Comprehensive Guide to the Properties of Chinese Medicinal Herbs

What are the main properties of Chinese herbs? The four qi (气) and five flavors (味), as well as their meridian affinities, along with their ascending, descending, floating, and sinking properties, and whether they are toxic or non-toxic.

The four qi are cold, hot, warm, and cool; cold and cool belong to yin, while warm and hot belong to yang. Warm and hot tonify fire and assist yang qi, while warming dispels cold, showcasing their efficacy. Cold and cool clear heat and drain fire, detoxifying and assisting yin while restraining yang. Cold treats heat, and heat treats cold; this is the fundamental principle of treatment.

The five flavors are pungent, sweet, bitter, salty, and sour, each with different therapeutic effects. Pungent moves qi and blood, primarily dispersing; sweet harmonizes and tonifies, providing relief; bitter dries and drains, strengthening yin; salty moistens and softens; sour astringes and consolidates; bland promotes urination, so remember them all.

One herb assists another, and they complement each other’s effects. One can counteract the toxicity of another, while some herbs are mutually restrictive. Remember that opposites can enhance toxicity, and incompatible combinations reduce efficacy. Single herbs do not require pairing; the mysteries of the seven emotions in combinations are profound.

According to the Materia Medica, there are eighteen contradictions: Ban Lan (Isatis) and Bei Lian (Corydalis), as well as other combinations that are incompatible.

Sulfur is the essence of fire; natron and it are in conflict. Mercury should not be combined with arsenic; wolf poison fears the presence of certain herbs. Ba Dou (Croton) is extremely potent and should not be combined with Qian Niu Zi (Pharbitis). Clove should not be combined with turmeric; Yao Shao (Corydalis) is difficult to combine with other herbs. Chuan Wu (Aconitum) and Cao Wu (Aconitum) are incompatible with rhinoceros horn. Ginseng fears Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Droppings); cinnamon can harmonize cold qi, but if combined with stone resin, it can be harmful. Generally, compatibility depends on the order of herbs; do not rely solely on combinations.

Ban Mao (Mantis), water leeches, and insects; Wu Tou (Aconitum) and Fu Zi (Aconitum) should not be combined with Tian Xiong (Aconitum). Wild kudzu, mercury, and Ba Dou (Croton); Niu Xi (Achyranthes) and Yi Yi Ren (Coix) with centipedes; San Leng (Sparganium) and Yan Hua (Daphne) replace Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange). Da Ji (Euphorbia) and Chan Tui (Cicada) are both male and female; Ya Shao (Corydalis) and Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate) with Mu Dan Pi (Moutan) and Gui (Cinnamon). Ban Xia (Pinellia) and Nan Xing (Arisaema) with Tong Cao (Tetrapanax); Qu Mai (Dianthus) and Gan Jiang (Ginger) with Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) and Tong (Peony). Nao Sha (Sodium Sulfate) and Gan Qi (Ginger) with crab claws; Di Dan (Dandelion) and Mao Gen (Imperata) are all contraindicated.

Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and Ban Xia (Pinellia) are all suitable for aging. Ma Huang (Ephedra), wolf poison, and Wu Yu (Evodia) are also included. Six types of herbs should be aged for a long time; knowing how to use them in formulas can yield miraculous effects.

