✵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:Pungent-cool Exterior-releasing Herbs.
Introduction: Pungent-cool Exterior-releasing Herbs: an agent or substance herbs pungent in flavor and cool in property, which is usually used for treating a wind-heat exterior syndrome. Exterior-releasing herbs mostly are pungent in flavor and have dispersing functions, and could dispel exogenous pathogens from perspiration thus the exogenous syndromes are relieved, according to its differences on flavor and functions, Exterior-releasing herbs are mainly classified into two kinds, pungent-warm exterior-releasing herbs and pungent-cool exterior-releasing herbs.
Pungent-cool exterior-releasing herbs mostly are cool in property, pungent in flavor, functions of inducing perspiration and exterior releasing are milder than pungent-warm exterior-releasing herbs, and their main function is dispelling wind and heat, and these herbs are mainly used for various syndromes due to exogenous wind and heat pathogens, such as fever, slightly aversion to wind and cold, dry throat and mouth, cephalalgia and conjunctival congestion (headache and red eyes), tongue coating is thin and yellow, some herbs could be used for other syndromes due to wind-heat pathogens, including red eyes and hyperdacryosis (many tears), abscess of throat, cough due to wind-heat pathogens, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Radix Bupleuri (Chái Hú), Herba Menthae (Bò He), Fructus Arctii (Niú Bànɡ Zǐ), Flos Chrysanthemi (Jú Huā) and other herbs including Periostracum Cicadae (Chán Tuì), Semen Sojae Preparatum (Dàn Dòu Chǐ), Folium Mori (Sānɡ Yè), Fructus Viticis (Màn Jīnɡ Zǐ), Radix Puerariae (Gě Gēn), Rhizoma Cimicifuga (Shēnɡ Má), Cacumen Tamaricis(Xī Hé Liǔ), Herba Spirodelae (Fú Pínɡ), etc.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [12] kinds of common TCM herbs, [20] kinds of related plant species, [1] kind of insect species, are recorded in this category. These Pungent-cool Exterior-releasing Herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Radix Bupleuri (Chinese Thorowax Root).
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Bupleuri is the dried root of Bupleurum chinense DC or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd(family Umbelliferae), used (1).to reduce fever for relieving alternate spells of chills and fever, (2).to relieve liver Qi stagnation for alleviating hypochondriac and thoracic pains, and (3).to lift spleen Qi for correction of visceroptosis. The herb is commonly known as Radix Bupleuri, Chinese Thorowax Root, Chái Hú.
Herba Menthae (Peppermint).
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Menthae is the dried aerial part of Mentha haplocalyx Briq, Mentha haplocalyx Briq.var.piperascens(Malinvaud)C.Y.Wu et H.W.Li, or Mentha x piperta L(family Labiatae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to clear the head and eyes for relieving headache and conjunctivitis, (3).to promote eruption in the treatment of measles, and (4).to soothe the liver for alleviating hypochondriac and thoracic pain. The herb is commonly known as Herba Menthae, Peppermint, Bò He.
Folium Mori (Mulberry Leaf).
Brief Introduction: The herb Folium Mori is the dried leaf of White Mulberry, Morus alba L.(family Moraceae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to pacify the liver and brighten the eyes for relieving hyperactivity of the liver with headache and acute conjunctivitis, and (3).to clear and moisten the lung for relieving dry cough. The herb is commonly known as Folium Mori, Mulberry Leaf, Sānɡ Yè.
Flos Chrysanthemi (Chrysanthemum Flower).
Brief Introduction: The herb Flos Chrysanthemi is the dried flower-head of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.(family Compositae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction with fever and headache, (2).to pacify the liver and brighten the eyes for treating acute conjunctivitis, and dizziness in hyperactive liver Yang, and (3).to clear heat and counteract toxins for treating boils and sores. The herb is commonly known as Flos Chrysanthemi, Chrysanthemum Flower, Jú Huā.
Radix Puerariae (Kudzuvine Root).
