Name

Function

Taste

Channels

Contraindication

Du Huo
(angelica root)

Dispels wind-damp & alleviates Px (low back Px)
Disperses wind-cold-damp & releases ext
Lesser yin stage headache/toothache

Bitter
Acrid
warm

KD, BL, LVR

Yin xu

(Reports of photosensitivity)

 Qin Jiao
(Gentiana)

Dispels wind-damp & relaxes sinews
Clears heat from Yin xu
Resolves damp & reduces jaundice (LVR/GB damp/heat)
Moistens intestines & unblocks bowels (dry constipation)

Bitter
Acrid
Slightly cold

GB
LVR
ST

Frequent Urination
Chronic pain with emaciation
Sp Xu w/ diarrhea

 Wei Ling Xian
(clematis)

Dispels wind-damp, unblocks channels
Softens Fish Bones
Local distention & accumulation in middle jiao, reduces phlegm & pathogenic water. For body pain in upper and lower body.

Acrid
Salty
Warm

BL

Qi/Blood Xu

 Sang Zhi
(Mulberry twig)

Upper back Px
Dispels wind, unblocks channels
Edema

Bitter
Sweet
Slightly cold

LVR

Sang Ji Sheng
(Mulberry parasite)

(Mulberry mistletoe)

(Loranthus)

Tonifies Yin
Expels wind-damp, strengthen sinews/bones
LV/KD Yin with Low back, knee, joint Px
(Chinese version of glucosamine)
Nourishes blood, calms the womb
Nourishes blood, benefits skin
Hbp

Bitter
Neutral

KD
LVR

Overdose leads to vomiting, diarrhea and death