A Bioregional Materia Medica for the Pacific Northwest

Exploring Chinese and Western herbs that can be cultivated or wild-harvested

in the Pacific Northwest:

A movement towards sustainability of Chinese Medicine in the western world

Stacey Kett

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine

September 2, 2011

Introduction

I was taught that most of the plants that we need for medicine are growing right outside our

door. I was also taught that we only really need about 10 herbs to treat most conditions. The Chinese

materia medica that was available through my Acupuncture and Oriental medicine education includes

about 350 herbs, all of which are imported from overseas. In my study of western herbalism I have

become familiar with another 200- 300 western herbs. As practitioners, we have an amazing number of

plants available for us to use in our practices. So how does one with 600 herbs at their fingertips decide

which ones to use? Many of us will only use a portion of the materia medica that we were taught in

school in our practices. In my practice, I would like to use the herbs that grow nearest to me and my

patients. These are the plants to which we are most connected to, even if we are unaware of their

existence.

The goal of this research project is to create a list of herbs (both western and Chinese) that can

be utilized when developing an herbal pharmacy for an acupuncture and herbal medicine practice. This

list is specific to the Pacific Northwest bioregion and includes herbs that can be locally cultivated or

wild-harvested. I discuss how this list was developed and why it is important. I also address the basic

concept of how we might begin to use these ideas in our clinical practices by looking at how we can

substitute bioregional herbs for the herbs that can only be imported. An additional aim of this project is

to discuss ideas of sustainability and quality; particularly the challenges posed with reliance on imported

herbs from China and other countries.

Integration of Western herbs into Chinese Medicine

In approaching the end of my formal education in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I find

myself contemplating the integration of my prior western herbal knowledge with the new Chinese

medicine energetic framework. In Chinese Medicine the herbs are discussed in relationship to their

nature (hot, warm, neutral, cool, and cold), flavor and channels affected. Western herbalism is taught in

a different way. It is more common to see a western herbal materia medica listing the pharmacological

actions to describe the way that the herbs work. If western herbs and the Chinese herbs are to be used in

the same clinic, an integrated language is needed. Four authors have focused efforts on the analysis and

classification of western herbs in the context TCM theory, Michael Tierra wrote Planetary Herbology,

Peter Holmes wrote The Energetics of Western Herbs, Thomas Avery Garran wrote Western Herbs

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Jeremy Ross wrote Combining Western Herbs and

Chinese Medicine. (Tierra 1988, Garran 2008, Holmes 1993, Ross 2003). The integration of the western

model in the Chinese medicine community is also occurring. John Chen, in Chinese Medical Herbology

and Herbal Formulas books, has added western pharmacological actions and summaries of modern

research to the herbs and formulas. (Chen 2004, 2009). It is with the help of these herbalists that I began

to see how the integration of these constructs can work together.

The Process of Developing a Bioregional Materia Medica

To build the bioregional materia medica, I started with a spreadsheet of the Chinese materia

medica arranged by category, Pinyin and Latin name of the plant, including the genus and species. To

this, I added the western herbs discussed in the four primary western herbal medicine texts and

attempted to combine the western herbs into the existing TCM categories. (Tierra 1988, Garran 2008,

Holmes 1993, Ross 2003). For example, from Tierra (1988) I added Western Angelica, Lovage, Hyssop,

Sage, Oregano, Marjoram, Savory, Basil, Yerba Buena, Costmary, Osha, Hedge Nettle, and Sassafras to

the Warm Acrid, Release the Exterior Category. Available in Appendix 4.

A challenge faced in this process is the variance between authors regarding the organization of

herb categories. The Chinese Materia medica lists 28 traditional categories, Michael Tierra lists 16,

Peter Holmes lists 24 and Thomas Avery Garran lists 14 categories. I have attempted to merge the work

that has been done by three of these authors; Ross chose to not use this model. These categories are

available in Appendix 1 and 2. (Tierra 1998, Garran 2008, Holmes 1993, Ross 2003).

Peter Holmes renamed the categories in a more descriptive way and also included the western

pharmacological actions. Many of the categories that he presents are straight forward as to how they fit

into the TCM model. Whereas other classes are difficult to determine how it would fit into the TCM

model. For example, the herbs that are in the Circulate the Qi, Loosen constraint and Stop Spasms were

further broken up into Circulate Lung Qi, Circulate Heat Qi, Circulate Intestines Qi, Circulate Urinary

Qi, and Circulate Uterus Qi, were difficult to categorize into the TCM model. In Holmes’ model the

herbs fit perfectly and represent a more integrated approach to looking at the western herbs. (Holmes

1993).

I then evaluated each herb based on its ability to grow or existing presence in the Pacific

Northwest. I consulted many seed companies, herb farms and plant books to help with this process: e.g.,

High Falls Garden, Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm, Horizon Herbs, Pacific Botanicals, One

Garden/Elixir Botanical Garden, and The Jepson Manual. Appendices 4-31 show both the locally

available herbs and the herbs that were removed. Herbs that were not able to be grown in the Pacific

Northwest as well as some of the herbs that are just not commonly used in Western Herbalism were

removed from the final list. Both Jeremy Ross and Peter Holmes are British and use many herbs that are

not commonly taught or available in the US herbal markets. I have also indicated which herbs are

available organically, such as ginger and cinnamon; despite not being able to grow locally. I think that

most people would realistically be interested in finding good sources of these herbs and still want to use

them in their practices.

Why is Local Important?

In Chapter 12 of the Neijing Suwen (Methods of Treatment), Huang Di asks Qi Bo "When

doctors treat conditions, even though they may be illnesses of the same nature they use different

methods and techniques. But they all succeed. Why is this?" Qi Bo replied, “This is because of

differences or variables in geography, weather, lifestyle and diet. For example, the east is the direction

of the birth of heaven and earth. The weather there is mild, and it is close to the water. Many varieties of

fish and salts can be found, so the local people eat many kinds of fish and like the salty flavor. But

because they eat so much fish, which is considered a hot food, heat accumulates and stagnates in the

body. They also eat too much salt, which dries, exhausts and drains the blood. This is why people of the

east often have dark skin. The commonly suffered illnesses are boils and carbuncles. The treatment of

this disease often utilizes needles made of stone, which are thicker, and bleeding, which releases the

heat. Thus, the method of stone needles comes from the east.” (Ni 1995, p 48). This chapter goes on to

describe the different regions where each therapy in Chinese medicine originated and the geographic

area to which specific treatment is best suited. This can also include herbal medicine. It is seen in the

Chinese herbal market that many herbs are known to come from specific parts of China. These herbs

become known for their regions because that is where they are best suited to grow. Before we had

modern transportation, we were all (including the Chinese) mostly using the plants that grew in our local

area, around our homes and gardens, or at least within range of our own continent.

Blue Poppy, a prominent supplier of herbs, has a post from Eric Brand, owner of Legendary

Herbs and writer for the Blue Poppy Blog: “In regards to the concept of ‘local plants suited to local

diseases,’ as far as I know the idea is purely a Western herbal concept.” (Brand 2010). Then he goes on

to say, “Does China have an indigenous concept of ‘local plants to treat local diseases?’ I don't really

know the answer, but I will point out that each region does have its own specialties, including many

local herbs that do not enter the wider national herb trade. In many cases, the local herbs are generally

heat-clearing and slightly bitter grasses/weeds/herbs, and the consumption of local herbs in cooling teas

is endemic in hot southern regions such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In places like Sichuan,

the local climate is damp and the people eat a lot of chili and Sichuan peppercorn (Hua Jiao is native to

the region) within their diet. So in a sense, we could say that there are some examples where people do

tend to use local items to treat local afflictions” (Brand 2010).

I think that the plants that grow natively in an area are what can be used to treat the illnesses that

commonly occur. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, we tend towards having damp and phlegm

conditions that often occur in the lungs. There are several native herbs in the Pacific Northwest that help

to move phlegm from the lungs. Several of these herbs are found in the Warm, Acrid Release the

Exterior list above and include Angelica, Aralia, Osha and Asarum/Xi Xin.

In my garden, here in Portland, Oregon, there are about 40 different cultivated medicinal herbs,

including the weeds; dandelion, yellow dock, blackberry, chickweed, cleavers, watercress and the

occasional purslane. I have been growing medicinal herbs since 1999, for personal and commercial use.

Since I moved to Oregon I have been experimenting with growing more Chinese herbs and have had

some great successes. Eric Brand stated “In the West, many people are starting to become interested in

cultivating Chinese herbs. There are a variety of reasons why locally produced Chinese herbs have

appeal. Many of us would like to support local organic agriculture, reduce the carbon footprint of the

herbal supply chain, and generally strengthen our connection to live, growing plants. Seeing an herb

growing in nature feels different than seeing the product dried on a pharmacy shelf, and America’s

comparatively advanced state of organic certification has the potential to expand the range of products

that are available in a certified organic form. Furthermore, in the West we also have the idea that the

herbs that grow in a local ecosystem are suited to treating diseases in that ecosystem, and raising the

plant oneself allows the product to be fresh as well as in tune with the qi of the local environment. There

is some inherent satisfaction in getting ‘back to the land,’ and many hobby gardeners use Chinese herbs

try to grow some specimens to increase their connection to the live plants. Seeing the live plant can

deepen our understanding of an herb, and growing the plant allows us to form an intimate connection

with an organism that we love and respect. The difference in flavor between a commercial tomato and a

homegrown tomato says it all.” (Brand 2010).

We also run into the issue of whether the herbs that are grown in a different area will still have

the same medicinal effects as the herbs that are grown in the traditional areas in China. Eric Brand said

“There are two different views in the herbal world on the fundamental issue of terrain. One school of

thought suggests that plants do not discriminate on the basis of political geography, and anywhere that

has the right soil conditions, weather conditions, and care can produce plants that will function as good

medicines. The other school of thought suggests that duplicating Mother Nature is a nearly impossible

task, and humankind’s manipulation of the environment can never match nature’s inherent perfection.