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Puerariae is the dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.)Ohwi or Pueraria thomsonii Benth (family Legumonisae), used (1).to reduce heat in cases of exterior syndrome with fever and painful stiffness of the back and nape, (2).to relieve thirst in febrile diseases and diabetes mellitus, (3).to relieve diarrhea in spleen insufficiency, and (4).to promote eruption for measles. The herb is commonly known as Radix Puerariae, Kudzuvine Root, Gě Gēn.
Fructus Arctii (Burdock Fruit).
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Arctii is the dried ripe fruit of great burdock, Arctium lappa L (family Compositae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to promote eruption for measles, and (3).to counteract toxins and reduce swelling for boils, sores, mumps and erysipelas. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Arctii, Burdock Fruit, Niú Bànɡ Zǐ.
Fructus Viticis (Shrub Chaste-tree Fruit).
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Viticis is the dried ripe fruit of simple-leaved chaste tree, Vitex simplicifolia Cham, or three-leaved chaste tree, Vitex trifolia L (family Verbenaceae), used for treating wind-heat affliction with fever and headache, acute conjunctivitis, blurred vision and dizziness. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Viticis, Shrub Chaste-tree Fruit, Màn Jīnɡ Zǐ.
Periostracum Cicadae (Cicada Slough).
Brief Introduction: The herb Periostracum Cicadae is the slough shed by the nymph of Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr (family Cicadidae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to promote eruption for measles and relieve itching for urticaria, (3).to remove the nebula and improve eyesight, and (4).to relieve spasm in infantile convulsion and tetanus. The herb is commonly known as Periostracum Cicadae, Cicada Slough, Chán Tuì.
Brief Introduction: The herb Rhizoma Cimicifuga is the dried rhizome of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom, Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim, or Cimicifuga foetida L(family Ranunculaceae), used (1).to promote eruption in the treatment of measles, (2).to clear heat and counteract toxins for treating sore throat and stomatitis, and (3).to restore the normal position of the viscera in cases of splanchnoptosis. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Cimicifuga, Largetrifoliolious Bugbane Rhizome, Shēnɡ Má.
Semen Sojae Preparatum (Fermented Soybean).
Brief Introduction: The herb Semen Sojae Preparatum is the fermented preparation of the ripe seed of Glycine max (L.) Merr (family Leguminosae), used in the early stage of febrile diseases to relieve exterior syndromes and in the late stage to relieve fidgetiness and insomnia. The herb is commonly known as Semen Sojae Preparatum, Fermented Soybean, Dàn Dòu Chǐ.
Cacumen Tamaricis (Chinese Tamarisk Twig).
Brief Introduction: The herb Cacumen Tamaricis is the dried young green twig of Tamarix chinensis Lour (family Tamaricaceae), used for measles to promote eruption, and also for rheumatism to relieve arthralgia. The herb is commonly known as Cacumen Tamaricis, Chinese Tamarisk Twig, Xī Hé Liǔ.
Herba Spirodelae (Common ducksmeat Herb).
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Spirodelae is the dried entire plant of Spirodela polyrrhiza(L.) Schneid, or Lemna minor L (family Lemnaceae), used to promote eruption for measles, to relieve itching for urticaria, and to induce diuresis for edema. The herb is commonly known as Herba Spirodelae, Common ducksmeat Herb, Fú Pínɡ.
✵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.
Introduction: Pungent-cool Exterior-releasing Herbs: an agent or substance herbs pungent in flavor and cool in property, which is usually used for treating a wind-heat exterior syndrome. Exterior-releasing herbs mostly are pungent in flavor and have dispersing functions, and could dispel exogenous pathogens from perspiration thus the exogenous syndromes are relieved, according to its differences on flavor and functions, Exterior-releasing herbs are mainly classified into two kinds, pungent-warm exterior-releasing herbs and pungent-cool exterior-releasing herbs.
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Bupleuri is the dried root of Bupleurum chinense DC or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd(family Umbelliferae), used (1).to reduce fever for relieving alternate spells of chills and fever, (2).to relieve liver Qi stagnation for alleviating hypochondriac and thoracic pains, and (3).to lift spleen Qi for correction of visceroptosis. The herb is commonly known as Radix Bupleuri, Chinese Thorowax Root, Chái Hú.
