HERBS 3 (HB516): LESSON 4 - Herbs that Tonify Yang Part 1

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts and individual herbs from the first part of the Herbs that Tonify Yang lecture.

Ming Men

The 'Gate of Life' or seat of the Primal Yang, technically located between the Kidneys.

Yang Deficiency Symptoms (Kidney)

Sore/weak lower back, impotence, spermatorrhea, watery vaginal discharge, infertility, enuresis, polyuria, wheezing, edema, and cock’s crow diarrhea.

Yang Deficiency Symptoms (Spleen)

Abdominal distention worse after eating, desire for warm foods, indigestion, loose stools, and edema.

Yang Deficiency Symptoms (Heart)

Palpitations, Shortness of Breath especially with exertion, chest stuffiness/discomfort, and a bright pale face.

Lu Rong (Cervi Cornu Pantorichum)

An expensive animal product (Deer Velvet) that fortifies the Primal Yang/Ming Men, generates Essence, and augments the Marrow.

Lu Jiao Jiao (Cervi Cornus Colla)

Deer Antler Glue; it is milder and safer than Lu Rong, particularly effective at stopping bleeding due to deficiency.

Ge Jie (Gecko)

Salty and neutral medicinal used to fortify Kidney Yang and tonify Lung Qi, specifically for inhalation issues when the Kidney is unable to grasp Lung Qi.

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps)

Chinese Caterpillar Fungus that gently tonifies Kidney Yang and augments Lung Yin; often used for consumptive issues and revitalizing debilitated patients.

Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba)

The fleshy stem of the Broomrape that tonifies Kidney Yang and enriches Essence while moistening the intestines to facilitate stool passage.

Suo Yang (Cynomorii Herba)

The fleshy stem of Cynomorium, known as 'Lock Yang,' which tonifies the Kidneys, suppresses further loss of Essence, and treats atrophy (Wei Syndrome).

Yin Yang Huo (Epimedii Herba)

Also known as Horny-Goat Weed, it tonifies Ming Men Fire, improves libido, and dispels Wind-Damp for Bi syndrome and post-stroke hemiplegia.

Ba Ji Tian (Morindae Officinalis Radix)

Morinda Root; it tonifies Kidney Yang without being too drying, augments Essence, and expels Wind-Damp from the sinews and bones.

Hu Lu Ba (Trigonellae Semen)

Fenugreek Seed; it drives out Cold and Damp from the Lower Jiao and is primarily indicated for pain from cold-type Shan disorders.

He Tao Ren (Juglandis Semen)

Walnut; it tonifies the Kidneys, warms the Lungs to help grasp Qi, and moistens the intestines, also serving as a tonic for the brain.

Bu Gu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus)

Psoralea Fruit; it warmly tonifies the Kidneys and Spleen for 'Cock’s Crow' diarrhea and can be used topically in tincture for vitiligo.

Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus)

Black Cardamom; its astringent nature warms the Kidney and Spleen to secure urine, retain Essence, and control excessive salivation.

Wei Syndrome

A disorder characterized by atrophy, weakness, or paralysis of the limbs, often addressed by herbs that strengthen the sinews and bones like Suo Yang.

Shan Disorders

Conditions involving lower abdominal pain, flank pain, or scrotal contraction/swelling caused by Cold and Damp, treated by herbs like Hu Lu Ba.