✵The TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbalism is also known as pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or Chinese pharmaceutics, is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is majorly composed of Introduction of Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent medicines.
Classifications of Herbs:Dispelling Wind-Damp Herbs.
Introduction: Dispelling Wind-Damp Herbs: an agent or substance herbs that dispels wind and damp, mainly for relieving rheumatism and related conditions.
Wind-damp dispelling herbs mostly are pungent, warm, fragrant and drying in property, mostly are pungent, bitter in flavor, warm or cold in nature, have functions dispelling wind, drying dampness, and dispelling cold, etc., and these herbs are mainly used for various syndromes of wind-damp types. Wind-damp dispelling herbs are classified into several kinds, ①.wind-damp-dispelling and cold-dispersing herbs, ②.wind-damp-dispelling and heat-clearing herbs, ③.wind-damp-dispelling and tendon-bone-strengthening herbs, etc. These herbs are pungent in flavor, warm, fragrant and drying in nature, should be used cautiously for those of Yin deficiency and blood insufficiency.
Wind-damp-dispelling and cold-dispersing herbs: mostly are pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature, have functions dispelling wind and dampness, dispersing cold and relieve pains, activating tendon and collaterals, and are mainly used for cold-type wind-damp arthromyodynia, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Radix Angelicae Pubescentis (Dú Huó), Radix Clematidis (Wēi Línɡ Xiān), and other herbs including Fructus Chaenomelis (Mù Guā), Caulis Piperis Kadsurae (Hǎi Fēnɡ Ténɡ), Herba Erodii seu Geranii (Lǎo Guàn Cǎo), Radix Cynanchi Paniculati (Xú Cháng Qīng), Caulis Sinomenii (Qīnɡ Fēnɡ Ténɡ), etc.
Wind-damp-dispelling and heat-clearing herbs: mostly are pungent and bitter in flavor, cold in nature, have functions dispelling wind and dampness, activating collaterals and relieving pains, clearing heat and relieving swelling (detumescent), and are mainly used for wind-damp pyretic arthralgia, redness and swelling of joints with thermalgia, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Radix Gentianne Macrophyllae (Qín Jiāo), Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae (Fánɡ Jǐ), and other herbs including Herba Siegesbeckiae (Xī Xiān Cǎo), Cortex Erythrinae (Hǎi Tónɡ Pí), Folium Liriodendra Tracheotomy (Chòu Wú Tónɡ Yè), Caulis Trachelospermi (Luò Shí Ténɡ), Ramulus Mori (Sānɡ Zhī), Retinervus Luffae Fructus (Sī Guā Luò), Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae (Chuān Dì Lónɡ), etc.
Wind-damp-dispelling and tendon-bone-strengthening herbs: mostly are bitter and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, have functions dispelling wind and dampness, replenishing liver and kidney, strengthening the bones and muscles, and are mainly used for chronic wind-damp, waist-leg weakness from deficiency of liver and kidney, backache of kidney-deficiency type, apoplexia, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Cortex Acanthopanacis (Wǔ Jiā Pí), Rhizoma Homalomenae (Qiān Nián Jiàn), and other herbs including Ramulus Taxilli (Sānɡ Jì Shēnɡ), Herba Pyrolae (Lù Xián Cǎo), Rhizoma Cibotii (Gǒu Jǐ), Herba Lycopodii (Shēn Jīn Cǎo), Cortex Periplocae (Xiānɡ Jiā Pí), etc.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [23] kinds of common TCM herbs, [52] kinds of related plant species, are recorded in this category. These herbs are briefly introduced separately:
✵Till the date Oct 10th,2019, there are Totally [7] kinds of common TCM herbs, [20] kinds of related plant species, are recorded in this category. These herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Angelicae Pubescentis is the dried root of Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan (family Umbelliferae), used to dispel wind-damp, relieve arthralgia and release the superficies for wind-cold-damp(rheumatic or rheumatoid) arthalgia, especially that of the lower part of the body, and affliction of wind-cold with damp. The herb is commonly known as Radix Angelicae Pubescentis, Doubleteeth Pubescent Angelica Root, Dú Huó.
Radix Clematidis (Chinese Clematis Root).
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Clematidis is the dried root and rhizome of Clematis chinensis Osbeck., Clematis hexapetala Pall., or Clematis manshurica Rupr (family Ranunculaceae), used (1).to dispel wind-damp and unblock the collateral meridian for treating wind-damp(rheumatic or rheumatoid) arthralgia, and (2).for the dissolution of fishbone stuck in the throat. The herb is commonly known as Radix Clematidis, Chinese Clematis Root, Wēi Línɡ Xiān.
