Pin Yin Name: Shi Jue Ming
Latin Name: Concha Haliotidis
Other Name: Haliotis

MEDICINAL PART: Shell
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Calm the liver; B) Improve/Correct Vision; C) Antacid; D) Analgestic; E) Hemostatic.
INDICATIONS: 1) For hyperactivity of the liver manifested as dizziness, headache, tinnitus, irritability and insomnia; 2) To improve vision -- For conjunctivitis (pink-eye), night blindness, blurring of vision and nebula; 3) For stomachache and vomiting.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Niu Xi
Latin Name: Achyranthes Bidentata

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: diuretic; emmenagogue; tonic; promotes circulation and dissolves clots; relieves pain in knees and lower back; clears bruising.
INDICATIONS: menstrual disorders; stiffness and pain in the lower back, waist and knees; bleeding gums; nosebleeds, and blood in sputum; urethritis; traumatic injuries to bones and joints; poor circulation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: nocturnal emissions; painful bloating in legs and knees.

Chinese herbals particularly recommend this herb as a diuretic remedy for bladder and urinary tract problems, and as an effective emmenagogue for deficiency in kidney-energy, use with an equal portion of eucommia.

Pin Yin Name: Mu Tong
Latin Name: Akebia quinata

MEDICINAL PART: stem
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS:diuretic; anthiphlogistic; analgesic; galactagogue; facilitates labor in childbirth.
INDICATIONS: Pain and oppression in the chest; angina; chronic thirst; abscesses on tongue and mouth; scanty, painful urination; painful swelling in legs and feet; insufficient lactation; restlessness and insomia; dry sore throat; sinus congestion; laryngitis
CONTRAINDICATIONS: chronic profuse sweating.
INCOMPATIBLES: none

A popular traditional remedy for insufficient lactation in nursing mothers is to simmer 10-15 grams of this herb together with port knuckles for 3 hours, adding water as needed, then drinking the herbal broth throughout the day.

Pin Yin Name: Zhi Mu
Latin Name: Anemarrhena Asphodeloides

MEDICINAL PART: rhizomes, stems
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Antipyretic demulcent; emollient to bowels; diuretic; reduces swelling.
INDICATIONS: nocturnal emission, night sweats, impotence, insufficient erection due to adrenal deficiency; diarrhea; constipation; thirst, insomnia, and irritability due to excess internal heat; pneumonia and bronchitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: empty-cold conditions in spleen and stomach; diarrhea that has become completely watery; prolonged use may cause chronic loose bowels.
INCOMPATIBLES: iron preparation; iron utensils

Pin Yin Name: Bai Zhi
Latin Name: Angelica Anomala

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS:analgesic; sedative; antidote; aromatic; promotes circulation; reduces swelling.
INDICATIONS: frontal headaches; dizziness; sire and watery eyes; toothache; itchy skin rashes; nasal congestion; leukorrhea; snakebites.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: empty-blood symptoms (TCM)
INCOMPATIBLES: Inula chinesis (English elecampane)

Pin Yin Name: Chiang Huo
Latin Name: Angelica Pubescens

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Diaphoretic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic
INDICATIONS: Dizziness and bloodshot eyes; loss of speech due to stroke; arthritic and rheumatic pains that move from joint to joint throughout the whole body.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Pin Yin Name: Du Huo
Latin Name: Angelica Pubescens

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Diaphoretic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic
INDICATIONS: Headache, dizziness, blurry vision, and toothache caused by exposure to wind; arthritis, rheumatism, and numbness in extremities caused by exposure to dampness; pain in lower back and knees
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Pin Yin Name: Dang Gui
Latin Name: Angelica sinensis

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS:emmenagogue, tonic; analgesic; sedative; stimulates appetite; improves muscle tone; stimulates immune system.
INDICATIONS: irregular, insufficient, profuse, painful and otherwise abnormal menstruation; premenstrual syndrome (PMS); headache; pain from traumatic injury or surgical wounds; paralysis; poor appetite; cancer.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: diarrhea
INCOMPATIBLES: fresh ginger, herbs of Acorus species, seaweed.

This has long been regarded as one of the primary herbs for all sorts of female disorders related to blood, menstruation, and pregnancy. Modern scientific research validates these traditional claims. The herb has been shown to contain estrogenic compounds called phytoestrogens, which account for it's menstrual-regulating properties. It also helps control fungal infections such as Candida albicans, which is the main causative agent in vaginal yeast infections.

The herb has also been proven to enhance immunity by stimulating the production and activity of white blood cells, such as B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, and by increasing production to interferon and leukocytes as well. These properties account the for the herb's anticancer activity.

Angelica is regarded as one of the most balanced yin tonics, just as ginseng is the perfect yang tonic. Combining the two therefore provides complete and balanced tonificiation of both yin and yang energies.

Pin Yin Name: Xi Xin
Latin Name: Asarum, Sieboldi
Other names: Asarum heterotropoides

MEDICINAL PART: rootlets
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: analgesic; diaphoretic; expectorant; sedative; galactagogue; relieves chronic thirst.
INDICATIONS: congestions in Eustachian tubes and upper sinus cavities; fevers and chills; headaches and toothaches; arthritis
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: astralagus; dogwood tree; potassium nitrate; magnesium silicate.

WARNING: DUE TO ITS HIGH TOXICITY, DO NOT TAKE THIS HERB MORE THAN 3 GRAMS AT ONE TIME.

For earaches, traditional sources suggest making pea-sized pills by mixing the powdered herb with vinegar, then placing a pill inside each ear and letting it slowly dissolve. The same sources recommend placing some of the powered herb for gradual absorption into the navel to eliminate abscesses inside the mouth.

