Herb 301 - General Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine

Flashcards for Herb 301 lecture notes, covering general introduction to Chinese herbal medicine, history, development, classification, origin, harvest, processing, properties, actions, toxicity, compatibility, contraindications, dietary restrictions, application, effects, structure of formula, dosage and administration.

What is Chinese herbal medicine called in Chinese (Pinyin) and what does it refer to?

Zhong Yao (中药) - This term refers to the medicinal substances documented in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) materia medica. It includes herbs, minerals, and animal products that are used for their therapeutic effects.

What is TCM pharmacology called in Chinese (Pinyin) and what does it study?

Zhong Yao Yao Li (中药药理): Also known as Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, this TCM discipline rigorously studies medicinal herbs. Key components include:

1. Sourcing (产地): Geographical origins influence chemical properties.

2. Collecting (采收): Timing and methods for harvesting.

3. Processing (炮制): Methods like steaming (蒸), frying (炒), or soaking (泡) modify properties.

4. Dispensing (调配): Combining herbs in precise formulations.

5. Actions (功效): Pharmacological effects on the body.

6. Indications (主治): Specific symptoms treated.

How did humans in ancient times learn about herbal medicine?

Humans were hunter-gatherers, surviving by hunting animals and foraging plants, gradually collecting knowledge about effects of animals/plants on the human body through trial and error.

Who is Shen Nong 神农 and what is his significance in the history of Chinese herbal medicine?

A legendary figure who taught the people agriculture and tasted countless herbal medicines to study their natures & effects, often poisoning himself up to 70 times in a day learning to use herbs to resolve the toxins and then teaching his findings to the people.

**What is the Shen Nong Ben

What is the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 神农本草经?:

An ancient Materia Medica named after Shen Nong, a mythical Chinese ruler known as the "Father of Agriculture." It documents medicinal properties of herbs and substances used in traditional Chinese medicine, detailing their names, tastes, natures, origins, and uses and records information about 365 medicines.

What are Upper medicines 上药 (Shàng yào)?

Superior, non-toxic "king" herbs used to tonify, nurture life and promote overall health. These herbs are often prescribed to strengthen the body's vital energy and enhance longevity.

What are Middle Medicines 中药 (Zhōng yào)?

Herbal medicines prescribed by qualified practitioners to enhance vitality, aid recovery, and balance the body's systems. They are typically less potent than Upper medicines but play a vital role in overall well-being. Toxicity is low - Often used for common illnesses - Maintain balance in health and support the body's functions.

What are Lower medicines 下药 (Xià yào) and what are they used for?

Toxic, only used for extreme cases when gentler treatments are ineffective. These herbs can address serious health issues but should be used with caution due to their potency and potential side effects.

What is the Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu 本草经集注?

A book written by Tao HongJing 陶弘景 around 500 CE, including 730 medicines categorized into 7 categories based on attributes: Jade & stone, Plant & wood, Insect & animal, Fruits, Vegetables, Miscellaneous/Unknown use.

What is the Xin Xiu Ben Cao 新修本草?

A book compiled by 24 government officials from 657 CE to 659 CE, the first state-sponsored compendium of materia medica, including 844 medicines which were described, illustrated & catalogued in detail.

What is the Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao 经史证类備急本草?

A book written by Tang Shenwei 唐愼微 during the Song Dynasty, including 1746 medicines and over 3000 formulae.

What is the Ben Cao Gang Mu 本草纲目?

A book written by Li Shizhen 李时珍 from 1552 CE to 1578 CE with 52 volumes & including 1892 medicines (1173 botanical, 444 zoological & 275 mineral), 11000 formulae & 1109 illustrations, also regarded as a text on botany, zoology, mineralogy & metallurgy.

How are Chinese Herbal Medicines classified?

By their major functions (e.g. clear heat cool blood 清热凉血), tonify deficiency (e.g. 补气), promote blood circulation (活血化瘀), and more.

What does 'origin' refer to in Chinese Herbal Medicine?

