Lesson 10: Herbs that Open the Orifices and Herbs that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors

Practice flashcards for VOCABULARY style covering Lesson 10 herbs that open the orifices and herbs that extinguish wind and stop tremors from Gary Williams' TCM lecture.

She Xiang (Moschus)

The navel gland secretions of the Musk Deer used to vigorously open the orifices, revive the Spirit, and unblock closed disorders; it is intensely aromatic, invigorates Blood, facilitates stillborn delivery, and is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Su He Xiang (Styrax)

The resin of Rose Maloes primarily used for Cold Closed Disorders and phlegm collapse; it penetrates turbidity to awaken the Spirit and is described as being helpful for treating the 'miasmic damp Qi of mountain mists.'

Bing Pian (Borneolum)

Also known as 'Ice Slice,' this mildly cold herb opens the orifices, disperses Fire constraint, clears the eyes, and resolves toxicity; it is often used for Heat causing headaches and red, swollen eyes.

Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma)

Called 'scrubby bubbles for the brain,' this herb transforms turbid dampness, dislodges Phlegm, and opens sensory orifices; it is commonly used for forgetfulness, dulled senses, and seizures at a suggested granule dosage of $0.25-1g$.

Niu Huang (Bovis Calculus)

A Gallstone from Cattle that cools Heat, cools Blood, and dislodges Phlegm to clear the consciousness; it is specifically indicated for delirium or coma due to pathogenic Heat and for extinguishing Wind to stop tremors.

Hot Closed Disorder

A condition characterized by delirium, irritability, convulsions, high fever, a red face, heavy breathing, a red tongue with a yellow coat, and a rapid pulse; it is usually due to a warm pathogen entering the Ying or Blood levels.

Cold Closed Disorder

A condition presenting with an ashen/cyanotic face, cold body, sudden collapse, white tongue coat, and slow pulse; it is commonly seen in comas associated with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or poisoning.

Ling Yang Jiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu)

Antelope Horn used to drain Liver Heat and extinguish internal Wind for extreme Heat patterns leading to spasms and convulsions; it is milder than Xi Jiao but better at treating Wind, entering the Blood Level to resolve toxicity.

Gou Teng (Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis)

Known as 'Hook Vine' or 'Cats Claw,' this herb extinguishing Wind and pacifies Liver Yang; it should be decocted for $20$ minutes or less as the 'hook' grabs Liver Yang/Wind to pull it down from the head.

Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma)

A neutral herb from the Orchid Family also called 'Ding Feng Cao' (Settle Wind Herb) that calms the Liver and controls spasms; it is gentle and nourishing, making it suitable for both Hot and Cold patterns stirring up Liver Wind.

Ci Ji Li (Tribuli Fructus)

Puncture-Vine Fruit that calms the Liver, brightens the eyes, and stops itching; it is noted for its ability to dredge Liver Qi and disperse constraint or clumping, such as in cases of insufficient lactation.

Shi Jue Ming (Haliotidis Concha)

Abalone Shell used to cool Liver Heat, anchor Liver Yang, and improve vision; it is heavy and effective at weighing down Yang to treat hypertension, headaches, and superficial visual obstructions.

Di Long (Pheretima)

An Earthworm used to drain Heat, settle convulsions, and unblock the collaterals/channels; it is used for Hot Bi, sequelae of Wind Stroke (hemiplegia), and to calm wheezing due to Lung Heat.

Bai Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus)

White Mummified Silkworm (attacked by a fungus) used to extinguish Wind, transform Phlegm, and soften hardness; it is frequently used for Phlegm Heat scrofula, facial paralysis, and throat pain.

Quan Xie (Scorpio)

Scorpion; a toxic, neutral herb that strongly extinguishes Liver Wind and unblocks collaterals to stop pain; it is often powdered at a dosage of $0.6-1g$ and is very effective for stubborn migraines and trigeminal neuralgia.

Wu Gong (Scolopendra)

Centipede; an acrid, toxic, warm herb used to attack toxins and dissipate nodules; it is the most intense of the 'crawly' herbs for dispelling Wind-Cold and is frequently used alongside Quan Xie for lockjaw or seizures.

Dai Zhe Shi (Haematitum)

Hematite (iron stone) that suppression and directs rebellious Qi downward while cooling Liver Fire; it is used for dizziness, vertigo, vomiting of blood, or nosebleeds at a decoction dosage of $9-30g$.

Aromatic Orifice-Opening Herbs Caution

These herbs should be avoided in cases of deficiency or abandonment patterns (Open Disorders) because their scattering nature can harm the Qi if taken for a long period.