Herbs for Promoting Blood Circulation and Relieving Blood Stasis Chuanxiong Red Sage Root Motherwort Peach

Kernel Safflower Ox-Knee Root Pangolin Scales Curcuma Root Lineate Supplejack Root Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel Dung Corydalis Tuber Frankincense Myrrh Millettia Stem Drynaria Rhizome Leech Cowherb Seed

Chuanxiong

Latin:

Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong

Origin: Chuanxiong is the rhizome of the perennial plant Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., of the family Umbelliferae/Apiaceae. Native to east Asia, the plant is grown in China and Japan. The perennial plant grows to about 1 m by 0.6 m. It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. The plant cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil. In China, chuanxiong is mainly produced by means of artificial cultivation in Sichuan province. Reaped in May, earth and sand are removed from the rhizome before drying the rhizome in the sun and baking it until dry; then fibrous roots are removed and the rhizome is sliced or parched with wine for use. Properties: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the liver, gall-bladder and pericardium channels. Functions: Promotes circulation of the blood and qi and expels wind to alleviate pain. Applications: 1. To treat pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Dispersing with its pungent taste and clearing with its warm nature, this herb can both promote blood circulation and activate the flow of qi, so it is an "herb for qi in the blood", which can "regulate menstruation in the lower part of the body and resolve stagnation in the middle part". In modern times, chuanxiong or some compound preparations using it as their principal ingredient have produced quite good curative effects in the treatment of coronary angina pectoris. In addition, chuanxiong can be used in the department of traumatology for traumatic injuries and in the department of surgery for skin and external diseases. a) Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, etc.: As a major herb in the department of gynecology for the promotion of blood circulation and the regulation of menstruation, this is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, peach kernels, nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc. b) Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis: Chuanxiong is used in combination with herbaceous peony unpeeled root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), peach kernels, etc., e.g., Xuefu Zhuyu Tang. c) Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to cold accumulation and blood stasis:

Chuanxiong is used in combination with scrapped cassia, Chinese angelica, etc., e.g., Wenjing Tang in the book 'Complete Effective Recipes for Women'. d) Postpartum lochiostasis and abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Chuanxiong is used in combination with Chinese angelica, peach kernels, etc., e.g., Sheng Hua Tang. e) Pain in the hypochondriac region due to stagnation of liver-qi: Chuanxiong is often used in combination with Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), herbaceous peony root (Radix Paeoniae Alba), nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc., e.g., Chaihu Shugan Yin. f) Epigastric pain due to obstruction of heart vessels by stasis and stagnation of qi in the chest: Chuanxiong is often used in combination with red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), cassia twig, sandalwood, etc. g) Pain with blood stasis and swelling due to traumatic injuries: Chuanxiong is often used in combination with pseudo-ginseng root (Radix Notoginseng), olibanum, myrrh, etc., in order to promote blood circulation, subdue swelling and kill pain. h) Suppurative skin and external diseases, in which ulceration is difficult due to deficiency of primordial qi: Chuanxiong is used in combination with milk vetch root (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), Chinese angelica and Chinese honeylocust spine (Spina Gleditsiae) in order to expel toxins and drain off pus completely, e.g., Tounong San in the book Orthodox Manual of External Diseases. 2. To treat headache, rheumatism and arthralgia: Ascending and dispersing with its pungent taste and warm nature, chuanxiong can dispel wind and kill pain with its potency "going upward to the head and eyes". It can be combined with other herbs according to the case in the treatment of any type of headache due to pathogenic wind-cold, wind-heat, blood deficiency or blood stasis. Our ancestors had a common saying that "headache cannot be cured without chuanxiong". For the treatment of rheumatism and arthralgia and pain and numbness of the limbs, it can bypass the channels to dispel wind, promote blood circulation and kill pain. In modern times, chuanxiong injectio has been used clinically for intravenous dripping in the treatment of acute cerebrovascular diseases. Ligustrazine has been used for intravenous dripping in the treatment of post-traumatic brain syndromes. Chuanxiong has been combined with long pepper (Fructus Peperis Longi) to produce rutondine for the treatment of such ailments as trigeminal neuralgia, vascular headache, sciatica, peripheral neuritis, etc. a) Headache due to pathogenic wind-cold, wind-heat, blood deficiency or blood stasis: Chuanxiong can be used in combination with other herbs according to the case. b) Rheumatism and arthralgia and pain and numbness of the limbs: Chuanxiong is often used in combination with wind-expelling and channel-dredging herbs such as pubescent angelica root (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), cassia twig, fangfeng (Radix Ledebouriellae), etc. Dosage and Administration: 3-10 g., decoct for oral administration. 1-1.5 g., powder form. Cautions on Use: Chuanxiong should be used with care by anyone with hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency or anyone suffering from hyperhidrosis or menorrhagia. Reference Materials: Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "Headache due to invasion of pathogenic wind into the brain, arthralgia due to cold, clonic spasms of muscles, incised wounds and sterility due to amenorrhea." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Chuanxiong is an herb for qi in the blood, which is applicable to syndromes due to qi stagnation because it is so pungent in taste as to be dispersing. It is called maiju in the book 'Zuo's Historical Records of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 B.C.)' and used to treat abdominal ailments caused by freshwater fish. For the treatment of damp diarrhea, it is always used with two other ingredients added, producing quick effects. If any pain remains despite the clearing of dysentery with bloody stools, this shows loss of yin and stagnation of qi. If chuanxiong is added to the recipe as an adjuvant, the flow of qi will be activated and the circulation of blood will be regulated to relieve the ailment promptly." Corpus of Discussions on Herbals : "Chuanxiong is an herb for qi in the blood, which can regulate menstruation in the lower part of the body and resolve stagnation in the middle part, with its potency going upward to the head and eyes. It has been used as a conductant for Chinese angelica, which is not only effective in treating blood troubles, but also excellent for the treatment of qi disorders. Pungent in taste, positive in nature and quite migratory in property without any stagnation or viscosity, it can dispel all types of pathogenic wind and regulate the flow of all types of qi." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Chuanxiong contains essential oil (volatile oil), alkaloids (e.g., ligustrazine), phenolic substances (e.g., ferulic acid), lactone, vitamin A, folic acid, sterols, sucrose, fatty oil, etc. For self protection, the outer skin (bark) of many plants contains essential oil, which in turn has elements that serve as an immediate chemical defense against herbivores and pathogens. How? There is an element called hydroxynitrile glucoside in essential oil. This element will release toxic hydrogen cyanide by endogenous plant glucosidase upon tissue disruption (see Anne Vinther Morant, Kirsten Jorgensen, Charlotte Jorgensen, Suzanne Michelle Paquette, Raquel Sanchez-Perez, Birger Lindberg Moller, and Soren Bak, "beta-Glucosidases as Detonators of Plant Chemical Defense," Phytochemistry Vol. 69, Issue 9 (June 2008), pp. 1,795-1,813). Glucosidase is a catalyzing enzyme that improves healthy functions of our body. It is a lipase that decomposes fat; it can also check inflammation and improve memory (see Mikako Sakurai, Masayuki Sekiguchi, Ko Zushida, Kazuyuki Yamada, Satoshi Nagamine, Tomohiro Kabuta and Keiji Wada, "Reduction in memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and synaptic plasticity in mice with a spontaneous deletion in the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 gene," European Journal of Neuroscience Vol. 27, Issue 3 (February 2008), pp. 691-701). Ligustrazine can inhibit the contraction of the vascular smooth muscle, dilate the coronary artery, increase the blood flow in the coronary artery, improve myocardial hypoxia and mesenteric microcirculation, reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, increase blood flow in the brain and limbs and reduce resistance of the peripheral blood vessels. It can reduce the surface activity of platelets and inhibit their aggregation to prevent thrombosis. It can inhibit Shigella sonnei, Bacillus coli, Bacillus proteus, Bacillus pyocyaneus, typhoid bacillus, paratyphoid bacillus, etc. It is soaked in alcohol for 2 weeks and then used in the treatment of gout. The rhizome is anodyne (serving to assuage pain), antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue (promotes the menstrual discharge), diaphoretic (having the power to increase perspiration), hypotensive (causing diminished tension or pressure, as abnormally low blood pressure) and sedative.

Red Sage Root

Latin:

Radix Salviae Multiorrhizae

Origin: Red sage root is the root and rhizome of the perennial plant Salvia multiorrhizae Bunge, of the family Lamiaceae/Labiatae. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is cultivated for its leaves, which are used fresh or dried as a flavouring in many foods, particularly in stuffings for poultry and pork and in sausages. Naturalized in China and Japan, it is used as a medicine, particularly for its root. The bush grows to about 60 cm by 30 cm and have rough or wrinkled and downy, gray-green or whitish green oval leaves, and flowers are coloured according to the variety: purple, pink, white, or red. It is in flower from June to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. The plant cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil. Sage has slightly stimulating properties; tea brewed from its leaves has been used as a spring tonic for centuries. In medieval Europe sage was thought to strengthen the memory and promote wisdom. Red sage is distributed in most areas of China and mainly produced in the provinces Jiangsu, Anhui, Hebei, Sichuan, etc. Reaped in autumn and early winter, the root is washed clean and dried in the sun for use when raw or after being fried with wine. Properties: Bitter in flavor, slightly cold in nature, it is related to the heart and liver channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation, removes heat from the blood to relieve inflammation and tranquilizes the mind. Red sage has long been used in Chinese medicine and recent research has confirmed the validity of its use in the treatment of heart and circulatory problems. Applications: 1. To treat irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses) and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Red sage root can promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis and it is good at regulating menstruation, so it is a major herb for gynecological diseases. There is a statement in the book 'Treatise on Gynecology' that "the single danshen san (red sage root powder) has the same functions and effects with those of Si Wu Tang (Decoction of Four Ingredients)".

a) Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Red sage root can be ground alone into powder and mixed with wine for oral administration. It can also often be used with Chinese angelica, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), motherwort (Herba Leonuri), etc., in order to strengthen the curative effects. b) Ectopic (an organ or other structure which is positioned abnormally within the body) pregnancy: In modern times, it has been used as a major herb among others for the clinical treatment of ectopic pregnancy. c) Profuse bleeding in the abdominal cavity during the acute period: Red sage root is used in combination with herbaceous peony unpeeled root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) and peach kernels. d) Blood clotting in the abdominal cavity during the chronic period: Burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii) and zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae) are added to the herb. 2. To treat pain in the chest and abdomen due to blood stasis, masses in the abdomen, rheumatism and arthralgia, etc.: As a major blood-activating and stasis-removing herb, it is extensively used for various types of syndromes due to blood stasis. a) Epigastric pain due to obstruction of qi in the chest and pain in the abdomen: Red sage root is often used in combination with sandal wood, amomum, etc., e.g., Danshen Yin in the book 'Medicine Comprehended'. b) Coronary angina pectoris (a disease marked by brief paroxysmal attacks of chest pain precipitated by deficient oxygenation of the heart muscles): For the clinical treatment of coronary angina pectoris, red sage root is often used in combination with rosewood, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), safflower, etc., and it can also be used alone, for example, the extract of this herb is made into Danshen Shuguan Pian (Salvia Tablets for Soothing the Coronary Artery). c) Masses in the abdomen: Red sage root is often used in combination with burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii) and zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae) in order to remove blood stasis and resolve masses. d) Rheumatism and arthralgia: Red sage root is used in combination with such antirheumatics as fangfeng (Radix Ledebouriellae), largeleaf gentian root (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), etc. 3. To treat skin and external diseases: Being cold in nature, red sage root can remove heat from the blood and also promote blood circulation. It can also clear away blood stasis and heat to relieve inflammation. It is often used in combination with herbs that clear away heat and toxic substances, such as honeysuckle flower (Flos Lonicerae), weeping forsythia fruit (Fructus Forsythiae), etc. 4. To treat dysphoria (a state of feeling unwell or unhappy) and coma of febrile diseases, palpitations and insomnia of miscellaneous diseases, etc.: a) Invasion of pathogenic factors into the heart in febrile diseases: It is used in combination with raw rehmannia, Chinese goldthread rhizome (Rhizoma Coptidis) and bamboo leaves. b) Palpitations and insomnia due to failure of blood to nourish the heart and hyperactivity of heart-fire in miscellaneous diseases: Red sage root is used in combination with raw rehmannia, wild jujube seed (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), oriental arborvitae seed (Semen Biotae), etc. 5. Miscellaneous: In modern times, red sage root has also been used for the clinical treatment of ischemic apoplexy, arteriosclerosis, viral myocarditis, chronic hepatitis and hepatocirrhosis and for the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma, chronic pulmonary heart disease, etc., all of which have been cured to a certain extent. Dosage and Administration: 5-15 g. Decoct for oral administration. It should be used after being fried with wine to promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis. Cautions on Use: Red sage root is against black false hellebore root and rhizome (Radix et Rhizoma Veratri). Reference Materials: Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "Removing pathogenic factors from the chest and abdomen, resolving and removing masses and lumps and relieving restlessness and the sensation of fullness."