Personally, I think that neither extreme is true all of the time, and there are abundant examples of both

plants that adapt well to new environments as well as plants that adapt poorly.” (Brand 2010). In my

experience I have found that this is true, Ginger doesn’t grow well in a climate that has winter frosts and

providing a greenhouse condition in the Pacific Northwest may produce ginger, but it may not be

enough heat to really create a high quality ginger root. Plants like Angelica are fairly adaptable to most

climates as long as it is watered throughout the summer months and doesn’t have a hard frost where the

ground freezes. In most instances, though, Angelica is harvested in the first year, as it dies after it

flowers in the second year. I have grown Angelica in many different gardens in Northern California and

in Portland, Oregon and have found that the roots are vibrant and taste very acrid and strong from each

place.

A recent research study compared American Ginseng, Panax quniquifolium, grown in Wisconsin

and China, found that the ginsenosides varied between the 2 samples. (Chen, P. 2010) The

Ginsensosides in American Ginseng are considered the ‘active’ constituents that provide a host of

benefits. (Chen, C. 2009). It is known in the herbal industry that American ginseng grown in Wisconsin

is superior to the Chinese. (Brand 2011). American Ginseng is native to these northern regions of the US

and Canada. I would also argue that there may be chemical variances between two different plantings of

the same plant, if they were planted in two different soil types in the same general bioregion. Upon

appearance and taste, the plants could seem to be from the same land. It is also interesting to think about

two different plants that are grown side by side in the same soil, and become their own plants, with their

own unique chemical composition.

Many of the herbs deemed ‘Western’ are originally from Europe, Mexico and many other

places around the globe. These herbs have their preferred bioregions in which they grow best, but there

is little resistance against growing these plants out of their native environments in the western herbal

community. Rather the opposite, the western herbalists are making good use of these herbal medicines

with good success; suggesting that herbs do not have to be grown in their native habitat to yield good

medicine. It is common to see herbs in the western herbal markets such as Chamomile coming from

Egypt or Bulgaria, Cayenne from India, Basil from Egypt and Dandelion root from Hungary. (Mountain

Rose Herbs 2011, Pacific Botanicals 2011). These herbs grow very well just about anywhere in gardens

and farms around the world. I believe that these herbs and many others are imported from other

countries for economic reasons, not because of potency or the highest quality.

Considering these implications from a more scientific analytic basis, herbs can be assessed with

tests such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC,), which tests the quantities of the

chemical constituents of plants. There is also Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), which assess for plant

identity; commonly employed in China, (and probably elsewhere) to ensure the correct plants are

identified. (Brand 2011) Evaluating an herb using these methods is very costly and difficult. From a

pharmaceutical approach, we are able to isolate some of the ‘active’ ingredients, but these are often

controversial and changing as more research is performed. The plant matrix is much more complex than

what is economically feasible to perform for the herbal medicine industry. As of 2004, the complete

characterization of an herb’s chemical constituent layout has yet to be achieved. It is thought that herbs

are effective because of the wide array of constituents, not just from a couple specific chemicals. (Hassel

2004).

Organoleptic testing, otherwise known as descriptive sensory analysis, is an additional technique

that is used to test the quality of an herb and comes from the food and wine industry. (Brand 2010) This

is where trained individuals are able to taste certain flavors in the plant in comparison to other high

quality plant material. This type of testing is affordable and is congruent with the way that Chinese

Medicine is thought to have developed. At the University of Minnesota, graduate students were trained

at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and were able to discern the qualitative differences

between a cross section of specific herb samples. These findings were compared to the assessment of the

local Chinese Medicine Practitioners opinion of high quality herbs. (Hassel 2004).

In 1998, a group of Minnesota practitioners and medicinal herb growers formed the Medicinal

Herb Network. Their goal was to develop locally grown, high quality medicinal herbs and markets for

those herbs. The local Chinese medicine practitioners that were involved in the Medicinal herb Network

were very supportive of using the locally grown Chinese herbs, even if the price was higher, because

they believe that the effects from the herbs would be greater. (Hassel 2002).

I think that there is also a cultural element to western notion of locality. Most of us westerners,

who live in the United States have ancestry or are emigrated from another continent. Therefore we tend

to think that since we can thrive in different environments, the plants must also be able to do this and

still provide quality medicine. I find myself thinking about vegetables, each with variances for preferred

environments, sandy soils for some, heavier soils for others, coastal climates, versus warmer inland

climates. Yet, people on the coast still want to grow their own tomatoes, and love eating them even

though they know that they are mealy and not as sweet as the ones grown inland. The tomatoes that were

grown in their back yard are probably more nourishing than those transported to the store, having lost

flavor and vitality while waiting on a shelf or in the refrigeration unit.

Quality of Chinese Herbs

Due to my background in organic agriculture and western herbalism, it is important for me to

know where my food and medicine are coming from. I am also interested in knowing the issues around

sustainability and quality. In Chinese medicine we are importing all of the herbs that we use in our

practices through Chinese based and US based distributors. Many of the imported herbs are not organic

and as such may pose risks; several of these are discussed in an article by Subhuti Dharmananda (2002),

titled “How Clean and Pure Are Chinese Herbs”. Subhuti Dharmananda is the Director of ITM, which

supplies the Seven Forest brand of herbal supplements.

Are fumigants used on herbs? It seems to be a controversial topic, but the USDA and Subhuti

report that fumigants are not used on herbs when they enter the US. (Dharmananda 2002). There is more

of a concern of fumigation when herbs are stored for longer periods of time. The longer a plant sits

around, the more susceptible it becomes to being infested by insects or rodents.

Sulfur is used as a preservative, especially on herbs that contain more moisture, such as dried

fruits. Some of the herbs that are treated with sulfur include: Mai Men Dong, Gou Qi Zi, Bai Zhu,

Ginseng, Dang Gui, Shan Yao and Dang Shen. Subhuti reported that “the sulfur compounds resulting

from this method of preserving the herb quality are not known to cause reactions in sulfite-sensitive

individuals.” (Dharmananda 2002). Herbs are available that have not been treated with sulfur and is

common to see both options offered through suppliers.

Irradiation is done to sterilize seeds and animal products and is applied after the herbs have been

imported; this is common for instance on deer antlers. This process is overseen by the USDA to prevent

the spread of disease. (Dharmananda 2002). In the article Subhuti stated that “Some manufacturers of

finished products (e.g., extract powders or granules) may utilize gamma irradiation as a means of

reducing bacteria counts on the finished products; this procedure does not result in any radioactive

contamination.” (Dharmananda 2002). In 1963 the USDA claimed that irradiation of foods, a process of

exposure to energy from electromagnetic waves or radiant energy, including gamma rays, electron

beams, and x-rays, to be safe (USDA 2005). Sterilizing gases are sometimes applied after herbs have

been powdered and before they are inserted into capsules. Ethylene oxide is one of the gasses used to

control bacteria. A small amount of residue can be found because the gas interacts with the plant and

causes a reaction and then leaves a residue. Subhuti stated that most Chinese herbal companies are not

using this method. (Dharmananda 2002).

Heavy metal toxicity is a major concern. In the 1990’s it was being discovered that there were

Chinese herbal products that contained heavy metals. In 1998, the Food and Drug branch of the

California Department of Health Services published the Compendium of Asian Patent Medicines which

gave the report of their testing of 260 patent remedies. (Fratkin 2010). It was determined that up to 30%

of patent medicines may have some heavy metal contamination if they are made in factory in China that

does not follow Good Manufacturing Practices. (Fratkin 2010). Some Chinese manufactured patent

formulas add Cinnabar and Realgar intentionally because it is thought that those compounds add to the

medicinal effects of those formulas. Western manufacturing companies do not add these substances and

therefore do not contain heavy metals other than what may be naturally occurring. (Dharmananda 2002).

An additional concern is adulteration with pharmaceuticals; there is evidence of western drugs

being added to patent herbal medicines and not always added to the label. (Dharmananda 2002). In

2002, there was an herbal formula called PC-SPES that was removed from the market that was used for

prostate cancer treatment that also contained Diethylstilbestrol (DES), an artificial estrogen. (American

Cancer Society 2008). Other drugs that are typically found in patent formulas are antipyretics,

antihistamines and antibiotics. (Dharmananda 2002). In 1997, Mayway, a Chinese Herbal supplier

performed testing on some of their patent herbal medicine and detected adulteration in common

formulas for colds, flus, sinusitis and other acute conditions. (Dharmananda 2002). They have since

changed suppliers and are working with a well- controlled factory in Lanzhou and also with their own

factory. There are other companies that are testing as well.

Incorrect substitution of herbs has been identified by some as a common mistake in the field

and may occur due to misidentification or ‘unauthorized’ substation. (Dharmananda 2002). It is

important that the buyer is familiar with the appearance of the herbs that they are buying. I have seen

bulk herbs that were contaminated with another herb. An example that I witnessed was that a pound of

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, was actually a combination of Yarrow and Queen Anne’s Lace, Daucus

carota. They have a similar appearance, but not to a trained eye. I believe that the people who harvested

it were either untrained or they were trying to bulk up their harvest.

Sustainability

In my opinion, the sustainability of importing herbs from the other side of the world should be

questioned. How much fossil fuel does it take to transport Chinese herbs here? The carbon footprint is

an important consideration and growing Chinese herbs in the US is one solution, if we have the right

growing conditions for the right plant. The issue of potency and effectiveness of a particular herb being

grown in a different region should also be questioned. We can also put energy into learning what herbs

are growing around us, in the woods, in the lawns and in our gardens. Plants that we commonly call

weeds, such as dandelion, plantain, and blackberries are very useful medicinal herbs in the Pacific

Northwest. Using local herbs is convenient and we have more of a connection with the plants because

they are part of our immediate environment. If we want to use fresh herbs, they are not always available

from China. Many herbs lose their potency after just a few months of storage. Many leafy herbs such as

Zi Su Ye/ Shiso fall in this category. If we are able to grow some of these herbs on our own, then we

will have the best available medicines for our patients.

In addition to the carbon footprint, the agricultural practices of many farms are questioned. China

does not have an EPA to regulate the chemicals that are used in agriculture, so one may find chemicals

being used in China that are not allowed in the US. However, many of the farmers are too poor to buy

these chemicals and have also learned that many buyers are not interested in plant material that has been

sprayed. The unsprayed material may also get a higher price. Many companies are testing for pesticide

residue, such as Spring Wind and Mayway. (Dharmananda 2002).

