separate dish, strain broth to remove Ingredients: into 1 cm (Vz in)
barley pulp, then return chicken to 15 g (Vz oz) Korean pine seed pieces
the broth; otherwise, skip this step Pinus koraiensis, 1 cup (8 fl oz) fresh green peas
and leave pulp in the stew. crushed IV2 tablespoons curry powder
Add mushrooms, spring onions 6 cups water 2 tablespoons flour
(scallions), salt and pepper to taste, a (lVz litres) 3 tablespoons butter
dash of wine, then reheat and serve. 5 chicken eggs To taste salt and pepper

5 large dried black 15 g (Vz oz) Angelica sinensis,

mamte^Ftik^m mushrooms, soaked thinly sliced (178)

and cut into strips 5 cups water
CHINESE WOLFBERRY
5 fresh spring onions (VA litres)
STEWED WITH BEEF (183) (scallions), chopped
small. Method:
Therapeutic benefits: Tonic for yang
1 tablespoon vinegar Boil sliced in 2 cups
angelica
energy; aphrodisiac; promotes hor-
To taste salt, pepper and water, until fluid reduced by about
is
mone secretions; enhances strength
wine half; set aside, do not discard pulp.
and endurance.
500 g (1 lb) chicken parts (for Cut beef or chicken into 2 cm
Ingredients: stock) (1 in) chunks.
500 g (1 lb) beef tenderloin cut Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a wok,
into 2 cm (1 in) Method: add flour and stir well to thicken,
cubes Boil pine seeds in 6 cups water, then add curry powder, stir well to

165
mix; then add 3 cups water, stfcKvell
to mix, then add carrots and po-
tatoes, stir, cover, simmer on low
heat. *-*r

In a separate wok or pan, heat 1

tablespoon butter, then stir-fry beef
or chicken until just done. Remove to
a plate.
Add another 1 tablespoon butter
to wok and stir-fry onions until soft,
remove and set aside.

When and potatoes are

carrots
done, add cooked meat and onions
to the stew-pot and return to boil.
Then add angelica broth with pulp,
peas, return to boil and stir 1 —
minutes, add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over rice or noodles.

ftm^mihm
POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM
AND CARP SOUP (177)
Therapeutic benefits: Tonic; stimu-
lant; promotes hormone secretions.

Ingredients:
1 silver carp (trout,
bream or snapper)
about 30 cm (12 in)
long
To H#^l*) wok until hot and add beef; stir-fry
taste white pepper
quickly 20—30 seconds, then add 1
To taste and wine
chili oil FENNEL BEEF (96)
cup water, bring to boil, season to
15 g (Vz oz) Polygonum multi-
taste with soy sauce, sugar, and
florum (177) Thereapeutic benefits: Antitussive; ex-
wine; cover and simmer over low
8 cups (2 litres) water pectorant; carminative; stomachic.
heat for 30 minutes.
Ingredients: Place beef and broth into a serving
Method:
410 g (13 oz) beef tenderloin, cut bowl, add ground fennel, stir well,
Bring herb to boil in 2 cups water,
into 2 cm (1 in) and serve.
then simmer over low heat until re- cubes
duced by about half; retain broth
with pulp.
90 g (3 oz)
2 tablespoons
white sesame seeds
butter
wm&mm
Gut the but do not scale it; be
fish, To taste soy sauce, sugar
HEMLOCK PARSLEY ROOT
careful not to break gall bladder and and wine AND CLAM SOUP (121)
let bile run into the meat; rinse well 15 g (Vz oz) fennel Foeniculum
under cold water; cut off the head,
Therapeutic benefits: sedative; anal-
vulgare (96)
cut fish in half length-wise, then cut water gesic; emmenogogue; warming to en-
1 cup (8 fl oz)
each half in half, making a total of 5 ergy system in cold weather.
large pieces, including head. Method:
seasame seeds in dry wok
Stir-fry Ingredients:
Bring 6 cups water to boil, add
until golden-brown, then crush to 310 g (10 oz) clam (without shells)
1—2 teaspoon salt, add the fish, carrots, diced in
fine powder in mortar or food pro- 3
simmer over low heat, covered, until
cessor. 2 cm (1 in) cubes
scales and bones are tender, about
Roll cut beef in sesame seed pow- potatoes, diced in
lVz hours.
der until completely coated. Set aside 2 cm (1 in) cubes
When
done, add herb broth and for 1 —
2 hours. spring onions (seal-
pulp to soup, return to boil, then Stir-fry fennel until fragrant, then lions),minced
remove from heat. grind to fine powder (or buy it 3 slices ginger-root,minced
Season to with white pepper,
taste ground from herbalist). To taste curry powder, salt
chili oil, and wine. Serve. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a and pepper

166
 filUWMB'XWi
BROOMRAPE SEA FOOD
HOT-POT (169)
Therapeutic benefits: tonic; aphro-
disiac; restores physical strength;
stimulates energy system.