Ri Huazi's Materia Medica : "Cultivating the mind, calming emotional strain, easing joint movements, freeing the passage of blood in the vessels, promoting pus discharge to kill pain and promoting tissue regeneration." "Cold and heat type consumptive diseases, ostalgia and arthralgia, motor impairment of the limbs, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, women"s obstruction of the channels, vexation due to pathogens in the blood, malignant boils, scabies and tineae, goiters and pyogenic infections and erysipelas." Chongching Usual Familiar Essays : "So lowering as to activate blood circulation, red-rooted salvia root is applicable to any disease due to blood-heat and blood stasis, so it is a major postpartum herb for the regulation of menstruation." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Red sage root contains liposoluble non-quinone substances: tanshinone, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc., and water soluble ingredients: protocatechualdehyde, protocatechuic acid, salvin, vitamin E, etc. Its use dilate peripheral blood vessels and improves the microcirculation, increases blood flow to the coronary artery, improves myocardial contraction and cardiac function. It can also regulate the rhythms of the heart. Red sage root can resist coagulation, promote fibrinolysis, inhibit platelet agglutination and also inhibit thrombosis. It can reduce blood fat. It can inhibit or abate the degeneration, necrosis and inflammatory reactions of liver cells, promote regeneration of these cells and resist the fibrosis of the cells. It can enhance the tolerance of the body to hypoxia, promote tissue recovery, speed up the healing of fractures, shorten the recovery period of red cells and hematochromes and increase reticulated corpuscles. It can inhibit the central nervous system, strengthen immunity, reduce blood sugar and resist tumors. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of pseudomanas, E. coli, Vibrio proteus, Bacillus typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Staphococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis, etc. It is used internally in the treatment of coronary heart disease, poor circulation, palpitations, irritability, insomnia, breast abscesses, mastitis, ulcers, boils, sores, bruises, menstrual problems and post-natal pains. 'Praised for its alleged medicinal qualities, including a cure for cancer.' Red sage root also has the functions of cooling blood, subdueing swelling and inflammation, relieving stress, and is an antioxidant and endocrine system regulator. As well, it has anti-androgens-like effects, promotes skin cell metabolism, nourishes blood, relieves pain due to irregular menstruation.

Motherwort

Latin:

Herba Leonuri

Origin: Motherwort is the part above the ground of the annual or biennial plant Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet, Leonurus artemisia (Lour.) S. Y. Hu, or Leonurus sibiricus f. albiflora (miq.) Hsieh, of the family Lamiaceae/Labiatae. Native to central Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and China, it is now naturalized in Japan, Java, Malacca, Malaysia and North America. The plant grows to about 1 m by 0.6 m. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. The plant can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. Motherwort is produced everywhere in China. Harvested when the stem leaves are luxuriant, when the flowers are not out or when the plant has just come into bloom in summer, the herb is cut into lengths and dried in the sun for use when raw or after being decocted into a soft extract. Also called Chinese Motherwort and Siberian Motherwort. Properties: Bitter and pungent in flavor, slightly cold in nature, it is related to the liver, heart and urinary bladder channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation and induces diuresis to alleviate edema.

Motherwort is unusual amongst Chinese herbs in that it is often prescribed for use on its own and not in a mixture with other herbs. Applications: 1. To treat amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and obstructed menstruation due to blood stasis, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, etc.: So bitter as to be purging and so pungent as to be dispersing and mainly entering the blood system, this herb is good at promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis and regulating menstruation, so it is a major herb for menstruation and child delivery in gynecology and it is also known as the "mother-benefiting herb". a) Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and obstructed menstruation due to blood stasis, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, etc.: Motherwort can be decocted alone into a soft extract, e.g., Yimucao Liujingao or Yimucao Gao. It is also often used in combination with Chinese angelica, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), herbaceous peony unpeeled root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), etc., in order to strengthen the effects of promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, e.g., Yimu Wan in the book 'The Collection of Proven Effective Recipes'. b) Postpartum hemorrhage: In modern times, motherwort has given better effects when it has been used in combination with purslane (Herba Portulacae). 2. Top treat edema and dysuria (difficult or painful discharge of urine): Motherwort can not only induce diuresis to relieve edema, but also promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis. It is especially applicable to edema with water retention and blood stasis obstructing each other. a) Edema and dysuria: Motherwort can be used alone or in combination with cogongrass rhizome (Rhizoma Imperatae), shiny bugleweed (Herba Lycopi), etc. b) Nephritis (acute or chronic inflammation of the kidney caused by infection): In modern times, motherwort has been effective on the treatment of nephritis. 3. Miscellaneous: Motherwort can clear away heat and toxic substances and subdue swelling. a) Traumatic injuries, boils, carbuncles and pyogenic infections and skin pruritus and eruption: Motherwort can also be used for traumatic injuries, boils, carbuncles and pyogenic infections and skin pruritus and eruption. b) Cardiovascular Diseases: In modern times, it has been reported that this herb has been effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary disease, etc. Dosage and Administration: 10-15 g., 30 g. for large dosage. Decoct in water or boil it down into a soft extract or include it in pills for oral administration. For external use, mash an adequate amount of this herb for external application or decoct it in water for external rinsing. Cautions on Use: Motherwort stimulates uterine contractions and should not therefore be used when in the earlier stages of pregnancy. Better still, avoid using this herb to pregnant women and used carefully by anyone with blood deficiency but without blood stasis. Reference Materials: Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "It can be used as a bathing decoction." Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica : "Edema with water retention in the lower part of the body and malignant pyogenic infections." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Promoting blood circulation, dissipating blood stasis, regulating menstruation and removing toxic substances." "Treats vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, dystocia (slow or difficult labor or delivery), retention of placenta, leprosy, swooning off due to excessive loss of blood during child delivery, pain due to blood stasis, metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding especially between menstrual periods) and metrostaxis, hematuria (the presence of blood or blood cells in the urine), diarrhea with bloody stools, infantile malnutrition, dysentery, hemorrhoids, internal injuries with blood stasis due to traumatic injuries, constipation and dysuria." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Motherwort contains a variety of alkaloids such as leonurine, stachydrine, leonuridine, etc. The 0.05% leonurine it ccontains has a curare-like effect on the motor-endings of the nervous system, acting in small doses as a stimulant to the respiratory system but in large doses causing

respiratory paralysis. It also contains benzoic acid, a large amount of potassium chloride, lauric acid, vitamins and such flavonoids as caryopterin, etc. Its water infusion can inhibit dermatomyces. The whole plant is antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiac, depurative (purifying the blood), diaphoretic (having the power to increase perspiration), diuretic (tending to increase the flow of urine), emmenagogue (promotes the menstrual discharge), hypnotic, nervine, oxytoxic, stomachic, tonic, and uterine stimulant.

Peach Kernel

Latin:

Semen Persicae

Origin: Peach kernel is the ripe seed of the fruit tree Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, or Prunus davidiana (Carr.), of the Rose family (Rosaceae), grown throughout the warmer temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The peach probably originated in China, then spread westward through Asia to the Mediterranean countries and later to other parts of Europe. The Spanish explorers brought the peach to the New World, and as early as 1600 the fruit was found in Mexico. Small to medium-sized, the tree seldom reaches 6.5 m in height. Under cultivation, however, it is usually kept between 3 and 4 m by pruning. Leaves are glossy green, lance-shaped, and long pointed; they usually have glands at their bases that secrete a fluid to attract ants and other insects. The flowers, borne in the leaf axils, are arranged singly or in groups of two or three at nodes along the shoots of the previous season's growth. The peach develops from a single ovary that ripens into a fleshy, juicy exterior, making up the edible part of the fruit, and a hard interior, called the stone or pit. Of the two ovules in the ovary, usually only one becomes fertilized and develops into a seed, which is enclosed within the stone. This frequently results in one half of the fruit being slightly larger than the other, the two halves forming the slight longitudinal cleft typical of drupe fruits. The flesh may be white, yellow, or red. Varieties may be freestone types, which have stones that separate easily from the ripe flesh, or clingstones, which have flesh that adheres firmly to the stone. The skin of most ripe peaches is downy or fuzzy; peaches with smooth skins are called nectarines. Worldwide, the peach is the third most important of the deciduous-tree fruits, ranking after the apple and the pear. The United States, where the peach ranks second to the apple, produces about a fifth of the world's supply. Italy is second, with about one-sixth the world supply. France, China, Spain, Greece, Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia also produce substantial crops. In China, peach is distributed in most areas and mainly produced in central and south China. Reaped when the fruit ripens, the kernels are collected, removed of the seeds, skinned and dried in the sun for use when raw or after being parched. See also Food, Nuts and Seeds, Peach Kernel. Properties: Bitter and sweet in flavor, mild and slightly toxic in nature, it is related to the heart, liver and large intestine channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation by removing blood stasis and relaxes the bowels to relieve constipation. Applications: 1. To treat a variety of syndromes due to blood stasis: Bitter in taste and entering the blood systems of the heart and liver, this herb is good at dissipating blood stasis with a rather strong power, so it is known as a stasis-removing drug used for a variety of syndromes due to blood stasis, such as amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, masses in the abdomen, traumatic injuries, etc. a) Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis: Peach kernel is often used in combination with safflower, Chinese angelica, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), etc., e.g., Taohong Siwu Tang. b) Postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation:

Peach kernel is often used in combination with blast-fried ginger, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), etc., e.g., Sheng Hua Tang. c) Masses in the abdomen: Peach kernel is used in combination with cassia twig, tree peony root-bark, herbaceous peony unpeeled root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), e.g., Guizhi Fuling Wan. It can also be used in combination with burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii), zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae), etc. d) Rather serious blood stasis in the body with stasis to be dissipated and removed: Peach kernel can be used in combination with rhubarb (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), mirabilite and cassia twig, e.g., Taohe Chengqi Tang. e) Hepatosplenomegaly (abnormal enlargement of both the liver and the spleen): In modern times, the injection of amygdalin extracted from peach kernels has been used for intravenous dripping in the treatment of hepatosplenomegaly, resulting in obvious shrinking effects which are especially marked in the shrinkage of the spleen. f) Blood stasis with swelling and pain due to traumatic injuries: Peach kernel is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, safflower, rhubarb (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), etc., e.g., Fuyuan Huoxue Tang. 2. To treat constipation due to intestinal dryness: As the seed contains oils and fat, this drug can remove dryness by moistening and lubricating the intestines. Peach kernel is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, hemp seed, etc., e.g., Runchang Wan in the book 'On the Spleen and Stomach'. 3. To treat pulmonary abscess and acute appendicitis: Peach kernels are good at purging stasis in the blood system and abscesses resulting from stagnation of toxic heat, blood stasis and qi stagnation. a) Pulmonary abscess and acute appendicitis: Peach kernel is often used in combination with heat-clearing herbs in order to clear away heat and toxic substances, promote blood circulation and relieve abscesses. b) Pulmonary abscess: Peach kernel is used in combination with reed stem and waxgourd seed, e.g., Weijing Tang. c) Acute appendicitis: Peach kernel is used in combination with rhubarb (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and tree peony root-bark, e.g., Dahuang Mudan Tang, and it can also be used in combination with sargent gloryvine stem (Caulis Sargentodoxae), patrinia and waxgourd seed. 4. To treat coughing and dyspnea (shortness of breath): Peach kernel is often used in combination with apricot kernels, etc. Dosage and Administration: 6-10 g. Decoct for oral administration; it should be pounded for decoction. Cautions on Use: The seed can contain high levels of hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavor. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. Usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm, any very bitter seed or fruit, however, should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause headache, blurred vision, palpitations or even death from respiratory failure. Peach kernel should be avoided by pregnant women and used carefully by anyone with loose stools. Reference Materials: Other Medical Records of Famous Physicians : "Treating coughing with dyspnea, diabetes with polydipsia (excessive or abnormal thirst) as the prominent symptom, masses in the lower abdomen and sudden blood syncope by resolving masses, restoring menstrual flow and killing pain." The Pearl Bag : "Treats blood stasis in the chest, hematic constipation, dryness due to blood deficiency and subcutaneous hemorrhage." "Moistening the intestines to relieve constipation." Annotation on Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "Peach kernels are good at dissipating blood stasis. They are dispersing but not astringing and purging but not replenishing. Any excessive or improper use can cause incessant bleeding to such an extent as to impair kidney-yin, which is extremely harmful." Toxic or Side Effects: Peach kernel is slightly toxic. The dose should not be excessive and any excessive dose may cause headache, blurred vision, palpitations or