Herbs that are wild harvested in China are not subject to pesticides, but the location of harvest is

still important. Some plants grow happily in ditches, on the roadsides and in areas that receive runoff

from farms and factories. We should also question the environmental impact that wild-crafters have.

When I was learning about wild harvesting plants, I was taught to not take more than 25% of a stand of

plants. It is important to leave enough behind so that the plants can have enough to reproduce and to

preserve the genetic diversity that is necessary in order to sustain a healthy life. There is an organization

called United Plant Savers. Their website states that “United Plant Savers is a group of plant enthusiasts

committed to raising public awareness of the plight of our wild medicinal plants and to protecting these

plants through organic cultivation, sustainable agricultural practices, and the replanting of native

medicinal species back into their natural habitats.” They maintain lists of herbs that are “At Risk” and

“To Watch.” These lists have been provided in Appendix 3. Examples of commonly used herbs that

have been impacted by overharvesting are American Ginseng, Goldenseal, Slippery Elm, Echinacea and

Black Cohosh.

The book, “Mending the Web of Life” by Elisabeth Call, looks at the conservation agreements

that are used internationally and the plants that are used in Chinese medicine that are endangered or are

at risk of becoming such. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora

and Fauna, CITES (www.cites.org), provides a resource in which to find more information. It includes

28,000 plants and 5,000 animals. The herbs that she addresses in herb book are: Agarwood- Chen Xiang,

Aloe- Lu Hui, American Ginseng- Xi Yang Shen, Chain Fern- Gou Ji, Ze Qi, Gan Sui , Da Ji, Tian Ma-

Gastrodia, Shi Hu- Dendrobium, Shen Ci Gu- Cremastrae, and Bai Ji- Bletillae.

How to use the Charts

There are 29 pages of charts in Appendix 4.1 – 4.23. I have used some coding to make them

more compressed. As an example of these charts, Table 1 outlines the bioregional list of warm acrid

herbs that release the exterior. The first column (left side) indicates the availability of the herb. ‘Y’

indicates the seeds or plant material that is available through the listed sources in the bibliography and is

able to be cultivated in the Pacific Northwest. ‘W’ indicates it can be wild harvested in the Pacific

Northwest. ‘S’ indicates that there is a different species that grows here and may or may not be

comparable to the Chinese species that is normally used. ‘OG’ is organically available, but not a local

herb. The third column lists author’s initials next to the common name of the herb, indicating that they

analyzed the herb. ‘TG’ is Thomas Avery Garran, ‘PH’ is Peter Holmes, ‘MT’ is Michael Tierra, and

‘JR’ is Jeremy Ross. The table contains the Chinese Pin Yin name, the English common name and the

Latin names of some of the plants.

Table 1: Warm, Acrid, and Release the Exterior Bioregional List Availability Pinyin Name Common Name Latin Name, includes Genus, Species and additional

species that are used

Y Bai Zhi Angelica root (JR, MT) Angelica dahurica, anomala, archangelica

W Cang Er Zi Cocklebur fruits Xanthium dibiricim

Y Cong Bai Green Onion (MT) Allium fistulosum

Y Fang Feng Siler Ligusticum brachylobum, Siler divaricatum, Saposhikovia

divaricate

Y Jing Jie Chinese catnip herb Schizonepeta tenuifolia

W, S Xi Xin Wild Ginger plant (TG) Asarum heterotropoides, sieboldi, caudatum, canadense

Y Xin Yi Hua Magnolia Flower (MT) Magnolia liliflora

Y Zi Su Ye Shiso Leaf Perilla frutescens

Y Basil (MT) Ocimum basilicum

W California Spikenard (TG) Aralia californica

W Coltsfoot/ Butterbur (PH) Petasites spp. Tussilago spp.

W Hedge Nettle (MT) Stachys palustris

Y Hyssop (MT) Hyssopus officinalis

Y Lovage (MT) Levisticum officinale

Y Marjoram (MT) Origanum marjorana

Y Oregano (MT) Origanum vulgare

W Osha (TG, MT, PH) Ligisticum porter

Y Peppermint (PH) Mentha piperita

Y Sage (JR, MT) Salvia officinalis

W Sassafras (MT) Sassafras albidum

Y Savory (MT) Satureja hortensis

Y Yerba Buena (MT) Satureja douglasi

Herbs that were removed from Bioregional List

Gao Ben Chinese lovage root Ligusticum sinensis, jeholense

OG Gui Zhi Cinnamon stems Cinnamomum cassia

Ma Huang Ephedra stems (TG, MT) Ephedra sinica, equisetina, intermedia

Qiang Huo Notopterigium Root Notopterigium incisium, forbesii

OG Sheng Jiang Fresh Ginger root (PH, MT) Zingiber officinale

Xiang Ru Aromatic madder herb Elsholzia splendens, cristata, Mosla chinensis

Substitution of Herbs

I attempted to analyze how to substitute these herbs for the Chinese herbs that are not able to

be grown in the Pacific Northwest and discovered it to be a challenging task. Each herb is different and

has its own, nature, flavor, actions, indications and chemical constituents. In deciding what herbs to use,

we have to learn about each of them, as we did in our herbal classes. But when we are trying to find a

good substitution, in any type of situation, we are going to try to match as many of these qualities as we

can.

Many Chinese herbs are also western herbs and we see them used in a similar way. For example

Shan Zha, known as Hawthorne and includes several species of Crataegus, including the western species

C. laevigata, C. monogyna, C. oxyacantha, and the Chinese species: C. cuneata and C. pinnatifida. All

are used as a cardio tonic, antihypertensive and is used to move the blood and relieve stagnation in the

blood and in the stomach. There are also many examples of western herbs that are closely related to a

Chinese herb species that do not share the same actions at all. Vitex agnus-castus and Vitex rotundifolia,

also known as Man Jing Zi, are very similar in growth, habitat and yet have different actions. Man Jing

Zi is a release the exterior herb that expels wind heat, brightens the eyes and helps with Bi syndrome.

The western Vitex agnus-castus is used for PMS and menstrual irregularities.

Conclusion

Exploring Chinese and Western herbs that can be cultivated or wild-harvested in the Pacific

Northwest is a large topic, and what I present is a work in progress. The culmination of my work is

distilled into the following appendices that I hope is interesting to both the Western Herbalist as well as

the Chinese Medicine Practitioner. The focus of this project is to integrate the Eastern & Western herbal

worlds together in a bioregional way.

After reviewing the issues surrounding the quality and sustainability of herbal medicines I find

myself feeling renewed in spirit and dedicated to ‘A movement towards sustainability of Chinese

Medicine in the western world’. My concerns about the contaminants such as fumigants, sulfur,

irradiation, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and the practice of substituting herbs without documentation

are very real and supported by my research. The issue of sustainability and the footprint that we make

with importing herbs can be avoided simply by using what we have available locally. I am intrigued by

the ideas of organoleptic testing to compare herbs and I feel that this is a reliable way to discern quality

herbs.

Although there are challenges to integrate local herbs into the Chinese Medicine framework,

there are an abundance of resources to begin to be more bio-regional in their use of herbs. What I

provide is an additional resource to evaluate where western herbs can fit into the Chinese medicine

model. These tables can be used to expose TCM practitioner to common western herbs and introduce

new herbs that they can apply clinically.

I don’t believe that every person needs to grow their own medicines, but I do hope that if you

call yourself an herbalist, you will find a way to have a closer relationship to the plants you utilize. I

would strongly encourage you to find an herbalist to study with, one who knows the plants that are

growing in your backyard. There are many ‘folk’ herbalists around the United States. Many do distance

learning programs including: Matthew Wood (www.matthewwoodherbs.com), Thomas Garran

(www.matthewwoodherbs.com), and Michael Tierra (www.planetherbs.com). Herbalists that I studied

with in Northern California and have herbal schools in their area include Christa Sinadinos

(www.herbaleducation.net), and Jane Bothwell (www.dandelionherb.com). Local Portland and Eugene

herbalists include Howie Brounstein (www.botanicalstudies.net), , Erico Schleicher

(www.elderberryschool.com) and Scott Kloos (www.cascadiafolkmedicine.com). There are also

conferences to meet other herbalists and attend lectures such as Breitenbush Herbal Conference in

Oregon, the Northern California Women’s Herbal Symposium (www.womensherbalsymposium.org)

and the Northwest Herbal Fair in Washington State (www.nwherbalfair.com). Also, United Plant Savers

(www.unitedplantsavers.org) usually has a few annual herbal conferences all over the country, and there

is usually one at Herb Pharm in Southern Oregon. I would suggest that you start where you are, in your

backyard, with the local herbalists and journey into the plants.

Green Blessings!

Bibliography

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Healing Arts Press.

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medicines, http://drjakefratkin.com/toxic-contamination-chinese-patent-medicines, Viewed June 20,

2011.

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Arts Press.

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http://www.acupuncturetoday.net/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31281, Visited June 18, 2011.

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An Alternative to Biomedical Approaches? Agriculture and Human Values. 19:337-347

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High Falls Garden- farm in New York, run by Jean Giblette that grows many Chinese herbs and seeds,

http://www.highfallsgardens.net/

Holmes, P. (1993). The energetics of western herbs. Berkeley, CA: NatTrop Publishing.

Horizon Herbs- seed company from Williams, Oregon, http://www.horizonherbs.com/

Mountain Rose Herbs- Wholesale herbal distributer of western and Chinese herbs,

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Ni, M. (1995). The yellow emperor’s classic of medicine. Boston and London: Shambhala.

One Garden/ Elixir Botanical Garden in Brixey, Missouri- Seed Company, http://www.one-

garden.org/index.html

Pacific Botanicals- farm in Williams, Oregon. Grows organic western and Chinese herbs on a

commercial level, http://www.pacificbotanicals.com/

Ross, J. (2003). Combining western herbs and Chinese medicine. Seattle, WA: Greenfields Press.

Schafer, Peggy, Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm, Petaluma, California,

http://www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com/

Schleicher, Erico (2002). A case for bioregionalism : a quest for inclusion of northwest native plants

into the materia medica of traditional Chinese medicine. Master’s Thesis, OCOM Library.

Tierra, M. (1988). Planetary herbology. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Lotus Press.

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http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Irradiation_and_Food_Safety/index.asp, Visited June 20, 2011.

