Herb Categories
In Chinese Medicine, herbs are categorized according to their action on the body. Herbs have many sublte and complex actions and interactions and are used to balance the body. Herbs can for example nourish deficiency, moisten dryness or warm coldness according to the differention of syndromes in Chinese Medicine.
(This section is primarily intended as information for other practitioners as much of the language requires training in TCM, however as a non-practitioner, you are welcome to read for interest. Please remember that herbal medicine, like pharmaceuticals, can be harmful if taken without correct medical guidance and should only be taken on the advice of a qualified practitioner)
- Warm Acrid Herbs to Release the Exterior
- Cool Acrid Herbs to Release the Exterior
- Herbs that Quell Fire
- Herbs to Cool the Blood
- Herbs to Clear Heat and Dry Damp
- Herbs to Clear Heat and Poisons
- Herbs that Clear and Relieve Summer Heat
- Purgatives
- Moist Laxatives
- Cathartics
5 Aromatic Dampness transforming
6 Water Regulating and Damp Resolving
7 Interior Warming and Cold Expelling
13 Phlegm transforming and Cough stopping
- Herbs that Cool and Transform Hot Phlegm
- Herbs that Transform Cold Phlegm
- Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing
14 Substances to Calm the Spirit
- Substances that Settle and Calm the Spirit
- Herbs Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
15 Wind Extinguishing and Tremor Stopping
16 Aromatic Substances that Open the Orifices
17 Tonics
- Herbs to Tonify Qi
- Herbs to Tonify Blood
- Herbs to Tonify Yang
- Herbs to Tonify Yin
19 Emetics
20 Substances for External Application
Sources:
Bensky et al., Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Seatle 1986
Chen & Chen, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Pharmacology, Art of Medicine Press
Chen & Chen, Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, Art of Medicine Press
Lu H C, Chinese Natural Cures, Black Dog & Leventhal publishers, New York 2005