Pin Yin Name: Mao Dong Qing
Latin Name: Radix Ilicis Pubescentis
Other Name: Ilex Pubescens

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Antitussive and expectorant; hypotensive; detoxification.
INDICATIONS: A) Promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis: For blood stasis syndrome with hypertension; B) Clear away heat and toxic materials: For skin infection, burn, wound infections, etc.; C) 3) Eliminate phlegm, and relieve cough and asthma: For lung-heat syndrome with cough and asthma.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Bai Mao Gen
Latin Name: Rhizoma Imperatae

MEDICINAL PART: Rhizome
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Hemostatic; B) Blood Cooling; C) Diuretic.
INDICATIONS: 1) To cool the blood and stop bleeding -- Generally used for hematuria and metrorrhagia; also for hemoptysis, hematemesis and epistaxis (nosebleed), especially for bleeding due to high blood heat; 2) To clear away heat and promote diuresis -- For edema, dysuria, jaundice, etc.; 3) To clear away heat from the lung and stomach -- For febrile disease with excessive thirst and diabetes, vomiting and dyspnea.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Qian Cao
Latin Name: Rubia cordifolia
Other names: di hsueh (ground blood); hung geh (red vine); Mandjuchaka.

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: emmenagogue; hemostatic; refrigerant; promotes circulation and purifies blood; dissolves clots and clears cholesterol; inhibits tumor growth.
INDICATIONS: amenorrhea and other menstrual disorders; uterine bleeding after childbirth and other types of internal hemorrhage; blood and liver toxicity; jaundice; hepatitis; cancer; tumors; kidney stones.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: anemia
INCOMPATIBLES: iron and other metal compounds and utensils.

This is one of the most reliable alterative blood-purifying herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It cools, detoxifies, and dissolves obstructions to the blood, particularly in the female reproductive system. Its deobstruent properties extend to tumors, kidney stones and lover cloth, all of which it helps dissolve and eliminate. It's an excellent choice for any condition that causes or is caused by blood and liver toxicity.

Pin Yin Name: Ban Lan Gen
Latin Name: Radix Isatidis

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Antibiotic; B) Antipyretic (fever-reducer); C) Reduce Inflammation.
INDICATIONS: Similar to WOODLEAF, but less bitter in flavor and cold in nature; usually used for seasonal febrile diseases, pestilence, mumps, eruptive diseases, inflammatory diseases with redness of skin, sore throat, etc.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Jing Jie
Latin Name: Schizonepeta tenuifolia
Other names: Nepeta japonica; Nepeta tenuifolia

MEDICINAL PART: stem, leaves, floral spikes
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: diaphoretic; antipyretic; hemostatic; analgesic.
INDICATIONS: fevers; headaches; sore throat; abscesses and carbuncles; menorrhagia; uterine bleeding after childbirth; facial paralysis; loss of speech, and other stroke symptoms; stiff neck and spine.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: seafood, including shellfish.

Pin Yin Name: Jin Yin Hua
Latin Name: Lonicera japonica
Other names: woodbine; ren dung (endure winter)

MEDICINAL PART: flowers, stem, leaves.
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antiphyretic; refrigerant; antiphlogistic; diuretic; antidotes; purifies blood.
INDICATIONS: inflamed and swollen sore throat; bleeding ulcers' blood in sputum and stool; infections and poisons; abscesses, skin sores, infections and allergies; hemorrhoids; obesity.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

This is an herb that should only be used for as long as it takes to relive the symptoms for which it is applied. If results are not obtained within 7 days, switch to a different herbs with similar properties.

Pin Yin Name: Nu Zheng Zi
Latin Name: Ligustrum japonicum
Other names: Ligustrum lucidum; dung ching (winter green); la shu (wax tree)

MEDICINAL PART: berry
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; nutrient; diuretic; prevents tumor formation; builds immunity.
INDICATIONS: insomnia; lack of appetite; fatigue; low libido; immune deficiency.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: empty spleen and stomach (TCM); cold spleen and stomach.
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Recent laboratory research has revealed that the flesh of the berries has no medicinal value, but that the pharmacological principles are contained in the seeds within the flesh. This is one of the herbs currently under intense scientific scrutiny in China for its stimulant influence on the immune system.

Pin Yin Name: Sheng Yi Ren
Latin Name: Coix Lacryma-jobi
Other names: Coix Chinesis; Pu Ti Dze (bodhi seeds)

MEDICINAL PART: seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: nutrient; diuretic; decongest lungs; antiphlogistic; anti-rheumatic; eliminates phlegm; refrigerant.
INDICATIONS: dark scanty urine; swelling and pain in joints and sinews; rheumatism; lung infections; cough with blood in sputum; dry scaly skin; hernia; stomach ulcers.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

In order to gain optimum therapeutic benefits from this herb, it must become part of your daily diet for a period of at least 2-3 months. Since it lends itself so well to cooking, this is quite easy. The porridge can be used as a breakfast staple, sweetened with honey and dried fruits if desired, and the seeds can also be blended with brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat and other whole grain as a lunch and dinner dish.

