Name

Function

Taste

Channels

Contraindication

Huang Qin
(Scutellaria Root)

Clear heat, dry damp              Upper Jiao
↓ Fire, toxins
Bleeding, calms fetus
Subdues ↑ yang
D/H in intestine dysentery. For threatened miscarriage.

Sweet
Cold

HT, LU, ST, SI, GB, LI

Xu Cold

Huang Lian
(Coptis Root)

Clear heat & dry damp           Middle Jiao
↓ Fire – Epistaxis, HT fire insomnia
Toxins, eyes, sore throat
Oral or topical application

Bitter
Cold

HT
LVR
ST
LI

Large dose weakens spleen

Huang Bai
(Phellodendron Bark)

Clear heat & dry damp            Lower Jiao
↓ Fire – KD yin xu
Toxins
Drains KD fire

Bitter
Cold

KD
BL
LI

Weak
Cold