Pin Yin Name: Lai Fu Zi
Latin Name: Semen Raphani
Other Name: Raphanus

MEDICINAL PART: Seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Hypotensive; B) Digestant; C) Antitussive; D) Expectorant.
INDICATIONS: 1) For serious cases of dyspepsia (indigestion) with vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea; 2) For phlegm, productive cough and dyspnea (difficulty in breathing); 3) For hypertension.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Ren Shen
Latin Name: Radix Ginseng

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: exerting significant cardiotonic and hypertensive effects on acute circulatory failure after heavy blood loss; decreasing the level of blood sugar; promoting phagocytosis and enhancing lymphocyte-blastogenesis rate.
INDICATIONS: collapse-syndrome: listlessness, weak respiration, indistinct pulse, heart failure and shock; spleen-deficiency: poor appetite, fatigue, and anemia; lung-deficiency: shortness of breath, dyspnea, cough, night sweat, and susceptibility to common cold; dehydration: production of body fluid to quench thirst; Invigorate wei-energy: for common cold in debilitated patient, pyogenic skin infection and carbuncle of yin type.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

This supplements vital energy and calms the mind: For deficiency of heart energy manifested as palpitation, amnesia, insomnia, absent-mindedness, spontaneous perspiration, etc. In addition, also for impotence, sterility, emission, enuresis, etc.

Pin Yin Name: Gang Mei
Latin Name: Radix Ilicis Asprellae

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Detoxification; B) Prevent dehydration; C) Antipyretic (fever reducer); D) Pain Reliever; E) Antitussive; F) Improve circulation.
INDICATIONS: 1) To clear away toxic material, promote production of body fluid and ease the throat -- for common cold, heat stroke, dehydration, fever, headache, cough, thirst and sore throat; 2) To disperse blood stasis (stoppage of normal blood flow) and alleviate pain -- for arthralgia.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Fu Pen Zi
Latin Name: Rubus coreanus
Other Names: Rubus tokkura; Chinese wild raspberry

MEDICINAL PART: unripe fruit
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; aphrodisiac; astringent; promotes semen production; improves vision.
INDICATIONS: impotence; male and female infertility; spermatorrhea; physical exhaustion; urinary incontinence, including bed-wetting in children.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

As a specific remedy for male impotence, Chinese herbals suggest toasting this herb in a hot, dry skillet, or hot oven, then grinding it to power and taking 9 grams daily, in two doses.

Pin Yin Name: Chi Shao
Latin Name: Radix Paeoniae Rubra

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Cool the blood; B) Improve blood circulation; C) Improve/Correct Vision.
INDICATIONS: 1) For seasonal febrile diseases with fever and eruptions, and blood-heat syndrome with hematemesis (vomiting blood) or epistaxis (nosebleed); 2) For blood stasis with amenorrhea, chest pain, abdominal pain, trauma, or skin infection; 3) For liver deficiency with pink-eye.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Dan Shen
Latin Name: Radix Salviae
Other Name: Salvia

MEDICINAL PART: Root and Rhizome (stem)
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis; Clear away heat, relieve vexation, nourish blood and tranquilize the mind; Cool the blood to relieve carbuncle.
INDICATIONS: A) For heart pain, hypochondriac pain, abdominal pain, stomachache, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and trauma with blood stasis; Recently, also used for chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis; B) For seasonal febrile diseases manifested as high fever, irritability, delirium, and skin eruptions; also for restlessness, frightening, and insomnia; C) For carbuncles and pharyngitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Shou Di Huang
Latin Name: Rehmannia Glutinosa
Other Names: Rehmannia chinesis

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: hemostatic; antipyretic; tonic; diuretic; cooling; builds marrow; strengthens semen; promotes muscle growth; lowers blood sugar.
INDICATIONS: blood in sputum and urine; nosebleeds; uterine bleeding; fever; damaged tendons and sprained joints; diabetes.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: weak digestion
INCOMPATIBLES: Fritillaria verticillata; Ulmus macrocarpa; garlic and onion; iron and other metal compounds and utensils.