Ingredients:
Prepare and cut following ingredi-
ents for hot-pot style dining:
500 g (1 lb) Boneless white fish
and boned (floun-
der, sole, tuna, etc)
310 g (10 oz) clams or oysters,
without shell
250 g (8 oz) shrimp
l.head cabbage
2 large carrots
6 spring onions (scal-
lions)
185 g (6 oz) fresh mushrooms
2 cakes soft beancurd
8 cups (2 litres) chicken or fish
stock
15 g (Vz oz) broomrape
Cistanche salsa
(169), minced

Pearl barley ("Jobs Tears") stewed with chicken

Method:
Scale, skin, gut, and bone the fish,
rinse well, cut into bite-size pieces;
15 g (Vz oz) hemlock parsley Ingredients: rinse clams in cold water; clean squid
root Ligusticum 625 g (iy4 lb) nee and cut into bite-size pieces; rinse
wallichii (121), 15 g (Vz oz) dried black mush- shrimp and place on a plate; cut all
sliced thinly rooms other ingredients for the hot-pot and
8 cups (2 litres) water 3 cakes dried beancurd place each on separate plates.
1 cup (8 fl oz) green peas
Method: Put minced herb in a large pot
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Bring sliced herbs to boil in 3 cups with stock, bring to boil, season to
To taste wine, salt and pepper
water, simmer until fluid is reduced taste with salt, pepper and wine; then
15 g (Vz oz) tukahoe Poria cocos
by about half; strain through cheese- add half of fish and other ingredients,
(73)
cloth, reserve broth, discard pulp. return to boil, then place on table on
310 g (10 oz) rice
Place carrots and potatoes in a a portable burner, with remaining in-

pot, add herb broth, add 5 cups Method: gredients set on the table, to be added
water, bring to boil, cover, simmer to the hot-pot as needed.
Soak herb in just enough water to
until cooked. cover it, for 1 hour, then mash to Consume the broth and herb pulp
Washclams with salted water, pulp. along with other ingredients, for
rinse well and add to the pot together Soak mushrooms in hot water, maximum medicinal benefits.
with minced spring onions (scallions) rinse clean, cut into thin strips; dice
and minced ginger; add salt and pep- beancurd into bite-size cubes.
per to taste. Wash rice andput in a pot
rinse, £^mi+m'xm
:

Return to simmer 3—5 or rice-cooker with sufficient water to "HORNY GOAT WEED"
boil, mi-
nutes, serve.
cook it. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ASSORTED HOT-POT (168)
a dash of wine, and salt and pepper
to taste; stir. Therapeutic benefits: aphrodisiac;
u^mm Add herb pulp, sliced mushrooms, warming; enhances circulation;
tonic;
TUKAHOE AND MUSHROOM cubed beancurd; stir, cover, then improves memory and other mental
RICE (73) cook as you normally cook rice, until functions.
all water is absorbed.
Therapeutic benefits: sedative; diurec- When done, add fresh green peas; Ingredients:
tic; promotes hormone secretions. stir gently to mix flavours, and serve. 410 g (13 oz) calves liver, sliced

167
1 dozen fish balls, cut in half place on table on portable burner, 2-3 cups water
or and serve,adding remaining ingred- (16—24 fl oz)
2 cakes fish-paste cut into ients to pot as required during the 2 tablespoons frying oil

small chunks meal.

2 cakes soft beancurd Method:
1 head cabbage, cut in mmmmw. Bring cinnamon to boil in 2 cups
strips water, simmer covered until reduced
2 bunches spinach, cut in
CINNAMON CURRY RICE (92)
to 1 cup; strain, discard pulp, reserve
strips broth.
Therapeutic benefits: astringent; stom-
6 spring onions (seal- Cook enough rice for 5 persons.
achic, tonic; stimulant, anagestic; re-
lions) Heat butter in a wok, add flour
lieves fatique; promotes circulation.
To taste salt, pepper, wine and stir well to mix and thicken; then
and vinegar Ingredients: add curry powder and stir well to
15 g {Vi oz) "Horny Goat 250 g (8 oz) lean pork, cut into mix; then add a little stock or water
Weed" Epimedium bite-sized pieces and mix well; return to boil, add
sagittatum (168) 2 onions sliced into carrot, potatoes, and apple, cover,
2.25 1 (4 quarts chicken stock crescents simmer on low heat.
3 cups (24 fl oz) water 2 potatoes, cubed In a separate wok or pan, stir-fry
small sliced pork quickly in a little oil along
Method: 1 carrot, cubed small with garlic. Remove and reserve.
Bring herb leaves to boil in 3 cups 1 large apple, minced When carrots and potatoes are al-
water, cover and simmer until re- 2 tablespoons curry powder most done, add cinnamon broth,
duced to 1 cup. Strain through 2 tablespoons flour pork and onions to the pot, return to
cheesecloth, reserve broth, discard 3 cloves garlic, minced boil, simmer for a few minutes, then
pulp. 4 cups (1 litre) stock or water serve over rice.
Prepare stock from chicken bones 4 tablespoons butter
or seaweed, 2 quarts. To taste salt and pepper
%mm*m
Bring stock to boil, add herb 310 g (10 oz) rice
broth, add salt, pepper, wine and 15 g (Vi oz) cinnamon Cinna-
SAFFLOWER STEWED WITH
momum BEEF (123)
vinegar to taste; add half of ingredi- cassia (92)
ents, return to boil, immediately 300 g (10 oz) rice
Therapeutic benefits: uterine astrin-
gent in dysmenorrhea; tonic nutrient
after childbirth.