Release the exterior with pungent herbs to disperse exterior pathogens; they are warm and dispel cold and coolness. Disperse wind-cold with Gui (Cinnamon) and Ma Huang (Ephedra), Xiang Ru (Elsholtzia), Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica), Su Ye (Perilla), and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta). Cang Er Zi (Xanthium) and Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower) are also effective. Disperse wind-heat with Chan Tui (Cicada), Bo He (Mint), Niu Bang Zi (Arctium), and Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum). Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) are also included. Ma Huang induces sweating to treat cold damage, while wind-water and bi pain with cough and asthma can be treated. Gui Zhi (Cinnamon) warms the protective qi and releases the exterior. Zi Su (Perilla) disperses cold and regulates qi, suitable for both wind-cold and qi stagnation. Jing Jie (Schizonepeta) disperses exterior pathogens, treating colds, rashes, and bleeding. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia) disperses wind both inside and out, treating dampness and stopping spasms. Qiang Huo (Notopterygium) dispels wind-cold and dampness, effective for external headaches and upper limb bi. Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica) opens the orifices and stops frontal pain, drying dampness and stopping discharge. Xi Xin (Asarum) disperses cold and opens the nasal passages, treating various cold pains and lung fluid. Bo He (Mint) clears the head, throat, and dispels heat, also relieving rashes and soothing the liver. Niu Bang Zi (Arctium) disperses rashes and wind-heat, detoxifying and benefiting the throat. Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf) clears the lungs and calms the liver, treating wind-heat, dry cough, and dizziness. Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) disperses external heat, brightens the eyes, and detoxifies. Chai Hu (Bupleurum) clears heat and soothes the liver, lifting yang qi to treat sinking. Ge Gen (Pueraria) releases the muscles and treats neck stiffness, generating fluids and lifting clear yang.

Cold in nature, they clear and resolve both real and false heat, damp-heat, sores, and toxins. Clear heat and drain fire to treat heat in the qi level; Gua Lou (Trichosanthes), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), and Ku Shen (Sophora) are included. Clear heat and dry dampness with Lian Qiao (Forsythia) and Bai Shao (White Peony). Clear heat and detoxify with Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao (Forsythia), as well as Ye Ju Hua (Wild Chrysanthemum) and Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion). Qing Ye (Indigo) and Bai Zhi (Angelica) are also effective. Clear heat and cool blood with Sheng Di (Rehmannia) and Chi Shao (Red Peony). Clear false heat with Di Gu Pi (Lycium) and Yin Chen (Artemisia). Shi Gao (Gypsum) clears the muscles and lungs, relieving irritability and thirst in high fever. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) clears the stomach and moistens the lungs, nourishing yin and lowering fire. Zhi Zi (Gardenia) drains fire and relieves irritability, cooling blood and promoting urination. Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal) clears the liver and disperses nodules, treating goiter and swelling. Huang Qin (Scutellaria) clears the lungs and drains damp-heat, detoxifying and calming the fetus. Huang Lian (Coptis) dries dampness and clears heart fire, treating stomach fire, dysentery, and sores. Huang Bai (Phellodendron) enters the kidney and governs the lower jiao, drying dampness and draining fire. Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum) clears heat and promotes urination, treating heat in the heart and stomach. Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia) clears heat and promotes urination, effective for stones and toxic dysentery. Hu Zhang (Reynoutria) clears heat and promotes blood circulation, detoxifying and invigorating blood. Bai Wei (Cynanchum) clears heat and cools blood, treating heat toxins and blood stasis. San Qi (Notoginseng) stops bleeding and promotes blood circulation, effective for internal and external bleeding. He Shou Wu (Polygonum) nourishes blood and tonifies the liver and kidneys, treating blood deficiency and premature greying. Bai Shao (White Peony) nourishes blood and softens the liver, regulating menstruation and stopping sweating. Dang Gui (Angelica) nourishes blood and regulates menstruation, effective for blood deficiency and pain. Ren Shen (Ginseng) tonifies qi and nourishes blood, calming the spirit and relieving fatigue. Huang Qi (Astragalus) tonifies qi and raises yang, strengthening the exterior and promoting urination. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen, stopping sweating and promoting digestion. Shan Yao (Dioscorea) tonifies qi and nourishes yin, treating cough and diarrhea. Gan Cao (Licorice) tonifies qi and clears heat, harmonizing the effects of other herbs.