The natural habitat or the place of production of each CHM.

What factors may affect the quality of a plant-based CHM?

Soil quality, water quality, local climate, pollution etc.

What are “authentic medicines” 道地药材?

CHM of the ideal species, growing in the ideal locality, under the ideal conditions w/ the highest quality & potency

What conditions affect the quality & efficacy of a CHM harvest?

Time of harvest, season of harvest, method of harvest etc.

When is an entire plant mostly harvested?

Mostly harvested just before blossoming, when branches & leaves are full of energy and nutrients. This timing helps maximise medicinal potency and efficacy.

When are leaves mostly harvested?

Mostly harvested during blossom to full bloom; some leaves are harvested in late fall to early winter to ensure they contain the highest levels of active constituents and nutrients.

When are flowers harvested?

-Harvest time depends on the type of flower and desired therapeutic effect.
-Some flowers are harvested when the buds have formed, but not yet opened, to capture the concentrated essence and medicinal properties.
-Others are harvested when fully open to harness their full aromatic and therapeutic potential.

When are fruits and seeds harvested?

Fruits and seeds are harvested primarily at the point of ripeness or just before they reach full maturation to ensure optimal medicinal quality.

• Harvesting at this stage ensures that the concentration of essential oils and active compounds are at their peak, thereby maximizing the therapeutic benefits.

• Some fruits are intentionally harvested when unripe because the unripe stage contains specific compounds conducive

When are roots, rhizomes and tubers harvested?

Roots, rhizomes, and tubers are typically harvested in early spring or late fall to coincide with the plant's dormancy when energy is stored in the roots.

• Harvesting during dormancy ensures that the medicinal components are concentrated, and the plant is not actively using these

When are tree or root barks harvested?

Mostly harvested between qingming & xiazhi (summer solstice according to lunar calendar); Rou gui (cinnamon bark) is harvested in late fall when essential oils are high and the moisture content in the bark is lower. Harvesting at these times ensures optimal quality of the medicinal properties.

When are animal CHMs harvested?

Different animal medicines are harvested at different times to maximise efficacy or to facilitate ease of harvesting and/or processing.

• Some are collected only during specific seasons or life stages of the animal to ensure the highest concentration of medicinal compounds.

• Others are collected when the animal is deceased following ethical and traditional guidelines.

When may mineral medicines be harvested?

Mineral medicines can generally be harvested at any time due to their stable composition.

• However, traditional practices or specific processing methods might influence the timing of extraction to align with particular energetic

What is the purpose of processing Chinese Herbal Medicine?

To increase efficacy, to reduce or eliminate toxicity or adverse effects, to change the action, property or effect, for storage & preparation, for purification & removal of contaminants

What are the main categories processing of Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Manual processing, Liquid processing, Fire/heat processing, Liquid & heat processing, Special processing methods

What is Manual processing?

Removing contaminants & impurities via manual methods like brushing, scraping, picking, sieving etc.

What is Liquid processing?

Softening the material or to reduce the concentration/contaminants of the material via processing with water or other liquids

What is Moistening?

Softening the material or instilling other properties using a small amount of liquid

What is Rinsing?

Washing with running water to remove unwanted materials

What is Solvent refining?

Used for mineral materials to purify final product

What is Stir-baking 炒 (Chao)?

Stir-baking 炒 (Chao) is a dry-heating method in Chinese medicine processing where herbs are heated in a wok or pan to varying degrees of yellowing or browning. This is done without any added liquid or adjuvant.

What is the purpose of Yellowing when stir-baking?

Helps to release the active ingredients and enhances the herb's flavour and therapeutic effects. It also helps to improve the herb's storage stability.

What is the purpose of carbonizing (until burnt) when stir-baking?

Carbonizing herbs until burnt during stir-baking serves multiple purposes:

• To resolve toxicity of certain herbs by altering their chemical composition through high heat.

• To add an astringent quality, which can enhance the therapeutic effects and reduce moisture. It also improves storage by preventing mold growth and increasing the herb's potency.