Pin Yin Name: Chin Jiao
Latin Name: Justicia Gendarussa

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antipyretic; antiphlogistic; diuretic; antidote; to alcohol poisioning.
INDICATIONS: rheumatism; jaundice; toothache; fever; diarrhea.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: diary products

Pin Yin Name: Ge Gen
Latin Name: Pueraria lobata
Other names: Pachyhizus thunbergianus

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antipyretic ; refrigerant; diuretic; nervine; antidote to drug and alcohol poisoning.
INDICATIONS: fevers, headaches and pains in neck and shoulders; dysentery; skin rashes; convulsions; alcohol and drug poisoning.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Simple decoctions of kudzu vine are particularly effective in relaxing tension and relieving pain the tight, aching neck and shoulder muscles caused by exposure to wind-heat conditions, such as in summer colds and air-conditioning.

Pin Yin Name: Fang Feng
Latin Name: Ledebouriella Seseloides
Other names: Siler divaricatum

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antipyretic; analgesic; expectorant; antitussive; tonic to respiratory tract.
INDICATIONS: headache and blurry vision; pain in shoulders and neck; bodily aches; bloodshot eyes.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: chronic profuse sweating
INCOMPATIBLES: ginger, aconite

This herb lends itself well to use in herbal cooking, particularly meat and vegetable stews. If everyone in the house has come down with similar wind-injury symptoms, such as headache and aching muscles, you can add this herbs into your family meals.

Pin Yin Name: Yi Mu Cao
Latin Name: Leonurus sibiricus
Other names: Siberian motherwort

MEDICINAL PART: seeds or entire plant except roots.
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: hemostatic; emmenagogue; diuretic; promotes circulation and clears clots; brightens eyes.
INDICATIONS: uterine bleeding after childbirth; nausea during pregnancy; dysmenorrhea, irregular menses, PMS, and other menstrual disorders; female infertility; pain and swelling in breasts.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: If needed for nausea and painful breasts during pregnancy, use moderately under TCM practitioner.
INCOMPATIBLES: iron and other metal compounds and utensils.

This herb is also known in Western herbal medicine as a reliable all-around remedy for female reproductive system disorders, particularly those related to menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Recent scientific research in North America has validated many of the virtues attributed to this herb in traditional medicine. Chinese women use it frequently to relive circulatory congestion and clear residual blood clots after childbirth.

Pin Yin Name: Gan Cao
Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Other names: mi tsao (honey grass); sweetwood; Glycyrrhiza glabra; Glycyrrhiza echinata

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: expectorant; demulcent to lungs and bronchii; emollient to stomach ulcers; antidote; tonic; antipyretic; laxative; sedative; antitussive; reduces cholesterol and blood sugar; inhibits tumor growth.
INDICATIONS: colds; fever; sore throat; lung and bronchial congestion; stomach ulcers; gastritis and acid indigestion; diabetes; blood and liver toxicity; gallbladder inflammation; irritability; alcohol and drug poisoning; abdominal pain; hepatitis and cirrhosis; damp, itchy scrotum and other skin rashes.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: Polygala tenufolia; Euphorbia sieboldiana; Euphorbia pekinensis; Daphne genkwa

Licorice is one of the most ancient herbal remedies in the world. Records of its use in the Ayurvedic medicine of India go back over 4,000 years, and in 1923 a large quantity of this herb was discovered in excavation of a famous pharaoh's tomb in Egypt. Regarding its potent antidote properties, the Tang dynasty Chinese physician Sun Ssu-mo, writing 1,400 years ago in his classic health tome "Precious Recipes", states, "the detoxifying power of licorice when it meets poisons in the human body can be compared to the melting power of a pan of boiling hot water when poured onto snow on the ground.

Licorice has been extensively researched by modern laboratory science, which has clearly validated many of the medical virtues traditionally attributed to it. Recent research done on whole licorice at the Green Medicine Research Laboratories in Long Island, New York, revealed that some of the herb's active components have a molecular structure very similar to hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex. This may explain the herb's remarkable capacity to balance and regulate so many vital functions, for secretions of the adrenal cortex play a central role in regulating the entire endocrine system, which in turn governs myriads of vital functions throughout the body. These adrenal-like constituents of licorice may also account for the herb's enhancement of overall immune response throughout the system.