Pin Yin Name: Sheng Di
Latin Name: Radix Rehmanniae

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Blood Cooling; B) Promote the production of body fluid; C) Antipyretic; D) Hemostatic.
INDICATIONS: 1) To clear away heat, cool the blood, and promote the production of body fluid -- 1) For seasonal febrile diseases manifested as fever and irritability; 2) For high blood heat manifested as hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, eruptions, hematuria, metrorrhagia, etc.; 3) For febrile disease with dehydration manifested as fever, thirst and constipation; 4) For dry lungs with cough or nosebleed; 5) For sthenic heat with sore throat; 6) For diabetes.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Ling Zhi
Latin Name: Ganoderma Lucidum seu Japonicum

MEDICINAL PART: Sporophore
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Sedative and analgestic; B) Hypotensive; C) Decreasing the level of blood sugar; D) Antitussive and expectorant; E) Relieves arrhythmia.
INDICATIONS: 1) To tranquilize the mind, enrich vital energy and blood, with symptoms of insomnia, dreaminess, amnesia, dullness, nervousness, frightening and severe palpitation; 2) To eliminate phlegm, relieve cough and dyspnea (difficulty in breathing). Recently also used for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart diseases, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and hepatitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Da Huang
Latin Name: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
Other Name: Rheum Palmatum


MEDICINAL PART: Root and Rhizome (Stem)
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Promote digestion; enhance amount of bilirubin and bile acid; hypotensive; reduce cholesterol; hemostatic (arrest bleeding).
INDICATIONS: Relieves indigestion; clears away heat and toxic materials; stops bleeding; promotes blood circulation and remove blood clots.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none

Pin Yin Name: Wu Wei Zi
Latin Name: Schisandra chinensis

MEDICINAL PART: dried berry
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; rejuvenative; astringent; antitussive; promotes semen production; controls perspiration; anti-diarrhetic; demulcent.
INDICATIONS: spermatorrhea and wet dreams; frequent profuse urination; male and female infertility; profuse sweating and night sweats; chronic thirst; insomnia; headache; dizziness; neuralgia; chronic cough; asthma
CONTRAINDICATIONS: early stages of colds with cough
INCOMPATIBLES: none

This herb is widely used for its balanced energies and broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, attributed in TCM to the presence of all five elemental flavors and energies.

Schisandra has long been popular in Chinese households as an all-around sexual tonic and balanced energy rejuvenator for both men and women. It lends itself well to use in tonic longevity formulas.

Pin Yin Name: Xuan Shen
Latin Name: Radix Scrophulariae

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Fever reducer; mild hypotensive; lowering blood sugar level; detoxification.
INDICATIONS: A) Clear away heat, cool the blood, moisturize dryness: For seasonable febrile diseases with restlessness, thirst and eruptions, febrile diseases with thirst, insomnia, constipation and dry, red tongue, lung-heat syndrome with dry cough or hemoptysis, diabetes, etc; B) Clear away toxic material, soften the hard lumps and disperse the stagnation: For intense heat-syndrome with sore throat, diphtheria, etc.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Jue Ming Zi
Latin Name: Cassia tora
Other Names: Cassia mimosoides; Cassia sophora

MEDICINAL PART: seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antipyretic; laxative; improves vision; lowers blood pressure
INDICATIONS: blurry vision, heat pain swelling, redness and other eye and vision problems caused by liver inflammation; chronic constipation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: cannabis seeds

Chinese herbals suggest making a paste from the powder and some strong tea, then rubbing the paste onto the temples, as a remedy for the ye problems listed above. The paste should be left on for several hours, or overnight, and replenished as it dries.

Pin Yin Name: Tu Fu Ling
Latin Name: Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae

MEDICINAL PART: rhizome (stem)
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: detoxifying effect.
INDICATIONS: Eliminate toxic material, dampness and ease the joint: For carbuncle, skin lesions of dampness type, especially for syphilis. Recently also used for mercury poisoning, wet beriberi and muscular spasm due to heat and humidity.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Dan Dou Chi
Latin Name: Semen Sojae Praeparatum

MEDICINAL PART: Fermented seeds
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Sedative.
INDICATIONS: 1) For common cold; 2) To get rid of vexation -- For later stage of febrile diseases with chest upset and restlessness.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Yu Zhu
Latin Name: Polygonatum officinale
Other Names: Polygonatum vulgare; sealwort

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; nutrient; demulcent; sedative; cooling ; digestive stimulates appetite; aphrodisiac; heals broken bones.
INDICATIONS: impotence; spermatorrhea; frequent urination (male); lack of appetite; weak digestion; fatigue de to malnutrition; broken bones; stomach and duodenal ulcers; hypoglycemia
CONTRAINDICATIONS: stomach ulcers and bloating; severe congestion
INCOMPATIBLES: none

This herb is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, primarily to restore sexual potency and promote fertility, and as a nutrient tonic for malnutrition, anemia, chronic wasting diseases, and other conditions of several energy depletion.