Serves 5 persons

Ingredients:
500 g (1 lb) beef tenderloin
2 carrots, cubed
5 potatoes, cubed
 onion, sliced into dried black mush- Sprinkle some pepper and minced
crescents rooms, soaked in scallion into individual soup bowls,
250 g (8 oz) fresh mushrooms, hot water, sliced then ladle servings of soup and solid
sliced thinly ingredients into each bowl, stir, and
1 cup (8 fl oz) green peas 1 cup (8 fl oz) green peas serve.
Vi cup (4 fl oz) tomato juice To taste salt,pepper and
2 tablespoons butter soy sauce
mtm'xm
2 tablespoons flour 15 g (V2 oz) Gastrodia elata
To taste salt pepper and soy IV2 cups water
ANGELICA HOT-POT (178)

sauce (12 fl oz)

Therapeutic benefits: promotes blood
15 g (y2 oz) Safflower
circulation; stimulates metabolism;
Carthamus Method:
tonifies yin energy.
tinctorius (123) Soak the herb in IV2 cups water
5 cups water for 1 hour to soften; then add it and
Ingredients:
(IV* litres) its water to rice pot with the rice.

Add all above ingredients to the

410 g (13 oz) any type white fish
meat, boned and
Method: rice pot, season to taste with salt,
skinned, sliced into
Put 5 cups water in a large stew- pepper, and soy sauce; stir well to
bite size pieces
pot and bring to boil. mix ingredients, then cook as you
3 cakes soft beancurd, cut
Cut beef tenderloin in half (2 large normally cook rice.
to bite-sized cubes
pieces) and place in boiling water When done, add the green peas,
and 1 head cabbage, cut into
together with safflower and cubed stir gently to mix, serve.
strips for hot-pot
carrots.
5 large dried black
In a separate wok or pan, heat
butter, thenadd flour and stir well to mmiknm mushrooms, soaked
thicken; add tomato juice and mix CHINESE YAM AND FISH in hot water, cut
into thin strips
well, then remove and reserve. SOUP (163)
5 cups chicken stock
When potatoes are almost done,
Therapeutic benefits: nutritive; tonic; (1V4 litres)
remove beef from the broth, add
butter/ flour/ tomato mix to the stew- digestant; controls nocturnal emission To taste salt, pepper and soy
of semen, incontinence of urine, and suace
pot, stir well to thicken; add salt,
15 g (y2 oz) Angelica sinensis
pepper, and soy sauce to taste. night sweats.
(178), sliced thin
Cut cooked beef into bite-size
chunks, return to stew-pot, bring Ingredients:
back to boil, then add mushrooms, 410 g (13 oz) any type of white Method:
peas; simmer 3 —4 minutes more, fish,skinned and Bring chicken stock to boil, add
sliced angelica, simmer for 20 mi-
and serve. boned, sliced to
bite-size pieces nutes.
This is a very fortifying dish; be
sure to consume broth and safflower 150 g (5 oz) white turnip, finely Add fish, beancurd, mushrooms
shredded to soup, then add
return to boil,
for maximum medicinal benefits.
150 g (5 oz) miso paste cabbage, and simmer until tender
1 large sheet dried seaweed, cut (about 5 minutes).
^JftfHSIS into strips Set on table on a portable burner

GASTRODIA ELATA MIXED RICE To taste pepper, minced and serve.

(109) scallion
15 g (V2 oz) Chinese yam tt#«&>I
Therapeutic benefits: tonic for head- Dioscorea opposita EUCOMMIA BARK AND
aches and rheumatism; stimulant for (163), mashed to a SMOKED SALMON SOUP (175)
nervous disorders; improves mental paste
functions. 3 spring onions Therapeutic benefits: tonic; sedative;
(scallions), minced analgesic; improves nervous func-
Ingredients: 3 cups (24 fl oz) water tions.
310 g (10 oz) nee
90 g (3 oz) chicken meat, Method: Ingredients:
boned and skinned, Bring 3 cups water to boil, add 410 g (13 oz) smoked salmon (or
cut into small seaweed, boil for 3 minutes, then salt-fish), sliced into
chunks remove seaweed pulp with a slotted bite-size pieces
large fresh bamboo spoon. 150 g (5 oz) white turnip, finely
shoot (or 1 small Add mashed yam, sliced fish and shredded
can), sliced thin shredded turnip to the broth, return 2 cakes soft beancurd, cut
large carrot, sliced to boil, cover, then simmer over low into small cubes
thin heat for 5 minutes. 150 g (5 oz) miso paste