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Menthae is the dried aerial part of Mentha haplocalyx Briq, Mentha haplocalyx Briq.var.piperascens(Malinvaud)C.Y.Wu et H.W.Li, or Mentha x piperta L(family Labiatae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to clear the head and eyes for relieving headache and conjunctivitis, (3).to promote eruption in the treatment of measles, and (4).to soothe the liver for alleviating hypochondriac and thoracic pain. The herb is commonly known as Herba Menthae, Peppermint, Bò He.
Brief Introduction: The herb Folium Mori is the dried leaf of White Mulberry, Morus alba L.(family Moraceae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to pacify the liver and brighten the eyes for relieving hyperactivity of the liver with headache and acute conjunctivitis, and (3).to clear and moisten the lung for relieving dry cough. The herb is commonly known as Folium Mori, Mulberry Leaf, Sānɡ Yè.
Brief Introduction: The herb Flos Chrysanthemi is the dried flower-head of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.(family Compositae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction with fever and headache, (2).to pacify the liver and brighten the eyes for treating acute conjunctivitis, and dizziness in hyperactive liver Yang, and (3).to clear heat and counteract toxins for treating boils and sores. The herb is commonly known as Flos Chrysanthemi, Chrysanthemum Flower, Jú Huā.
Brief Introduction: The herb Radix Puerariae is the dried root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.)Ohwi or Pueraria thomsonii Benth (family Legumonisae), used (1).to reduce heat in cases of exterior syndrome with fever and painful stiffness of the back and nape, (2).to relieve thirst in febrile diseases and diabetes mellitus, (3).to relieve diarrhea in spleen insufficiency, and (4).to promote eruption for measles. The herb is commonly known as Radix Puerariae, Kudzuvine Root, Gě Gēn.
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Arctii is the dried ripe fruit of great burdock, Arctium lappa L (family Compositae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to promote eruption for measles, and (3).to counteract toxins and reduce swelling for boils, sores, mumps and erysipelas. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Arctii, Burdock Fruit, Niú Bànɡ Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Viticis is the dried ripe fruit of simple-leaved chaste tree, Vitex simplicifolia Cham, or three-leaved chaste tree, Vitex trifolia L (family Verbenaceae), used for treating wind-heat affliction with fever and headache, acute conjunctivitis, blurred vision and dizziness. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Viticis, Shrub Chaste-tree Fruit, Màn Jīnɡ Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Periostracum Cicadae is the slough shed by the nymph of Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr (family Cicadidae), used (1).to disperse wind and heat in the treatment of wind-heat affliction, (2).to promote eruption for measles and relieve itching for urticaria, (3).to remove the nebula and improve eyesight, and (4).to relieve spasm in infantile convulsion and tetanus. The herb is commonly known as Periostracum Cicadae, Cicada Slough, Chán Tuì.
Brief Introduction: The herb Rhizoma Cimicifuga is the dried rhizome of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom, Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim, or Cimicifuga foetida L(family Ranunculaceae), used (1).to promote eruption in the treatment of measles, (2).to clear heat and counteract toxins for treating sore throat and stomatitis, and (3).to restore the normal position of the viscera in cases of splanchnoptosis. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Cimicifuga, Largetrifoliolious Bugbane Rhizome, Shēnɡ Má.
Brief Introduction: The herb Semen Sojae Preparatum is the fermented preparation of the ripe seed of Glycine max (L.) Merr (family Leguminosae), used in the early stage of febrile diseases to relieve exterior syndromes and in the late stage to relieve fidgetiness and insomnia. The herb is commonly known as Semen Sojae Preparatum, Fermented Soybean, Dàn Dòu Chǐ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Cacumen Tamaricis is the dried young green twig of Tamarix chinensis Lour (family Tamaricaceae), used for measles to promote eruption, and also for rheumatism to relieve arthralgia. The herb is commonly known as Cacumen Tamaricis, Chinese Tamarisk Twig, Xī Hé Liǔ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Herba Spirodelae is the dried entire plant of Spirodela polyrrhiza(L.) Schneid, or Lemna minor L (family Lemnaceae), used to promote eruption for measles, to relieve itching for urticaria, and to induce diuresis for edema. The herb is commonly known as Herba Spirodelae, Common ducksmeat Herb, Fú Pínɡ.