Appendices Table of Contents

Appendix 1: Categories according to Chinese Medicine, Michael Tierra and Thomas Garran

Appendix 2: Categories according to Peter Holmes

Appendix 3: United Plant Savers List

Appendix 4: Herb Charts

4.1 Acrid Cool Release the Exterior

4.2 Acrid Warm Release Exterior

4.3 Astringent

4.4 Clear Deficiency Heat/ Summer Heat

4.5 Clear Heat and Clean Toxins

4.6 Clear Heat and Cool Blood

4.7 Clear Heat and Dry Damp

4.8 Clear Heat and Reduce Fire

4.9 Drain Damp

4.10 Drain Downward

4.11 Kill Parasites

4.12 Move Blood

4.13 Nourish Blood

4.14 Nourish Yin

4.15 Open Orifice

4.16 Regulate Qi

4.17 Relieve Food Stagnation

4.18 Stop Bleeding

4.19 Calm Shen

4.20 Subdue LV Yang & Ext. LV Wind, Sedatives and Nervines

4.21 Tonify Qi

4.22 Tonify Yang

4.23 Topical Use

4.24 Transform Dampness

4.25 Transform Phlegm

4.26 Stop Cough and Relieve Wheezing

4.27 Warm the Interior

4.28 Wind- Damp

Appendix 1 28 Categories in Chinese Medicine

Acrid Warm to Release the Exterior

Acrid Cool to Release the Exterior

Clear Heat and Reduce Fire

Clear Heat and Dry Damp

Clear Heat and Cool Blood

Clear Deficiency Heat

Clear Heat and Toxins

Drain Downward

Purgatives

Moist Laxatives

Harsh Expellants

Drain Water and Excrete Dampness

Drain Water and Reduce Edema

Promote urination for Lin Syndrome

Drain Damp and Relieve Jaundice

Expel Wind and Dampness

Expel W- D and Disperse Cold

Expel W- D & Strengthen Tendon & Bone

Opens Channels and Collaterals

Stop Cough and Relieve Wheezing

Transform Phlegm

Cold Phlegm

Phlegm Heat

Aromatic Herbs to Transform Dampness

Open Orifices and Promote Resuscitation

Topical Use

Kill Parasites

Relieve Food Stagnation

Regulate Qi

Warm the Interior

Stop Bleeding

Stop Bleeding and Cool Blood

Stop Bleeding by Astringing

Stop Bleeding by Removing blood Stasis

Stop Bleeding by warming the Channels

Invigorate Blood and Remove Blood Stasis

Move Blood to Stop Pain

Move Blood to treat Menses

Move Blood for Trauma

Move Blood to Break Masses

Nourish Blood

Calm Shen

Subdue Liver Yang and Extinguish Liver Wind

Tonify Qi

Tonify Yang

Nourish Yin

Astringent Herbs

Stop Excessive Sweating

Astringe Lung and Large Intestine

Stabilize Kidney and Bladder

Michael Tierra’s 16 main categories

Surface relieving herbs

Warming diaphoretics

Cooling diaphoretics

Heat clearing

Clear heat and purge fire

Demulcent febrifuges

Clear hear and counter toxins

Clear heat and dispel dampness

Clear summer heat

Laxatives

Purgatives

Demulcent laxatives

Cathartic laxatives

Diuretics

Antirheumatics

Stimulants

Aromatic stomachics

Aromatic herbs the resolve dampness

Carminatives

Digestants

Hemostatics

Emmenagogues

Tonics

Herbal tonics and the immune system

Qi tonics

Adrenal yang tonics

Tonifying/nutritive herbs

Yin tonics

Astringents

Sedatives and nerviness

Strong sedatives

Nervines

Calmatives

Regulating the heart

Aromatic consciousness- reviving herbs

Antispasmodics

Expectorant and antitussive herbs

Cooling expectorants

Warming expectorants

Antitussives

Substances for topical application

Parasiticides

Thomas Avery Garran List 14 categories

Resolve the Exterior

Clear heat

Precipitate (Purge the Bowels)

Drain Dampness

Dispel Wind and Damp

Transform Phlegm and Stop Cough

Aromatically Transform Dampness

Rectify Qi

Regulate blood

Warm the Interior and Expel Cold

Supplement

Stabilize and bind

Calm the Spirit

Extinguish Wind

Appendix 2: Peter Holmes 24 Categories

Herbs for Eliminating

Promote Sweating, dispel wind/cold/heat and reduce fever- diaphoretics

Promote urination, drain fluid congestion and relieve edema- diuretics

Promote bowel movement, remove accumulation and relieve constipation- laxatives

Promote expectoration, resolve phlegm and relieve cough- expectorants

Promote menstruation, clear stagnation and relieve amenorrhea- emmenagogues

Cause vomiting- emetics

Herbs for Restoring

Increase the Qi, replenish deficiency and generate strength- restoratives

Tonify yang, dispel cold and generate warmth- stimulants

Nourish blood, replenish deficiency and generate growth- nutritives

Enrich Yin, moisten dryness and generate fluids- demulcents

Promote astriction, dry damp and stop discharge and bleeding- astringents

Herbs for Draining

Circulate the Qi, loosen constraint and stop spasms- relaxants

Clear heat and reduce fever and inflammation- refrigerants

Vitalize blood, remove congestion, and moderate menstruation- decongestants

Herbs for Altering and Regulating

Promote detoxification, resolve toxicosis and clear eczema and tumors- detoxicants

Regulate autonomic nervous function- CNS regulators

Regulate hormones- hormonal regulators

Herbs for Symptom treatment

Enhance pregnancy and childbirth- pregnancy enhancers

Calm the spirit and relieve anxiety- nervous sedatives

Lift the spirit and relieve depression- nervous stimulants

Relieve pain- analgesics

Promote tissue repair, and relieve pain and swelling- vulneraries

Stimulate immunity; reduce infection and clear toxins- anti- infectives (antibiotics?)

Clear parasites- antiparasitic

Appendix 3: United Plant Savers List of At Risk and To Watch Herbs

“At-Risk” List

American Ginseng - Panax quinquefolius

Black Cohosh - Actaea racemosa (Cimicifuga)

Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis

Blue Cohosh - Caulophyllum thalictroides

Echinacea - Echinacea spp.

Eyebright - Euphrasia spp.

False Unicorn Root - Chamaelirium luteum

Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis

Lady’s Slipper Orchid - Cypripedium spp.

Lomatium - Lomatium dissectum

Osha - Ligusticum porteri, L. spp.

Peyote - Lophophora williamsii

Slippery Elm - Ulmus rubra

Sundew - Drosera spp.

Trillium, Beth Root -Trillium spp.

True Unicorn - Aletris farinosa

Venus’ Fly Trap - Dionaea muscipula

Virginina Snakeroot - Aristolochia serpentaria

Wild Yam - Dioscorea villosa, D. spp.

“To-Watch” List

Arnica - Arnica spp.

Butterfly Weed - Asclepias tuberosa

Cascara Sagrada - Frangula purshiana (Rhamnus)

Chaparro - Casatela emoryi

Elephant Tree - Bursera microphylla

Gentian - Gentiana spp.

Goldthread - Coptis spp.

Kava Kava - Piper methysticum (Hawaii only)

Lobelia - Lobelia spp.

Maidenhair Fern - Adiantum pendatum

Mayapple - Podophyllum peltatum

Oregon Grape - Mahonia spp.

Partridge Berry - Mitchella repens

Pink Root - Spigelia marilandica

Pipsissewa - Chimaphila umbellata

Spikenard - Aralia racemosa, A. californica

Stone Root - Collinsonia canadensis

Stream Orchid - Epipactis gigantea

Turkey Corn - Dicentra canadensis

White Sage - Salvia apiana

Wild Indigo - Baptisia tinctoria

Yerba Mansa - Anemopsis californica

Appendix 4:

Abbreviation Key

Availability Sources

OG= available organically

MT= Michael Tierra, Planetary

Herbology

Y= seed/ plants available from listed sources PH = Peter Holmes

W= wildcraft locally JR= Jeremy Ross

H= grown here TG= Thomas Avery Garran

S= alternate species available in seed from listed

sources SK= Stacey Kett

Appendix 4.1: Acrid Cool Release Exterior

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Bo He Field Mint Leaf Mentha haplocalyx

Y Chai Hu Bupleurum Root (MT) Bupleurum chinense, scorzoneraefolium

W Ge Gen Kudzu root (MT) Pueraria lobata

Y Ju Hua Chrysanthemum Flower (MT) Chrysanthemum morifolium

Y, S Man Jing Zi Chinese Chaste Tree Seed Vitex rotundifolia, trifolia

Y Niu Bang Zi Burdock Seed (MT) Arctium lappa

Y Sang Ye Mulberry Leaf (MT) Morus alba

Y, S Sheng Ma Chinese Black Cohosh Root Cimicifuga foetida, dahurica, heracleifolia

Y Blue vervain (MT)

Y Boneset (PH) Eupatorium

Y Catnip (MT, PH)

W Elder flower and fruit (TG, MT, PH, JR)

Y Feverfew (MT)

W Horsetail (MT)

Y Lemon balm (MT)

Y Linden Leaf and Flower (PH)

Y Peppermint (MT)

Y Pleurisy root (JR, MT)

Y Sage (JR, TG)

Y Spearmint (PH)

Y Thyme (JR, TG)

Y Yarrow (JR, TG, MT)

Removed herbs

Dan Dou Chi Fermented Soybean Glycine max

Fu Ping Duckweed plant (MT) Spirodela polyrrhiza, Lammn minor

Horsemint (MT) Monarda

Appendix 4.2:

Acrid Warm Release Exterior

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Bai Zhi Angelica root (JR, MT) Angelica dahurica, anomala, archangelica