Recent studies conducted on licorice in China and Japan found that the herb stimulates production of interferon, though the mechanism by which this is accomplished is not known. The finding further underlines the importance of employing the while herb in medicine, instead of isolating only the known active compounds. The herb's interferon-producing property is what makes licorice such an effective treatment for hepatitis B and a potent inhibitor of tumor growth.

Pin Yin Name: Chuan Xiong
Latin Name: Ligusticum Wallachii
Other names: Conioselinum univittatum; hsiang guo (fragrant fruit)

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: emmenagogue; tonic; analgesic; sedative; promotes circulation and purifies blood; lowers blood pressure.
INDICATIONS: anemia; blood toxicity; all menstrual disorders; abdominal pain after childbirth.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: talc; Coptis teeta, astralagus, Cornus officinalis.

This herb's potent blood-purifying and blood-nourishing properties are currently under study in China and Japan for potential application in the treatment of cancer, AIDS and other serious conditions of impaired immunity in which strong blood and enhanced circulation are vital to survival and recovery of the patient.

Pin Yin Name: Bai He
Latin Name: Bulbus Lilii

MEDICINAL PART: Scale Leaf of the Bulb
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Moisturizer; B) Antitussive; C) Sedative.
INDICATIONS: 1) To moisturize the lungs and relieve cough -- For lung dryness with cough and hemoptysis; 2) To calm the heart and tranquilize the mind -- For the convalescence of febrile diseases manifested as irritability, insomnia, dreaminess, palpitation (irregular heartbeat) and absent-mindedness.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Huo Ma Ren
Latin Name: Fructus Cannabis
Other Name: Cannabis Seed

MEDICINAL PART: Seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Laxative; Stimulating the intestinal mucosa, increasing secretion, decreasing water absorption and accelerating intestinal peristalsis; hypotensive.
INDICATIONS: Moisturize the intestine and relax the bowels; for constipation as a result of dryness of intestine.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Pi Pa Ye
Latin Name: Folium Eriobotryae

MEDICINAL PART: Leaf
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Strengthen the lung and stomach; B) Antitussive; C) Expectorant; D) Promote the production of fluids; E) Antemetic.
INDICATIONS: 1) For lung deficiency manifested as productive cough with thick phlegm, or with dyspnea; 2) For vomiting and thirst due to stomach deficiency.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Sang Ji Sheng
Latin Name: Ramulus Taxilli; Ramulus Loranthi

MEDICINAL PART: Branch and Leaf
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Strengthen the liver and kidney; B) Purify blood; C) Hypotensive.
INDICATIONS: 1) To tonify the liver and kidney -- For rheumatism with hypofunction of the liver and kidney manifested as weakness of back and knees; 2) To nourish the blood and calm the fetus -- For threatened abortion due to liver and kidney deficiency; 3) For high blood pressure, especially for those with liver and kidney deficiency; 4) Recently, used for angina pectoris and arrhythmia.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: He Ye
Latin Name: Folium Nelumbinis

MEDICINAL PART: Leaf
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Prevent dehydration; B) Strengthen the spleen; C) Improve circulation; D) Hemostatic; E) Hypocholesteremic.
INDICATIONS: 1) To promote production of body fluid to quench thirst -- for dehydration, heat stroke, thirst, headache and diarrhea; 2) To strengthen the spleen; 3) To disperse blood stasis and stop bleeding -- For hematemesis, epistaxis (nosebleed), hemoptysis, hematuria, metrorrhagia, and other blood disorders; 4) To reduce the level of blood-fat -- For high cholesterol and angina pectoris (chest pain due to lack of blood circulation to the heart).
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Lien Zi
Latin Name: Nelumbium nucifera
Other names: Nelumbium nelumbo; Nelumbium speciosum

MEDICINAL PART: seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; nutrient; aphrodisiac; hemostatic; nervine.
INDICATIONS: impotence; nocturnal emissions; menorrhagia; leukorrhea; neurasthenia; insomnia; venereal diseases; diarrhea; weak heart; pancreatitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: constipation; indigestion and abdominal bleeding
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Lotus seeds can be used to make a delicious sweet soup, which is very popular as a snack or dessert in East Asia.

Pin Yin Name: Di Gu Pi
Latin Name: Cortex Lycii Radicis

MEDICINAL PART: Root Cortex
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Antipyretic; B) Blood Cooling; C) Antitussive; D) Hypotensive.
INDICATIONS: 1) For fever manifested as high at night and subside in the morning, night sweat, red and dry tongue; also for infantile malnutrition with fever; 2) For hematemesis, epistaxis (nosebleed), hemoptysis and hematuria due to high blood heat; 3) For cough and dyspnea due to lung deficiency; 4) For hypertension. In addition, also for tuberculosis lymphadenitis, urticaria (hives), allergic purpura, allergy to insect bites, etc.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.