Properties: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen and Stomach
Divergent Channels: Gallbladder, Liver
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Spreads Liver Qi and breaks up Stagnant Qi
Liver Qi Stagnation with chest, hypochondriac and breast distention and pain or bulging disorder
- Dissipates accumulations and reduces Food Stagnation
Food Stagnation with accumulation manifesting as pain, distention or a stifling sensation in the epigastrium
Severe Food Stagnation
Qi Stagnation which leads to Blood Stagnation with masses
- Dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
Phlegm-Damp with malarial disorders
Breast abscess
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Notable Constituents:
- Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent with functions in fighting bacterial infections, detoxifying reactions, iron absorption and the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. It cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet.
- Hesperidin
Glycoside form of hesperetin found in citrus fruits that is most commonly used for blood vessel conditions such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and poor circulation. Hesperetin also functions as an antioxidant and an antineoplastic agent.
- Tangeretin
A pentamethoxyflavone with possible role as an antineoplastic agent.
- Nobiletin
A methoxyflavone with possible role as an antineoplastic agent.
- Narirutin
Disaccharide derivative of naringin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
- Naringin
Disaccharide derivative with antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory action.
- Synephrine
Alkaloid similar to ephedrine that can increase heart rate and blood pressure through sympathomimesis and vasoconstriction. It is not generally a problem in traditional preparations but may be in concentrated extracts.
- Rutin
A flavinoid with antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic properties. It has been used therapeutically to decrease capillary fragility but has low bioavailability due to poor absorption, high metabolism, and rapid excretion.
Appears in 19 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Chai Hu Da Yuan Yin (Bupleurum Drink to Reach the Source)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)
Dian Kuang Meng Xing Tang (Decoction to Wake from the Nightmare of Insanity)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San (Kudzu Flower Powder to Relieve Hangovers)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)
Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang (Sargassum Decoction for the Jade Flask)
From: Orthodox Lineage of External Medicine by Chen Shi-Gong (1617)
Hua Gan Jian Tang (Transform the Liver Decoction)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)
Jie Nue Qi Bao Yin (Seven Treasure Drink to Check Malarial Disorders)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)
Jin Gu Die Da Wan (Sinew and Bone Injury Pills)
From: Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2000)
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Auklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
From: Confucians' Duties to Their Parents by Zhang Cong-Zheng / Zi-He (1228)
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Auklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
From: Medical Formulas Collected and Analysed by Wang Ang (1682)
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Auklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
From: Essential Teachings of Dan-Xi by Zhu Dan-Xi (1732)
Pi Shen Liang Zhu Jiu (Spleen and Kidney Dual Assisting Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various
Qi Pi Yin (Seven Peel Drink)
From: Formulas to Aid the Living by Yan Yong-He (1253)
Qing Pi Tang (Clear the Spleen Decoction)
From: Formulas to Aid the Living by Yan Yong-He (1253)
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Augment the Qi Decoction)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)
Shu Gan Tang (Dredge the Liver Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)
Tian Tai Wu Yao San (Top Quality Lindera Powder)
From: Comprehensive Recording of Sagely Beneficence from the Zhenghe Era (1117) by Song Imperial Court
Yi Huang San (Benefit the Yellow Powder)
From: Craft of Medicines and Patterns for Children by Qian Yi (1119)
Zhong Man Fen Xiao Tang (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)
Zhou Che Wan (Vessel and Vehicle Pill)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