What is Quick-frying 炮 Pao?

Heating with high heat until dark brown to enhance aroma and flavor while preserving the medicinal properties of the herbs. This method can also improve solubility and absorption.

What is Charring/Carbonizing 炭 Tan? -

Heating herbs until mostly burnt black to reduce toxicity, enhance storage, and improve therapeutic potency. This process alters the herb's chemical composition, giving it astringent qualities.

What is Roasting 煨 Wei?

Wrapping herbs in wet paper or wet flour & placing in hot ashes

What is Stir-baking w/ liquid炙 Zhi?

Herb is heated with a liquid adjuvant such as wine, honey, vinegar, ginger juice, saline solution etc. to augment certain effects & reduce adverse effects

What does Wine/liquor 酒 Jiu do when stir-baking w/ liquid?

Augments qi & blood invigorating properties (clear obstruction, alleviate pain)

Wine or liquor, when used as a liquid adjuvant in stir-baking, primarily serves to enhance the herb's ability to invigorate Qi and Blood.

• Clearing Obstructions: This can help in clearing obstructions in the channels and collaterals, facilitating smoother flow of Qi and Blood

• Alleviating Pain: By promoting better circulation and reducing stagnation, it can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with blockages.

What does Honey 蜜 Mi do when stir-baking w/ liquid?

Augments moistening & tonifying properties

When honey is used as a liquid adjuvant in stir-baking, it primarily serves to enhance the herb's moistening and tonifying properties.

- Moistening: Honey's natural humectant properties help herbs retain moisture, which is particularly useful in treating dryness-related conditions in traditional medicine.
-Tonifying: Enhances the herb's ability to tonify Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang, depending on the herb'

What does Vinegar 醋 Cu do when stir-baking w/ liquid?

Augments astringent, analgesic, blood invigorating & detoxifying qualities

Protects ST from cold, bitter nature of herbs

Ginger juice, when used as a liquid adjuvant in stir-baking, helps protect the Stomach Qi (ST) from the adverse effects of cold and bitter herbs.

• Counteracting Cold and Bitter Natures: Many medicinal herbs have cold or bitter properties, which can potentially harm or weaken the Stomach Qi.

• Ginger's Warming Effect: Ginger is known for its warming properties, which help neutralize the cold nature of certain herbs.

• Digestive Support: By protecting the Stomach Qi, ginger helps maintain healthy

What does Saline solution 盐 (Yan - salt) do when stir-baking w/ liquid?

• Targets Kidneys (KD) and Lower Jiao (LJ): Directs herb actions to the Kidney meridian and Lower Jiao.

• Boosts Kidney Yin: Enhances the herb's ability to nourish Kidney Yin.

• Aids Lower Jiao Issues: Improves the treatment of disorders in the lower abdomen, pelvic region, and lower limbs.

• Regulates Fluids: Helps manage fluid metabolism in the Kidneys and Lower

What is Calcination 煅 Duan?

Herb is heated with extreme heat – achieved with an oven, torch (direct calcination) or a sealed in a refractory vessel & heated in a kiln/forge (indirect calcination) where the herbs are heated until red hot & allowed to cool

What is the purpose of calcination?

Makes hard mineral & shell herbs brittle &  easier to pulverize into powder or for the active ingredients to be released

What is Quenching 蘸 Zhan?

Quenching (蘸 Zhan) rapidly cools hot, calcinated medicines in liquid to alter texture and enhance the release of active compounds. It helps to achieve specific therapeutic properties and improve the herb's efficacy when used in formulations.

What is Scalding 潬 (Dàn)?

Scalding involves brief immersion of herbs in boiling water for softening, impurity removal, and enzyme inactivation

Steaming 蒸 (Zheng)

Steaming modifies herbs using water or wine vapor to soften, enhance medicinal properties, reduce toxicity, and improve digestibility.

What is Boiling 滚 Gun?