169
 5 g (1/6 oz) Eucommia ulmoides Bring herb seeds to boil in 3 cups add dash of vinegar; cover and sim-
(175) water, cover, simmer until reduced to mer over low heat for 10 minutes.
6 cups water 1 cup, strain, reserve broth, discard Sprinkle some pepper and minced
(lVa litres) pulp. spring onions (scallions) into indi-
A sprinkling pepper, minced Bring stock to boil, add carrots, vidual soup bowls, add 2 3 drops —
scallion simmer; when carrots are soft, add sesame oil, some of the ginseng pulp,
both varieties of mushroom, add then ladle soup and fish on top, stir,
Method: herb broth, then season to taste with and serve. (Ginseng pulp will be soft
Bring herb to boil in 2 cups water, salt, pepper, wine, and soy sauce.
enough to eat and it tastes good; it
cover, simmer until liquid is reduced retains some medicinal properties
Return to boil, add half of liver,
by about half; strain broth and re- even after broth is extracted, and
bean threads, cabbage, and spinach,
should be consumed.)
serve, discard pulp.
—
simmer 2 3 minutes, then transfer
Bring 4 cups water to boil, add to a portable burner on table. Place
miso, stir well.
remaining ingredients on the table A#l
Add sliced fish and shredded on plates and add to the hot-pot as GINSENG STEAMED WITH
turnip and beancurd to the soup, required. CHICKEN LEGS (159)
then add herb broth; adjust salinity
by adding more salt or more plain >5o
Therapeutic benefits: tonic; stimulant;
water, to taste; return to boil, simmer aphrodisiac; promotes hormone se-
6 —
7 minutes.
GINSENG AND PORGY FISH cretions; retards aging.
HEAD SOUP (159)
Sprinkle some pepper and minced Ingredients:
spring onions (scallions) into indi- Therapeutic benefits: tonic; stimulant; 3 large or 4 chicken legs
vidual soup bowls, ladle servings of aphrodisiac; stomachic; promotes har- small
soup and solid ingredients on top, mone secretions; retards aging. 1 cup (8 fl oz) rice wine or dry
stir, and serve.
sherry
Ingredients: To taste white pepper
^gk^'Xm 1 medium size Porgy or bream fish 2 spring onions (scal-
head Pagrosomus lions), minced
"WAX PRIVET SEED" HOT POT
major 5 slices ginger root

Therapeutic benefits: nutritive; tonic; To taste salt, pepper, wine 15 g (Vz oz) ginseng Panax gin-
stimulant to nervous system.
and vinegar seng (159) (any
minced spring variety), thinly
Ingredients: onions (scallions) sliced
500 g (1 lb) beef liver (or 15 g /i oz) ginseng Panax
chicken livers) cut
Method:
ginseng (any
into bite-sized pieces
Cut each chicken leg in half at the
variety) (159),
joint; with a heavy cleaver chop each
90 g (3 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced thinly
half into 2 pieces, including bone.
sliced 2-3 drops sesame oil
Place chicken chunks in a Pyrex or
5 large black dried 8 cups (2 litres) water
ceramic bowl, add sliced ginseng and
mushrooms
ginger, add wine or sherry.
1 large carrot, sliced Method:
Place bowl in a steamer basket or
thinly Cut fish head in half, then cut each
1 packet
steamer-wok, and steam over high
bean-flour thread- half into 2 or 3 large chunks a
(this is
heat for 1 hour.
noodles hard-headed fish, so it is best to have
head Sprinkle pepper and minced spring
1 cabbage your fishmonger chop it for you).
1 —
2 bunches spinach Coat fish head chunks well with onions (scallions) into individual
soup bowls, then ladle chicken
5 cups chicken, beef, or salt and set aside to marinate for 30
chunks, ginseng pulp, and broth
(IVi litres) pork stock minutes.
into soup bowls, stir, and serve.
To taste salt, pepper, wine Blanch salted fish head briefly in
and soy sauce boiling water, remove quickly, and
15 g (Vz oz) wax privet seed rinse clean under cold running water.
Ligustrum lucidum Bring sliced ginseng to boil in 3
3 cups (24 fl 02 ') water cups water; simmer about 1 hour, or
until fluid is reduced by about half;
Method: strain, reserve both pulp and broth,
Soak dried mushrooms in hot separately.
water, then slice into thin strips; soak Add 5 cups water to ginseng broth
thread-noodles in cold water until and bring to boil in a large pot; add
soft,then set aside to drain; wash fish head chunks and return to boil;
spinach and cabbage and cut in strips remove scum that rises to the surface,
for the hot-pot. then season to taste with salt, wine,