even death from respiratory failure. Modern Researches: Peach kernel contains amygdalin, emulsin, allantoinase, lactase, vitamin B, essential oil (volatile oil), fatty oil, etc. Peach kernel can promote the contraction of the uterus of a woman pregnant for the first time. It has anticoagulant (prevents blood clotting) and rather weak hemolytic effects. It can improve blood stasis and obstruction of blood flow. It can increase cerebral blood flow and tranquilize the nerve centre. Its fatty oil has a laxative effect by loosening the bowels. The leaves are astringent, demulcent (soothing), diuretic, expectorant (promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus), febrifuge (reduces fever), laxative (relieving constipation), parasiticide and mildly sedative. They are used internally in the treatment of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. They also help to relieve vomiting and morning sickness during pregnancy, though the dose must be carefully monitored because of their diuretic action. The dried and powdered leaves have sometimes been used to help heal sores and wounds. The leaves are harvested in June and July then dried for later use. The flowers are diuretic, sedative and vermifuge. They are used internally in the treatment of constipation and oedema. A gum from the stems is alterative, astringent, demulcent and sedative. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, emollient, haemolytic, laxative and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of constipation in the elderly, coughs, asthma and menstrual disorders. The bark is demulcent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. The rootbark is used in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice. The bark is harvested from young trees in the spring and is dried for later use. For self protection, the outer skin (bark) of many plants contains essential oil, which in turn has elements that serve as an immediate chemical defense against herbivores and pathogens. How? There is an element called hydroxynitrile glucoside in essential oil. This element will release toxic hydrogen cyanide by endogenous plant glucosidase upon tissue disruption (see Anne Vinther Morant, Kirsten Jorgensen, Charlotte Jorgensen, Suzanne Michelle Paquette, Raquel Sanchez-Perez, Birger Lindberg Moller, and Soren Bak, "beta-Glucosidases as Detonators of Plant Chemical Defense," Phytochemistry Vol. 69, Issue 9 (June 2008), pp. 1,795-1,813). Glucosidase is a catalyzing enzyme that improves healthy functions of our body. It is a lipase that decomposes fat; it can also check inflammation and improve memory (see Mikako Sakurai, Masayuki Sekiguchi, Ko Zushida, Kazuyuki Yamada, Satoshi Nagamine, Tomohiro Kabuta and Keiji Wada, "Reduction in memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and synaptic plasticity in mice with a spontaneous deletion in the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 gene," European Journal of Neuroscience Vol. 27, Issue 3 (February 2008), pp. 691-701). The seed contains 'laetrile', a substance that has also been called vitamin B17. This has been claimed to have a positive effect in the treatment of cancer, but there does not at present seem to be much evidence to support this. The pure substance is almost harmless, but on hydrolysis it yields hydrocyanic acid, a very rapidly acting poison - it should thus be treated with caution. In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Safflower

Latin:

Flos Carthami

Origin: Safflower is the flower of the annual plant Carthamus tinctorius L., of the family Asteraceae/Compositae. Native to parts of Asia and Africa, from central India through the Middle East to the upper reaches of the Nile River and into Ethiopia. The safflower plant grows from 0.3 to 1.2 m high. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. The plant can grow in nutritionally poor soil and requires dry or moist soil. It cannot grow in the shade but can tolerate drought. Safflower has flowers that may be red, orange, yellow, or white. The dried flowers may be used to obtain carthamin, a red textile dye that was commercially important at one time but has since been replaced by synthetic aniline dyes, except in local areas of southwestern Asia. Safflower has been used as an adulterant of the condiment saffron. Oil obtained from the seed is the chief modern use of the plant. Safflower oil does not yellow with age, making it useful in preparing varnish and paint. Most of the oil, however, is consumed in the form of soft margarines, salad oil, and cooking oil. It is highly valued for dietary reasons because of its high proportion of polyunsaturated fats. The meal, or cake residue, is used as a protein supplement for livestock. Safflower, grown chiefly in India, has been introduced as an oil crop into the United States, Australia, Israel, Turkey, and Canada. Safflower is cultivated in China as a blood herb. It is grown in most areas of China and mainly produced in the provinces Henan, Zhejiang,

Jiangsu, Sichuan, etc. Harvested when the flower turns from yellow into red in summer, the flower is dried in the air or sun for use when raw. Also called Carthami Flower, False Saffron, Safflor. Properties: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the heart and liver channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation and removes blood stasis to alleviate pain. Safflower is ranked third in a survey of 250 potential anti-fertility plants. Applications: 1. To treat amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses) and dysmenorrhea (difficult and painful menstruation) due to blood stasis and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Dispersing in its pungent taste and clearing in its warm nature, and specially entering the blood system, this herb can promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis and remove obstruction from and regulate the flow in the channels. a) Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Safflower is often used in combination and mutual reinforcement with peach kernels, Chinese angelica, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), etc. b) Amenorrhea: Safflower is used in combination with Chinese angelica, zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae), cassia bark, etc., e.g., Gexia Zhuyu Tang. c) Dysmenorrhea: Safflower can be used in combination with herbaceous peony unpeeled root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), yanhusuo (Rhizoma Corydalis), nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc., in order to regulate the flow of qi to alleviate pain. Safflower can also be used alone, e.g., Hong Lan Hua Jiu in the book 'Synopsis of Recipes of the Golden Chamber', i.e., this herb is decocted with the addition of wine in order to treat stabbing pain in the abdomen due to blood stasis and qi stagnation. 2. To treat masses in the abdomen, blood stasis with pain in the chest and abdomen, traumatic injuries, purple swelling with pain due to obstruction of blood vessels, etc.: Safflower can promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis, eliminate masses, clear obstructions from blood vessels, subdue swelling and alleviate pain. a) Masses in the abdomen: Safflower is used in combination with burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii), zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae), etc. b) Traumatic injuries and swelling and pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: Safflower is used in combination with sappan caesalpinia (Lignum Sappan), olibanum, myrrh, etc., or safflower tincture or safflower oil can be rubbed and applied onto the affected part. c) Syndromes of obstruction of heart vessels by blood stasis and epigastric pain due to obstruction of qi in the chest: Safflower is used in combination with cassia twig, Mongolian snakegourd (Fructus Trichosanthis), red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), etc. d) Coronary disease: In modern times, safflower has been used alone as tablets or injection for the treatment of coronary disease and certain effects have been obtained in the moderation of angina pectoris (a paroxysmal thoracic pain, with a failing of suffocation and impending death) and the improvement of electrocardiograms (a recording of the electrical activity of the heart on a moving strip of paper). e) Cerebral thrombosis and thromboangiitis obliterans (a progressive occlusive disease of the blood vessels in the lower extremities): Safflower injection has been used for intravenous dripping in the treatment of cerebral thrombosis and thromboangiitis obliterans. For the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans, this herb can also be used in combination with Chinese angelica, red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), olibanum, myrrh, etc. 3. To treat dark skin eruption, maculae (a stain, spot or thickening) and papulae due to heat stagnation and blood stasis: As this herb can remove heat from the blood and clear away toxic substances with its cool nature, it can promote blood circulation and relieve skin eruption, maculae and papulae. In this respect, foreign safflower (saffron crocus stigma) is better. a) Dark skin eruption, maculae and papulae due to heat stagnation and blood stasis: Safflower is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, Asian poccoon root (Radix Arnebiae seu Lithospermi), Dyer's woad leaf (Folium Isatidis), etc., in order to promote blood circulation, remove heat from the blood, purge heat and clear away toxic substances, e.g., Danggui Honghua Yin in the book 'The Complete Works on Treatment of Measles'. b) Erythema multiforme (a rash that results from an allergic response, most often secondary to a drug):

In modern times, safflower injection has been used for intramuscular injection in the treatment of Erythema multiforme. Dosage and Administration: 3-10 g. Decoct for oral administration. Use an adequate amount externally. Cautions on Use: Safflower should be avoided by pregnant women and no excessive administration should be made to anyone with a tendency to bleed. Safflower should not be stored for longer than 12 months. Reference Materials: Newly Revised Materia Medica : "Lockjaw, blood stagnation and various types of postpartum disorders." Supplement to Amplified Materia Medica : "Safflower can resolve blood stasis and nourish the blood. A large dose can remove blood stasis, while a small dose can nourish the blood." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "It can promote blood circulation, remove dryness, kill pain, dissipate swelling and restore menstrual flow." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Safflower contains safflow yellow, carthamin, neocarthamin, precarthamin, safflomin A; it also contains polyphenolic elements such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, catechol, pyrocatechol, dopa, kaempferol 3-rhamnoglucoside, etc. Modern research has shown that the flowers can reduce coronary heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. The water extract of safflower can stimulate the heart and increase the blood flow in the coronary disease to mild extents. Safflower yellow has a certain antagonism against arrhythmia caused by aconitine. It can inhibit platelet agglutination and increase fibrinolysis. Safflower is also used to treat menstrual pains and other complications by promoting a smooth menstrual flow. In domestic practice, the flowers are used in treating infants complaints such as measles, fevers and eruptive skin complaints. Externally, they are applied to bruising, sprains, skin inflammations, wounds, etc. The plant is febrifuge (reduces fever), sedative, sudorific (causing sweat) and vermifuge (expels worms from animal bodies). When combined with Ligusticum wallichii it is said to have a definite therapeutic effect upon coronary diseases. The flowers are anti-cholesterolemic, diaphoretic (promotes perspiration), emmenagogue (promotes menstrual discharge), laxative (promote evacuation of the bowel), purgative, sedative and stimulant. The oil is charred and used to heal sores and treat rheumatism. In addition, safflower oil can reduce blood fat. The seed is diuretic, purgative and tonic. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism.

Ox-Knee Root

Latin:

Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae

Origin: Ox-knee root is the root of the perennial plant Achyranthes bidentata Blume., or Cyathula officinalis Kuan, of the family Amaranthaceae. Native to east Asia, the plant is grown in forest edges, the sides of streams and shrubberies in China, Japan, India, and Java. The perennial plant grows to about 0.75 m by 0.4 m. It is in flower from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). The plant can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. In China, the plant is mainly produced in the provinces Henan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, etc. The root is harvested from 1 or 2 year old plants in the autumn or winter and usually dried in the sun and ground into a powder, used in decoctions or after being fried with wine.

Properties: Bitter, sweet and sour in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the liver and kidney channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation, nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens bones and muscles, induces diuresis to cure strangury (a painful discharge of urine, drop by drop) and conducts fire (blood) downward. Ox-knee root acts predominantly on the lower half of the body and are used in the treatment of aching back and knees and asthenia of the lower limbs. Applications: 1. To treat amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and irregular menstruation due to obstruction by blood stasis, postpartum abdominal pain, pain due to traumatic injuries, etc.: Ox-knee root is good at conducting its potency downward to promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation. a) Various gynecological disorders in menstruation and child delivery: Ox-knee root is often used in combination with peach kernels, safflower, Chinese angelica, etc. b) Pain with blood stasis at the waist and knees due to traumatic injuries: Ox-knee root is used in combination with Himalaya teasel root (Radix Dipsaci), Chinese angelica, olibanum, myrrh, etc. 2. To treat lumbago due to deficiency of kidneys, debility of the waist and knees due to long obstruction of qi there, etc.: The preparation of ox-knee root can nourish the liver and kidneys and strengthen bones and muscles, and the preparation of ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) is particularly good. a) Pain in the waist and lassitude in the knees due to deficiency of the liver and kidneys: Ox-knee root is often used in combination with liver and kidney tonics such as eucommia bark, Himalaya teasel root (Radix Dipsaci), Chinese angelica, prepared rehmannia, etc. b) Soreness and pain of the waist and knees due to prolonged arthralgia: It is often used in combination with herbs that dispel pathogenic wind-dampness and strengthen bones and muscles, such as pubsecent angelica root (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), parasitic loranthus, etc. c) Flaccidity (not firm or stiff) and weakness of the feet and knees due to damp-heat: Ox-knee root is used in combination with Chinese atractylodes (Rhizoma Atractylodis) and corktree bark (Cortex Phellodendri), e.g., San Miao Wan. 3. To treat strangury, edema, dysuria (difficult or painful discharge of urine), etc.: Ox-knee root is good at conducting its potency downward to induce diuresis and relieve strangury. a) Strangury caused by heat, strangury complicated by hematuria (blood in urine), strangury from urolithiasis (a condition that is marked by the formation or presence of calculi in the urinary tract), etc.: Ox-knee root is used in combination with cluster mallow fruit (Fructus Malvae Verticillatae), fringed pink (Herba Dianthi), talcum, etc., e.g., Niuxi Tang. b) Edema and dysuria: Ox-knee root is used in combination with rehmannia, oriental water plantain rhizome (Rhizoma Alismatis), Asiatic plantain seed (Semen Plantaginis), etc., e.g., Jisheng Shenqi Wan. 4. To treat syndromes due to flaring-up of fire or heat and hyperactivity of fire due to yin-deficiency: Purging and descending with its bitter taste, ox-knee root can conduct fire (blood) downward in order to send down up-flaring fire. Therefore it is used for syndromes due to the flaring-up of fire or heat and hyperactivity of fire due to yin-deficiency such as headache, dizziness, hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), etc. a) Headache, dizziness and conjunctival congestion due to hyperactivity of liver-yang: Ox-knee root is used in combination with red ochre, oyster shell, etc., e.g., Zhengan Xifeng Tang, in order to calm the liver and suppress hyperactivity of liver-yang. b) Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums of the mouth) and aphthae (roundish pearl-coloured specks or flakes in the mouth, on the lips, etc.) due to flaring-up of stomach-fire: It is used in combination with rehmannia, gypsum, windweed rhizome (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae), etc., e.g., Yunu Jian, in order to clear heat from the stomach, nourish yin and remove fire. c) Hematemesis and epistaxis due to adverse rising of qi and fire, forcing the blood to flow adversely: Ox-knee root is used in combination with cogongrass rhizome (Rhizoma Imperatae), pittosporum root, red ochre, etc., in order to conduct blood downward to remove fire and arrest bleeding. Dosage and Administration:

6-15 g. Decoct ox-knee root for oral administration. Ox-knee root should be used when raw to promote blood circulation to regulate menstruation, induce diuresis to relieve strangury and conduct fire downward, while it should be used after being fried with wine to nourish the liver and kidneys and strengthen bones and muscles. Cautions on Use: Research suggests that ox-knee root can cause dilation of the cervix and so this herb should not be used by pregnant women or anyone with menorrhagia. It should also be avoided by anyone suffering from spermatorrhea due to deficiency of the kidneys or anyone with loose stools due to deficiency of the spleen. One report suggests that the root is poisonous, according to 'Plants For A Future'. Reference Materials: Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "Treats flaccidity and arthralgia due to pathogenic cold and dampness, spasms of the limbs, knees too painful to bend and stretch, injuries caused by heat and ulceration by fire." "Also treats dissipating blood stasis and qi stagnation and inducing abortion." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Treats chills and fever of prolonged malaria, five types of strangury with hematuria, pain in the penis, dysentery, inflammation of the throat, aphthae, toothache, carbuncles, swelling and malignant boils, wounds and fractures." "Ox-knee root is an herb for the foot jueyin and shaoyin channels. With regard to its indications, it should roughly be used with the addition of wine to nourish the liver and kidneys, and used when raw to remove blood stasis." Herbs Traced to Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "It is said in the book 'Dan Xi's Experiential Therapy' that ox-knee root can conduct the potency of various drugs downward, so it is suitable for addition into herbs for the treatment of pains of the bones and muscles in the lower part of the body. Although it goes downward along the muscles and tendons, it is a lubricating herb, which is inapplicable to anyone with unconsolidation of essence and qi. It should be avoided by anyone with insufficiency and sinking of qi, susceptibility to diarrhea, nocturnal emission or metrorrhagia and metrostaxis during pregnancy." Toxic or Side Effects: One report suggests that the root is poisonous, according to Plants For A Future. Modern Researches: All the plants of the genera of Achyranthes L. and Cyathula Blume contain molting hormones. For example, ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) contains ecdysterone and inokosterone. Ox-knee root and Chuan ox-knee root also contain triterpenoid saponin which produces oleanolic acid after hydrolysis. Oleanolic acid in ox-knee root is a natural sterilizer (see Kumiko Horiuchi, Sumiko Shiota, Tsutomu Hatano, Takashi Yoshida, Teruo Kuroda and Tomofusa Tsuchiya, "Antimicrobial Activity of Oleanolic Acid from Salvia officinalis and Related Compounds on Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)," Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin Vol. 30, No. 6 (2007), pp. 1,147-1,149.) The extract of medicinal cyathula root (Radix Cyathulae) can resist fertility and implantation. Its benzene extract has the most hypotensive and diuretic effects. Ox-knee root is divided into ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) and Chuan ox-knee root (medicinal cyathula root) (Radix Cyathulae), both of which have basically the same functions. But ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) is mainly used to nourish the liver and kidneys and strengthen bones and muscles and Chuan ox-knee root (medicinal cyathula root) (Radix Cyathulae) is mainly used to promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis. In addition, there is another ox-knee root known as Tu ox-knee root, which is the root of a wild ox-knee variety of the ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) or that of the willowleaf ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Longifoliae), which has similar tastes, natures and functions to those of ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), but which is good at clearing away heat to soothe the throat and at promoting blood circulation to cure strangury. It is indicated for sore throat, diphtheria, aphthae, carbuncles and swelling and erysipelas and strangury. It is decocted in water or blended into juice for drinking.

Pangolin Scales

Latin:

Squama Manitis

Origin: Pangolin scales are the scales of Manis pentadactyla Linneaus, a vertebrate of the family Manidae. Pangolin is of Asian and African edentate (lacking teeth) mammals having the body covered with large imbricated horny scales. Pangolin, from the Malayan meaning "rolling over," refers to this animal's habit of curling into a ball when threatened. About eight species of pangolins, usually considered to be of the genus Manis, family Manidae, are found in tropical Asia and Africa. Pangolins are 30 to 90 cm long exclusive of the tail and weigh from 5 to 27 kg. Except for the sides of the face and underside of the body, they are covered with overlapping brownish scales composed of cemented hairs. The head is short and conical, with small, thickly lidded eyes and a long, toothless muzzle; the tongue is wormlike and extensile, up to 25 cm in length. The legs are short, and the five-toed feet have sharp claws. The tail, about as long as the body, is prehensile, and, with the hind legs, it forms a tripod for support. Some pangolins, such as the African black-bellied pangolin (Manis longicaudata) and the Chinese pangolin (M. pentadactyla), are almost entirely arboreal; others, such as the giant pangolin (M. gigantea) of Africa, are terrestrial. All are nocturnal and able to swim a little. Terrestrial forms live in burrows. Pangolins feed mainly on termites but also eat ants and other insects. They locate prey by smell and use the forefeet to rip open nests. Their means of defense are the emission of an odorous secretion from large anal glands and the ploy of rolling up, presenting erected scales to the enemy. Pangolins are timid and live alone or in pairs. Apparently usually one young is born at a time, soft-scaled at birth and carried on the female's back for some time. Life span is about 12 years. Pangolins were once grouped with the true anteaters, sloths, and armadillos in the order Edentata, mainly because of superficial likenesses to South American anteaters. Pangolins differ from edentates, however, in many fundamental anatomic characteristics. The earliest fossil Pholidota are bones indistinguishable from those of the African giant pangolin, found in a cave in India and dating to the Pleistocene Epoch (about 10,000 to 2,500,000 years ago). In China, pangolins are mainly found in the provinces Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou, Yunnan, etc. Caught all year round, they are killed, scalded in boiling water for a while, then the scales are pulled off, washed clean and dried in the sun for use when raw; or sand-scorched until inflated, washed clean and dried; or blast-fried and calcined by dipping in vinegar and pounded into pieces for use. Also called Scaly Anteater. Properties: Salty in flavor, slightly cold in nature, it is related to the liver and stomach channels. Functions: Dissipates and removes blood stasis to eliminate masses, restores menstrual flow, stimulates milk secretion and subdues swelling to promote pus discharge. Applications: 1. To treat masses in the abdomen, amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses), rheumatism and arthralgia, etc.: Being so migratory as to reach the zang-organs and fu-organs as well as the channels and collaterals, this drug can promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis, resolving masses and lumps and removing obstruction from the channels. a) Masses and lumps: Pangolin scales are used in combination with burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii), zedoary turmeric (Rhizoma Zedoariae), etc. b) Amenorrhea due to blood stasis: Pangolin scales are used in combination with Chinese angelica, safflower, etc. c) Rheumatism and arthralgia, joint disorders, numbness and spasms: Pangolin scales are used in combination with long-noded pit viper, centipede, notopterygium root or rhizome, angelica root (Radix Angelicae Pubercentis), etc. 2. To treat postpartum galactostasis: It can promote the flow of qi and blood to stimulate milk secretion. a) Galactostasis due to stagnation of qi and blood: Pangolin scales can be used alone or in combination with cowherb seed (Semen Vaccariae). b) Hypogalactia due to deficiency of qi and blood: Pangolin scales are used in combination with qi and blood tonics such as milk vetch root (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), Chinese angelica, etc. 3. To treat skin and external diseases, scrofula (tuberculosis of lymph nodes especially in the neck), etc.: It can promote blood circulation to resolve masses and subdue swelling to promote pus discharge. It can disperse boils that have not suppurated and promote the bursting of suppurated boils. a) Initial attacks of skin and external diseases:

Pangolin scales are used in combination with honeysuckle flower (Flos Lonicerae), Chinese trichosanthes root (Radix Trichosanthis), Chinese honeylocust spine (Spina Gleditsiae), etc., e.g., Xianfang Huoming Yin, in order to remove toxic substances, promote blood circulation and resolve masses. b) Boils that have suppurated but not burst: Pangolin scales are used in combination with milk vetch root (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), Chinese angelica and Chinese honeylocust spine (Spina Gleditsiae), e.g., Tounong San, in order to expel toxins and drain off pus. c) Scrofula: It is used in combination with selfheal spica (Spica Prunellae), fritillary bulb (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii) and Zhejiang figwort root (Radix Scrophulariae) in order to relieve scrofula and resolve masses. d) Traumatic bleeding, oozing of incision blood and leukopenia: Recently pangolin scales have been used for the treatment of traumatic bleeding, oozing of incision blood and leukopenia, resulting in hemostatic and leukogenic effects. Dosage and Administration: 3-10 g., decoction. 1-1.5 g., grind into powder for oral administration. Cautions on Use: Pangolin scales should be avoided by pregnant women or by anyone with a burst carbuncle or swelling. Reference Materials: The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Treats intermittent fever due to phlegm with chills and migratory arthralgia with stiffness and pain by removing obstruction from the channels, stimulating milk secretion, relieving carbuncles and swelling, promoting pus discharge, inducing resuscitation and destroying parasites. Entering the jueyin and yangming channels, pangolin scales were seldom used in ancient recipes, but in modern times, they have been a major drug for wind-type malaria and boils and sores and they have also been used to restore menstrual flow and stimulate milk secretion. A proverb says: "Woman will have her milk flow out continuously if she takes pangolin scales and cowherb seed (Semen Vaccariae) together." Records of Traditional Chinese and Western Medication in Combination : "Being foul in smell and so migratory as to reach everywhere, pangolin scales can ventilate the zang-organs and fu-organs, pass through channels and collaterals and clear strategic passes and orifices. It can relieve all ailments caused by blood coagulation or blood stasis." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches:

Curcuma Root

Latin:

Radix Curcumae

Origin: Curcuma root is the root-tuber of the perennial plant Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling (warm turmeric), Curcuma longa L. (common turmeric), Curcuma kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang (Kwangsi turmeric) or Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., of the family Zingiberaceae. Curcuma grows on forest margins, in clearings, or on riverbanks and is adapted to withstand drought. It loses its leafy parts and survives the dry season as underground rhizomes. Some Curcuma species also produce tuberous roots, which act as an additional store of food and water. Fruits ripen below ground. The leafy shoots may be three to five metres tall, so that the leaves are high in the air. Curcuma has brightly coloured flowers and slender flower tubes full of nectar. They are pollinated by butterflies. Flowers are short-lived, often lasting only a few hours. In China, curcuma is mainly produced in the provinces Zhejiang, Sichuan, etc. Harvested after the stem leaves wither in winter, the root-tuber is picked up, fine roots removed from it, then is steamed or boiled until the core shows, dried, sliced or mashed for use when raw or after being parched with alum water.