Boiling (滚 Gǔn) extracts medicinal properties by cooking substances in liquids like water, vinegar, or wine. The process involves preparing the substances, boiling for a specific time, controlling the temperature, and straining to obtain a concentrated decoction, commonly used in traditional herbal medicine preparations.

Name some Special processing methods

Frost-powder making, fermentation, sprouting/germination etc.

What is 是药三分毒 Shì yào sān fēn dú?

All medicines have the potential to heal & to harm

What are the 4 major categories of CHM properties & actions?

The four natures 四气 Si Qi, The five flavours 五味 Wu Wei, The four directions 升降浮沉 Sheng Jiang Fu Chen, Meridian tropism 归经 Gui Jing

What are the four natures 四气 Si Qi?

Hot 热 Re, Warm 温 Wen, Cool 凉 Liang, Cold 寒 Han

What are hot & warm herbs used for?

Used to treat cold conditions – belongs to yang; usually used to warm interior, expel cold, warm yang, tonify qi

What are cold & cool herbs used for?

Used to treat heat conditions – belongs to yin; usually used to clear heat,

What are the five flavours 五味 Wu Wei?

Pungent 辛 Xin, Sweet 甘 Gan, Bitter 苦 Ku, Sour 酸 Suan, Salty 咸 Xian, Bland 淡 Dan, Astringent 涩 Se

What are the characteristics and uses of Pungent 辛 Xin flavor?

Yang in nature; pertains to LU; disperses, moves qi, activates blood, induces perspiration; often used to release exterior & disperse stagnation; overuse or improper use may lead to exhaustion of qi & yin

What are the characteristics and uses of Sweet 甘 Gan flavor?

Yang in nature; pertains to SP; tonifies deficiency, harmonizes, stops pain, moistens dryness; often used to strengthen & tonify or to moderate other herbs; overuse or improper use may cause accumulation of dampness

What are the characteristics and uses of Bitter 苦 Ku flavor?

Yin in nature: pertains to HT; purges & dries – clear heat, dries dampness, descends rebellious qi; often used to treat damp conditions (both cold & heat), to clear heat & purge the bowels; Overuse or prolonged use may damage yin over time

What are the characteristics and uses of Sour 酸 Suan flavor?

Yin in nature; pertains to LV; astringes & consolidates; often used to stop sweating, emission, leukorrhea, diarrhea etc.; Combined with sweet flavour to produce yin 酸甘化阴

What are the characteristics and uses of Salty 咸 Xian flavor?

Yin in nature; pertains to KD; descends, softens & dissipates hard masses, purges; often used to treat masses & nodules, constipation

What are the characteristics and uses of Bland 淡 Dan flavor?

Yang in nature; leeches out dampness by promoting diuresis

What are the characteristics and uses of Astringent 涩 Se flavor?

Similar to sour, lacks the yin producing property when combined with sweet flavor, Used to astringe leaking of fluids

What are the four directions 升降浮沉 Sheng Jiang Fu Chen?

Ascending 升 Sheng, Descending 降 Jiang, Floating 浮 Fu, Sinking 沉 Chen

What are the characteristics and uses of Ascending 升 Sheng direction?

Moving upwards; has ability to expel wind, raise yang, raise prolapsed organs and support overall vitality.

What are the characteristics and uses of Descending 降 Jiang direction?

Moving downwards; has ability to descend rebellious qi, calm dyspnea, purge downwards and clear heat.

What are the characteristics and uses of Floating 浮 Fu direction?

Moving outwards; has ability to promote sweating, scattering cold and expel pathogens from the surface of the body.

What are the characteristics and uses of Sinking 沉 Chen direction?

Moving inwards; has ability to anchor ascending yang, calm the mind, extinguish wind

In general, what qualities of herbal medicines result in ascending or floating actions?

Herbal medicines ascend via hot/warm nature (Qi movement), pungent/sweet taste (stimulates), Yang association (outward movement), light texture (floats), and specific preparation methods.

In general, what qualities result in descending or sinking actions?

