Materia Medica 4

• Acrid
• Warm
• Toxic (drying)
• LU, SP, ST

• Dry dampness, transform phlegm & causes rebellious qi to descend --> transform phlegm due to dampness of the SP, copious sputum
• Harmonizes ST & stop vomiting --> phlegm dampness in ST that rebels upwards
• Dissipates nodules & reduce distention --> nodules, pressure, distention or obstruction

• Bleeding, yin def cough, depleted fluids
• PREGNANCY
• Caution w/heat signs

• 4.5-12 grams
• Raw herb = external wash only!
• Fa Ban Xia = deep fried w/ginger, vinegar and  is what is given at the pharmacy
• Jiang Ban Xia = tx w/ginger juice

Bei Mu --> transform phelgm, stop coughing, sweet/cold to clear heat, moistens dryness, dissipates nodules, for phlegm-heat

Ban Xia --> transform phelgm, stop coughing, acrid/warm to dry dampness, transform damp- & cold-phelgm, reduces focal distension

• Bitter
• Acrid
• Warm
• TOXIC
• LV, LU, SP

• Dry dampness, expel phlegm --> distended sensation in chest due to stubborn phlegm
• Disperse wind phlegm in channel & stop spasm --> wind-phlegm obstruction caused dizziness, numbness, facial paralysis, stroke, lockjaw
• Reduces swelling & alleviate P! --> topically for deep rooted sore ulcers. Also for swelling due to traumatic injury.

• Yin def, dry phlegm or heat & dryness of LU
• PREGNANCY
• Raw = topically for yin-type abscesses, trauma-induced swelling & P!
• Internally = decocted w/fresh ginger
• *If numbness of tongue occurs after ingestion, granulated sugar can be taken as antidote.

4.5-9 grams

• Bitter
• Cool
• LV, LU, SP, GB

• Clears & transforms phlegm-heat, extinguishes wind & arrest tremors --> seizures, stroke due to phlegm-heat
• Often used in pediatric

• Acrid
• Sweet
• Warm
• TOXIC
• LV, SP, ST

• Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, expels wind and stops spams --> wind-phlegm affecting the head (wind stroke, facial paralysis, migraines)
• Expels wind-cold dampness & alleviates P! --> bi syndrome, dizziness, lateral HA, numbness, facial P!
• Relieves toxicity & dissipates nodules --> snakebites, scrofula. Usually used topically.
• *NOTE*
• Fu Zi = predecoct 2 hours
• Hei Fu Zi (black appendage)= acrid, ext hot, expel damp-cold in lower burner
• Bai Fu Zi (white appendage) = acrid, warm, expel damp-cold from upper burner

• PREGNANCY
• Yin def w/heat signs

1.5-6 grams

• Bitter
• Acrid
• (Salty)
• Sl. Warm
• LV, LU, (LI), ST, SP

• Redirect Qi downward & expel phlegm --> congested fluid disorder, wheezing
• Stops vomiting & calm rebellion --> due to def of ST or SP or damp SP disorder w/vomiting & hiccups
• Effect on smooth muscles

use it sparingly in cases of deficiency

3-12 grams (decoct in cheesecloth bag)

• Acrid
• Sweet
• Sl. Warm
• LU

• *Important herb for LU Qi blocking & stagnation *
• Redirect Qi downward & expel phlegm --> gurgling in throat, excessive disorder w/copious sputum difficult to expectorate. Not drying.

• Bai Qian --> redirects qi downward, but WEAKER than Ma Huang
• Can be substituted for Ma Huang, if patient is too weak to tolerate Ma Huang.

Cough due to qi def or inability of the KD to grasp qi

3-9 grams

• Acrid
• Warm
• LU

• Warm the LU, regulate qi & expel phlegm --> thin copious sputum, chest distention & P!
• Dissipate nodule, reduce swelling & alleviate P! --> joint P!, body ache, yin type boil, bedsore

• Cough due to LU def, yin def w/heat signs
• DO NOT use topically for pts w/skin sensitivities.

• 3-9 grams
• For topical use, grind into powder & mix w/vinegar

• All 3 transform phlegm, regulate qi and pacify wheezing.
• Bai Jie Zi = warms LU qi
• Su Zi = directs LU qi down
• Lai Fu Zi = disperses LU qi

• Bitter
• Acrid
• Neutral
• LU

• Open up & disseminate the LU qi + expel phlegm 
• Promote discharge of pus --> LU or throat abscess 
• Benefit the throat --> sore throat, loss of voice
• Direct effect of other herb to upper region of the body --> respiratory effect

hemotysis

3-9 grams

• Acrid
• Warm
• Sl. Toxic
• LU, LI

• Dispel phlegm --> STRONG phlegm dispel effect, copious sputum difficult to expectorate
• Open the orifices & revive the spirit --> sudden loss of consciousness w/facial paralysis or seizures
• Dissipate clumps and reduce swelling --> initial stage of abscess & boil 
• As a suppository, unblock the bowel, expel roundworm 
• *NOTE*
• Preparation of Zao Jiao increase secretions in the ST & respiratory tract. Also, has inhibitory effect in-vitro against gram-negative bacteria.

• PREGNANCY
• Qi or yin def, hemoptysis 
• OD can caused vomiting & diarrhea

• 0.6-1.5 grams in pill and powder form only
• Topically, apply appropriate amount

• Spine of the plant
• Acrid
• Warm
• LV, ST

• Reduces swelling, discharges pus, invigorates the blood, reduces abscesses
• Expels wind & kills parasites --> leprosy & ringworm

• PREGNANCY
• when ulcers have already burst