Health Science Popularization | The Seven Emotions of Chinese Medicine: The Secrets of Herbal Compatibility

In the vast world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the “Seven Emotions of Chinese Medicine” is like a mysterious treasure trove, containing rich knowledge and wisdom. It not only reveals the complex and subtle relationships between herbs but also guides the precision and safety of TCM prescriptions. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica) summarizes the compatibility of herbs as follows: “There are those that can be used alone, those that complement each other, those that assist each other, those that fear each other, those that oppose each other, and those that kill each other. All these seven emotions should be considered together.” Now, let us explore the secrets of herbal compatibility!

1. Dan Xing (Single Use) refers to using a single herb to treat a specific condition. For example, using Ren Shen (Ginseng) to treat qi deficiency caused by severe blood loss; He Cao Ya (Herba Hedyotis) to expel tapeworms; and Ma Chi Xian (Portulaca) to treat dysentery are all effective treatment methods.

2. Xiāng Xū (Mutual Assistance) refers to the combination of herbs with similar effects to enhance the efficacy of the original herb. For instance, Fu Zi (Aconite) and Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) used together can enhance the warming and reviving effects; Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) combined with Ban Xia (Pinellia) can strengthen the effects of drying dampness, transforming phlegm, and regulating qi.

3. Xiāng Shǐ (Mutual Use) means using one herb as the main ingredient and another as an auxiliary to enhance the main herb’s effects. For example, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) combined with Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) treats dim vision. Gou Qi Zi is the main herb for tonifying the kidneys and nourishing essence, while Ju Hua clears the liver, drains fire, and benefits the eyes, enhancing the vision-restoring effects of Gou Qi Zi.

4. Xiāng Wèi (Mutual Fear) refers to one herb’s toxic side effects being suppressed by another herb. For instance, Ban Xia (Pinellia) is feared by Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), meaning that ginger can suppress the toxic side effects of Ban Xia; Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) is feared by Sha Ren (Cardamom), meaning that Cardamom can reduce the greasy and digestive-impairing side effects of Shu Di Huang.

5. Xiāng Shā (Mutual Killing) means one herb can eliminate the toxic side effects of another herb. For example, Lü Dou (Mung Bean) can kill the toxicity of Ba Dou (Croton), and Fang Feng (Siler) can kill the toxicity of Arsenic. The concepts of mutual killing and mutual fear are essentially not qualitatively different; they are just different perspectives on how one herb’s toxic side effects can be suppressed or eliminated by another.

6. Xiāng È (Mutual Aversion) means one herb can destroy the efficacy of another herb. For instance, Ren Shen (Ginseng) is adverse to Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed); using Ginseng with Radish Seed will weaken Ginseng’s qi-tonifying effect; Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) is adverse to Huang Qin (Scutellaria), as Huang Qin can weaken the warming and anti-nausea effects of Ginger.

7. Xiāng Fǎn (Mutual Opposition) means that using two herbs together can produce severe toxic side effects. For example, Gan Cao (Licorice) is opposed to Gan Sui (Kansui), and Bei Mu (Fritillaria) is opposed to Wu Tou (Aconite).

Mastering the Seven Emotions of herbal compatibility is of great significance for clinical TCM prescriptions. Proper use of mutual assistance and mutual use can enhance efficacy; utilizing mutual fear and mutual killing can reduce the toxic side effects of herbs; and avoiding combinations of mutual aversion and mutual opposition can ensure the safety of herbal use.

However, it is important to note that the relationships of the Seven Emotions of Chinese Medicine are not absolute. In specific conditions and formulas, sometimes seemingly adverse or opposing combinations of herbs may be cleverly utilized, but this requires the physician to possess rich experience and precise diagnostic skills.

In conclusion, the Seven Emotions of Chinese Medicine are an important component of the treasure trove of TCM. In-depth study and mastery of this concept will help us better understand the essence of TCM and play a greater role in safeguarding human health.

Contributed by: Sun Xiaohui

Edited by: Li Wenzhuo

Initial Review: Zhang Lina

Final Review: Ding Lingguo

Final Approval: Ding Shanzhang

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