苍术 (Cang Zhu) 苍术 (Cang Zhu) is the dried rhizome of the Asteraceae plant, either Atractylodes macrocephala or Atractylodes lancea. It has the effects of dispelling wind, scattering cold, and alleviating rheumatic pain. It is also known by other names such as 赤术 (Chi Zhu), 山蓟 (Shan Ji), 山精 (Shan Jing), 青术 (Qing Zhu), and … Read more
Those who frequently read my articles know that I often mention two concepts: Cold Dampness (Han Shi) and Damp Heat (Shi Re). I also frequently add notes under certain formulas indicating that they should not be used for Cold Dampness or Damp Heat. Many readers then have questions, asking me to clarify what exactly Cold … Read more
When it comes to phlegm-dampness, there is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): “Stubborn phlegm causes strange diseases.” The evil of phlegm-dampness can travel throughout the body with our Qi (气) mechanism, reaching every corner. Another saying in TCM is: “All diseases are caused by phlegm.” Phlegm-dampness can move with the flow of Qi … Read more
Click the blue text above to follow us Written by: Warm TCM In life, having great aspirations leads to great achievements. ■ When we feel a sense of tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and an urge to sigh, it is often attributed to Qi deficiency. However, there is another possibility: Qi stagnation. Qi stagnation … Read more