In Russian folk medicine, the diluted juice of the fresh root has long been used externally to diminish freckles and other skin discoloration. A purified extract or tincture of the dried herb is even more effective for this purpose. Recent clinical studies conducted as the Academy of Sciences in Russia has shown that a decoction of the dried root is also quite effective in treating stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Pin Yin Name: Bai Bu
Latin Name: Radix Stemonae

MEDICINAL PART: Root Tuber
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Strengthen the lungs; B) Expectorant; C) Antitussive; D) Antiparasitic.
INDICATIONS: 1) To nourish the lungs, eliminate phlegm and relieve cough, such as short-term or prolonged cough, whooping cough and cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis; 2) To kill louse (lice) and parasites -- For head and body louse and oxyuriasis. In addition, may be used topically for tinea (ringworm), mosquito bites, urticaria (hives) and dermatitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Shan Dou Gen
Latin Name: Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis


MEDICINAL PART: root and rhizome (stem)
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Antineoplastic; relieves irregular heartbeat; inhibits secretion of gastric juice and promotes the repair of gastric ulcer; antiasthmatic.
INDICATIONS: Clear away heat and toxic material; sore throat; recently, for early stage of lung cancer.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Poisonous and may cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting; dose should be limited.

Pin Yin Name: Chen Pi
Latin Name: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Other Name: Citrus

MEDICINAL PART: Pericarp (Peel)
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Expectorant and Antiasthmatic; B) Strengthen the spleen and stomach.
INDICATIONS: 1) For spleen deficiency with poor appetite, loose stool, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and fullness of the abdomen; 2) To deprive dampness and eliminate phlegm; 3) For vomiting due to spleen and/or stomach deficiency; 4) To relieve local infection -- For carbuncle, especially for acute mastitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Xu Duan
Latin Name: Dipsacus asper
Other Names: Dipsacus japonicus; jie gu (mend bones)

MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; hemostatic; analgesic; promotes muscle growth; promotes healing of fractured bones.
INDICATIONS: dysmennorrhea; menorrhagia; uterine bleeding during pregnancy and after childbirth; breast tumor; spermatorrhea; frequent urination; cold hands and feet broken bones; tendon and ligament injuries; lumbago.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Chinese herbalists particularly recommend this herb as a remedy for all female menstrual disorders, as well as many other sort of uterine bleeding, including during pregnancy. The herb’s hemostatic and blood-tonifying benefits in such cases can be enhanced by adding an equal portion of Rehmannia.

Pin Yin Name: Bai Jiang Cao
Latin Name: Herba Patriniae, Herba Thlaspi

MEDICINAL PART: Herb
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Sedative; B) Improve circulation; C) Detoxification; D) Abscess drainage.
INDICATIONS: 1) To clear away toxic material, relieve abscess and promote pus drainage -- for acute appendicitis, pulmonary abscess (lungs), and skin infection. Recently also used for pancreatitis and tonsillitis; 2) To remove blood stasis (stoppage of normal blood flow) and alleviate pain -- for abdominal pain and menorrhalgia due to blood statis, chest pain, etc.; 3) To tranquilize -- for vexation, insomnia, insanity.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Bai Zi Ren
Latin Name: Thuja Orientalis
Other Names: Biota seed; Biota orientalis; biota chinensis

MEDICINAL PART: seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: tonic; nutrient; sedative; emollient to large intestine; promotes semen production
INDICATIONS: insomnia; neruathenia; heart palpitations; spermatorrhea; profuse sweating; constipation; physical weakness and malnutrition; male infertility
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Be careful not use when seeds become rancid. Rancidity ruins the seeds’ medicinal and nutritional value and causes digestive problems.
INCOMPATIBLES: chrysanthemum

Biota seeds eliminate rheumatic dampness and calm the five vital yin organs. Prolonged use improves complexion, sharpens hearing, and brightens the eyes. It prevents physical fatigue and prolongs life.

Pin Yin Name: Mu Dan Pi
Latin Name: Paeonia moutan
Other Names: Paeonia suffruticosa; hua wang (king of flowers); bai liang jin (a hundred ounces of gold).

MEDICINAL PART: skin of root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antipyretic; emmenagogue; diuretic; antiseptic; refrigerant; antispasmodic; promotes circulation and prevents clots.
INDICATIONS: fevers; headachesl amenorrhea; dysmenorrhea; nosebleeds and wounds; muscle spasms; hay fever
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: Fritillaria verticillata; Cuscuta japonica; Rheum officinale; garlic.

