Chinese Med Herbs - Fluid, Phlegm & Food Stag

What are the core characteristics of Dampness as a Yin pathogen?

Heavy, turbid, sticky, lingering, and obstructive; it slows Qi and Blood, causing fullness and stagnation.

What is the key dietary principle for treating Dampness?

Eliminate 'sodden' foods, including dairy, sugar, flour, oils, and high-fat foods.

How does Damp-Heat present compared to Cold-Damp regarding tongue and pulse?

Damp-Heat presents with a yellow greasy coat and rapid pulse; Cold-Damp presents with a white greasy coat and slow/soggy pulse.

What are the primary therapeutic actions of aromatic herbs that transform Damp?

Move Qi, unblock Qi, and dry Damp-turbidity.

What are the main clinical indications for Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome)?

Damp obstruction (poor appetite, diarrhea, fatigue) and external Wind-Cold-Damp (chills, fever, body aches).

What is the primary clinical specialty of Hou Po (Magnolia Bark)?

Moving and descending Qi, specifically treating abdominal/epigastric distention and fullness.

What is the main caution when using herbs that drain Damp by promoting urination?

They can damage Yin; they are contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency or depleted fluids.

Besides draining Damp, what are the unique actions of Fu Ling (Poria)?

Strengthens the Spleen, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, and quiets the Heart to calm the Spirit.

Which herb is known as the 'Kidney Heat Clearer' and is used for Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao?

Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome).

What is the unique clinical application of Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed) regarding abscesses?

It clears Damp-Heat and expels pus, making it useful for lung or intestinal abscesses and carbuncles.

What is the main difference between the clinical focus of Fu Ling and Yi Yi Ren?

Fu Ling is a neutral Spleen tonic that calms the Shen; Yi Yi Ren is slightly cold, clears Heat, and treats Bi syndrome.

What is the primary action of Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens Root)?

Dispels Wind-Damp and relieves pain, particularly in the lower body (lower back and legs).

How is 'Wind' Bi syndrome differentiated from 'Damp' Bi syndrome?

Wind Bi features migrating pain worse in wind; Damp Bi features fixed, heavy, swollen joints worse in humidity.

What are the four major causes of Phlegm production?

Spleen deficiency, Heat congealing fluids, Kidney deficiency, and Liver Qi constraint.

What is the primary function of Zhi Ban Xia (Prepared Pinellia Rhizome) regarding stomach Qi?

It directs rebellious Stomach Qi downward to stop nausea, vomiting, and hiccups.

Which herb is specifically used to brighten the eyes in cases of night blindness from Wind-Damp?

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome).

What is the clinical gem for using Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit) in pregnancy?

It calms the fetus, treating morning sickness, restless fetus, and premature contractions.

What is the direction of action for most herbs that drain Damp?

Sinking (descending).

What is the specific focus for treating 'Cold' Bi syndrome?

Warm the channels and unblock Yang.

What are the contraindications for using Zhi Ban Xia?

Heat symptoms and Yin deficiency.

Which herb is indicated for 'plum-stone throat' caused by Phlegm obstructing the Lungs?

Hou Po (Magnolia Bark).

What is the primary target organ for herbs that promote urination to expel Damp?

Bladder and Small Intestine.

Which herb is used for Bi syndrome to increase joint mobility?

Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed).

What is the primary action of Jie Geng regarding the direction of other herbs?

It raises and directs other herbs upward, especially for problems above the diaphragm.

What are the main clinical indications for Jie Geng?

Cough/wheeze with profuse sputum, throat pain, loss of voice, and lung abscess.

What is the direction and primary action of Xing Ren?

Descending; it stops cough, calms wheeze, and moistens the intestines.

What are the contraindications for Xing Ren?

Caution in infants and those with diarrhoea; it is mildly toxic (dosage 3-10g).

Which herb is best for clearing Phlegm-Heat and dissipating nodules like scrofula?

Chuan Bei Mu.

What is a key contraindication for Chuan Bei Mu?

Cough from Damp-Cold; it is also incompatible with Wu Tou.

Which herb is specifically known for clearing Lung Heat, resolving yellow sticky phlegm, and dissipating chest masses?

Quan Gua Lou.

What is the primary function of Shan Zha in digestion?

It reduces food stagnation, specifically meat and greasy foods, and invigorates Blood.

Which herb is best for starch and grain stagnation and alcohol excess?

Shen Qu.

Which herb moves Liver Qi, aids in starch digestion, and stops lactation?

Mai Ya.

Which food stagnation herb also descends Lung Qi and expels Phlegm?

Lai Fu Zi.

What is the main indication for the formula Ping Wei San?

Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao, characterized by distention, nausea, and a greasy tongue coat.

Which formula is used for exterior Wind-Cold with internal Dampness?

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San.

What is the primary use of Yin Chen Hao Tang?

Clearing Damp-Heat to treat Yang Jaundice.

Which formula is indicated for Damp-Heat pouring downward, such as in cases of vaginal discharge or itching?

Er Miao San.

What is the primary indication for Er Chen Tang?

Phlegm-Damp patterns, specifically cough with copious white sputum and nausea.

Which formula is used to treat food stagnation from overeating, presenting with belching and acid regurgitation?

Bao He Wan.

What is the difference between food stagnation and food accumulation?

Food stagnation is acute (gross overeating), while food accumulation is chronic (long-term overindulgence).

What are the aromatic Damp-transforming herbs (Cang Hou Sha)?

Cang Zhu, Hou Po, and Sha Ren.

What are the primary 'Drain Damp' herbs (Fu Ze Yi)?

Fu Ling, Ze Xie, and Yi Yi Ren.

What is the mnemonic for the main Phlegm-transforming herbs?

Ban Jie Xing Bei (Ban Xia, Jie Geng, Xing Ren, Chuan Bei Mu).

How does the tongue coat appearance help differentiate Dampness patterns?

Sticky coat indicates Damp; yellow sticky indicates Damp-Heat; white sticky indicates Cold-Damp.

Which formula is used for chronic Bi syndrome with underlying deficiency?

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.

What is the role of Ji Nei Jin in digestion?

It is used for stubborn food stagnation and strengthening overall digestion.

What is the treatment principle for a patient with Kidney Yang and Spleen Qi deficiency?

Warm the Kidneys, tonify Yang, and strengthen the Spleen.