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Chaenomelis is the dried ripe fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai (family Rosaceae), used (1).to soothe the tendons and unblock collateral meridians for treating wind-damp(rheumatoid) arthralgia with contracture, and (2).to dispel damp and harmonize the stomach for treating vomiting and diarrhea with systremma. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Chaenomelis, Common Flowering-quince Fruit, Mù Guā.
Caulis Piperis Kadsurae (Kadsura Pepper Stem).
Brief Introduction: The herb Caulis Piperis Kadsurae is the dried stem of Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi (family Piperaceae), used to dispel wind-damp, unblock the meridian, disperse cold and alleviate pain for treating rheumatalgia of the joints with muscular contracture and traumatic pains. The herb is commonly known as Caulis Piperis Kadsurae, Kadsura Pepper Stem, Hǎi Fēnɡ Ténɡ.
Herba Erodii seu Geranii (Heron's Bill or Wilford Ganesbill Herb).
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Erodii seu Geranii is the dried aerial part of Erodium stephanianum Willd., Geranium wilfordii Maxim., or Geranium carolinianum L (family Geraniaceae), used to dispel wind-damp, unblock collateral meridians and stop dysenteric diarrhea in cases of rheumatalgia with muscular contracture, and also for treating enteritis and dysentery. The herb is commonly known as Herba Erodii seu Geranii, Heron's Bill or Wilford Ganesbill Herb, Lǎo Guàn Cǎo.
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Cynanchi Paniculati is the dried root and rhizome of Cynanchum paniculatum (Bunge) Kitag (family Asclepiadaceae), used to unblock collateral meridians, alleviate pain, relieve toxicity and reduce swelling for treating rheumatalgia, toothache, lumbago, traumatic injuries, dysmenorrhea, and eczema. The herb is also known as Paniculate Swallowwort Root, Radix Cynanchi Paniculati or Xú Cháng Qīng.
Caulis Sinomenii (Orientvine Stem).
Brief Introduction: The herb Caulis Sinomenii is the dried lianoid stem of Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd.et Wils., or Sinomenium acutum var.cinereum Rehd.et Wils (family Menispermaceae), used to dispel wind-damp and alleviate pain in cases of rheumatic arthritis, articular swelling and pain. The herb is commonly known as Caulis Sinomenii, Orientvine Stem, Qīnɡ Fēnɡ Ténɡ.
✵Till the date Oct 10th,2019, there are Totally [9] kinds of common TCM herbs, [17] kinds of related plant species, are recorded in this category. These herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Gentianne Macrophyllae is the dried root of Gentiana macrophylla Pall., Gentiana straminea Maxim., Gentiana crassicaulis Duthie ex Burk., or Gentiana dahurica Fisch (family Gentianaceae), used (1).to dispel wind-damp, relieve arthralgia and clear consumptive heat for the treatment of wind-damp(rheumatic or rheumatoid) pain, and also for fever in phthisis, and (2).to remove damp-heat for treating jaundice. The herb is commonly known as Radix Gentianne Macrophyllae, Large-leaf Gentian Root, Qín Jiāo.
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae is the dried root of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore. (family Menispermaceae), used to dispel wind-damp, induce diuresis in cases of rheumatic arthritis, edema, and oliguria. The herb is commonly known as Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae, Fourstamen Stephania Root, Fánɡ Jǐ.
Herba Siegesbeckiae (Siegesbeckia Herb).
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Siegesbeckiae is the dried aerial part of Siegesbeckia orientalis L., Siegesbeckia pubescens Makino., or Siegesbeckia glabrescens Makino (family Compositae), used (1).to dispel wind-damp and unblock collateral meridians for treating wind-damp(rheumatic or rheumatoid) arthralgia, and (2).to clear heat and counteract toxins for treating boils, sores, abscesses, and ulcers. The herb is commonly known as Herba Siegesbeckiae, Siegesbeckia Herb, Xī Xiān Cǎo.
Cortex Erythrinae (Coral-bean Bark).
Brief Introduction: The herb Cortex Erythrinae is the dried bark of Erythrina variegata L.var.orientalis (L.) Merr., or Erythrina arborescens Roxb (family Legumonisae), used to dispel wind-damp, unblock the collateral meridians and relieve itching in cases of rheumatalgia, and also externally for treating neurodermatitis and chronic eczema. The herb is commonly known as Cortex Erythrinae, Coral-bean Bark, Hǎi Tónɡ Pí.
Brief Introduction: The herb Folium Liriodendra Tracheotomy is the dried leaf of Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunb (family Verbenaceae), used to dispel wind-damp and reduce high blood pressure in cases of rheumatism and hypertension. The herb is commonly known as Folium Liriodendra Tracheotomy, Glory bower Leaf, Chòu Wú Tónɡ Yè.
Caulis Trachelospermi (Chinese Starjasmine Stem).