Properties: Pungent and bitter in flavor, cold in nature, it is related to the liver, gall-bladder and heart channels. Functions: Promotes circulation of blood and qi to alleviate pain, removes heat from the heart by alleviation of mental depression, normalizes the functioning of the gall-bladder to cure jaundice and clears heat from the blood. Applications: 1. Treats pains in the chest, hypochondria (extreme depression) and abdomen due to qi stagnation and blood stasis: So pungent in taste as to be dispersing and flow-activating, this herb can not only promote blood circulation, but also activate the flow of qi and alleviate mental depression to achieve the effect of killing pain independently. a) Pains in the chest, hypochondria and abdomen due to qi stagnation and blood stasis: Curcuma root is often used in combination with aucklandia root. If the pains are mostly due to qi stagnation, the dose of aucklandia root should be doubled; if they are mostly due to blood stasis, the dose of aromatic turmeric root-tuber should be doubled, i.e., Diandao Mu Jin San in the book 'The Golden Mirror of Medicine'. Clinically it is also often used in combination with red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc. b) Abdominal pain during menstruation and distention and fullness in the breasts due to accumulation of heat in the liver and stagnation and stasis of qi and blood: Curcuma root is used in combination with Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), pittosporum root, etc., e.g., Xuanyu Tongjing Tang in the book 'Fu Qingzhu's Obstetrics and Gynecology'. c) Tightness and pain in the chest due to chest and hypochondria injury: Curcuma root is used in combination with red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), yanhusuo (Rhizoma Corydalis), apricot kernels, etc., in order to soothe the liver by alleviation of mental depression and promote blood circulation to kill pain. d) Masses in the hypochondria: Curcuma root is used in combination with turtle shell, zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae), etc., in order to resolve blood stasis and remove masses. 2. Treats coma due to a febrile disease and mental disorder with epilepsy due to stagnation of phlegm: So pungent in taste as to be dispersing and so bitter in taste as to be purging, curcuma root can alleviate mental depression and induce resuscitation, and being cold in nature, it can also clear heat from the heart. a) Disturbance of the heart by pathogenic dampness with a damp-warm syndrome: Curcuma root is used in combination with herbs sweetflag rhizome (Rhizoma Acari Calami), pittosporum root, etc., e.g., Changpu Yujin Tang. b) Disturbance of the heart by phlegm-fire with insanity or epilepsy: Curcuma root is used in combination with alum, e.g., Bai Jin Wan. 3. Treats damp-heat syndromes of the liver and gall-bladder: Cold in nature and entering the liver and gallbladder channels, this herb can clear away heat, normalize the functioning of the spleen and relieve jaundice. a) Jaundice due to damp-heat in the liver and gall-bladder: Curcuma root is used in combination with capillary artemisia (Herba Artemisiae Capillaridis), pittosporum root, etc. b) Cholelithiasis (the presence or formation of gallstones) with stones resulting from torments of damp-heat: Curcuma root is often used in combination with loosestrife (Herba Lysimachiae), etc. in order to normalize the functioning of the gall-bladder and remove calculi. 4. Treats bleeding syndromes due to adverse-rising of qi and fire, such as hematemesis (vomiting of blood), epistaxis (nosebleed) and retrograde menstruation: Bitter in taste and cold in nature, curcuma root can check upward adverse flow of lung-qi or stomach-qi, remove fire from the lungs and clear heat from the blood to arrest bleeding. a) Hematemesis, epistaxis and retrograde menstruation: Curcuma root is often used in combination with raw rehmannia, pittosporum root, etc., e.g., Shengdihuang Tang in the book 'Medicine Comprehended'. b) Hematuria (blood in urine) and strangury (slow and painful spasmodic discharge of urine) complicated by hematuria due to impairment of blood vessels by heat accumulated in the abdomen: It is often used in combination with raw rehmannia, field thistle (Herba Cephalanoploris), etc. 5. Miscellaneous:

In modern times, curcuma root has been used as the principal herb for the clinical treatment of lithiasis (the formation of stony concretions in the body) and is effective against lithiasis due to damp heat, qi stagnation and blood stasis, etc. In addition, aromatic turmeric root-tuber powder or tablets have been used for the treatment of extrasystole (premature beat of one of the chambers of the heart). Dosage and Administration: 6-12 g. Decoct or grind into powder for oral administration. Cautions on Use:

Reference Materials: The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Pains in the chest and abdomen due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, serious postpartum alienation caused by lochioschesis, epilepsy and insanity." Annotation on Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "An herb for qi, which enters the blood system, aromatic turmeric root-tuber (Radix Curcumae) can be used to treat various types of bleeding syndromes as mentioned above. The upward adverse flow of the blood is due to the flaring-up of internal heat. This herb can send down adversely ascending qi and the blood will not rise adversely if the qi is lowered." Essentials of Materia Medica : "Activating the flow of qi, alleviating mental depression, dispelling stagnation of the blood, resolving blood stasis, clearing heat from the heart, soothing the liver and treating adverse flow in the channels in women." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Curcuma root contains essential oil (volatile oil), curcumin, starch, fatty oil, etc. For self protection, the outer skin (bark) of many plants contains essential oil, which in turn has elements that serve as an immediate chemical defense against herbivores and pathogens. How? There is an element called hydroxynitrile glucoside in essential oil. This element will release toxic hydrogen cyanide by endogenous plant glucosidase upon tissue disruption (see Anne Vinther Morant, Kirsten Jorgensen, Charlotte Jorgensen, Suzanne Michelle Paquette, Raquel Sanchez-Perez, Birger Lindberg Moller, and Soren Bak, "beta-Glucosidases as Detonators of Plant Chemical Defense," Phytochemistry Vol. 69, Issue 9 (June 2008), pp. 1,795-1,813). Glucosidase is a catalyzing enzyme that improves healthy functions of our body. It is a lipase that decomposes fat; it can also check inflammation and improve memory (see Mikako Sakurai, Masayuki Sekiguchi, Ko Zushida, Kazuyuki Yamada, Satoshi Nagamine, Tomohiro Kabuta and Keiji Wada, "Reduction in memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and synaptic plasticity in mice with a spontaneous deletion in the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 gene," European Journal of Neuroscience Vol. 27, Issue 3 (February 2008), pp. 691-701). Curcumin found in curcuma root inhibits cell growth in melanoma, an especially virulent form of skin cancer that killed more than 7,000 Americans in 2002 alone. Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center administered varied doses of curcumin to three lines of melanoma cells for different lengths of time. The result: apoptosis, a process that causes the normally immortal cancer cells to die like ordinary cells. And it happened whether the cells got a high dose of curcumin for a short time or a low dose for a long time. How does curcumin stimulate apoptosis? It appears to work by suppressing two proteins in the cancer cells that would ordinarily block the process; curcumin is a sort of molecular double-negative. The researchers believe that curcumin could kill cancer cells, not just in test tubes, but in actual tumors, and they're now preparing for animal testing--and, if that's successful, for clinical trials in humans. In addition, curcumin also works as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent, and it can pass through the blood brain barrier, which make eating curry a good way of preventing Alzheimer's disease (see Shishir Shishodia, Gautam Sethi, and Bharat B. Aggarwal, "Curcumin: Getting Back to the Roots," Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Vol. 1056 (November 2005), pp. 206-217). Curcumin may be bought in pill form. Aromatic turmeric root-tuber (Radix Curcumae) can also promote the secretion and excretion of bile. It also has an analgesic effect. Curcumin can protect the liver from injuries. Curcuma root can inhibit most of the microorganisms existing in the bile-cyst. As a medicinal material, aromatic turmeric root-tuber is divided into Guang aromatic turmeric root-tuber (yellow aromatic turmeric root-tuber) and Chuan aromatic turmeric root-tuber (black aromatic turmeric root-tuber). Mainly produced in Sichuan, the former is the root-tuber of common turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), goldenrod in colour; mainly produced in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, the latter is the root-tuber of aromatic turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb.), dark grey in colour, which is also known as Wen aromatic turmeric root-tuber. Both have extremely similar functions. The Guang variety is mainly used to activate the flow of qi and alleviate mental depression, while the Chuan type is mainly used to promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis.

Lineate Supplejack Root

Latin:

Radix Berchemiae Lineatae

Origin: Lineate supplejack root is the root of the perennial vine-like shrub Berchemia lineata (L.) DC., of the family Rhamnaceae. The shrub mostly grows on rocks and in forests, or 2000 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Native to east Asia, the plant is found in central and northern China, Indochina, and the Himalayas. The decidious climber grows to about 5 m. It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). It has reddish brown smooth stems and alternate oblong simple leaves 0.5 to 1 cm in length with green faces and greyish white backs and small raised spots on the concave face at the anterior end. Apical or axillary white florets come out in autumn. It has oblong stone fruits as big as soya beans, which turn purplish black when they ripen and which are sweet and edible. When they are eaten, the lips and tongue will be dyed purplish black, so it is also known as the "mouth blackener". Long and bent, its root has an iron black exocarp and golden endocarp, so it is also known as the "gold wrapped in iron". The plant can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant is also called Lineate Hooktea, Supple Jack, Supple-jack, and Lineate Supple-jack. Properties: Bitter and slightly astringent in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the liver, lung and stomach channels. Functions: Removes blood stasis and alleviates pain, soothes the liver and cures jaundice, regulates the lungs to arrest coughing, resolve phlegm and halt bleeding. Applications: 1. Treats traumatic injuries with blood stasis and pain, rheumatism and arthralgia, headache and migraine, pains in the chest and hypochondria (extreme depression), etc.: 2. Treats icteric or anicteric hepatitis: Lineate supplejack root is often used in combination with mother chrysanthemum. 3. Treats pulmonary tuberculosis: Lineate supplejack root is often used in combination with cudrania root, stemona tuber, licorice, etc. 4. Treats hemoptysis (expectoration of blood from some part of the respiratory tract) and hematemesis: Lineate supplejack root can be used in combination with beautyberry leaf (Folium Callicarpae), jimuye (Folium Loropetali), etc. 5. Treats scrofula (tuberculosis of lymph nodes especially in the neck) due to accumulation of phlegm (e.g., lymphoid tuberculosis): Lineate supplejack root can be used in combination with selfheal spica (Spica Prunellae), bermudagrass (Herba Cynodontis Dactyli), etc. 6. Treats infantile food stagnancy and malnutrition: Lineate supplejack root produces rather good effects when used alone for the treatment of these ailments. Dosage and Administration: Decoct 15-30 g of the herb in water for oral administration. For fresh herb, use 30-60 g. For external use, mash for external application or decoct in water for external rinsing. Cautions on Use:

Reference Materials:

Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: According to antibacterial tests, lineate supplejack root can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, Shigella flexneri, typhoid bacillus, etc.

Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel Dung

Latin:

Faecas Trogopterori

Origin: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung refers to the faeces of the animal Trogopterus xanthipes Milne-Edwards, of the family Petauristidae. A large number of faeces pellets clotting into pieces are called "Lingzhi pieces", or "sugar Lingzhi", which are of good quality. Faeces with pellets as loose as rice grains are called "Lingzhi rice", which are of inferior quality. Complex-toothed flying squirrel inhabits montane forests of China from northeastern Hubei to Yunnan and adjacent parts of southeastern Tibet. Head and body length is 267-305 mm and tail length is 267-80 mm. The fur is full, dense, and moderately soft; it is not as fine and silky as that of most other genera of small flying squirrels. The basal part of the fur of the back is lead-colored, whereas the terminal part is chestnut, and a few individual hairs are all black. The muzzle and eye rings are reddish, the tail is gray washed with rufous, and the underparts and throat are white. This genus exhibits no striking external peculiarities, but long tufts of black hair at the base of each ear are distinctive. The tail is slightly flattened on the underside. Complex-toothed flying squirrel live in nests in grottoes or crevices, most of which were situated 30 meters high, in the middle of cliffs, at elevations of 1,360-1,470 m. The nests were round and 30-50 cm in diameter. Individuals rested in the nests by day and left at dusk or night to forage. The diet consisted of a variety of leaves, twigs, fruits, nuts, and acorns. Usually one squirrel occupied a nest, and newly collected animals did not at first get along well with those raised in captivity. However, there were no fights between individuals captured at the same cliff. The mating season was in late December and January, births usually occurred in March and early April, and gestation lasted 74-89 days. Litter size was usually 1 or 2 young but occasionally 3 or 4. The newborn opened their eyes after about 20-30 days and were weaned at 90120 days. Both males and females attained sexual maturity at precisely 22 months. Captive individuals have lived 10-12 years. Mainly because of destruction of its forest habitat, complex-toothed flying squirrel has been classified as endangered. The dung is reaped all year round as a blood herb. Remove impurities from the faeces and dry them in the sun for use after being fried with vinegar. Also called Trogopterus Dung. Properties: Bitter, salty and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the liver channel. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to alleviate pain and resolves blood stasis to arrest bleeding. Applications: 1. Treats various types of pains due to obstruction by blood stasis: So bitter and salty in taste and warm in nature as to be dispersing, dredging and purging and specially entering the blood system of the liver channel, this drug can effectively promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis and kill pain, so it is a major drug for the treatment of pains due to blood stasis, such as stabbing pains in the chest, hypochondria (extreme depression), epigastrium and abdomen, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (discontinuation or abnormal stoppage of the menstrual periods), postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, swelling and pain due to fractures, etc. a) Various types of pains due to blood stasis: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung is often used in combination and mutual reinforcement with cat-tail pollen (Pollen Typhae) to assist in one another's efficacy, i.e., Shi Xiao San.