H Cong Bai Green Onion (MT) Alium fistulosum

Y Fang Feng Siler divaricatum, Saposhikovia

divaricata

Ligusticum brachylobum

Y Jing Jie Chinese catnip herb Schizonepeta tenuifolia

W Xi Xin Wild Ginger plant (TG) Asarum heterotropoides, sieboldi

H Xin Yi Hua Magnolia Flower (MT) Magnolia liliflora

Y Zi Su Ye Shiso Leaf Perilla frutescens

Y Basil (MT) Ocimum basilicum

W California Spikenard (TG) Aralia californica

W Coltsfoot (PH) Petasites

W Hedge Nettle (MT) Stachys palustris

Y Hyssop (MT) Hyssopus officinalis

Y Lovage (MT) Levisticum officinale

Y Marjoram (MT) Origanum marjorana

Y Oregano (MT) Origanum vulgare

W Osha (TG, MT, PH) Ligisticum porter

Y Peppermint (PH) Mentha piperita

Y Sage (JR, MT) Salvia officinalis

W Sassafras (MT) Sassafras albidum

Y Savory (MT) Satureja hortensis

Y Yerba Buena (MT) Satureja douglasi

Removed herbs

Cang Er Zi Cocklebur fruits Xanthium dibiricim

Gao Ben Chinese lovage root Ligusticum sinensis, jeholense

OG Gui Zhi Cinnamon stems Cinnamomum cassia

Ma Huang Ephedra stems (TG, MT) Ephedra sinica, equisetina, intermedia

Qiang Huo Notopterigium Root Notopterigium incisium, forbesii

OG Sheng Jiang Fresh Ginger root (PH, MT) Zingiber officinale

Xiang Ru Aromatic madder herb Elsholzia splendens, cristata, Mosla chinensis

Appendix 4.3:

Astringent

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Fu Pen Zi Raspberry Leaf (PH) Rubus chingii

Y Jin Ying Zi Rosehips (MT) Rosa laevigata

H Shan Zhu Yu Cornus fruit Cornus officinalis

Y Ying Su Ke Opium Seed Capsule Papaver somniferum

Y Agrimony (PH)

Y Arborvitae, Thuja (JR, PH)

W Bayberry (JR,TG) Myrica cerifera

W Blackberry (MT, PH)

W Red Root (MT) Ceanothus

Y Cranberry (TG)

W Huckleberry (MT)

Y Lady's Mantle (MT)

Y Nettle (MT)

Y Oak Bark (MT, PH)

Y Sage (JR, PH)

Y Tormentill Rhizome(JR, PH) Potentilla spp.

W White Pond Lily (MT) Nymphea odorata, Nymphaceae

W Witch Hazel (JR, MT)

W Yellow Pond Lily (MT) Nuphar lutea

W, Y Yerba Mansa (MT)

Removed herbs

Chi Shi Zhi Halloysite, kaolin Halloysite, sheet silicate mineral

Fu Xiao Mai Immature Wheat Triticum aestivum

He Zi Chebula fruit Terminalia chebula

Ma Huang Gen Ephedra root (MT) Ephedra sinica, intermedia

Qian Shi Euryales Euryales

OG Rou Dou Kou Nutmeg seed (MT) Myristica fragrans

Shi Liu Pi Pomegranite Rind (MT) Punica granatum

Wu Bei Zi Gallnut of Chinese Sumac Rhus chinensis, potaninii, punjabensis,

Wu Mei Mume fruit Prunus mume

OG Wu Wei Zi Schisandra fruit (MT) Schisandra chinensis, sphenanthera

Alum root, Heuchera, Saxifrag (MT)

Amaranth leafs (MT)

Birthroot Rhizome (PH) Trillium

Bistort (MT, PH) Polygonum bistorta

Canada Fleabane herb (PH) Erigeron

Cranesbill Root (MT, PH)

Eyebright (JR, MT, PH)

Ginkgo nut (MT)

Glutinous Rice Roots (MT)

Horse Chestnut (MT)

Jambul seed (MT)

OG Kava Kava (PH)

Knotgrass herb ((PH) Polygonum

Loosestrife (MT)

OG? Lotus Seed (MT)

Lungwort (PH)

Myrrh (JR, PH)

Pine/ Turpentine Ess oil (PH)

Sumac (PH, MT) Rhus glabra

Wheat Chaff (MT)

White Pond Lily (MT)

OG Witch Hazel (JR, MT)

Appendix 4.4

Clear Deficiency Heat/ Summer Heat

Availability Pin Yin Common Name Latin Name

Name Y Qing Hao Sweet annie (MT) Artemisia annua

S Yin Chai Hu Stellaria root Stellaria dichotoma

Y Borage (MT)

Y Cucumber (MT)

W Hounds Tongue (MT)

Y Mung Bean (MT)

Y Watermelon (MT)

Removed herbs

Bai Wei Swallowwort root Cynanchum atratum

Di Gu Pi Lycium bark Lycium chinense

Hu Huang Lian Picrorhizae rhizome Picrorhizae scrophulariiflora

Hibiscus (MT)

Impatiens (MT)

Lotus Leaf (MT)

Appendix 4.5

Clear Heat and Clean Toxins

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

W Bai Tou Weng Anemone, wind flower rt (MT) Pulsatilla chinensis

Y Ban Zhi Lian Skullcap herb Scutellariae barbata

Y Chuan Xin Lian Andrographis herb Andrographis paniculata

H Jin Yin Hua Honeysuckle flower (MT) Lonicera japonica, hypoglauca, confusa,

H Lian Qiao Forsythia fruit (MT) Forsythia suspensa

A Lu Dou Mung Bean Phaseolus radiatus

W Pu Gong Ying Dandelion herb (JR, MT) Taraxacum sinicum, mongolicum

Y She Gan Blackberry lily rhizome Belamcanda chinensis

W Tu Fu Ling Sarsaparilla (TG, MT, JR) Smilax glabra

W Zi Hua Di Ding Violet herb Viola yedoensis

Y Burdock Root (JR, MT)

Y Calendula/ marigold (JR, PH)

Y Echinacea (JR, PH, TG)

Y Gotu Kola (MT)

Y Plantain Leaf (PH)

Y Purslane (MT, PH)

Y Red Clover (TG, MT,)

Y St. John's Wort (MT)

W Usnea (TG, MT, PH)

Y Yellow Dock root (MT)

Removed herbs

Bai Hua She

She Cao

Oldenlandia herb Hedyotis diffusa

Bai Jiang Cao Thlapsi herba Thlapsi arvense

Bai Lian Ampelopsis root Ampelopsis japonica

Ban Lan Gen Isatis root, woad Isatis indigotica

Da Qing Ye Isatis Leaf, woad Isatis indigotica

Hong Teng Sargentodoxa vine Sargentodoxa cuneata

Ma Bo Puffball fruiting body Lasiosphaera fenzlii

Qing Dai Indigo (PH, MT) Baphicacanthus cusia, Polygonum tinctorium,

Isatis tinctorium, Indigofera tinctoria, Babtisia

Shan Ci Gu Cremastra bulb Cremastra appendiculata

Shan Dou Gen Menispermi rhizome Menispermi dauricum

Ya Dan Zi Brucea fruits Brucea javanica

Yu Xing Cao Houttuynia herb Houttuyniae cordata

OG Blue Flag (MT) Iris spp.

Chaparral (MT)

OG Lemon Rind (PH)

Pulsatilla (MT)

Tea Tree (PH)

Appendix 4.6

Clear Heat and Cool Blood

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Chi Shao Yao Red Peony root (MT) Peaonia lactiflora, veitchii

Y Mu Dan Pi Moutan root bark (MT) Peaonia suffruticosa

P Sheng Di

Huang

Rehmannia root, unprepared

(MT)

Rehmannia glutinosa

S Xuan Shen Figwort root (TG, MT) Scrophularia ningpoensis

Y Zi Cao Gromwell Root, Borage family

(MT)

Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Arnebia

euchroma, guttata

Y Burdock Root (JR, TG)

Y Marshmallow root (JR, MT)

Removed herbs

Stillingia root (MT)

Appendix 4.7

Clear Heat and Dry Damp

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Huang Lian Coptis rhizome Coptis chinensis, deltoidea, teeta

Y Huang Qin Baical Skullcap root Scutellaria baicalensis

W Long Dan Cao Gentian root (TG, MT, JR) Gentiana manshurica, scabra, triflora, rigescens

Y Artichoke leaf (TG)

W Bearberry/ Uva ursi (JR, PH) Arctostaphylos uva ursi **

W Bilberry Leaf and Fruit (PH) Vaccinium

Y Cornsilk (PH)

Y Dandelion plant (JR, TG, PH)

Y Figwort Root and Herb ((PH)

W Horsetail (PH)

W Oregon Grape (JR, TG, MT) Berberis/ Mahonia

Y Poke Root (JR, PH)

Y Poplar (MT)

Y Walnut Leaf & Hull (PH)

Y Willow (MT, PH)

Y Yellow dock (TG, PH)

W Bayberry/ Wax Myrtle (MT) Myrica/ Morella

Removed herbs

Bai Xian Pi Chinese dittany root bark Dictamnus dasycarpus

Huang Bai Phellodendron bark Phellodendron chinense, amurense

Ku Shen Sophora root Sophora flavescens

Qin Pi Korean Ash bark Fraxinus spp.

