The following list is a sample of the individual herbs that I prescribe extensively in my clinic as part of herbal formulas. They are listed in alphabetical order. These herbs are commonly used in many Chinese medicine practices. At the end of each section are examples of a variety of formulas that contain these individual herbs.
I have had the good fortune to be able to design herbal formulas that are used widely in the Chinese medicine community. Some of these include Enhance, Tremella American Ginseng, Source Qi, Clear Heat, Marrow Plus Channel Flow, and Cold Away. These Chinese herbal
formulas are available to your licensed practitioner from a supplier called Health Concerns. (See General Resources and References on page 344.) Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) is one of the most important tonifying herbs, and it is a major ingredient in many formulas to
strengthen Qi. It tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, increases overall energy, aids in digestion and absorption of food, stops spontaneous sweating, promotes urination, and helps heal injured tissue.
According to Western research, astragalus has immune restoration capabilities. Several Chinese studies found it increases the red blood cell count and also claimed increased survival rates in people with lung and liver cancer from 28 to 71 percent.8 In another Chinese study of chronic active hepatitis, liver functions returned to normal in 18 of 31
participants.9 Animal studies have shown its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure.10
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING ASTRAGALUS
• Central Chi Tea (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang)
• Enhance Atractylodes
Atractylodes alba or white atractylodes (Bai Zhu) is also a Qi tonic. It tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, removes Spleen Dampness, helps with digestion, relieves edema, and helps increase body weight and muscle strength.
Many reports from China profess the ability of atractylodes to increase white blood cell counts, and it is used regularly in formulas to support the immune system.11 Studies show it also lowers blood sugar and prevents concentration of glycogen in the liver.12
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING ATRACTYLODES
• Central Chi Tea (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang)
• Four Gentleman Decoction (Si Jun Zi Tang)
• Enhance
• Source Qi Buplerum
Bupleurum root (Chai Hu) is what is called a Release Exterior herb. It is used to treat diseases that cannot be categorized as either interior or
exterior, but that are in the process of moving inward. This stage of illness is called Shao Yang, and it is associated with pain in the rib cage,
alternating chills and fever, a bitter taste in the mouth, and vomiting.
Bupleurum is also used to spread the Liver Qi, allowing the Qi to move more smoothly throughout the body, and to raise the Spleen Qi in order to harmonize Spleen and Stomach Deficiency patterns, reduce fever, and calm the mind.
Research has revealed that bupleurum has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial,13 and liver-protective effects.14 Bupleurum is often used to lower fevers associated with upper respiratory infections. In Asia, it’s used to treat malaria.
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING BUPLEURUM
• Minor Bupleurum Decoction (Xiao Chai Hu Tang)
• Ease Plus (modified bupleurum and dragon bone) Codonopsis
Codonopsis (Dang Shen) strengthens and harmonizes the functions of the Spleen and Stomach. It is often used in formulas in the place of ginseng to tonify Qi.
In Chinese and Japanese studies, codonopsis has been shown to increase red blood cells and to enhance T-cell activity.15 In combination with other herbs, it has been shown to increase white blood cell counts in people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. In China, chronic kidney disease and anemia are also treated with codonopsis. It is used to overcome
fatigue, reverse appetite loss, strengthen tired limbs, stop diarrhea, ease phlegmy cough, and support digestive functions.
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING CODONOPSIS
• Women’s Precious Pills (Ba Zhen Wan)
• Shen Ling Qi Bai Zhu Tang
• Source Qi Cordyceps
Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao) is an ancient Chinese tonic food and herbal medicine. Traditionally, cordyceps, a fungus, has been used for extreme fatigue, tuberculosis, impotence, post-disease weakness, and spontaneous sweating. It supports the Kidney and Lung Qi.
Today it is known as a Fu Zheng herb. Fu Zheng means “restore the normal” in Chinese. The Fu Zheng herbs encompass a number of herbs, such as ganoderma and astragalus. The Fu Zheng concept was fully developed in China during the 1970s to provide support for people
undergoing Western cancer treatments, especially to support the immune system and strengthen Qi. More recently, in the 1980s, our group at Quan Yin Healing Arts Center in San Francisco, along with a few other Western practitioners, specifically adapted this approach to working with people with immune deficiency diseases, including people with HIV/AIDS.
We created formulas to support people, along with Western medicine, who have viral hepatitis, HIV, and other diseases that have viral and immune components. These formulas include Fu Zheng herbs, such as cordyceps, ganoderma, astragalus, ginseng, and atractylodes, along with additional Clear Heat Clean Toxin herbs16 (these are herbs that clear Toxic Heat, which is often associated today with viral and bacterial infections), herbs that tonify Xue and Jing, and herbs that vitalize Xue and move Qi.