b) Stabbing pains due to obstruction of qi in the chest and epigastrium: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung is often used in combination with chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), olibanum, myrrh, etc. c) Pain in the abdomen: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung is used in combination with yanhusuo (Rhizoma Corydalis), nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi) and myrrh, e.g., Shounian San in the book 'Medicine Comprehended'. d) Dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea: It is used in combination with Chinese angelica, motherwort (Herba Leonuri), etc. e) Swelling and pain due to fractures: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung is ground in combination with hyacinth bletilla tuber (Rhizoma Bletillae), olibanum and myrrh into powder for external application, e.g., the relevant recipe(s) in the book 'Qiankun Secret Recipes for Health Preservation'. 2. Treats bleeding syndromes due to internal obstruction by blood stasis, failure of the blood to circulate in the vessels, etc.: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung can resolve blood stasis and arrest bleeding after being parched, so it is used for bleeding syndromes due to blood stasis in the interior and failure of the blood to circulate in the vessels, such as metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding especially between menstrual periods) and metrostaxis due to blood stasis. Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung can be parched alone, ground into powder and taken with warm wine, e.g., Wulingzhi San from "Yong Lei Qin Fang", and clinically it is often used in combination with pseudo-ginseng root (Radix Notoginseng), cat-tail pollen (Pollen Typhae), raw rehmannia, etc. 3. Treats snake, scorpion and centipede bites: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung can be used for oral administration and external application and is often used in combination with realgar, etc. Dosage and Administration: 3-10 g. Decoct by wrapping in cloth or include in pills or powder for oral administration. Use an adequate amount externally. Cautions on Use: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung should be used carefully by pregnant women and by anyone with blood deficiency but without blood stasis. It is thought in the book 'Eighteen Medicaments of Mutual Antagonism' that ginseng is averse to flying squirrel feces and, in general, they should not be used together. They are, however, often used in combination for the clinical treatment of obstinate diseases due to prolonged blood stasis or such blood stasis as masses or tumours with obvious qi deficiency. Reference Materials: Kai Bao Materia Medica : "Treats cold syndromes in the chest and abdomen, five types of infantile malnutrition, enterorrhagia and amenorrhea by repudiating epidemic pathogens and promoting the flow of qi in the channels." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Treats menorrhagia, incessant leukorrhea with bloody discharge, various types of prenatal and postpartum pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, all types of pains in the chest, hypochondria, epigastrium, abdomen and lower abdomen of men or women, hernial pain, dysentery with bloody stools, abdominal pain due to enterorrhagia, general stabbing pains due to blood-arthralgia." Review of Herbals : "Treats traumatic injuries by setting fractures." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Complex-toothed flying squirrel dung contains urea, uric acid, vitamin A and a large amount of resin. In test tubes, the water infusion (1:2) of complex-toothed flying squirrel dung can inhibit a variety of pathogenic fungi to different extents. It can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis.

Corydalis Tuber

Latin:

Rhizoma Corydalis

Origin: Corydalis tuber is the rhizome of the perennial plant Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, of the family Papaveraceae. Corydalis is a genus of about 300 species of plants native to north temperate areas and southern Africa. Most are weak-stemmed perennial garden plants with underground tubers and lobed or finely dissected leaves. Corydalis yanhusuo is grown in China. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). The plant can grow in semishade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. In China, this species is mainly produced in the provinces Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, etc. Harvested when the stem leaves wither at the beginning of summer, fibrous roots are removed from the rhizome, then boiled in water until its white core just vanishes, taken out, dried in the sun and cut into thick slices or mashed for use when raw or after frying with vinegar. Properties: Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the liver, spleen and heart channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation, activates the flow of qi and kills pain. Corydalis tuber is an important Chinese herb that has been used for hundreds of years to help 'invigorate the blood' and relieve almost any painful condition. It is used especially to relieve menstrual cramps, chest and abdominal pains. The plant contains powerful alkaloids that are responsible for this effect. Applications: 1. Treats various types of pains due to stagnation and stasis of qi and blood: Dispersing with its pungent taste and clearing with its warm nature, this herb "can reactivate the flow of qi stagnated in the blood and the flow of blood stagnated in qi, so it is specialized in the treatment of various types of pains all over the body". As it has an excellent analgesic effect, it can be used in combination with other herbs for any type of pain. a) Epigastric pain due to obstruction of qi in the chest: Corydalis tuber is used in combination with Mongolian snakegourd (Fructus Trichosanthis), onion bulb (Bulbus Allii Macrostemi) or red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), etc. b) Stomach ache: Corydalis tuber is used in combination with largehead atractylodes rhizome (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), immature citron or trifoliate orange (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus), herbaceous peony root (Radix Paeoniae Alba), etc. c) Pain of the cold type: Corydalis tuber is used in combination with cassia twig or lesser galangal (Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum). d) Pain of the heat type: It is used in combination with pittosporum root (Radix Pittospori) and chinaberry (Fructus Meliae Toosendan). e) Pain due to stagnation of qi: Corydalis tuber is used in combination with nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi) and aucklandia root. f) Pain due to blood stasis: It is used in combination with red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) and complex-toothed flying squirrel feces. g) Distending pain in the hypochondriac region due to stagnation of liver-qi: Corydalis tuber is used in combination with Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), aromatic turmeric root-tuber (Radix Curcumae), etc. h) Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation: It is used in combination with Chinese angelica, safflower, nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc. i) Abdominal pain due to cold hernia:

Corydalis tuber is used in combination with common fennel, evodia fruit, etc. j) Traumatic injuries: It is used in combination with olibanum and myrrh. k) Arthralgia due to pathogenic wind-cold: Corydalis tuber is used in combination with largeleaf gentian root (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), cassia twig, etc. l) A variety of spastic and non-spastic pains of internal organs: In modern times, corydalis tuber has been used for the clinical treatment of a variety of spastic and non-spastic pains of the internal organs, resulting in quite good curative effects. Dosage and Administration: 5-10 g., decoction. 1.5-3 g., grind into powder for oral administration. It is mostly prepared with vinegar, which can greatly increase the solubility of its effective ingredients and enhance its analgesic effect. Cautions on Use: Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses. Reference Materials: Lei's Treatise on Preparation of Herbs : "Serious epigastric pain." Kai Bao Materia Medica : "Resolving blood stasis. It is ground with wine or decocted for oral administration." "Various types of postpartum diseases due to blood troubles, irregular menstruation, masses in the abdomen, metrorrhagia and lochiorrhea, postpartum swoon due to excessive loss of blood during child delivery, sudden blood uprush and metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding especially between menstrual periods) due to an injury." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Corydalis tuber can reactivate qi stagnated in the blood and blood stagnated in qi, so it is specialized in the treatment of various types of pains all over the body." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: A variety of alkaloids are separated out from the rhizome of corydalis tuber, such as d-corydaline (corydalis A), protopine (corydalis C), dltetrahydropalmatine (corydalis B), d-glaucine, coptisine, dehydrocorydaline, corydalis G, etc. Corydalis tuber has an analgesic effect with its valence being one-tenth of that of opium: Corydalis B and corydalis G are the most powerful, followed by corydalis A; corydalis C also has an obvious analgesic effect. Corydalis B has marked tranquilizing, hypnotic and calming effects. In addition, it also has mild central antiemetic and temperature-reducing effects. Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive (cough suppressant), cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity.

Frankincense

Latin:

Resina Olibani

Origin: Frankincense is the resin exuding from the bark of the tree Boswellia Carterii Birdw., or another plant of the same genus, of the family Burseraceae. The aromatic gum resin contains a volatile oil that was valued in ancient times in worship and as a medicine and is still an important incense resin. Frankincense is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, and particularly from the varieties B. frereana, B. bhaw-dajiana, and B. carteri, which are found in Somalia, Ethiopia, the Hadhramaut region of Yemen, and Oman. Incisions are made in the trunks of the trees, and the frankincense exudes as a milklike juice that hardens on exposure to air.

Frankincense was used by the ancient Egyptians in their religious rites. It constituted part of the Jewish incense of the sanctuary and is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch. Pliny the Elder described the characteristics of good-quality frankincense and mentioned it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning. The Iranian physician Avicenna recommended it for a wide range of bodily ailments. In China and elsewhere in the East, it was used as both an internal and an external remedy, but, according to modern Western medical theory, it has no special value. Frankincense is used in incense and fumigants and as a fixative in perfumes. The hardened gum resin, gum thus, from which spirits of turpentine is produced, is sometimes called common, or American, frankincense. Frankincense is harvested in spring and summer. First cut the bark of the trunk serially from the lower to the upper part to enable the resin to exude; it will become solid in a few days and can be picked up for inclusion into a preparation after it is parched for use. Also called Olibanum. Properties: Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the liver, heart and spleen channels. Functions: Promotes circulation of blood and qi to alleviate pain and subdues swelling to promote tissue regeneration. Applications: 1. Treats traumatic injuries under the department of traumatology and skin and external diseases: Frankincense can not only promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis to alleviate pain, but also promote blood circulation to relieve inflammation and remove necrotic tissue to promote granulation, so it is a major herb for traumatologic ailments. a) Blood stasis, swelling and pain due to traumatic injuries: Frankincense is often used in combination with myrrh, dragon's blood resin (Resina Draconis), etc., e.g., Qili San. b) Initial attacks of skin and external diseases with redness, swelling, heat sensation and pain: It is often used in combination with honeysuckle flower (Flos Lonicerae), dahurian angelica root (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae), myrrh, etc., e.g., Xianfang Huoming Yin, in order to clear away heat and toxic substances and promote blood circulation to subdue swelling. c) Carbuncles and cellulitis (subcutaneous inflammation of connective tissue), scrofula (tuberculosis of lymph nodes especially in the neck), subcutaneous nodules and hard and unremoved swollen masses: Frankincense is used in combination with myrrh, musk and realgar, e.g., Xing Xiao Wan, in order to remove toxic substances, relieve inflammation and resolve masses. d) Ulcerated skin and external diseases, which fail to heal for a long time: Frankincense is often ground in combination with myrrh into powder for external use, e.g., Haifu San in the book 'A Complete Manual of Experience in the Treatment of Sores'. It can also be used with the addition of catechu (Acacia Catechu), dragon's blood resin (Resina Draconis), etc., e.g., Fujin Shengji San in the book 'The Golden Mirror of Medicine'. 2. Treats various types of pains due to blood stasis: Dispersing with its pungent taste and clearing with its warm nature, frankincense can promote the circulation of blood and qi to alleviate pain and resolve blood stasis and relax the muscles and tendons to relieve arthralgia, so it is used for various types of pains due to blood stasis, such as blood stasis and pain in the chest and abdomen, masses in the abdomen and rheumatism and arthralgia. a) Blood stasis and pain in the chest and abdomen and masses in the abdomen: Frankincense is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) and myrrh, e.g., Huoluo Xiaoling Dan. b) Damp arthralgia due to pathogenic wind-cold and numbness of the limbs: Frankincense is often used in combination with pubescent angelica root (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), largeleaf gentian root (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), etc., e.g., Juanbi Tang in the book Medicine Comprehended. Dosage and Administration: 3-10 g. Decoct for oral administration. Frankincense should be fried free of oil for use. Use an adequate amount externally. It should be used when raw or after being parched. Grind into powder for external application. Cautions on Use: Frankincense should be avoided by pregnant women or anyone without any stasis or stagnation. Turbid in property and bitter in taste, it is liable to cause nausea and vomiting, so no excessive dose should be administered orally. It should be used carefully by anyone with a weak stomach. Reference Materials: Other Medical Records of Famous Physicians : "Treats wind edema and pyogenic infections, urticaria (an allergic disorder marked by raised edematous patches of skin or mucous membrane and usually intense itching) and pruritus (itch) by dispelling filthy pathogens." Ri Huazi's Materia Medica : "Treats cholera, pain in the chest and abdomen and chronic infectious diseases."

"This herb is made into a thick decoction to kill pain and promote granulation and it is slightly parched for inclusion into pills and powder to eliminate toxic substances." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Treats carbuncle, cellulitis and various pyogenic infections, difficulty in child delivery and fractures and wounds." "Reinforcing qi and blood, protecting the heart, promoting blood circulation, alleviating pain and relaxing the muscles and tendons." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Frankincense contains a resin (which is mainly composed of free alpha, beta-boswellic acid, conjugated boswellic acid and olibanoresene), a gum (which is primarily composed of the calcium and magnesium salts of arabic acid and tragacanth), volatile oil and a small amount of amaroid. Frankincense has an analgesic effect. For self protection, the outer skin (bark) of many plants contains essential oil, which in turn has elements that serve as an immediate chemical defense against herbivores and pathogens. How? There is an element called hydroxynitrile glucoside in essential oil. This element will release toxic hydrogen cyanide by endogenous plant glucosidase upon tissue disruption (see Anne Vinther Morant, Kirsten Jorgensen, Charlotte Jorgensen, Suzanne Michelle Paquette, Raquel Sanchez-Perez, Birger Lindberg Moller, and Soren Bak, "beta-Glucosidases as Detonators of Plant Chemical Defense," Phytochemistry Vol. 69, Issue 9 (June 2008), pp. 1,795-1,813). Glucosidase is a catalyzing enzyme that improves healthy functions of our body. It is a lipase that decomposes fat; it can also check inflammation and improve memory (see Mikako Sakurai, Masayuki Sekiguchi, Ko Zushida, Kazuyuki Yamada, Satoshi Nagamine, Tomohiro Kabuta and Keiji Wada, "Reduction in memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and synaptic plasticity in mice with a spontaneous deletion in the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 gene," European Journal of Neuroscience Vol. 27, Issue 3 (February 2008), pp. 691-701).

