04-28-25 - Herb I - Introduction to Processing of Chinese Herbal Medicine

These flashcards review key concepts and terms related to herb processing and their properties, as discussed in the lecture.

What is manual processing of herbs?

Manual processing involves removing contaminants and impurities using methods like brushing and sieving.

What does liquid processing of herbs entail?

Liquid processing softens materials or removes contaminants using liquids like water or alcohol.

What is the purpose of stir baking herbs?

Stir baking uses heat to process herbs, releasing active ingredients and resolving toxicity.

What are the effects of carbonizing herbs?

Carbonizing helps to stop bleeding and can create astringent qualities.

What is the benefit of stir baking herbs with rice or dirt?

It augments spleen stomach tonification, thereby strengthening the digestive system.

How does quick frying herbs affect their toxicity?

Quick frying can reduce the toxicity of herbs.

What is the role of solvents in solvent refining?

Solvent refining dissolves unwanted components from mineral materials, followed by recrystallization.

Define calcination in herbal processing.

Calcination uses extreme heat to make herbs brittle, aiding in pulverization and releasing active ingredients.

What is the significance of using adjuvants in herb processing?

Adjuvants like honey or wine enhance the effects of herbs during heat processing.

What is the effect of vinegar when used in stir baking?

Vinegar enhances astringent qualities and moderates pain effects.

Name the five elements related to herbs in TCM.

Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

What are the four natures of herbs?

Hot, warm, cool, and cold.

What flavor relates to the liver in TCM?

Sour flavor.

How do bitter herbs affect the body?

Bitter herbs are drying and purging, helping to clear dampness and rebellious qi.

What is the main action of sweet flavoring in herbs?

Sweet flavor tonifies deficiency and harmonizes in TCM.

What does pungent flavor do for the body?

Pungent flavor disperses and moves qi, often used for colds.

What does astringency do in herb effects?

Astringency stops fluid leakage, such as sweating or diarrhea.

What is mutual reinforcement in herb combinations?

Two or more herbs with similar actions enhance each other's effects.

What is meant by mutual antagonism in herbal combinations?

Herbs that negatively affect each other's actions and can lead to increased toxicity.

What is the key principle about toxicity in herbal medicine?

All medicines have the potential to heal and harm, hinging on dosage.

What are the contraindications to consider when using herbs?

Certain conditions, like pregnancy, require caution or total avoidance of specific herbs.

How does cooking method affect herb use?

Certain herbs require specific cooking methods to enhance safety or efficacy.

What is the role of the digestive system in herbal medicine?

The health of the digestive system is crucial for absorbing the active ingredients of herbs.

How do dietary restrictions impact herbal treatment?

What a patient eats can affect the effectiveness and safety of the herbal treatment.

What is the goal of tonifying actions in herbal medicine?

To strengthen and replenish the body’s energy and health.

What does the term 'clear heat' refer to in herbal treatment?

It refers to the action of cooling down the body in cases of excess heat.