A wealth of cell and animal studies and the early development of clinical trials support its use. Studies of cordyceps include research into
liver fibrosis,17 for enhancement of chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer through specific polysaccharides in cordyceps,18 along with compounds shown to kill human leukemia cells.19 In China alone, more than 100 institutes are devoted to the development of medicinal uses of fungi, including this ancient herb.
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING CORDYCEPS
• Cordyceps PS
• Cordyseng
• Enhance Dang Gui
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) tonifies and moves Xue, and it is used for menstrual disorders. It disperses cold, alleviates pain, and moistens dry stools. The literal translation means “state of return.”
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING DANG GUI
• Woman’s Balance
• Relaxed Wanderer (Xiao Yao San) Eclipta
Eclipta prostrata (Mo Han Lian) nourishes and tonifies the Liver and Kidney Yin. It also cools Xue. Historically, it was used to treat ringing in the ears, blurred vision, premature graying of the hair, night sweats, and excess bleeding. In modern times, eclipta is used as a liver-protecting compound for people with hepatitis and liver disease caused by exposure to chemical toxins, including environmental illness.20, 21
FORMULA EXAMPLE CONTAINING ECLIPTA
• Ecliptex Ganoderma
Ganoderma (Ling Zhi) is a Qi tonic that also tonifies the Xue and calms the Spirit. It is used in asthma, insomnia, anxiety, and immune modulation,22 especially cancer support.23 Like cordyceps, it is a Fu Zheng herb (see
page 147). There are six types of ganoderma mushrooms, each a different color. The red Ling Zhi is considered to be the most powerful.24
Polysaccharides, found mostly in the spores, are the active ingredients, and they have a regulatory effect on the immune system.25
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING GANODERMA
• Enhance
• Tremella American Ginseng
• Cordyseng Ginseng
Ginseng (Ren Shen), species Panax ginseng, is a slightly bitter root that is used because it tonifies the Spleen and Lung, calms Spirit, and revitalizes Qi. It promotes secretion of bodily fluids and stops diarrhea. It is used for insomnia, palpitations, and forgetfulness, and it is prescribed for extreme weakness and fatigue. It should not be used by someone with Excess Heat.
Myriad research has been conducted on ginseng. It has
immunomodulatory effects,26 exerts an effect on the central nervous system, acts as an antihistamine, impacts the endocrine system, affects the metabolism—including reduction of blood sugar27 and blood cholesterol
—and is cardioprotective.28
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING GINSENG
• Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan
• Source Qi Ginseng, American
American ginseng (Xi Yang Shen), species Panax quinquefolium, is quite distinct from ginseng (Ren Shen), species Panax ginseng. American ginseng primarily replenishes the Yin and Qi, cools Fire from Deficient Yin, and tonifies the Lung Yin. It promotes the secretion of bodily fluids, reduces irritability, stops cough due to Deficient Lung Yin, stops night sweats, and improves overall energy. It has been demonstrated to have a sedative effect on the brains of animals in lab experiments, it creates an excitatory action on the central nervous system, and it is a cardiotonic.
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING AMERICAN GINSENG
• Tremella American Ginseng
• Cordyseng Isatis
Isatis leaf (Da Qing Ye) and isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) are what Chinese medicine calls Clear Heat Clean Toxin herbs. Many Clear Heat Clean Toxin herbs are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. In China, isatis is used in many anticancer formulas. Isatis is also used in China for viral meningitis,29 pneumonia, and bacterial infections, such as shigella, salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. The two herbs, which are really different parts of the same plant, are often combined in formulas with other herbs.
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING ISATIS
• Enhance
• Tremella American Ginseng
• Clear Heat
• Isatis Gold
WARNING
In prolonged high doses, licorice root may have a steroidal effect, causing high blood pressure and water retention, reduction in thyroid function, and decrease in the basal metabolic rate. However, when properly prescribed in an herbal formula, usually very small amounts are used. Always take glycyrrhiza, especially in its extracted forms, under the care of a qualified, licensed health care provider.
Licorice Root
Licorice root (Gan Cao), also glycyrrhiza, is included in many Chinese herbal formulas to harmonize the formulas, which mean it enters all Twelve Primary Channels and directs various herbs to enter the Channels.
For this reason, it is one of the most commonly used herbs in formulas, usually in very small quantities. In addition, it tonifies the Spleen Qi, moistens the Lung, removes toxins, and drains Fire. By itself, licorice is a Spleen Qi tonic, and it is traditionally used for fatigue and loose stools, to help remedy weak digestion, and to decrease effects of toxic substances.