170
 and returning to boil, scoop out the 125 g (4 oz) clams and/or
dumplings with slotted spoon and shrimp (optional)
serve immediately. 15 g O/2 oz) Achyranthes biden-
To make "pot-stickers:" in large tata (124)
Therapeutic benefits: tonic; analgesic; heat enough to coat the 7 cups
flat skillet oil water
astringent in spermatorrhea; enhances
entire skillet; place dumplings one by (l 3/4 fl oz)
strength and energy.
one into the skillet; when the skillet
is full and dumplings are frying, Method:
Ingredients:
quickly pour Vi cup tepid water into Bring herb to boil in 2 cups water,
185 g (6 oz) ground pork simmer and reduce by
the skillet and quickly cover; allow to half, about 1
2 onions, well minced
baby green
steam and sizzle for 3 5 minutes, — hour; strain, reserve broth, discard
1 cup (8 fl oz) tender
then remove and serve. pulp.
peas
Serve dumplings with saucers of Dice fish meat, then mince it very
20-25 thin-skin dumpling
soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and well with a knife or mincing tool;
wrappers*
chili sauce, as condiments. place mashed fish into a bowl, beat
To taste salt, white
pepper,
the egg separately, then stir into fish;
wine, soy sauce and * available in Chinese groceries and dissolve IV2 teaspoon cornstarch in
sesame oil Vi cup cold water, add to fish mix,
most large super-markets, Oriental
15 g (Vz oz) f oxnut Euryale ferox
foods section). and stir well with fingers or a spoon.
(192)
Bring* 5 cups water to rolling boil
3 1 (3 quarts) water
in a large pot; use a small spoon to
3 tablespoons frying oil ^MlkAm lumps of
transfer mix one
fish-paste
ACHYRANTHES BIDENTATA by one into boiling water; as fish-
Method: AND FISH-BALL SOUP (124) balls cook and float to" the surface,
Crush the herb and soak in water remove them to a bowl with slotted
for one hour; strain, discard water, Therapeutic benefits: detoxifies blood;
spoon. Continue until all fish-paste is
reserve herb. diurectic; emmenogogue; tonic; stimu-
cooked and fish-balls are removed to
Put ground pork in bowl, add lates energy channels.
a bowl.
minced onions and tender peas and
Ingredients: Add turnip, spinach, clams and/
mix; season to taste with salt, pepper,
310 g (10 oz) any type of mild or shrimp to soup, season to taste
wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mix
white fish meat, with salt, pepper, and soy sauce; then
well.
boned and skinned add herb broth; when soup returns to
Add crushed, softened herb and 1 egg cooked fish-balls to
boil, return the
mix well.
Wrap stuffing mix into individual
IV2 teaspoon cornstarch the soup,simmer for 2 3 minutes —
Vi white turnip, more, remove from heat and serve.
dumpling-skins, seal edges, and set
shredded
on a floured tray.
125 g (4 oz) spinach, cut for
To make boiled dumplings: bring
soup
3 water to rolling boil; drop
litres
Broomrape sea food hot-pot
about 20 dumplings into the water;
when it returns to boil, add A
3
cup
cold water; when it returns to boil
again, add A
3
cup cold water. After
adding the third dose of cold water
 and Stones, (1936), Reprinted in
ibliography Taipei (3 vols in 1): Southern
Materials Press, 1976.
— Chinese Materia Medica: Animal
Drugs, (1931). Reprinted in Taipei:
Southern Materials Press,1976.
A Barefoot Doctor's Manual. (Con-
Said, Hakim Mohammed. Medicine
temporary Chinese Paramedical
in Hamdard Foun-
China. Karachi:
Manual). Philadelphia: Running
dation, 1981.
Press, 1977.
Stuart, Rev. G.A. Chinese Materia
Chang, Jolan. The Tao of Love and
Medica: Vegetable Kingdom. Shang-
Sex. London: Granada, 1979.
hai: American Presbeterian Press,
Chinese Medicinal Herbs. Compiled 1911. Reprinted in Taipei: South-
by Li Shih chen. San Francisco: ern Materials Centre, 1976.
Georgetown Press, 1973.
Veith, Ilza. Huang Ti Nei Ching Su
Gulik, R.H. van. Sexual Life in
Wen, The Yelloiv Emperor's Classic of
Ancient Lieden:
China. E.J. Brill;
Internal Medicine, Nezv Edition.
Atlantic Highlands, N.J: Humani- Berkeley: University of California
ties Press, 1961.
Press, 1972.
Keys, John D. Chinese Herbs.
Wong, K.C. and Wu, L.T. History of
Tokyo: Charles E Tuttle, 1976. Chinese Medicine. Shanghai: National
Lin Yutang. The Wisdom of China. Quarantine Service, 1936. Reprinted
London: Michael Joseph; New in Taipei: Southern Materials
York: Modern Library, 1974. Centre, 1976.
Mann, Dr felix. Acupuncture: The
Chinese Art of Healing. 3rd Ed.
London: William Heinemann Medical
Books, 1978.