Herbs with descending actions have a cool/cold nature, salty/sour/bitter taste, Yin association, and heavy texture, enhanced by methods like roasting.

In general, what types of physical materials result in ascending or floating actions?

Lightweight materials like flowers, leaves, and upper plant parts, along with aromatic components, promote ascending actions.

In general, what types of physical materials result in descending or sinking actions?

Descending actions result from cool/cold nature, salty/sour/bitter tastes, Yin association, and heavy texture, enhanced by methods like roasting.

How does processing with alcohol, salt, ginger, and vinegar affect four directions of a medicine?

Alcohol ascends (upper body/exterior), salt descends (lower body/internal), ginger floats/disperses (exterior/warming), and vinegar descends (internal cooling).

What is Meridian Tropism (归经 - Gui Jing)

Meridian Tropism (归经 - Gui Jing) is an herb's affinity for specific meridians in TCM, directing its therapeutic effects to related organs and functions.

What does 'Meridian' include?

Meridians in TCM encompass a comprehensive network including:

1. Channels (经脉 - Jing Mai): The primary pathways through which Qi and blood circulate.

2. Collaterals (络脉 - Luo Mai): Smaller branches diverging from the main channels to nourish and connect deeper tissues and organs.

3. Zang-Fu Organs (脏腑): The five Zang (Yin) organs (Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney) and six Fu (Yang) organs (Small Intestine, Gallbladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder, San Jiao) closely associated with specific meridians and their functions.

What factors must be kept in mind to reduce risk of toxicity?

Correct dosage, correct processing, correct pairing, herb-drug/herb-herb interactions, correct diagnosis, patient’s constitution, correct application, correct cooking, correct administration and environmental factors.

What is Compatibility?

Refers to the combination of 2 or more herbs to achieve a certain effect or to minimize potential toxicity and enhance therapeutic efficacy in TCM.

What are the seven compatibilities?

Individual action 单行 Dan Xing,

Mutual reinforcement 相需 Xiang Xu,

Mutual assistance 相使 Xiang Shi,

Mutual restraint 相偎 Xiang Wei,

Mutual detoxification 相杀 Xiang Sha,

Mutual inhibition 相恶 Xiang Wu,

Mutual antagonism 相反 Xiang Fan

What is Individual action 单行 Dan Xing?

Use of a single herb to treat a mild or simple condition; Combination of herbs that have no effect on each other’s actions and do not alter the overall therapeutic effects.

What is Mutual reinforcement 相需 Xiang Xu?

Combination of 2 or more herbs with similar actions/properties to reinforce each other synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic effect.

What is Mutual assistance 相使 Xiang Shi?

Combination of 2 or more herbs w/ similar properties in which 1 is the primary herb & all others assist the primary herb’s functions to enhance the overall therapeutic effect.

What is Mutual restraint 相偎 Xiang Wei?

Combination of 2 of more herbs that restrain & weaken each other’s actions (reduce toxicity or adverse effect) to create a balanced therapeutic effect.

What is Mutual detoxification 相杀 Xiang Sha?

Combination of 2 or more herbs reduces or eliminates toxicity or adverse effect of each other; Same as mutual restraint but focuses on eliminating harmful properties instead of balancing them.

What is Mutual inhibition 相恶 Xiang Wu?

Combination of 2 or more herbs in which they mutually inhibit their actions or effects, leading to a diminished overall therapeutic outcome.

What is Mutual antagonism 相反 Xiang Fan?

Combination of 2 or more herbs reinforces or creates new toxicity or adverse effects that are detrimental to the overall therapeutic effect.

What are the 18 Antagonisms 十八反 & 19 Restraints 十九畏?

Combinations of herbs that are traditionally believed to cause adverse effects, first described in the Song, Jin & Yuan Dynasties and are still referenced in modern herbal practice for safety and efficacy.

How does pregnancy affect the use of Chinese herbs?

Certain herbs should be used with caution or avoided completely to prevent harm to the fetus & the mother due to potential side effects and contraindications. It is essential to consult a qualified practitioner before use.