Pin Yin Name: Gua Lou
Latin Name: Fructus Trichosanthis

MEDICINAL PART: Root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Laxative; B) Antitussive; C) Expectorant.
INDICATIONS: 1) To moisturize dryness and eliminate phlegm -- For bronchitis manifested as cough with yellow and thick phlegm, dryness of throat and mouth, chest pain and feeling of oppression of the chest; 2) To lubricate the intestine and relax the bowels -- For constipation due to dryness of intestines.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Gua Lou Pi
Latin Name: Pericarpium Trichosanthis

MEDICINAL PART: Peel
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Antitussive; B) Expectorant; C) Antiasthmatic.
INDICATIONS: 1) For phlegm and cough; 3) For asthma.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Gua Lou Ren
Latin Name: Semen Trichosanthis

MEDICINAL PART: Seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Laxative.
INDICATIONS: For constipation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Zhi Shi
Latin Name: Poncirus trifoliate
Other Names: Citrus trifoliate; Aegele sepiaraia; jih ke (citrus shell)

MEDICINAL PART: unripe fruit
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: stomachic; diuretic; antidiarrhetic; carminative; expectorant.
INDICATIONS: undigested food in intestinal tract; indigestion; oppression in chest and solar plexus; abdominal inflammation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: weak physical constitution and low vitality
INCOMPATIBLES: none

This herbal helps remedy sluggish digestion by giving a strong boot so spleen and stomach functions. Undigested food, particularly putrefactive animal proteins, accumulate in the intestinal tract when the stomach and pancreas fail to secrete sufficient supplies of protein-digestive enzymes into the stomach and duodenum.

More recent research has also shown this herb to be effective in correcting flaccid, distended stomach and prolapse of the rectum and womb.

Pin Yin Name: Fu Ling
Latin Name: Porio cocs
Other Names: Pachyma cocos; Virginia truffle; Indian bread; China Root.

MEDICINAL PART: tuberous fungal body
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: sedative; stomachic; diuretic; nervine; relives thirst; calms fetus
INDICATIONS: hypertension; heart palpitations; scant urination; indigestion and lack of appetite; insomnia; excess fluid in stomach; spermatorrhea.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: vinegar and any food prepared with vinegar; Ampelopsis seranaefolia; Sanguisorba officinalis; Justicia gendarussa; tortoise shell; bear gall.

This is one of the primary and most reliable yin tonic and diuretics in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It strengthens bladder and kidneys, enhances fluid metabolism and secretions, and regulates fluid balance throughout the system. A compound that inhibits cancer has also been isolated from this herb and is currently under intensive study as an anticancer agent.

The small and younger varieties of this herb (known as Fu Shen) are regarded as having superior sedative properties, particularly for the heart and nervous system. The herb is safe for use by children and can therefore be used to treat hypertension and other nervous disorders during childhood.

Pin Yin Name: Lian Qiao
Latin Name: Forsythia suspensa
Other Names: Syringia suspense

MEDICINAL PART: fruit
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: antipyretic; antiphlogistic; antidote; diuretic; analgesic
INDICATIONS: fevers; allergies; colds with fever and heavy cough; abscesses and festering sking sores due to allergic reactions and internal toxins; thirst; heat rash; swelling and inflammation of lymph glands; breast tumors.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none

Pin Yin Name: Bai Zhu
Latin Name: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

MEDICINAL PART: Rhizome
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Strengthen the spleen and stomach; B) Diuretic.
INDICATIONS: 1) For stomach and spleen deficiency manifested as poor appetite, loose stools, diarrhea, fatigue, cold limbs, pale tongue, etc.; 2) To deprive dampness and promote diuresis -- For phlegm-retention syndrome with dizziness or cough and thin expectoration; also for edema and arthralgia; 3) To strengthen the superficies and stop sweating.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.

Pin Yin Name: Bai Jie Zi
Latin Name: Semen Sinapis Albae

MEDICINAL PART: Seed
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: A) Expectorant; B) Emetic (induce vomiting); C) Strengthen the lungs.
INDICATIONS: 1) Warm the lungs, promote energy circulation and eliminate phlegm -- For phlegm with productive cough, thin expectoration, dyspnea, fullness and pain in the chest; 2) For metastatic abscesses due to phlegm, deep-rooted carbuncle, numbness and pain of the extremities, and goiter.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: none.