— The Treatment of Disease by Acu-

puncture. London: William Heine-
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1980).
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London: William Heinemann
Medical Books, 1954 (reprinted
1973).
— Atlas of Acupuncture. London:
William Heinemann Medical
Books, 1966.
Needham, Joseph. Science and Civi-
lization in China, (7 volumes). Cam-
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Press, 1954.

Palos, Stephen. The Chinese Art of

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Read, Bernard E. Chinese Materia

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(1939), vol. 3, Insect Drugs, (1941).
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— Chinese Materia M Uca: Turtle and
Shellfish Drugs, (1937), Avian Drugs,
(1932), Turtle and Sh-ilfish Drugs
(1937), A Compendium of Minerals

172
 herbal medicines, broad divisions 47 seven emotions 38
herbal pharmacopoeia 21,23 sex as health indicator 58-60
Index herbal poultices 57, 58 sex, menstruation and pregnancy 40
herbal prescriptions 31, 50, 60, 160 shamans 19
herbal prescriptions, mixing 50 51 Shang Han Lun 21
herbal prescriptions, presentation of 52-55 Shen Nong 10-13, 19, 21, 23
acupressure 57, 72 herbal recipes 164-171 Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, reference to 21, 23
acupuncture 57 herbal remedies 21 Sima Qian 10
anaesthetics 21 herbal soups 13 six excesses 37
Anecdotes of Celebrated Doctors, reference herbal tonics, see tonics, herbal skin scraping 57
to 23 herbal traders 68 sleep, in diagnosis 40
animal derived medications and tonics 56 herbal treatments 55 Song dynasty, medical developments during
anthelmintic drugs 158-159 herbs, dispensing 50-54 21,23
antipyretic drugs 92 herbs, functional effects of 80 spleen 34
antirheumatic herbs 112-114 herbs, selecting and categorising 46-50 stomachic herbs 135-136
aromatic dehydrators (drugs) 106 history of Chinese herbal medicine 9-15 stools and urine 40
Art of Acupuncture, reference to 37 HuaTuo 21,70,72 streptococual diseases 15
asthma treatment 15 interferon 75 suction cups 57, 72
astringent medicines 154-157 Internal Book of Huang Di, references to 21, summer heat, ailments associated with 37
i
bamboo, prescription on wood strip 18 48, 54, 81, 92, 115 Sun Simiao 23, 56, 70, 72
Ben Cao Gang Mu, reference to 24, 80 internal organs 32-35 symptomology 40
ben cao, see pharmacopoeia Jin PingMei, reference to 54 tactile techniques of diagnosis 41
Bian Que 21 kidneys 34 tai ji quan 73
blood regulating drugs 128-134 kungfu 18,19,21,29,72,73 Tang dynasty 21
blood tonics 150-151 Lao Zi 12 Tao Hongjing 23
blood, bodily humour 29 laxative medications 88-91 Taoism 12, 20, 28, 56
blood letting57 Li Shizhen 24, 70, 80 therapy, external 57
breathing techniques 18, 73 Lin Yutang 13 tongue, in diagnosis 41
cathartic medications 88-91 Liu Ching 61 tonic herbs 56, 66, 143-150
causes of disease 36 liver 34 tonic plants 66
Chinese herbology 46 liver sedatives 123-125 tonic prescriptions 162-163
Chinese martial arts 72 longevity 20, 29, 58-61 tonic wines 53
Chinese medical practice 45-61 Longevity Principles, reference to 61 tonics 19, 55-56, 66
Chinese medicine shops 50 lungs 34 tonics, herbal 48-50
cold, ailments associated with 37 Manchu dynasty, medical developments in 24 treatment of disease 48-49
Confucius 12, 20 martial arts, see also kung fu, tai ji quan 72 twentieth century, Chinese medicine in the 25
curative medicine 54 massage, as diagnostic technique 41 vital connections 35
curative prescriptions 161-162 massage, treatment 57-58, 70-72 vital essence, see qi
dampness, ailments associated with 37 medical prescriptions 21 vital organs 32
diagnosis, methods of 40, 41 medications, selection of 46 warming herbs 115
diaphoretic medicines 81-87 medicinal diets 13 water, element 31
diet 12,29,31,54,71 medicinal foods 13 Western medicine 14, 15, 35, 36, 69, 75
diet, as a medical therapy 23 medicinal herbs, processing 64 Western medicine in China 24
differential diagnosis 42-43, 46 medicinal plants 46 wind, element 37
digestive herbs 135 medicinal soups 15, 19, 21 wood, element 31
Discussion of Fevers, reference to 21 medicinal wines 53 yang tonics 146-149
disease, discussion of causes 36-39 mental distubances, treatment of 33 yin and yang 13, 20-21, 30-31,46, 47, 56, 60
diuretic herbs 108-111 meridians 35, 48 yin and yang organs 33-34
Dong Zhongshu 12 metal, element 31 Yin dynasty, medical developments in 19
dryness, ailments associated with 38 Ming dynasty, medical developments during yin tonics 152-154
earth, element 31 21 yin yang diagnosis 42
education, medical, development in China of modern developments 68 Yunnan bai yao 10
23 modern practitioners 70 Zhang Zhongjing 21
elements, five 31, 37, 46 Moment in Peking, reference to 13 Zhou dynasty, medical history of 19-20
Elixir of Life 2019, mountain sages 20
energy regulating drugs 126-128 mountain varnish 10
ephedrine 50 moxibustion 57-58, 72
essential direction 47 narcotic soups 15, 21
essential energy 47 new medicine 69-70, 75
essential flavour 47 observation diagnosis, methods of 40
exercise 54 oracle bone prescriptions 19
expectorant medicines 136-142 perspiration 40
fire, ailment associated with 38 pharmacopoeia, development of herbal 10,
fire, element 31 18-25
five elements 31, 37 physical exercise 73
five elements, theory of 46 plant derived medications 56
five flavours 46, 60 Precious Recipes, reference to 61
fluid, bodily humour 29 pregnancy 40
food and health 58, 60 preventive medicine 15, 31, 54, 60
food, drink, and taste 40 preventive prescriptions 160
foods, medicinal 13 principles of Chinese herbal medicine 29-43
four energies 46, 60 pulse diagnosis 41, 54
four vital bodily humours 28 purgative medications 88-91
ginseng 66 qi 18, 21, 28-29, 35, 39, 48, 49, 73, 77, 126,
Han dynasty, medical developments during 143
18, 20 Qin dynasty, medical developments during 20
headaches 48 refrigerant drugs 92-105
heart 34 resuscitive herbs 118-119
herbal descriptions 81-159 sedative drugs 120-123
herbal diet 18 sedative herbs 48