Downward draining herbs are bitter and descend through the large intestine, expelling heat and water. They include Da Huang (Rhubarb), Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate), and Fan Xie Ye (Senna). They moisten the intestines and relieve constipation with Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed) and Yu Li Ren (Bush Cherry). They expel water with Ze Xie (Alisma) and Yi Yi Ren (Coix). They also include Ba Dou (Croton) and Qian Niu Zi (Pharbitis). Da Huang purges accumulation and stasis, driving out fire and damp-heat. Mang Xiao softens and moistens, treating sore throat and abscesses. Gan Sui (Kansui) is a strong purgative, effective for wind-phlegm and swelling. Ba Dou is a strong purgative for cold accumulation, expelling phlegm and relieving obstruction.

Wind-damp dispelling herbs are effective for treating bi syndrome, joint pain, and spasms. They include Du Huo (Angelica), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), and Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax). They dispel dampness and clear heat with Lei Gong Teng (Tripterygium) and Qin Jiao (Gentiana). They also include Sang Zhi (Mulberry Branch) and Mu Guo (Moringa). They strengthen the muscles and bones with Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax) and Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus). They dispel wind and dampness with Qiang Huo (Notopterygium) and Du Huo (Angelica). They also include Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia). They are effective for treating headaches and upper limb bi syndrome. They also include Bai Zhi (Angelica) and Qiang Huo (Notopterygium) for treating cold and dampness.

Fragrant damp-transforming herbs are effective for moving the spleen and resolving dampness. They include Huo Xiang (Agastache), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark). They also include Bai Dou Kou (Cardamom) and Sha Ren (Amomum). Huo Xiang transforms dampness and releases the exterior, treating vomiting and diarrhea. Cang Zhu dries dampness and strengthens the spleen, effective for damp bi and diarrhea. Hou Po regulates qi and resolves phlegm, treating qi stagnation and fullness. Sha Ren transforms dampness and regulates qi, effective for cold and dampness.

Water-draining and damp-resolving herbs open the water pathways, treating edema, painful urination, and jaundice. They include Fu Ling (Poria), Yi Yi Ren (Coix), and Ze Xie (Alisma). They also include Mu Tong (Akebia) and Che Qian Zi (Plantago). Fu Ling strengthens the spleen and promotes urination, treating phlegm and water retention. Ze Xie drains dampness and clears the lower jiao, effective for edema and dizziness. Yi Yi Ren promotes urination and strengthens the spleen, treating heat and pus. Che Qian Zi promotes urination and clears heat, effective for phlegm and cough.

Interior warming herbs dispel cold and warm the interior, including Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia). They also include Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel) and Ding Xiang (Clove). Gan Jiang warms the spleen and lung, treating cold and phlegm. Rou Gui warms the kidney and regulates qi, effective for pain and cold accumulation. Wu Zhu Yu warms the liver and stomach, treating cold and pain. Xiao Hui Xiang warms the stomach and dispels cold, effective for abdominal pain.

Qi-regulating herbs soothe the qi mechanism, including Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), and Chuan Lian Zi (Melia). They also include Wu Yao (Lindera) and Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange). Chen Pi dries dampness and regulates qi, effective for phlegm and cough. Xiang Fu regulates liver qi and relieves stagnation, effective for menstrual disorders. Chuan Lian Zi regulates qi and relieves pain, effective for abdominal pain and distension.

Digestive herbs promote digestion and resolve food stagnation, including Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Mai Ya (Barley), and Guo Qiao (Buckwheat). They also include Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed) and Ne Jin (Rice). Shan Zha promotes digestion of meat and treats abdominal pain. Mai Ya promotes digestion of grains and relieves distension. Lai Fu Zi resolves food stagnation and promotes digestion, effective for cough and phlegm.

Worm-expelling herbs include Shi Jun Zi (Quisqualis), Ku Lian Pi (Melia), and Lei Wan (Corydalis). They effectively kill intestinal worms and resolve accumulation. Shi Jun Zi expels worms and resolves accumulation, effective for roundworms and tapeworms. Ku Lian Pi kills worms and treats skin conditions, effective for roundworms and pinworms. Lei Wan expels worms and promotes digestion, effective for food stagnation.