Brief Introduction: The herb Caulis Trachelospermi is the dried stem with the leaf of Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem (family Apocynaceae), used to dispel wind-damp, unblock the meridians, cool the blood and reduce swelling in the treatment of rheumatalgia of the joints with muscular contracture, as well as a sore throat. The herb is commonly known as Caulis Trachelospermi, Chinese Starjasmine Stem, Luò Shí Ténɡ.
Ramulus Mori (Mulberry Twig).
Brief Introduction: The herb Ramulus Mori is the dried young twig of Morus alba L (family Moraceae), used as an antirheumatic for treating arthralgia and shoulder pain. The herb is commonly known as Ramulus Mori, Mulberry Twig, Sānɡ Zhī.
Brief Introduction: The herb Retinervus Luffae Fructus is the dried vascular bundles of the ripe fruit of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., or Luffa Acutangula (L.) Roxb (family Cucurbitaceae), used to dispel wind, unblock collateral meridians, and relieve toxins for treating rheumatalgia with muscular contracture, and also for treating mastitis. The herb is commonly known as Towel Gourd Vegetable Sponge, Vegetable Sponge of Luffa, Sī Guā Luò.
Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae (Chuan Di Long).
Brief Introduction: The herb Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea nipponica Makino (family Dioscoreaceae), used to dispel wind-damp, activate blood circulation, unblock collateral meridians and resolve phlegm in the treatment of rheumatalgia, sprain, traumatic pains, and chronic cough with expectoration. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae, Chuān Dì Lónɡ.
Wind-damp-dispelling and tendon-bone-strengthening herbs:
✵Till the date Oct 10th,2019, there are Totally [7] kinds of common TCM herbs, [15] kinds of related plant species, are recorded in this category. These herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Brief Introduction: The herb Cortex Acanthopanacis is the dried root-bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus W.W. Smith (family Araliaceae), used to dispel wind-damp, strengthen the tendons and bones, and induce diuresis in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, and edema. The herb is commonly known as Cortex Acanthopanacis, Slenderstyle Acanthopanax Bark, Wǔ Jiā Pí.
Brief Introduction: The herb Rhizoma Homalomenae is the dried rhizome of Homalomena occulta (Lour.) Schott (family Araceae), used to dispel wind-damp, strengthen tendons and bones, and alleviate rheumatic pain for treating rheumatoid arthritis with cold sensation and pain in the back and knees, and contracture of the lower limbs. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Homalomenae, Obscured Homalomena Rhizome, Qiān Nián Jiàn.
Herba Lycopodii (Common Club-moss Herb).
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Lycopodii is the dried entire plant of Lycopodium japonicum Thunb., Lycopodium centro-chinense Ching., or Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Franco et Vasc (family Lycopodiaceae), used to dispel wind-damp and relieve contracture in cases of arthralgia with stiffness. The herb is commonly known as Herba Lycopodii, Common Club-moss Herb, Shēn Jīn Cǎo.
Cortex Periplocae (Chinese Silkvine Bark).
Brief Introduction: The herb Cortex Periplocae is the dried root-bark of Periploca sepium Bunge (family Asclepiadaceae), used to dispel wind-damp in cases of rheumatic arthritis, and induce diuresis for edema. The herb is commonly known as Cortex Periplocae, Chinese Silkvine Bark, Xiānɡ Jiā Pí.
Ramulus Taxilli (Mulberry Mistletoe).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Ramulus Taxilli is the dried leaf-bearing stem and branch of Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (family Loranthaceae), used (1).to replenish liver and kidney Yin, strengthen the sinews and bones and dispel wind-damp for the treatment of arthralgia with aching back and limbs, and (2).to nourish the blood and prevent miscarriage for the treatment of menorrhagia and threatened abortion. The herb is commonly known as Ramulus Taxilli, Mulberry Mistletoe, Sānɡ Jì Shēnɡ.
Herba Pyrolae (Pyrola Herb).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Herba Pyrolae is the dried entire plant of Pyrola calliantha H. Andres., or Pyrola decorata H. Andres (family Pyrolacea), used to replenish kidney yin, strengthen the sinews and bones, dispel wind-damp and stanch bleeding for the treatment of lumbago, rheumatism, menorrhagia, bloody sputum and epistaxis. The herb is commonly known as Herba Pyrolae, Pyrola Herb, Lù Xián Cǎo.
Rhizoma Cibotii (Cibot Rhizome).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Rhizoma Cibotii is the dried rhizome of Cibotum barometz (L.) J.Smith (family Dicksoniaceae), used to tonify the liver and kidney, strengthen the back and knees and dispel wind-damp, for the treatment of insecurity of the kidney and enuresis and leukorrhagia, aching back and knees, rheumatic pain in the back, and strained lumbar muscles. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Cibotii, Cibot Rhizome, Gǒu Jǐ.