Herbology
About ‘Single’ Herbs
The Qi of Herbs
- Hot, cold, warm, cool, and neutral
- Slightly cold and slightly warm
- Thick and thin (heavy and light)
- Aromatic
- Penetrates turbidity
- Awakens digestion
- Awakens cognition
The Taste of Herbs
- Acrid – disperses, moves
- Sweet – supplements, harmonizes, moistens
- Bitter – drains, dries
- Sour – prevents or reverses fluid or qi leakage
- Salty – purges, softens
- Astringent – prevents fluid leakage
- Bland – leaches out dampness, promotes urination
Other Classifications
- Herbs are said to enter specific channels
- Some herbs guide to certain parts of the body
- Herbs have associated actions, functions, and indications
A typical entry…
- Properties: sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm
- Channels: lung, spleen
- Dose: 1-9g
- In cases of hemorrhagic shock, up to 30g may be used
- Actions and Indications
- Strongly tonifies basal qi: for extreme collapse of qi or abandoned conditions with shallow breathing, shortness of breath, cold limbs, profuse sweating, and a minute or weak pulse
- Tonifies the Lung and augments qi: for wheezing, shortness of breath, and labored breathing with exertion
- Strengthens the Spleen and tonifies the Stomach: for lethargy, lack of appetite, chest and abdominal distention, and chronic diarrhea
- Generates fluids and stops thirst: for wasting and thirsting disorder, as well as in cases when the qi and fluids have been injured by high fever and profuse sweating
- Benefits the Heart qi and calms the spirit: for palpitations with anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, and restlessness
- Cautions and Contraindications
- Contraindicated in cases of yin deficiency with heat sign, heat excess, or without qi deficiency
- Contraindicated in hypertensive patients with ascendant Liver yang and in cases of very high blood pressure
- Overdose can lead to headache, insomnia, palpitations, and a rise in blood pressure