Pin Yin Name: Huang Qi
Latin Name: Astragalus hoantchy
Other names: Astragalus membranaceus

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: immunitonic; cardiotonic; diuretic; controls profuse perspiration; lowers blood pressure; lowers blood sugar; improves circulation in flesh and skin.
INDICATIONS: immune deficiency; cancer; chronic fatigue; high blood pressure; prolapse of internal organs; diabetes; cold and weak limbs; colds and flu; bronchitis; hepatitis; adrenal deficiency.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: Chinemys reevesii (tortoise shell); opiates.

According to Chinese herbology, this herb enhances immunity by protecting the body from colds. It also stimulates production and circulation of immunological factors in the blood.

Modern research validates the traditional immunotonic claims for astralagus. An article published by Cancer magazine by the American Cancer Society reported that a fluid extract of this herb restored normal immune response in 90% of cancer patients studied. Other studies on cancer patients lend further support to this evidence. Once way astralagus boots immunity is by increasing the production and activity of white blood cells specifically involved in fighting disease. Clinical studies have also shown that cancer patients who take astralagus while undergoing chemotherapy, which severely inhibits natural immune responses, recover faster and live significantly longer than those who do not use this herb. Astralagus does not contain components that directly attack cancer cells; instead, it strengthens the body's own immune defenses against the development of cancer.

Modern Chinese research has shown that astralagus helps the body resist virus infections, particularly in the lungs, by increasing production of interferon, an immune factor that inhibits viral growth.

Because of this herb's powerful enhancements of immune response, it is currently under study as a treatment for AIDS. AIDS patients show an unusually high count of T-suppressor cells, which impair immunity by suppressing activity of T-cells, one of the body's primary immune factors. Astralagus has been shown to significantly reduce the number of T-suppressor cells in cases of human immune deficiency.

Pin Yin Name: Cang Zhu
Latin Name: Rhizoma Atractylodis

MEDICINAL PART: Rhizome
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Strengthen the spleen; B) Relieve pain in the joints; C) Diaphoretic (increase perspiration); D) Improve/Correct Vision; E) Hypotensive.
INDICATIONS: 1) For weak spleen and dampness, with fatigue, drowsiness, feeling of fullness and oppression of chest and abdomen, diarrhea; 2) For arthritis (pain in joints); 3) To promote sweating to expel cold from the body surface, manifested by chills, fever, heaviness and pain of the head; 4) For night blindness and cataracts.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Jie Geng
Latin Name: Platycodon grandiflorum
Other names: Platycodon chinensis; Campanula grandiflora

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: expectorant; bronchodilator
INDICATIONS: Bronchitis; tonsillitis; heavy coughs with phlegm; sore throat; abscesses in mouth and throat; lung infections; chest pains; abdominal pains with loose bowels.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: gentian; Bletilla striata

This herb is particularly effective in dissolving accumulations of hard, heavy phlegm in the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs, then expelling them by stimulating a strong flow of secretions from the mucous membranes of the throat. This makes the herb a good choice as an expectorant for heavy smokers.

Pin Yin Name: Dan Zhu Ye
Latin Name: Herba Lophatheri

MEDICINAL PART: Herb
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Antipyretic; B) Diuretic; C) Sedative.
INDICATIONS: 1) To clear away heat and relieve vexation -- For febrile disease with fever, thirst, and chest upset; also for common cold; 2) To promote diuresis -- For oliguria with reddish urine.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Ban Zhi Lian
Latin Name: Herba Scutellariae Barbatae

MEDICINAL PART: Herb
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Expectorant; Antitussive; Diuretic; Detoxification; Cools the blood.
INDICATIONS: A) Clear away heat and toxic material, promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis: For carbuncle, cellulitis, acute appendicitis, snake bite, trauma, and abdominal mass. Recently applied for liver cancer, and also tumor of digestive tract, lungs, cervix and breast, etc.; B) Clear away dampness-heat: For jaundice of dampness-heat type, edema, leukorrhea of dampness-heat type and dysentery; C) Eliminate the phlegm, relieve cough and dyspnea: For cough of lung-heat type with profuse expectoration and dyspnea.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Yu Li Ren
Latin Name: Semen Pruni

MEDICINAL PART: Seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Diuretic and laxative; Hypotensive.
INDICATIONS: A) For constipation due to stagnation of large intestine or dryness of intestine. habitual constipation, etc.; B) For edema, dysuria, and beriberi.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Rou Cong Rong
Latin Name: Cistanche salsa
Other names: Boschniakia glabra; Orobanche ammophyla

MEDICINAL PART: fleshy stem
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: aphrodisiac; tonic; demulcent; emollient; laxative
INDICATIONS: impotence; infertility (male and female); premature ejaculation; spermatorrhea; lumbago; constipation; numbness and pain in knees.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: iron compounds and utensils.

This herb has long been renown in China as a potent sexual tonic for both men and women. Most women use it primarily to promote healthy ovulation and enhance fertility, while men enjoy it mainly to strengthen their sexual organs and increase sexual vitality. It is particularly recommended as a cure and preventive for excess loss of semen due to involuntary ejaculation.

Pin Yin Name: Niu Bang Zi
Latin Name: Arctium lappa
Other names: lappa; thorny burr; beggar's buttons; da li dze (great power seeds)

MEDICINAL PART: seed, root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antiphlogistic; antitussive; diuretic; expectorant; laxative; alterative; relieves lymph congestion; antidote to toxins in bones.
INDICATIONS: lumbago; pneumonia and bronchitis; lung congestion; urethritis and syphilis; abscesses, boils, canckers, chicken pox in children; measles and smallpoz; bladder stones.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Burdock is widely used by herbalists throughout the world. Cleansing, soothing, and purifying to the entire system, it can be combined with various other alternative and detoxifying herbs to focus on specific systems, such as blood, lymph, urinary tract, respiratory tract, and so on.