What are some common dietary restrictions used during treatment

Raw & cold foods should be avoided by patients with a cold condition;

Spicy, hot & greasy foods should be avoided by patients with a heat condition;

Alcohol, garlic, hot peppers etc. should be avoided by patients with dizziness, insomnia & irritability;

Fried, greasy, oily, sweet, sticky, raw, cold, fishy, stimulating & other foods that are difficult to digest should be avoided by patients with a SP/ST deficiency;

Shellfish & scale-less fish should be avoided by patients with skin & pruritic conditions

What are the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa?

Diaphoresis 汗法 Han Fa,

Emesis 吐法 Tu Fa,

Purgation 下法 Xia Fa,

Harmonisation 和法 He Fa,

Warming 温法 Wen Fa,

Clearing 清法 Qing Fa,

Tonifying 补法 Bu Fa,

Reducing 消法 Xiao Fa

When Tonifying 补 Bu in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being tonified?

When tonifying (补 Bu) in TCM's Eight Treatment Methods (八法 Ba Fa), you're aiming to reinforce deficiencies in various fundamental substances and energies:

1. Qi (气): Addressing Qi deficiency by boosting vital energy to improve overall function, fatigue, and immunity.

2. Yang (阳): Warming and invigorating Yang to resolve cold, improve metabolism, and enhance organ function.

3. Blood (血): Nourishing Blood to alleviate anemia, dry skin, insomnia, and poor memory.

4. Yin (阴): Replenishing Yin to moisten dryness

When Nourishing 养 Yang in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being nourished?

When nourishing (养 Yang) in TCM's Eight Treatment Methods (八法 Ba Fa), you're aiming to replenish and support several vital aspects of the body:

1. Yin (阴): Nourishing Yin to moisten dryness, cool heat, and anchor Yang. This addresses symptoms like night sweats, dry mouth, and restlessness.

2. Blood (血): Replenishing Blood to alleviate anemia, nourish tissues, and improve complexion. This helps with symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and pale skin.

3. Fluids (津液 - Jin Ye): Moistening dryness and replenishing body fluids to alleviate thirst, dry skin, and constipation. This supports overall hydration and lubrication of tissues.

4. Essence (精 - Jing): Strengthening Jing to support growth, development, reproduction, and longevity. This addresses symptoms like premature aging, infertility, and weakened constitution.

When Expelling 祛 Qu in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being expelled?

Expelling (祛 Qu) in TCM eliminates Wind, Cold, Dampness, Heat, and Dryness by addressing their respective symptoms and sources.

When Dissipating 消 Xiao in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being dissipated?

Dissipating (消 Xiao) in TCM aims to resolve accumulations like food stagnation, phlegm, blood stasis, Qi stagnation, and masses/nodules by promoting digestion, transforming fluids, improving circulation, and smoothing Qi flow.

Eliminating 除 Chu in TCM 八法 Ba Fa: Targets?

八法 (Ba Fa) 'Eliminating' (除 - Chu): Removes Dampness, Heat, Phlegm, Food Stagnation, & Blood Stasis to restore balance and function.

When Breaking 破 Po in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being broken?

Breaking 破 Po in TCM 八法 (Ba Fa) addresses:

1. Blood Stasis: Breaks up stagnant blood to improve circulation and resolve pain.

2. Qi Stagnation: Facilitates the movement of Qi to alleviate blockages and discomfort.

3. Masses/Accumulations: Used to break up and resolve masses or accumulations in the body, such as tumors or cysts.

This method is crucial for addressing blockages and promoting the smooth flow of vital substances.

When Ejecting 驱 Qu in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being ejected?

parasites

When Drying 燥 in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being dried?

dampness

When Releasing 解 Jie in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being released?

exterior pathogens

When Benefiting/Disinhibiting 利 Li in the 8 Treatment Methods of TCM 八法 Ba Fa, what aspects are being benefited?

fluids, qi, blood, dampness