173
 Dipsacus asper (174) Portulaca oleracea (56)
Herbs under their
listed
Dried human placenta (166) Prunella vulgaris (34)
botanical names. Numbers refer Dryobalanops aromatica (97) Prunus armeniaca (152)
to the order of listing Dryopteris crassirhizoma (199) Prunus japonica (24)
Eclipta prostrata (184) Prunus persica (122)
commencing on page 81 Eleutherococcus gracilistylus (87) Pueraria lobata (15)
Elsholtzia splendens (8) Pulsatilla chinensis (55)
Achyranthes bidentata (124) Ephedra sinica (1) Quisqualis indica (196)
Aconitum carmichaeli (91) Epimedium sagittatum (168) Red mercuric sulfide (100)
Acorus gramineus (99) Equus asinus (179) Rehmannia glutinosa (176)
Adenophora tetraphylla (181) Eriobotrya japonica (154) Rehmannia glutinosa (38)
Agastache rugosa (68) Eucommia ulmoides (175) Rheum officinale (19)
Agkistrodon acutus (90) Euodia rutaecarpa (94) Rhinoceros unicornis (40)
Agrimonia pilosa (128) Eupatorium fortunei (69) Rhus chinensis (190)
Akebia quinata (76) Euphorbia kansui (26) Rubia cordifolia (135)
Alisma plantago aquatica (74) Euphoria longan (180) Rubus coreanus (194)
Allium fistulosum (9) Euryale ferox (192) Saiga tatarica (107)
Allium sativum (200) Ferrosoferric oxide (101) Salvia miltiorrhiza (120)
Aloe barbadensis (22) Foeniculum vulgare (96) Sanguisorba officinalis (134)
Alpinia oxyphylla (170) Forsythia suspensa (48) Sargassum fusiforme (151)
Amomum xanthioides (72) Fossilised bones of dinosaurs and reptiles Saussurea lappa (117)
Anemarrhena asphodeloides (30) (102) Schisandra chinensis (188)
Angelica anomala (7) Fraxinus bungeana (63) Schizonepeta tenuifolia (4)
Angelica pubescens (83) Fritillaria verticillata (147) Scolopendra subspinipes (114)
Angelica sinensis (178) Gallus gallus domesticus (139) Scrophularia ningpoensis (45)
Apis mellifera (25) Gardenia jasminoides (31) Scutellaria baicalensis (60)
Arctium lappa (12) Gastrodia elata (109) Scutellaria barbata (58)
Areca catechu ( 197) Gentiana macrophylla (85) Sepia esculenta (195)
Arisaema consanguineum (142) Gentiana scabra (62) Sophora flavescens (64)
Aristolochia debilis (153) Glycine max (17) Sophora japonica (133)
Artemisia annua (66) Glycyrrhiza uralensis (165) Sophora subprostrata (52)
Artemisia capillaris (77) Gypsum fibrosum (29) Stemona tuberosa (157)
Artemisia vulgaris (130) Haliotis gigantea (108) Syzygium aromaticum (95)
Asarum sieboldii (6) Hematite (111) Taraxacum officinale (49)
Aster tataricus (156) Hordeum vulgare (140) Terminalia chebula (189)
Astragalus membranaceus (161) Hydrous magnesium silicate (81) Thuja orientalis (132)
Atractylodes chinensis (70) Imperata cylindrica (46) Tribulus terrestris (171)
Atractylodes macrocephala (162) Inula britannica (145) Trichosanthes kirilowii (149)
Belamcanda chinensis (51) Isatis tinctoria (44) Trionyx sinensis (186)
Bletilla striata (129) Ledebouriella seseloides (5) Triticum aestivum (106)
Bos taurus domesticus or Bubalus bubalis (41) Lepidium apetalum (150) Tussilago farfara (155)
Boswellia carterii (126) Ligusticum wallichii (121) Typha latifolia (136)
Brucea javanica (57) Liriope spicata (182) Uncaria rhynchophylla (110)
Bupleurum falcatum (16) Lithospermum erythrorhizon (39) Viola yedoensis (50)
Buthus martensi (113) Lonicera japonica (47) Zea mays (79)
Canarium album (54) Luffa cylindrica (89) Zingiber officinale (93)
Cannabis sativa (23) Lycium chinense (183) Ziziphus jujuba (164)
Carthamus tinctorius (123) Lycium chinense (65) Ziziphus jujuba (104)
Cassia angustifolia (21) Lycoperdon perlatum (53)
Cassia tora (37) Magnolia liliflora (11)
Celosia argentea (35) Magnolia officinalis (71)
Cervus nippon (167) Malva verticillata (82)
Chaenomeles lagenaria (86) Manis pentadactyla (125)
Chinemys reevesii (185) Mentha arvensis (10)
Chrysanthemum morifolium (14) Mirabilite (20)
Cinnamomum cassia (92) Morus alba (13)
Cinnamomum cassia (2) Moschus moschiferus (98)
Cirsium japonicum (131) Nelumbo nucifera (36)
Cistanche salsa (169) Ostrea rivularis (103)
Citrus reticulata (115) Paeonia lactiflora (43)
Clematis chinensis (88) Paeonia moutan (42)
Clerodendrum trichotomum (84) Panax ginseng (159)
Cnidium monnieri (173) Panax notoginseng (137)
Codonopsis tangshen (160) Papaver somniferum (191)
Coix lacryma jobi (78) Paratenodera sinensis (193)
Coptis sinensis (59) Perilla frutescens (143)
Cornus officinalis (187) Perilla frutescens (3)
Crataegus pinnatifida (138) Peucedanum decursivum (148)
Croton tiglium (28) Pharbitis nil (27)
Cryptotympana pustulata (18) Phellodendron amurense (61)
Cucurbita moschata (198) Pheretima aspergillum (112)
Curcuma aromatica (127) Phragmites communis (32)
Cuscuta japonica (172) Phyllostachys (33)
Cynanchum atratum (67) Pinellia ternata (141)
Cynanchum stauntoni (146) Plantago asiatica (75)
Cyperus rotundus (118) Platycodon grandiflorum (144)
Datura metel (158) Polygala tenuifolia (105)
Dioscorea hypoglauca (80 Polygonum multiflorum (177)
Dioscorea opposita (163) Poncirus trifoliata (116)
Diospyros kaki (119) Poria cocos (73)