Myrrh

Latin:

Myrrha

Origin: Myrrh is the bitter-tasting, (from Arabic murr, "bitter"), agreeably aromatic, yellow to reddish brown oleoresinous gum obtained from various small, thorny, flowering trees of the genus Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl., Balsamodendron ehrenbergianum Berg., or other plants of the same genus, of the incense-tree family (Burseraceae). The two main varieties of myrrh are herabol and bisabol. Herabol myrrh is obtained from C. myrrha, which grows in Ethiopia, Arabia, and Somalia, while bisabol myrrh is obtained from C. erythraea, which is an Arabian species of similar appearance. Myrrh trees are found on parched rocky hills and grow up to 3 m tall. Myrrh was highly esteemed by the ancients; in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, it was an ingredient of costly incenses, perfumes, and cosmetics and was used in medicines for local applications and in embalming. In medieval Europe myrrh was also regarded as rare and precious; but in modern commerce it is of trifling value. Modern uses are chiefly as an ingredient in dentifrices, perfumes, and stimulating tonics and as a protective agent in pharmaceuticals. Myrrh has slight antiseptic, astringent, and carminative properties and has been employed medically as a carminative and in tinctures to relieve sore gums and mouth. An essential oil distilled from myrrh is a constituent of certain heavy perfumes. Myrrh exudes as a fluid from resin ducts in the tree bark when the bark splits naturally or is cut in tapping. Upon exposure to air, myrrh hardens slowly into globules and irregular lumps called tears, which are then collected from the trees. Myrrh is harvested in November to February the next year. Gather the oleoresinous gum exuding from the cracks of the bark and turning into reddish brown hard pieces in the air, clean off the bark and impurities and pound the oleoresinous gum into pieces for use after being parched. Properties: Bitter and pungent in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the heart, liver and spleen channels.

Functions: Promotes blood circulation to alleviate pain and subdues swelling to promote tissue regeneration. Applications: The functions and indications of myrrh are similar to those of frankincense. It is often used in mutual reinforcement with frankincense for the treatment of blood stasis, swelling and pain due to traumatic injuries, carbuncles and cellulitis with swelling and pain among external diseases, ulcerated skin and external diseases failing to heal for a long time and all types of pains in the chest and abdomen due to blood stasis and qi stagnation. The difference between the two is that frankincense is mainly used to activate the flow of qi and relax the muscles and tendons, while myrrh is primarily aimed at promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis. In modern times, myrrh has been used for the clinical treatment of hyperlipemia, resulting in certain curative effects. Dosage and Administration: 3-10 g. Decoct together with frankincense for oral administration. The herbs should be fried free of oil for use. Use an adequate amount externally. They should be used when raw or after being parched. Grind them into powder for external application. Cautions on Use: The caution on use of myrrh is the same as that for frankincense. If they are used together, the doses of both herbs should be reduced accordingly. This herb should be avoided by pregnant women or anyone without any stasis or stagnation. Turbid in property and bitter in taste, it is prone to causing nausea and vomiting, so no excessive dose should be administered orally. It should be used carefully by anyone with a weak stomach. Reference Materials: On Properties of Herbs : "Traumatic injuries, blood stasis in the chest and abdomen, fractures and wounds due to falls, blood stasis and bone and muscle pain, incised wounds and unbearable pain." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Resolving blood stasis, subduing swelling, killing pain and promoting tissue regeneration. Both frankincense, which promotes blood circulation. and myrrh, which is targeted at sepsis, can alleviate pain, subdue swelling and promote tissue regeneration, so both herbs are always used in mutual reinforcement." Records of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Combination : "Both frankincense and myrrh used in combination are major herbs for activation of the functions of the zang-organs and fu-organs and the promotion of circulation in the channels and collaterals, so they can be used for the treatment of all types of pains in the heart and stomach, in the hypochondria and abdomen and in the limbs and joints. They are good for treating abdominal pain during menstruation, postpartum pain due to blood stasis and irregular menstruation. With their powers to activate the flow of qi and promote the circulation of blood, they are also good at the treatment of damp arthralgia due to pathogenic windcold, general numbness, motor impairment of the limbs and all types of skin and external diseases and pyogenic infections or hard sores without any pain. Using these herbs externally as powder for application onto the parts affected by skin and external diseases can remove toxic substances, subdue swelling, promote tissue regeneration and kill pain. Although they are resuscitation-inducing herbs, they will not exhaust and impair qi and blood, so they are really wonderful analgesics." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Myrrh contains a resin (which is mainly composed of alpha and beta heerabomyrrholic acid, alpha, beta and gamma commiphoric acid, commiphorinic acid and alpha and beta-heerabomyrrhol), a gum (the hydrolysis of which produces arabinose, galactose and xylose), essential oil (volatile oil), etc. The essential oil in myrrh can protect gastrointestinal organs and the liver. For self protection, the outer skin (bark) of many plants contains essential oil, which in turn has elements that serve as an immediate chemical defense against herbivores and pathogens. How? There is an element called hydroxynitrile glucoside in essential oil. This element will release toxic hydrogen cyanide by endogenous plant glucosidase upon tissue disruption (see Anne Vinther Morant, Kirsten Jorgensen, Charlotte Jorgensen, Suzanne Michelle Paquette, Raquel Sanchez-Perez, Birger Lindberg Moller, and Soren Bak, "beta-Glucosidases as Detonators of Plant Chemical Defense," Phytochemistry Vol. 69, Issue 9 (June 2008), pp. 1,795-1,813). Glucosidase is a catalyzing enzyme that improves healthy functions of our body. It is a lipase that decomposes fat; it can also check inflammation and improve memory (see Mikako Sakurai, Masayuki Sekiguchi, Ko Zushida, Kazuyuki Yamada, Satoshi Nagamine, Tomohiro Kabuta and Keiji Wada, "Reduction in memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and synaptic plasticity in mice with a spontaneous deletion in the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 gene," European Journal of Neuroscience Vol. 27, Issue 3 (February 2008), pp. 691-701). Myrrh has inhibitory effects on a variety of pathogenic fungi to different extents.

Millettia Stem

Latin:

Caulis Spatholobi

Origin: Millettia stem refers to the vine stem of the climbing shrub Spatholobus suberectus Dunn., Millettia dielsiana Harms, or Millettia reticulata Benth, of the family Leguminosae/Fabaceae. Native to east Asia, the plant is grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, China and Japan. The stem, containing a red resin, is labeled as "jixueteng" in Chinese. The Chinese name describes the material as a stem (teng) with a sap having a color, which is reddish brown, reminiscent of dried chicken's blood (ji = chicken; xue = blood). Millettia stem is a relatively recent addition to the Chinese Materia Medica, first recorded two centuries ago in the 'Bencao Gangmu Shiyi' (Omissions from the Grand Materia Medica, 1765 A.D.), and it did not have a strong reputation among traditional herbalists during the 20th century prior to the 1980's. The situation has changed dramatically in recent years: millettia has been elevated to one of the commonly used herbs of modern Chinese medicine. In China, millettia is mainly produced in Guangxi province. Harvested in autumn and winter, the branches and leaves are removed from the stem, then the stem is sliced and dried in the sun for use when raw or after decocting into millettia ointment. Properties: Bitter and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the liver channel. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to nourish the blood, regulates menstruation, relaxes muscles and tendons to activate the flow of qi and blood in the channels and collaterals, warms the waist and knees, and cures paralysis caused by wind. Millettia stem is used for blood deficiency and blood stasis syndrome manifesting as anemia, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), menstrual bleeding, or soreness, numbness, and immovability of extremities. Applications: 1. Treats irregular menstruation, obstructed menstruation, amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses) due to blood deficiency, etc.: Millettia stem can not only promote blood circulation, but also nourish the blood, so it is applicable to syndromes due to blood stasis and blood deficiency. a) Syndromes of menstruation due to blood stasis: Millettia stem is used in combination with safflower, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizome Cyperi), etc., in order to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis and regulate menstruation. b) Syndromes of menstruation due to blood deficiency: Millettia stem is used in combination with prepared rehmannia, Chinese angelica, etc., in order to nourish the blood and regulate menstruation. 2. Treats rheumatism and arthralgia, numbness of the hands and feet, acroparalysis, jaundice due to blood deficiency, etc.: Millettia stem can nourish the blood to promote blood circulation and relax muscles and tendons to activate the circulation of qi and blood in the channels and collaterals. a) Rheumatism, arthralgia and numbness of the hands and feet: Millettia stem is used in combination with antirheumatics. b) Acroparalysis after apoplexy (stroke): Millettia stem is used in combination with drugs that replenish qi, nourish the blood, promote blood circulation and remove obstruction from the channels. c) Jaundice due to blood deficiency: This herb is used in combination with qi and blood tonics. 3. Treats leukopenia (a condition in which the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood is abnormally low): In modern times, millettia stem syrup has produced certain curative effects in the treatment of leukopenia.

Dosage and Administration: 10-15 g.; 30 g. for large dosage. Decoct or soak in wine or boil down into a soft extract for oral administration. Cautions on Use: No reports of toxicity or adverse reaction to millettia have been reported. However, high doses of millettia (15-30 g/day or more), such as used in correcting leukopenia, should not be used during pregnancy. In general, Chinese literature recommends avoiding blood-vitalizing herbs during pregnancy, with certain limited exceptions. Reference Materials: Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica : "The vine stem of millettia (Spatholobus suberectus Dunn) is most powerful in promoting blood circulation and can also warm the waist and knees and alleviate phlegm syndromes due to pathogenic wind. Millettia stem gelatin can strengthen bones and muscles and alleviate soreness and pain." "Drunk with wine, it can treat the following ailments: Elders: Syndromes of deficiency of qi and blood, numbness and paralysis of the limbs, etc. Men: Consumptive diseases, sterility, seminal emission and gonorrhea. Women: Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea with bloody discharge, emaciation due to blood disorders, cold feeling in the uterus, which results in failure to become pregnant." New Reference to Herbal Pieces Prepared for Decoction : "Removing blood stasis, promoting blood regeneration and freeing the qi and blood passages in the channels." Another similar herb: The stem of the leatherleaf millettia (Milletia reticulata Benth), a plant of the same family is also used for the same purposes and it has similar natures and functions to those of this herb. Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Millettia stem contains milletol, iron, campesterol, flavonoids, stigmasterol and sitosterol. At this time, it is not clear which active constituents of millettia are responsible for the claimed effects of the herb in complex formulas, though it appears likely that the flavonoids are the dominant constituent of interest. The decoctions have inflammatory effects. A small dose can enhance the rhythmic contraction of the uterus and a larger dose can make the contraction more marked. In this respect, pregnant uteri are more sensitive than those that are not pregnant. In in-vitro tests, the decoction of leatherleaf millettia stem can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. According to a review of cancer therapy approaches used in China, the herbal combination Dao Jing Tong, with main ingredients millettia, salvia, and curcuma, was reported to enhance the action of the anti-cancer drug camptothecin against leukemia and it protects against pulmonary fibrosis caused by radiation therapy (these effects were reported in mice studies). It was also reported that "Various preparations for raising the white cell count have been made with the following ingredients: Illicium verum (dahuixiang), sophora, and millettia. They have been used in hundreds of cases of radiation and chemotherapy induced agranulocytosis." Millettia has been incorporated into several modern prescriptions for treating thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, resulting in the potential for increased bleeding and decreased ability for clotting). In recent practice, millettia appears in several formulas reported in Chinese clinical trials for treating cardiovascular diseases, liver fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and skin diseases. However, the formulas are quite large, and several of the herbs contained in them are known to have the desired effects, so the role of millettia in these treatments is unclear.