Bitterroot (MT) Lewisia

Boldo (MT)

Cascara Amarga, Picramnia spp. ( MT)

Celandine (MT)

Centaury (MT)

Chaparral Leaf (PH)

Cinchona Bark (JR, MT)

Culver's Root (MT)

Fringetree (MT)

Fumitory (MT)

OG Goldenseal (JR, TG, MT, PH)

Loosestrife herb (PH) Lythrum

Ocotillo (TG)

Pau d'Arco Bark (PH)

Queen's Root (PH) Stillingia

Sandalwood (PH)

Wahoo (MT)

Appendix 4.8

Clear Heat and Reduce Fire

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Lian Zi Xin Lotus seed (MT) Nelumbo nucifera

W Lu Gen Reed rhizome (MT) Phragmites communis

H Mi Meng Hua Butterfly bush flower Buddleia officinalis

Y Qing Xiang Zi Celosia seeds (MT) Celosia argentea

Y Tian Hua Fen Trichosanthes root Trichosanthes kirilowii, rosthornii

Y Xia Ku Cao Self heal flowers (MT) Prunella vulgaris

Y Zhi Mu Anemarrhena rhizome Anemarrhena aspheloides

Y Zhi Zi Gardenia fruits (MT) Gardenia jasminoides

Y Bittersweet leaves (MT)

W Bogbean herb (PH)

Y Chicory Root (PH)

Y Feverfew (TG)

Y Gentian Root (JR, PH)

Y Meadowsweet (TG, PH) Filipendula ulmaria

Y Viola spp (MT)

Removed herbs

Dan Zhu Ye Lophatherum herb Lophatherum gracile

Shi Gao Gypsum

Bamboo stem and leaves (MT)

Calcitum (MT)

Appendix 4.9

Drain Damp

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Bian Xu Knotweed herb (MT) Polygonum avicularis

Y Che Qian Zi Plantain seeds (TG, MT) Plantago asiatica, depressa

H Chi Xiao Dou Aduki Bean (MT) Phaseolus calcaratus, angularis

Y Deng Xin Cao Juncus

Y Dong Kui Zi Albutilon, mallow fruit Malva verticillata, crispa

W Hu Zhang Bushy Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum

Y Qu Mai Chinese pink herb Dianthus superbus, chinensis

Y Yi Yi Ren Job's tears seed Coix lacryma-jobi

Y Yin Chen Hao Virgate wormwood Artemisia capillaris, scoparia

Y Yu Mi Xu Corn Silk (MT) Zea mays

Y Ze Xie Water plantain rhizome Alisma orientalis

W Black Currant leaf (PH)

Y Burdock (JR, PH)

Y Celery Seed (PH)

W Cleavers (TG, MT, PH)

Y Coriander (MT)

Y Couchgrass (MT, PH)

Y Dandelion leaf (JR, MT, PH)

Y Fennel Seed (PH)

Y Goldenrod (PH)

Y Gravel Root (PH)

Y Heartsease, Viola (PH)

Y Hydrangea Rhizome (MT, PH)

Y Lovage root (PH)

Y Nettle leaf (TG)

Y Parsley (MT, PH)

Y Red Clover (PH)

Y St John's Wort (PH)

W Uva Ursi (JR, MT)

Y Watercress (MT)

Y Watermelon Seeds (MT)

Removed herbs

Bei Xie Tokoro root Dioscorea hypoglauca

Di Fu Zi broom cypress fruit Kochia scoparia

Dong Gua Ren,

Pi, Zi

Winter melon Beninceca

Fu Ling Poria (MT) Poria cocos

Hai Jin Sha Lygodium spores Lygodium japonicum

Jin Qian Cao Lysimachia herb Lysimachia christinae

Mu Tong Akebia stem Akebia quinata, trifoliata

Shi Wei Pyrossia leaf Pyrossia sheareri, lingua, petiolosa

Tong Cao Rice paper plant pith Tetrapanax papyferus

Zhi Ling Polyporus Polyporus umbellatus

Buchu Leaf (PH, MT)

Elder Bark (JR, PH)

Pellitory of the Wall (MT) Urticaceae

Pipsissewa, Wintergreen (MT,

PH)

Pyrola

Poplar Bark (PH)

Sea Holly Root (PH)

Silver Birch Leaf and Bark (PH)

Soapwort Root (PH) Saponaria, Caryophyllaceae

Speedwell (PH)

Squills Bulb (PH)

Wild Carrot, Daucus (MT)

Appendix 4.10

Drain Downward

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Da Huang Rhubarb root (JR, MT, PH) Rhaum palmatum, tanguticun

S Da Ji Euphorbia root Euphorbia pekinesis

Y Huo Ma Ren Cannabis sativa seed (MT) Cannabis sativa

H Lu Hui Dried Aloe juice concentrate

(PH, MT)

Aloe barbadensis, ferox

Y Ma Zi Ren Cannabis sativa seed Cannabis sativa

Y Buckthorn Bark (MT, TG, PH) Rhamnus spp.

W Cascara Bark (MT, PH)

W Castor oil (MT)

Y Elder Bark (JR, PH)

Epsom salts (MT)

Y Flax seed (MT)

Y Milk Thistle (PH)

Y Olive oil (MT)

Y Poke root (JR, MT)

Y Psyllium (MT)

Y Scotch Broom (JR, MT)

Y Sesame oil (MT)

Y Walnut bark (MT)

Y Wormwood (PH)

Removed herbs

Ba Dou Croton seed (MT) Croton tiglium

Fan Xie Ye Senna leaf (MT, PH) Cassia angustifolia, acutifolia

Gan Sui Kan-sui root Euphorbia Kansui

Qian Niu Zi Morning glory seeds (MT) Pharabitis nil, purpurea

Yu Li Ren Bush cherry pit Prunus humilis, japonica, pedunculata

Yuan Hua Genkwa flower Daphne genkwa

Balmony (PH)

Blue Flag (PH)

Celandine (PH)

Culvers Root (PH)

Fringe tree Root bark (PH)

Fumitory herb, Papaveraceae (PH)

Gamboge (MT)

Mandrake root (MT, PH)

Tamarind Pulp (PH)

Appendix 4.11

Kill Parasites

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

H Da Suan Garlic (MT) Allium sativum

H Nan Gua Zi Pumpkin Seed (MT) Curcubita moschata

Y Male Fern (MT) Aspidium and Dryopteris, Polypodiaceae

Y Pink Root (MT) Spigelia merilandica

Y Wormseed (MT) Artemisia spp.

Removed herbs

Bing Lang Areca Seed, betel nut (MT) Areca catechu

Guan Zhong Aspidium/ Shieldfern root Dyopterus crassirhizoma

Ku Lian Gen Pi Melia or China Tree Root Bark Melia toosendan, azedarach

Shi Jun Zi Rangoon creeper fruit with seeds Quisqualis indica

Brucea seeds (MT)

Pomegranite peel, bark and root bark (MT)

Appendix 4.12

Move Blood

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Dan Shen Red Sage Salvia miltiorrhiza

Y Hong Hua Safflower (MT) Carthamus tinctorius

Y Huai Niu Xi Achyranthes root Achyranthes bidentate

H Liu Ji Nu Artemisia Artemisia anomalous

Y San Leng Scirpus, burr reed rhizome Sparganium stoloniferum

H Tao Ren Persica, Peach Kernel (MT) Prunus persica, davidiana

Y Wang Bu Liu

Xing

Vaccaria seeds Vaccaria segetalis

W,

INDONESIA

Xue Jie Dragon's Blood Daemonorops draco

W Yan Hu Suo Corydalis rhizome (MT) Corydalis yanhusuo

S Yi Mu Cao Chinese Motherwort (JR, PH,

MT, TG)

Leonurus hertophyllus, cardiaca

H Ze Lan Bugleweed (MT) Lycopus lucidus

Y Angelica (JR, MT)

W Arnica (TG, PH)

Y Black Cohosh (JR, PH)

Y Black Haw Root Bark (JR, PH)

Y Blue Cohosh (MT, PH)

Y Calendula (JR, MT)

Y Cramp Bark (PH, TG)

Y Cypress Tips (PH)

Y Feverfew (PH)

Y Grapevine Leaf (PH)

Y Lovage (MT)

Y Marjoram (PH)

Y Oregano (PH)

Y Pennyroal (MT, PH)

Y Red Root (PH)

Y Rose (MT)

Y Rue (JR, PH, MT, JR)

Y Saffron (MT)

Y Shepard's Purse (JR, PH)

Y Stoneroot (MT, PH) Collinsonia

Y Tansy (JR, MT, PH)

OG Turmeric (MT)

Y Vervain (MT)

Y Vitex (PH, MT)

W Wild ginger (MT, PH)

Y Yarrow (JR, PH)

Removed herbs

Chuan Niu Xi Cyanthula root Cyanthula officinalis

Chuan Xiong Cnidium, Szechuan Lovage Root Ligusticum chuanxiong

E Zhu Zedoria, rhizome Curcuma spp.

Ji Xue Tang Millettia vine Spatholobus suberectus

Jiang Huang Turmeric Rhizome (MT) Curcuma longa

Jiang Xiang Dalbergia Heartwood, scented

rosewood

Dalbergia odorifera

Mo Yao Myrrh (MT) Commiphora myrrha, Balsamodendron

ehrenbergianum

Ru Xiang Frankincense (MT) Boswellia carterii

Xue Jie Dragon's Blood Daemonorops draco

OG Yu Jin Curcuma tuber Curcuma spp.

Butcher's Broom (PH)

Collinsonia root (MT)

Hazelwort rhiz./Euro snakeroot

(PH)

Asarum europaeum

Horse Chestnut (PH)

Lady's Slipper Rhiz. Orchid

(PH)

Pasque Flower, Root and Herb (PH)

Squaw Vine (PH) Mitchella repens

OG Witch Hazel (JR, PH)

Appendix 4.13

Nourish Blood

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Bai Shao Yao White Peony (MT) Paeonia lacitflora

Y Dang Gui Angelica (JR, MT) Angelica sinensis

Y He Shou Wu Fleece flower vine root Polygonum multiflorum

Y Shu Di Huang Rehmannia root, prepared (MT) Rehmannia glutinosa

Y Alfalfa (PH)

Y Artichoke Leaf (PH)

Y Black currant (MT)

Y Blackberry and raspberry fruit (MT)

W Bladderwrack (PH)

Y Flower Pollen (PH)

H Gelatin (MT)

Y Grapes (MT)

W Huckleberry (MT)

Iron (MT)

W Kelp (PH)

OG Lycii Berries (MT)

W Microalgae (PH)

Y Molasses (MT)

Y Mulberry Fruit (MT)

Y Nettle (PH)

Y Oatstraw and seed (PH)

Y Watercress (PH)

Y Wheatgrass (PH)

Y Yellow Dock (MT)

Removed herbs

Long Yan Rou Longan Fruit (MT) Dimocarous longan= Euphoria longana

Amla- ayurvedic (MT)

Appendix 4.14

Nourish Yin

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Gou Qi Zi Lycium Fruit, chinese wolfberry Lycium barbarum

Y Han Lian Cao Eclipta herb (MT) Eclipta prostrata

H Hei Zhi Ma Black Sesame Seed (MT) Sesamum indicum

S Huang Jing Siberian Solomon's Seal (MT,

PH)

Polygonatum spp.