174
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i^^to.
 A complete and accurate guide to
Chinese herbal medicine

r Over a SPAN OF 5.000 YEARS China has established the world's most
extensive pharmacopoeia of medicinal herbs. Through empirical
knowledge of nature, practical application, and gradual reasoning based
on experience, a system of herbal medicine has evolved that is as highly
developed as Western medicinal science.

Chinese herbal medicine is a subject surprisingly neglected in current

literature. The highly Chinese Herbal Medicine fills this void,
illustrated
providing the general reader with insight into one of the world's most
complex and little-known sciences. It examines the natural flora and fauna'
on which herbal medicine is based and explains the philosophy that
propelled its development. Describing the art and practice of herbal
rrfedicine as applied today, it also highlights the potential to combine
modem Western diagnosis and traditional Chinese treatment to form a
complete and effective system for both preventative and
curative medicine.

Chinese Herbal Medicuw based on research provided by contemporary

is

experts, among them Huang Powen, an herbal physician and

Dr.
acupuncturist, and Dr. Hong Yixiang, a kung fu master and licensed
herbal doctor, both based in Taiwan. The text includes a color-illustrated .

list of 200 major herbs detailing their use, and provides herbal recipes for

some common ailments.

<J&

„'">
- 3JP-

Shambhala
Boston ISBN. 0-87773-39*