Hemostatic herbs effectively treat bleeding, regardless of deficiency or excess, cold or heat. They include Di Yu (Sanguisorba), Da Zao (Jujube), and Bai Zhi (Angelica). They also include San Qi (Notoginseng) and Xian He Cao (Agrimonia). Di Yu stops bleeding and cools blood, effective for lower jiao bleeding and burns. San Qi stops bleeding and promotes blood circulation, effective for internal and external bleeding. Bai Zhi stops bleeding and promotes healing, effective for cough and vomiting blood.

Blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs promote blood circulation and relieve pain, including Dan Shen (Salvia), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), and Hong Hua (Carthamus). They also include Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus) and Mo Yao (Myrrh). Dan Shen promotes blood circulation and regulates menstruation, effective for blood stasis and pain. Chuan Xiong promotes blood circulation and relieves pain, effective for headaches and menstrual disorders. Hong Hua promotes blood circulation and resolves stasis, effective for pain and swelling.

Phlegm-resolving and cough-relieving herbs include Ban Xia (Pinellia), Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), and Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel). They also include Bei Mu (Fritillaria) and Guo Lou (Trichosanthes). Ban Xia resolves phlegm and stops cough, effective for cough and nausea. Xing Ren stops cough and moistens the intestines, effective for dry cough and constipation. Chen Pi regulates qi and resolves phlegm, effective for cough and distension.

Calming herbs stabilize the spirit, including Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), He Huan Pi (Albizia), and Long Gu (Dragon Bone). They also include Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed) and Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus). Zhu Sha calms the spirit and detoxifies, effective for anxiety and insomnia. He Huan Pi calms the spirit and relieves stress, effective for emotional disturbances. Suan Zao Ren nourishes the heart and calms the spirit, effective for insomnia and anxiety.

Harmonizing herbs balance the liver and calm the spirit, including Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Bai Shao (White Peony), and Gan Cao (Licorice). They also include Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Ren Shen (Ginseng). Chai Hu harmonizes the liver and relieves stress, effective for emotional disturbances. Bai Shao nourishes blood and softens the liver, effective for menstrual disorders. Gan Cao harmonizes the effects of other herbs, effective for digestive issues.

Most effective for clearing heat and detoxifying: Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle). Most effective for fragrant damp transformation: Huo Xiang (Agastache). Most effective for calming the spirit: Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). Most effective for draining water and resolving dampness: Fu Ling (Poria). Most effective for fragrant opening: She Xiang (Musk). Most effective for clearing heat: Shi Gao (Gypsum). Most effective for draining fire: Huang Lian (Coptis). Most effective for generating fluids: Shen Qu (Malt). Most effective for warming phlegm: Shi Hu (Dendrobium). Most effective for calming the liver: Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope Horn). Most effective for stopping pain: Bo He (Mint). Most effective for stopping bleeding: Xian He Cao (Agrimonia). Most effective for tonifying yang: San Qi (Notoginseng). Most effective for tonifying yin: Lu Rong (Deer Antler). Most effective for purging: Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum). Most effective for cooling blood: Da Huang (Rhubarb). Most effective for regulating qi: Xiang Fu (Cyperus). Most effective for soothing the liver: Chai Hu (Bupleurum). Most effective for activating blood: Dan Shen (Salvia). Most effective for tonifying blood: Ren Shen (Ginseng). Most effective for tonifying spleen: Dang Gui (Angelica). Most effective for digesting food: Shan Zha (Hawthorn). Most effective for clearing phlegm: Shen Qu (Malt). Most effective for expelling yellow: Bei Mu (Fritillaria). Most effective for dispelling wind: Yin Chen (Artemisia). Most effective for calming the spirit: Du Huo (Angelica). Most effective for warming the interior: Zao Ren (Jujube). Most effective for warming the interior: Fu Zi (Aconitum).