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1. Xuan Shen (Scrophularia Root): Xuan Shen is the root of the Scrophulariaceae plant, containing xuan shenoside, cyclic ether terpenoids, volatile oils, and alkaloids. Pharmacological tests have shown that Xuan Shen decoction has blood pressure-lowering effects, as well as vasodilatory and cardiotonic properties. It is believed in TCM to be cold in nature, sweet and bitter in taste, and functions to nourish yin, reduce fire, cool blood, and detoxify. It is suitable for symptoms such as thirst due to heat disease, rashes, bone steaming, insomnia, spontaneous sweating, and sore throat. Dosage: 6-12 grams; contraindicated in cases of diarrhea and phlegm-dampness.
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2. : Jue Ming Zi is the seed of the leguminous plant Cassia obtusifolia, containing anthraquinones and vitamin A. Pharmacological tests have shown that Jue Ming Zi can lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol, and has antibacterial and laxative effects. In TCM, it is considered slightly cold, sweet and bitter in taste, and functions to clear the liver and improve eyesight, promote urination, and relieve constipation. It is suitable for symptoms such as red, painful eyes due to liver heat, hypertension, hepatitis, and habitual constipation. Dosage: 3-9 grams, crushed and decocted.
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3. : Di Gu Pi is the root bark of the Lycium plant, containing chlorogenic acid and various phenolic compounds. It has significant antipyretic effects and can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In TCM, it is considered cold, sweet and bland in taste, and functions to cool blood, clear heat, and relieve symptoms of heat-related conditions such as night sweats, cough, and hypertension. Dosage: generally 3-9 grams.
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4. : Lu Gen is the underground stem of the reed plant, containing various nutrients. In TCM, it is considered cold, sweet in taste, and functions to clear heat, generate fluids, and relieve nausea. It is suitable for heat diseases that injure fluids, thirst, vomiting, and cough due to lung heat. Dosage: generally 9-30 grams for dried, 15-40 grams for fresh.
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5. : Lian Qiao is the fruit of the forsythia plant, containing volatile oils and flavonoids. Pharmacological tests have shown that Lian Qiao has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and can reduce inflammation. In TCM, it is considered slightly cold, bitter in taste, and functions to clear heat, detoxify, and reduce swelling. It is suitable for conditions such as febrile diseases, abscesses, and allergic purpura. Dosage: generally 6-9 grams.
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6. : Mu Dan Pi is the root bark of the peony plant, containing peonol and other compounds. Pharmacological tests have shown that it can lower blood pressure and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In TCM, it is considered cool, bitter and pungent in taste, and functions to clear heat, cool blood, and promote blood circulation. It is suitable for symptoms such as heat in the blood, rashes, and pain. Dosage: 5-9 grams; contraindicated in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency.
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7. : Zhi Mu is the rhizome of the Anemarrhena plant, containing various saponins. It has significant antipyretic effects and is effective for conditions such as epidemic hemorrhagic fever and tuberculosis. In TCM, it is considered cold, sweet and bitter in taste, and functions to clear heat, nourish yin, and moisten dryness. Dosage: generally 6-9 grams; contraindicated in cases of kidney yang deficiency.
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8. : Ban Lan Gen is the root of the Isatis plant, containing indigo and other compounds. It has significant antiviral effects and is effective for hepatitis and skin diseases. In TCM, it is considered cold, bitter in taste, and functions to clear heat, detoxify, and relieve sore throat. Dosage: generally 5-9 grams; contraindicated in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency.
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9. : Jin Yin Hua is the flower bud of the honeysuckle plant, containing chlorogenic acid and flavonoids. Pharmacological tests have shown that it has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. In TCM, it is considered cold, sweet in taste, and functions to clear heat and detoxify. It is suitable for febrile diseases and skin infections. Dosage: generally 6-12 grams; contraindicated in cases of deficiency and diarrhea.
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10. : Xia Ku Cao is the flower or whole herb of the selfheal plant, containing triterpenoid saponins. It has blood pressure-lowering effects and is effective against skin fungi. In TCM, it is considered cold, bitter and pungent in taste, and functions to clear liver fire and relieve headaches. Dosage: generally around 9 grams.
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11. : Zhi Zi is the fruit of the gardenia plant, containing various bitter compounds. It has gallbladder-promoting effects and can lower body temperature. In TCM, it is considered cold, bitter in taste, and functions to clear heat, detoxify, and relieve jaundice. Dosage: 3-9 grams.
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12. : Pugongying is the whole herb of the dandelion plant, containing various nutrients. It has antimicrobial effects and can enhance immune function. In TCM, it is considered cold, sweet and bitter in taste, and functions to clear heat, detoxify, and reduce swelling. Dosage: 9-15 grams, can be used externally for abscesses.