H Mai Men Dong Ophiopogon tuber (MT) Ophiopogon japonicus

H Nu Zhen Zi Privet Fruit (MT) Ligustrum lucidium

H Sang Shen Mulberry Fruit Morus alba

Y Sha Shen Glehnia root Glehnia littoralis

Y Tian Men Dong Asparagus Tuber (MT, PH) Asparagus cochinchinensis

S Yu Zhu Scented Solomon's Seal Polygonatum odorati

OG Aloe Gel (PH)

Y Borage leaf (PH)

Y Chickweed (PH)

Y Comfrey Root (PH, MT)

Y Mallow Flower (PH)

Y Marshmallow root (JR, TG, MT, PH)

Y Mullein Leaf (PH)

Y Oat seed (TG)

W Poplar Bud (PH)

Removed herbs

Bai He Lily Bulb (MT) Lilium lancifolium, brownii, pumilum

Han Lian Cao Eclipta herb (MT) Eclipta prostrata

Nan Sha Shen Adenophora root Adenophora tetraphylla, stricta

Shi Hu Dendrobium herb Dendrobium spp.

Pyrola (MT) Pyrola rotundifolia and spp. Pyroliaceae

Iceland moss (MT, PH)

Irish Moss (MT, PH)

Slippery Elm (MT, PH)

Appendix 4.15

Open Orfice

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Shi Chang Pu Acorus, sweetflag rhizome (MT) Acorus tatarinowii, Acorus calamus

Y Bay Leaf (MT)

Removed herbs

Bing Pian Borneol Blumea balsamifera

Su He Xiang Styrax/ resin (MT) Liquidamberis orientalis

Camphor (MT)

Appendix 4.16

Regulate Qi

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

H Mei Gui Hua Rose bud (MT) Rosa rugosa

H Shi Di Persimmon Calyx (MT) Diospyros kaki

W Xiang Fu Cyperus, nut grass rhizome

(MT)

Cyperus rotundus

Y Xie Bai Bakeri, chinese garlic chives Allium macrostemon

Y Black Cohosh (JR, TG)

Y Caraway seed (PH)

Y Chamomile (PH)

Y Chives (MT)

Y Cumin (MT)

Y Vitex (TG)

Y Wild Yam (PH)

Removed herbs

OG Chen Pi Citrus Peel, tangerine (MT) Citrus reticulata

Chen Xiang Aquilaria wood, aloeswood Aquilaria sinensis

Chuan Lian Zi Melia or China Tree Berry Meila toosendan

Da Fu Pi Areca Seed peel, betel nut peel Areca catechu

Fo Shou Finger Citron Citrus medica variety sarcodactylis

Li Zhi He Litchi Kernel Litchi chinensis

OG Qing Pi Green Citrus Peel, unripe (MT) Citrus reticulata

Shi Di Persimmon Calyx (MT) Diospyros kaki

Tan Xiang White Sandalwood (MT) Santalum album

Wu Yao Lindera root Lindera aggregata = strychinifolia

Zhi Ke Bitter Orange (MT, PH) Citrus aurantium

Zhi Shi Immature Bitter Orange Citrus aurantium, sinensis

Appendix 4.17

Relieve Food Stagnation

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Gu Ya Rice Sprout (MT) Oryza sativa

H Lai Fu Zi Radish seed (MT) Raphanus sativus

Y Mai Ya Barley Sprout (MT) Hordeum vulgare

W Shan Zha Hawthorn Fruit (MT, JR) Crataegus pinnatifida

Y Angelica root, archangelica (JR, PH)

Y Bayberry Root Bark (PH)

Y Blessed Thistle (PH)

Y Calamus, Acorus PH)

Y Horseradish (PH)

Y Live Yeast (MT)

W Oregon Grape Root (JR, PH)

Removed herbs

Shen Qu Medicated Leaven Contains Xing Ren, Chi Xiao Dou, Qing Hao,

Cang Er Cao

Asafoetida (MT)

OG Black pepper (PH)

OG Cardamom (PH)

Centaury (PH)

Appendix 4.18

Stop Bleeding

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Ai Ye Mugwort (MT) Artemisia argyi

Y Da Ji Large Thistle Cirsium japonicum

Y Di Yu Burnet (MT) Sanguisorba officinalis

W Pu Huang Pollen Typhae/ Cattail Bush

(MT)

Typha angustifolia, orientalis

Y Xian He Cao Agrimony (MT) Agrimonia pilosa

Y Xiao Ji Small Thistle Cirsium setosum

Y Blessed thistle (MT)

Y Lady's Mantle (PH)

Y Milkthistle (MT)

Y Red Raspberry (MT)

Y Rose (PH)

Y Shepard's Purse (JR, MT)

Y Thuja (JR, MT)

Y Wood Sorrel (PH)

Removed herbs

Bai Ji Bletilla rhizome Bletilla striata

Bai Mao Gen Wolly Grass Imperata cylindrica

Ce Bai Ye Biota Leaves/ Arborvitae Platycladus orientalis

Fu Long Gan Ignited yellow earth/ earthen

oven

Terra flava usta

Huai Hua Sophora Fruit, Pagoda Tree bud Sophora japonica

Ou Jie Lotus Rhizome Node (MT) Nelumbo nucifera

Pao Jiang Blast fired/ dry fried ginger Zingiber officinale

Qian Cao Gen Madder Root (MT) Rubia cordifolia

San Qi Pseudoginseng (MT) Panax notoginseng

Zao Xin Tu Ignited yellow earth/ earthen

oven

Terra flava usta

Zhu Ma Gen Ramie Root Boehmeria nivea

Zong Lu Tan Trachycarpus Stiple Fiber Trachycarpus fortunei

Dragon's Blood (MT)

Sanicle (PH)

Trillium (MT)

Appendix 4.19

Calm Shen

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

W Bai Zi Ren Biota Seed, arborvitae (MT) Thuja orientalis, Biota orientalis

Y He Huan Hua Albizzia flower Albizzia julibrissin

W Ling Zhi Ganoderma/ Reishi Ganoderma lucidium, sinense = japonicum

sensu

H Suan Zao Ren Jujubee Seed (MT) Zizyphus spinosa

Y Ye Jiao Teng Fleece flower vine, Stem of He

Shou Wu

Polygonium multiflorum

Y Yuan Zhi Chinese senega, thinkleaf

milkwort root (MT)

Polygala tenuifolia, sibirica

W Anemone (JR)

Y Bugleweed Herb (PH)

Y California Poppy (TG, MT, PH)

Y Chamomile (TG, MT)

Y Hops (MT, PH)

OG Kava Kava (TG)

Y Lavender Flower (JR, PH)

Y Lemon balm (PH) Melissa officinalis

W Mistletoe (PH)

Oyster shell (MT)

Y Passion flower (TG, MT, PH)

Y Scullcap (TG, MT, PH)

Y Selfheal (PH)

Y St. John's Wort (TG)

Y Valerian (JR, MT, TG, PH)

Y Wild Lettuce Leaf (PH)

Y Wood betony (MT, PH)

Removed herbs

Hu Po Succinum/ Amber Amber, fossil resin (MT)

Ye Jiao Teng Fleece flower vine Polygonium multiflorum

Bitter Orange Flower, Neroli Ess. Oil (PH)

Cowslip Flower (PH)

Fluorite (MT)

Hematite (MT)

Jamaican Dogwood Root Bark (JR, PH)

OG Kava Kava (TG)

Ladies Slipper (MT)

Melilot herb, Sweet Clover (PH)

Pearl (MT)

Appendix 4.20

Subdue LV Yang & Ext. LV Wind, Sedatives and Nervines

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Mu Li Oyster Shell Ostrea gigas, talienwhanensis, rivularis

Y Lobelia (JR, MT, TG)

Y Wild yam root (MT) Dioscorea villosa

Removed herbs

Bai Ji Li Puncture vine fruit Tribulus terrestris

Ci Ji Li Puncture vine fruit Tribulus terrestris

Gou Teng Uncaria vine Uncaria spp.

Jue Ming Zi Cassia Seed Cassia obtusifolia, tora

Shi Jue Ming Abalone shell (MT) Haliotis spp.

Tian Ma Gastrodia rhizome Gastroidia elata

Antispasmodics

Belladonna (MT)

Black Haw (JR, MT)

Caltrop, Tribulus (MT)

Datura (MT)

Gambir, Uncaria stem and hooks (MT)

Henbane (MT)

Appendix 4.21

Tonify Qi

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Bai Bian Dou Dolichos, lentil? Dolichos lablab

Y Bai Zhu White Atractylodes rhizome

(MT)

Atractylodes macrocephala

Y Ci Wu Jia/ Wu

Jia Shen

Siberian Ginseng/ Acanthopanax

(MT)

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Y Da Zao Jujubee (MT) Zizyphus jujuba

Y Dang Shen Codonopsis root (MT) Codonopsis pilosula, tangshen

W Feng Mi Honey (MT) Honey

Y Gan Cao Licorice (JR, PH, MT) Glycyrrhiza uralensis, inflata, glabra

Y Huang Qi Astragalus root (MT) Astragalus membranaceus

Y Shan Yao Chinese Yam Rhizome (MT) Dioscorea opposita

H Xi Yang Shen American Ginseng (MT) Panax quinquefolium

OG Yi Tang Maltose rice, wheat, corn, and other seeds

Y Zhi Gan Cao Honey Fried Licorice Glycyrrhiza uralensis

OG Barley Malt/ Rice Syrup (MT)

Y Elecampagne root (TG, MT, PH)

Y Hawthorne (TG, JR, PH)

Y Milk Thistle (TG)

Y Parsley Root (PH)

Y Spikenard (MT)

Removed herbs

Ren Shen Ginseng (MT) Panax ginseng

Tai Zi Shen Pseudostellaria root Pseudostellaria heterophylla

Starflower (MT) Trientalis borealis/ Primulaceae

Suma, Amaranthaceae (MT)

Appendix 4.22

Tonify Yang

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

H Hu Tao Ren Walnut (MT) Juglans regia

Y Jiu Cai Zi Allium Seed, Chinese leek seeds Allium tuberosum

Y Sha Yaun Zi Astragalus Seed Astragalus complanatus

Y Sha Yuan Ji Li Astragalus Seed Astragalus complanatus

Y Xu Duan Teasel root (MT) Dipsacus asperoides

Y Yin Yang Huo Horny Goat Weed Herb (MT) Epimedium spp.

