HB122-CH5 Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness

独活Du Huo(Pubescent Angelica Root) (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis)

1. Dispels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain

2. Disperses Wind-Cold-Dampness and releases the Exterior

3. Treats Shao Yin headache and toothache

Du huo

• Have a stronger action on the foot Shao Yin channel 

• Better suited for Wind-Damp in the Lower body with pain in the lumbar region, legs, calves, and feet.

威灵仙Wei Ling Xian(Clematis Root) (Radix Clematidis)

This herb is strongly piercing and mobilizing and may damage Zheng Qi if overused. It should be used cautiously in patients with Qi or Blood deficiency, or in weakened individuals.

Long term use or normal use in high doses may cause a toxic reaction.

wei ling xian

1. Dispels Wind-Dampness, unblocks the channels, and alleviates pain

2. Softens and transforms fish bones

3. Reduces Phlegm and pathogenic water (regulates urination)

秦艽Qin Jiao(Large Gentian Root) (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae)

• Contraindicated for those with SP Def Cold with loose stools or diarrhea; for those with frequent urination.

• High doses may cause nausea and vomiting.

秦艽Qin Jiao

1. Expels Wind-Dampness and soothes the sinews and collaterals (+dang gui, tian ma, chuan xiong, bai shao→da qin jiao tang)

2. Clears Deficiency Heat (qin jiao bie jia tang)

3. Resolves Dampness and reduces jaundice

4. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels

qin jiao

[Taste] bitter, acrid; [Temperature] slightly cold; [Channel] GB, LR, ST

木瓜Mu Gua(Chaenomeles Fruit) (Fructus Chaenomelis)

• Excessive use can harm teeth and bones.

桑枝Sang Zhi(Mulberry Twig) (Ramulus Mori)

Used for Wind-Damp with spasms, especially warm Bi in the upper extremities; Numbness in the extremities or hemiplegia as sequelae for Wind-Stroke. 

豨莶草Xī Xiān Cǎo(St. Paul's Wort) (Herba Siegesbeckiae)

1. Dispels Wind-Dampness and unblocks the channels and collaterals

2. Clears heat and pacifies the LR

3. Clears and transforms Damp-Heat 

4. Treats hypertension

5. Calms the Spirit

桑寄生Sang Ji Sheng(Taxillus) (Herba Taxilli)

1. Tonifies LR and KD Yin, strengthens the sinews and bones, and expels Wind-Dampness (+du huo ji sheng tang)

2. Nourishes the Blood and calms the womb. (shou tai wan)

3. Nourishes the Blood and benefits the skin

• Some sources say this herb treats hypertension.

• Many sources classify this herb as a Yin Tonic.

sang ji sheng

Strengthens the sinews and bones 3

• Wu Jia Pi

• Sang Ji Sheng

• Lu Han Cao

Dispels wind-dampness and alleviates pain 4

• Du Huo

• Wei Ling Xian

• Can Sha

• Qin Jiao

Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels 7

• Mu Gua, Sang Zhi

• Xi Xian Cao, Shen Jin Cao

• Bai Hua She

• Hai Tong Pi

• Luo Shi Teng