Drynaria Rhizome

Latin:

Rhizoma Drynariae

Origin: Drynaria rhizome is the rhizome of the perennial plant Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm., or Drynaria baronii (Christ) Diels, of the family Polypodiaceae. In China, the former is mainly produced in the provinces Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, etc., while the latter is mainly produced in Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, etc. Harvested all year round, the leaves and scales are removed from the rhizome, then the rhizome is washed clean, sliced and dried for use when raw or after being sand-scorched. Properties: Bitter in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the liver and kidney channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to heal wounds and nourishes the kidneys to strengthen bones. Applications: 1. To treats traumatic injuries, sprains, contusions, bruises, incised wounds, injuries of bones and muscles and swelling and pain with blood stasis: Drynaria rhizome can activate the flow of blood in the vessels, promote the reunion of fractured bones and lacerated muscles and heal wounds to alleviate pain. a) Traumatic injuries: It can be soaked alone in wine for oral administration or for external application. b) Incised wounds, laceration of muscles and tendons and fractures: Drynaria rhizome is used in combination with pyrite, myrrh, etc., e.g., Gusuibu San in the book 'Peaceful Holy Benevolent Recipes'. 2. Treats lumbago and weakness of the feet due to deficiency of the kidneys, tinnitus and deafness, toothache, prolonged diarrhea, etc.: Bitter in taste and warm in nature and entering the liver and kidney channels, this herb can warm and nourish kidney-yang, strengthen bones and muscles and restore qi. a) Lumbago and weakness of the feet due to deficiency of the kidneys: It is used in combination with malaytea scurfpea (Fructus Psoraleae), ox-knee root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae/Radix Cyathulae), etc. b) Tinnitus and deafness and toothache due to deficiency of the kidneys: Drynaria rhizome is used in combination with prepared rehmannia, medicinal cornel fruit (Fructus Corni), etc. c) Prolonged diarrhea due to deficiency of the kidneys: Drynaria rhizome is ground alone into powder, placed in pig kidneys and simmered until cooked for eating. d) Streptomycin (a commonly used antibiotic in cell culture media) side effects: Recently drynaria rhizome has produced certain effects when used for the treatment of the side effects of streptomycin. 3. Miscellaneous: It can also be used for the treatment of alopecia areata (a patchy baldness usually of a temporary nature), vitiligines, etc. Dosage and Administration: Decoct for oral administration. Use an adequate amount externally. Cautions on Use: Drynaria rhizome should be used carefully by anyone with yin deficiency but without internal heat or without blood stasis. Reference Materials: Kai Bao Materia Medica : "Dissipating blood stasis to arrest bleeding and healing lacerations and fractures." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Tinnitus, prolonged diarrhea due to deficiency of the kidneys and toothache." "Long, long ago, there was a person named Wei who suffered from prolonged diarrhea. He had been treated by many physicians, but in vain, and he was on the verge of death. Therefore the powder of this herb was placed in a pig kidney and simmered until cooked for eating. His diarrhea ceased forthwith." New Compilation of Materia Medica : "Atrophic debility of bones." "In case of loss of hair after illness, it should be decocted together with wild rose branches for brushing the hair." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Drynaria rhizome contains hesperidin, davallic dihydroflavonoid glycoside, davallic acid, etc. Drynaria root can promote the absorption of calcium by bones and raise the levels of blood calcium and blood phosphorus to facilitate the healing of fractures. It has a certain chondrocyte-improving function and it can postpone the retrograde degeneration of cells.

Leech

Latin:

Hirudo

Origin: Leech the herb is the dried whole body of the worm Whitmania pigra, Hirudo nipponica Whitman, or Whitmania acranulata, of the class Hirudinidae. Leech is a small sucker with the mouth at the anterior end. A large sucker is at the posterior end. All leeches have 34 body segments. The length of the body generally ranges from minute to about 20 cm or even longer when the animal stretches. Leeches breathe through the skin. The digestive system contains a crop, or pouch, in which food can be stored for several months. One to four pairs of eyes are located at the anterior end. Individuals are hermaphroditicXi.e., functional reproductive organs of both sexes occur in the same individual. Leeches are not self-fertilizing, however, for the sperm of one individual fertilizes only the eggs of other individuals. The eggs are laid in a cocoon, which may be deposited on land or in water. Development and growth are direct, without a larval stage. Leech occurs primarily in freshwater and on land. Some species of leeches are predators of other animals; some eat organic debris; others are parasitic. Aquatic leeches may feed on the blood of fishes, amphibians, birds, and mammals, or they may eat snails, insect larvae, and worms. True land leeches feed only on the blood of mammals. Three jaws set with sharp teeth make a Y-shaped incision in the flesh. The leech's saliva contains substances that anesthetize the wound area, dilate the blood vessels to increase blood flow, and prevent the blood from clotting. The anticoagulant hirudin, which is extracted from the body tissues of the European medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), is used medically. Land leeches await their victim in damp vegetation, poising one end in the air. The victim is often unaware that he has been bitten until blood is discovered running from the wound. Blood flow may continue because of the anticoagulant still present. Leeches that attack humans belong to the family Gnathobdellidae. Some species have been used medically for centuries. In Europe the use of leeches to drain off blood reached its height of popularity in the 19th century. Diseases commonly treated with leeches included mental illness, tumours, skin disease, gout, and whooping cough. A common treatment for headache was to apply several leeches to each temple and allow them to draw blood. In addition to H. medicinalis of Europe, the Algerian dragon (H. troctina) was used. Gnathobdella ferox was commonly used in Asia. After H. medicinalis was introduced into North America, it established itself there as a wild species. It grows to 10 cm in length and is green, with four to six brown stripes. Other land leeches that attack humans are primarily of the genus Haemadipsa in Asia, the Philippines, the East Indies, and Madagascar. Leeches of the genus Philaemon are parasitic on humans in Australia. Aquatic leeches, particularly Limnatis nilotica, may enter the body in drinking water. Some may enter the excretory openings of persons who bathe in infested waters. L. nilotica, which inhabits lakes and streams of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, attains lengths of up to 12 cm. The younger, smaller specimens are most likely to enter the body. When ingested with drinking water they may first attach themselves to the linings of the nose or throat and then be inhaled into the lungs. A person infected with many such leeches may suffer from anemia resulting from loss of blood. In external wounds secondary infection is more likely to occur than anemia. Leeches can cause suffocation and death of the host by blockage of the breathing passages; in Asia, in particular, domestic animals commonly die in this way. Leech is distributed in most areas. Caught in summer and autumn, the leech is boiled to death in boiling water, cut into lengths and dried in the sun or low heat for use when raw or after being scorched with talcum. Properties: Salty and bitter in flavor, mild and slightly toxic in nature, it is related to the liver channel. Functions: Dissipates and removes blood stasis to eliminate masses. Applications:

1. Treats masses in the abdomen, amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses) due to blood stasis and traumatic injuries: Being salty and bitter in taste and entering the blood system, leech is good at removing blood stasis with drastic power and high effect. a) Masses in the abdomen and amenorrhea: It is often used in combination with burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii), peach kernels, safflower, etc. b) General weakness: Leech is used in combination with qi and blood tonics such as ginseng, Chinese angelica, etc., in order to prevent any impairment of primordial qi, e.g., Huazheng Huisheng Dan. c) Traumatic injuries: Leech is used in combination with sappan caesalpinia, pyrite, etc., e.g., Jiegu Huolong Dan. 2. Miscellaneous: Recently leech has been used for the clinical treatment of thrombocytosis (increased numbers of platelets in the peripheral blood) by means of short-term oral administration with its decoction, resulting in certain curative effects. It has had better effects on the treatment of intracranial (within the skull) hematoma (localised collection of blood, usually clotted, in an organ, space or tissue) due to cerebral hemorrhage and has produced especially good effects on anyone with hemorrhage of the ectosac. In addition, it can also be used for the treatment of blood stasis and swelling after a severed limb replantation operation. It is also effective to certain extents with regard to periods of coronary angina pectoris (a paroxysmal thoracic pain, with a failing of suffocation and impending death) or acute attacks of pulmonary heart disease, and to hyperlipemia, etc. Dosage and Administration: 3-6 g., decoction. 0.3-0.5 g., grind into powder for oral administration. It is better to include the drug in pills or powder or grind it into powder for oral administration. A fresh live leech can be placed on the part with blood stasis and swelling to suck the blood out in order to remove blood stasis. Cautions on Use: Leech should be avoided by pregnant women. Reference Materials: Shen Nong's Herbal Classic : "Extravasated blood, blood stasis, amenorrhea and masses in the hypochondria and abdomen." Other Medical Records of Famous Physicians : "Inducing abortion." Amplified Materia Medica : "Lacerations and fractures." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: The salivary gland of a fresh leech contains hirudin, which is easily destroyed by contact with heat or dilute hydrochloric acid. It also contains heparin, antithromfin, proteins, etc. Hirudin can check the action of thrombase on fibrinogen and stop blood from coagulation. It can prevent human blood from coagulation, prevent animal thrombosis caused by bacterial endotoxins and reduce the death rates of animals. The heparin contained can also resist blood coagulation.

Cowherb Seed

Latin: Origin:

Semen Vaccariae

Cowherb seed refers to the ripe seed of the annual or hibernating plant Vaccaria segetalis (Necks) Garcke, of the family Caryophyllaceae. The plant is grown in central and southern Europe, north to Belgium, and China. The plant grows to about 0.6 m high. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by moths and butterflies. The plant is self-fertile. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil. Cowherb is produced everywhere in China, mainly in the provinces Jiangsu, Hebei, Shandong and Northeast China. Harvested when the fruit ripens but the peel has not cracked in summer, the plant is cut and reaped, dried in the sun, the seeds beaten off, with impurities removed and the seeds are dried in the sun for use when raw or after being parched. Also called Cow Cockle Seed. Properties: Bitter in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the liver and stomach channels. Functions: Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation, stimulates milk secretion, heals boils and induces diuresis to relieve strangury (slow and painful spasmodic discharge of urine drop by drop). Applications: 1. Treats amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) due to blood stasis, etc.: Cowherb seed is good at freeing the passage of blood in the vessels, activating its flow without any check, so it can promote blood circulation to remove obstruction in the channels. This herb is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), safflower, etc. 2. Treats postpartum galactostasis, acute mastitis (inflammation of the breast), etc.: Entering the blood system and related to the liver and stomach channels, cowherb seed can activate the flow of blood in the vessels and promote lactation. a) Postpartum galactostasis: Cowherb seed is used in combination with pangolin scales in order to enhance the power to promote lactation. b) Postpartum hypogalactia due to deficiency of qi and blood: Cowherb seed is used in combination with milk vetch root (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) and Chinese angelica or in combination with Chinese angelica and pig trotter to nourish qi and blood in order to increase milk secretion. c) Acute mastitis: Purging and clearing in its bitterness, this herb is often used in combination with Mongolian snakegourd (Fructus Trichosanthis), dandelion (Herba Taraxaci), etc., in order to promote blood circulation and cure boils. 3. Treats strangury caused by pathogenic heat, strangury complicated by hematuria (blood in urine), strangury caused by the passage of urinary stones, etc., and prostatitis: a) Strangury: Cowherb seed is often used in mutual reinforcement with pyrrosia leaf, fringed pink (Herba Dianthi), etc. b) Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland): In recent years, cowherb seed has often been used in combination with safflower, patrinia, etc., for the treatment of prostatitis. Dosage and Administration: 6-10 g. Decoct for oral administration. Cautions on Use: Cowherb seed should be used carefully by a pregnant woman. The seeds and other parts of the plant contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm, they are also broken down if thoroughly heated. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes, etc., in order to stupefy or kill the fish. Reference Materials: Other Medical Records of Famous Physicians : "Vexation, epistaxis, carbuncles, cellulitis and malignant boils, flaccidity in lactation and dystocia." On Properties of Herbs : "Treats syndromes due to pathogenic wind by removing obstruction in blood vessels." The Compendium of Materia Medica : "Inducing diuresis. Entering the blood system, the cowherb seed is an herb for the yangming, chong

and ren channels. There is a vulgar saying that "a pregnant woman will have her milk flow continuously after she takes pangolin scales and cowherb seed", which shows that it can activate the flow of fluids without any check." Toxic or Side Effects:

Modern Researches: Cowherb seed contains a variety of saponins, mainly including vascegoside, through the hydrolysis of which vaccaroside is obtained, through the further hydrolysis of which yuccagenin is obtained. It also contains vaccaric flavonoid glycoside, alkaloids and such compounds as coumarin. Cowherb seed can resist implantation and premature pregnancy. It can inhibit ascites sarcoma and human pulmonary carcinoma. The seed is anodyne (relieves pain), discutient (disperses morbid matter), diuretic, emmenagogue (promotes menstrual discharge), galactogogue, styptic (contracts or binds) and vulnerary (heals wounds). A decoction is used to treat skin problems, breast tumors, menstrual problems, deficiency of lactation and sluggish labour. The seeds are also taken internally as a galactogogue. The flowers, leaves, roots and shoots also have the same properties. The sap of the plant is said to be febrifuge and tonic. It is used in the treatment of long-continued fevers of a low type. The plant is used externally to cure itch.