Name

Function

Taste

Channels

Contraindication

Chuan Xiong

Invigorates blood, promotes movement of Qi
Expels wind & alleviates Px
Directs Blood upwards & Headaches

Acrid
Warm

LIV
GB
PC

Yin Xu
LIV Yang Rising
Qi Xu
Xs menses bleeding

Yan Hu Suo
(Corydalis Tuber)

Invigorates Blood & alleviates Px
Promotes movement of Qi, alleviates Px

Acrid
Bitter
Warm

HT
LIV
LU
ST

Pregnancy

Dan Shen
(Red Sage Root)

Invigorates Blood, breaks up blood stag
Clears Heat Soothes irritability
Promotes Menses

Bitter
Slightly cold

HT
PC
LIV

Caution in cases w/out blood stag

Tao Ren
Peach seeds (Kernals)

Breaks up Blood Stag
Moistens Intestines & unblocks bowels
Mild Laxative

Bitter
Sweet
Neutral

HT
LI
LIV, LU

Pregnancy

Hong Hua
(Safflower)

Invigorates Blood & unblocks menses
Dispels blood stag & alleviates Px

Acrid
Warm

HT
LIV

Pregnancy

Niu Xi
“Ox Knee”
(Achyranthes Root)

Invigorates blood & Expels blood stag
Strengthens sinews & bones, benefits joints
Clears damp-heat in lower jiao
Directs Blood Downwards

Bitter
Sour
Neutral

LIV
KID

Pregnancy
Diarrhea due to SP Xu
Xs Menses & Spermatorrhea due to weak basal Qi