Y Ashwagandha (MT)

Y Celery seeds (MT)

Y Fenugreek seeds (MT)

Y Garlic (MT)

Y Geranium (PH)

Y Jasmine Flower (PH)

Y Mugwort (JR, PH)

OG Saw Palmetto (PH, MT)

Y White Deadnettle herb and root (PH)

Removed herbs

Ba Ji Tian Morinda root Morinda officinalis

Bu Gu Zhi Psoralea fruit (MT) Psoralea corylifolia

Dong Chong

Xia Cao

Cordyceps Cordyceps sinensis

Du Zhong Eucommia bark Eucommia ulmoides

Gou Ji Cibotium rhizome, chain fern Cibotium barometz

Rou Cong

Rong

Cistanches Cistanches deserticola

Suo Yang Cynamorium Cynomorium

Tu Si Zi Chinese Dodder seeds (MT) Cuscuta chinensis

Xian Mao Curculigo, golden eye-grass

rhizome

Curculigo orchoides

Yang Qi Shi Actinolite Actinolite

Yi Zhi Ren Black Cardamon, bitter-seeded

Cardamon

Alpinia oxyphylla

Cotton Root (MT)

Cubeb (MT) Pipir cubeba

Damiana (JR, TG, MT, PH)

False Unicorn Root (PH, MT) Helonias/ Liliaceae

Life Root herb (PH) Senecio aureus

Muira-Puama (MT)

Saw Palmetto (PH, MT)

Yohimbe (MT)

Appendix 4.23

Topical Use

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Che Qian

Zi/Cao?

Plantain (SK)

Pu Gong Ying Dandelion (SK)

Xia Ku Cao Self Heal (SK)

Xuan Shen Figwort (SK)

Zi Hua Di Ding Violet (SK)

Comfrey (SK)

Yarrow (SK)

Yellow Dock (SK)

Removed herbs

She Chuang Zi Cnidium Seed Cnidium monnieri

Zhang Nao Camphor (MT) Cinnamomum camphora

Borax (MT)

Buttercup, Rannunculus leaf and flower (MT)

Daffodil (MT)

Delphinium (MT)

Minium (MT)

Tulip bulb (MT)

Appendix 4.24

Transform Dampness

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

H Cang Zhu Red Atractylodes rhizome Atractylodes lancea, chinensis

H Hou Po Magnolia Bark (MT) Magnolia officinalis

Y Huo Xiang Agastache, patchouli (MT) Pogostemon cablin

Y Caraway (MT)

Y Dill (MT)

Y Sweet Cicely, Osmorrhiza (TG)

Removed herbs

Bai Dou Kou Cluster Cardamon Amomum krervanh, compactum

Cao Dou Kou Katsumadai galangal seeds Alpinia katsumadai

Cao Guo Tsaoko fruit Amomum tsao-ko

Pei Lan Eupatorium herb Eupatorium fortunei

OG Sha Ren Cardamon, grains of paradise

fruit (MT)

Amomum villosum

Appendix 4.25

Transform Phlegm

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

H Bai Jie Zi Mustard seed (MT) Brassica juncea, Sinapis alba

H Ban Xia Pinellia rhizome Pinellia ternata

Y Gua Lou Trichosanthes fruit (MT) Trichosanthes kirilowii, rosthornii

Y Gua Lou Gen Trichosanthes root Trichosanthes kirilowii, rosthornii

Y Gua Lou Pi Trichosanthes peel Trichosanthes kirilowii, rosthornii

Y Gua Lou Ren Trichosanthes seed Trichosanthes kirilowii, rosthornii

W Hai Zao Sargassum seaweed Sargassum pallidum

Y Huang Yao Zi Dioscorea tuber Dioscorea bulbifera

Y Jie Geng Balloon flower root (MT) Platycodon grandiflorus

W Kun Bu Kelp (MT) Ecklonia kurome

H Tian Zhu

Huang

Bamboo Silica Bambusa textilis, Schizostachyum chinense

S Xuan Fu Hua Inula flower Inula japonica, britannica

H Zhu Ru Bamboo Shavings (MT) Bambusa textilis, Sinocalamus beecheyanus,

Phyllostachys nigra

Y Basil (PH)

Y Chickweed (MT)

W Coltsfoot (PH)

Y Comfrey (MT)

Y Elecampagne (MT)

W Eucalyptus leaf (PH, MT)

Y Grindelia (MT)

Y Horehound (PH, MT)

Y Hyssop (PH)

W Pine (PH)

Y Pleurisy (JR, PH) Asclepias tuberosa

Y Thyme (JR, PH, MT)

Y Winter Savory (PH)

Y Yerba Santa (PH, MT)

Removed herbs

Bai Fu Zi Typhonium rhizome Typhonium giganteum

Bai Qian Cynanchum root and rhizome Cynanchum stauntonii, glaucescens

Chuan Bei Mu Tendrilled from Sichuan (MT) Fritillaria cirrhosa, unibracteata, przewalskii,

delavayi

Dan Nan Xing prepared w/ bile Arisaema erubescens, heterophyllum, amurense

Hai Ge Ke Clam Shell (MT) Meretrix meretrix, Cyclina sinensis

Pang Da Hai Sterculia seed Sterculia lychnophora

Qian Hu Hog fennel root (MT) Peucedanum praeruptorum, decursivum

Tian Nan Xing jack-in-the-pulpit (MT) Arisaema erubescens, heterophyllum, amurense

Wa Leng Zi Ark Shell Arca subcrenata, granosa, inflata

Zhe Bei Mu Thunberg Fritillaria Fritillaria thunbergii

Zhu Li Dried Bamboo Sap Bambusa textilis, Sinocalamus beecheyanus,

Phyllostachys nigra

Bloodroot (MT, PH)

Immortal Root, Asclepias(PH)

Pumice (MT)

Scabious root and herb (PH)

Sundew, Drosera (MT)

Appendix 4.26

Stop Cough and Relieve Wheezing

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Bai Guo Ginkgo Seed Ginkgo biloba

H Kuan Dong

Hua

Coltsfoot Flower (MT) Tussilago farfara

H Sang Bai Pi Mulberry Root Bark, and Bark

(MT)

Morus alba

Y Su Zi Perilla Seed Perilla frutescens

H Xing Ren Apricot Seed (MT) Prunus spp.

Y Zi Wan Purple Aster Root (MT) Aster tartaricus

Y Grindelia (TG, PH)

Y Lobelia root and herb (JR, PH)

Y Mullein (MT)

Y Pleurisy root (TG,)

Y Wild Cherry Bark (MT, PH)

Y Yerba Santa (TG)

Removed herbs

Bai Bu Stemona root Stemona spp.

Pi Pa Ye Loquat Leaf (MT) Eriobotryae japonica

Ting Li Zi Lepidium seed, tingli seed Lepidium apetalum, Descurainia sophia

Aniseed (PH)

Honey Locust pods (MT)

Lungwort (MT)

Skunk Cabbage Root (PH)

Sticta lichen (MT)

Sundew (PH)

Appendix 4.27

Warm the Interior

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Chuan Jiao Sichuan/ Zanthoxylum Zanthoxylum schinifolium, bungeanum

Y Fu Zi Aconite (MT) Aconitum carmichaeli, kusnezoffi

Y Hua Jiao Sichuan pepper Zanthoxylum schinifolium, bungeanum

W Xiao Hui Xiang Fennel seed (MT) Foeniculum vulgare

W Bayberry, Myrica (JR, MT, PH)

Y Cayenne (TG, MT, PH)

Y Horseradish (MT)

Y Rosemary (JR, PH)

Removed herbs

OG Ding Xiang Clove (MT)

OG Gan Jiang Dry Ginger (MT)

OG Gao Liang

Jiang

Galangal root (MT)

OG Rou Gui Cinnamon Peel (PH, MT)

Wu Zhu Yu Evodia

OG Anise Seed (MT)

OG Black Pepper (MT)

Camphor (PH)

Prickly Ash Bark (MT, PH, JR) Xanthoxylum

OG Star Anise (MT)

Appendix 4.28

Wind- Damp

Availability Pin Yin

Name

Common Name Latin Name

Y Du Huo Angelica (TG) Angelica pubescens

W Lu Lu Tong Sweet gum fruit Liquidamberis formosana

H Mu Gua Chinese quince fruit (MT) Chaenomelis apeciosa

Y Qin Jiao Gentian root Gentiana macrophylla, straminea, crassicaulis

W,S Sang Ji Sheng Mullberry mistletoe stems Loranthus chinensis = Taxillus chinensis

H Sang Zhi Mulberry twig (MT) Morus alba

W,S Shen Jin Cao Clubmoss Lycopodium japonicum

Y Wei Ling Xian Chinese Clematis Root (MT) Clematis chinensis, manshurica, hexapetala

S Wu Tou- Cao

Wu

Aconite, wild Aconitum kusnezoffi

S Wu Tou-

Chuan Wu

Sichuan aconite main root Aconitum carmichaeli

W Birch (MT) Betula spp.

Y Bittersweet stem (PH)

Y Black Cohosh (JR, MT)

Y Cocklebur (MT)

Y Devil's Claw (JR, MT)

W Vanilla Leaf, Twin leaf(MT) Jeffersonia spp. Berberidaceae

W Juniper Berry (TG, PH)

Y Meadowsweet (JR, PH, MT)

W Pine (MT)

W Wintergreen, (TG, MT) Gaultheria spp.

W, Y Yerba Mansa (TG)

Removed herbs

Hai Feng Teng Kadsura pepper stem Piper kadsura

Hai Tong Pi Coral bean bark Erythrina variegata

Luo Shi Teng Star jasmine stem (MT) Trachelospermum jasminoides

Qian Nian Jian Homalomena rhizome Homalomena occulta

Qing Feng teng Orient vine Sinemenuium acutum

Wu Jia Pi Acanthopanax/ Eleuthero root

bark (MT)

Eleutherococcus gracilistylus = Acanthopanax

g.

Xi Xian Cao Siegesbekia herb Siegesbekia orientalis, pubescens

Cowslip Root (PH) Primulaceae

Guiacum (MT)

Jamacia Sarsaparilla rt (JR, PH)

Jeffersonia (MT)

Kava Kava (MT)

Poison Oak/ Ivy (MT)

Polypody fern (MT)

Sassafras Bark Root (TG, PH)

Virginia Snakeroot (PH)

White Bryony (MT)