Licorice root is used to stop pain and spasms, and it is often used for inflammation, arthritis, and gastric ulcers.
Japanese and Chinese researchers have explored licorice’s anticancer, anti-HIV,30 antiviral, antihepatitis,31 and antifungal properties. In Germany, a multicenter study with licorice extract showed a success rate of 30 to 40 percent against chronic viral hepatitis B.32
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING LICORICE
• Four Gentlemen Decoction (Si Jun Zi Tang)
• Enhance
• Tremella American Ginseng
• Source Qi San Qi
San Qi, which is often given in powder form as a single herb, is used for injuries of all types through its action to disperse Xue and Qi. By itself or in combination with other herbs, it is used for pain relief and to stop bleeding. In China, it has been used for thrombosis as well as postpartum problems associated with stagnant Qi and Xue. If there is profuse bleeding, only use it after a physician sees you and prescribes the herb. It can be used in soups for general health support. It should not be taken during
pregnancy because it regulates Xue, and these types of herbs theoretically can cause miscarriage.
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING SAN QI
• Resinall E Tabs
• Zheng Gu Shui
• San Qi Powder (the individual herb) Scutellaria
Scutellaria (Ban Zhi Lian), species Scutellaria barbata, is traditionally used as a Clear Heat Clean Toxin herb to invigorate Xue, promote urination, and reduce swelling and sores. In China, today Scutellaria barbata is used in formulas for specific cancers, such as ovarian, breast, lung, and liver cancer, in conjunction with other herbs, often oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao). Recent studies show specific extracts of scutellaria have antitumor activity.33 Research into other gynecological cancers has also been performed.34
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING SCUTELLARIA BARBATA
• Used in bulk herb formulas Spatholobus
Spatholobus (Ji Xue Teng) is a unique herb that both vitalizes and tonifies Xue. Traditionally, it is used for menstrual pain, lack of menses, irregular menstruation, abdominal pain, numbness in the extremities, lower back pain, and knee pain. In China, since the 1970s, it has been used extensively during cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatment to support the bone marrow. Research suggests that spatholobus ameliorates the side effects of lowered white blood cell count and aplastic anemia.35
FORMULA EXAMPLES CONTAINING SPATHOLOBUS
• Marrow Plus
• Enhance
• Tremella American Ginseng
WARNING
Spatholobus increases contractions in the uterus, so it’s contraindicated during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by a Chinese herbalist and your Western doctor.
COMMON HERB FORMULAS
The following table includes some of the most common herb formulas we use.
FORMULA CHINESE FUNCTION INDICATIONS Bu Zhong Yi Qi
Tang
(Central Chi Tea)
Tonify Spleen Qi, strengthen Middle Jiao, raise Yang, and counter prolapse
Fatigue, weak limbs, headache, loose stools, spontaneous sweating, and shortness of breath
Cordyceps PS Tonify Kidney Yang, nourish Lung Yin, strengthen Wei Qi, stop cough, and transform Phlegm
Fatigue, immune weakness, post-illness weakness, chronic cough, health maintenance, general tonic, and support athletic performance Cordyseng Tonify Qi and Yin through Fu
Zheng action and strengthen Lung, Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney
Fatigue, recovery from serious illness or operation, support immune function, support lungs, and improve athletic performance Enhance Tonify Qi, Xue, Yin, Yang, and Jing;
Clear Heat Clean Toxin; clear Phlegm; and strengthen Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, and Wei Qi
Fatigue, immune dysfunction, frequent colds and flus, and chronic viral illness
Marrow Plus Vitalize and tonify Xue, tonify Qi, and strengthen Spleen and Kidney
Marrow suppression, offset side effects of medications, and chronic pain and numbness
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
Tonify Qi and strengthen Spleen Improve gastrointestinal system, support immune function, and fatigue
Tremella American Ginseng
Tonify Yin, Qi, Xue, and Jing; Clear Heat Clean Toxin; strengthen Wei Qi; and strengthen Spleen, Stomach, Lung, and Kidney
Fatigue, immune dysfunction, frequent colds and flus, chronic viral illness, afternoon night sweats and fever, and chronic dry cough Xiao Yao San
(Relaxed Wanderer)
Spread Liver Qi, relieve stagnation, tonify Spleen, and nourish Xue
Irritability, depression, moodiness, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast distention, irregular menstruation, and menstrual pain
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
(Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
Harmonize Shao Yang Stage
Disorders and harmonize and tonify Middle Jiao
Alternating chills and fever, dry mouth and throat, bitter taste, irritability, dizziness, fullness and discomfort in the rib cage and chest, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn