03.31.09

Rhizoma Acori Graminei (Shi Chang Pu) – Tranquilizes the Mind

Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbs at 12:26 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Scientific name:
Acorus gramineus Soland.

Family:
Araceae

Parts used:
Rhizome

Actions:
Inhibits the abnormal fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract
Promotes the secretion of digestive juice
Relaxes the spasm of intestinal smooth muscles
Small dose of its volatile oil: sedative effect on animals

TCM effects:
Deprives dampness from the upper-Jiao to increase appetite
Eliminates phlegm to wake the patient from unconsciousness
Tranquilizes the mind

Uses:
Abdominal pain
Anorexia
Chronic bronchial asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Coma
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Fatigue
Feeling of fullness
Infantile encephalitis and insanity Amnesia
Insomnia
Oppression in the chest and abdomen
Palpitation
Pulmonary encephalopathy
Tinnitus
Vomiting

Dosages:
Decoction 3-10g

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03.30.09

Herba Dendrobii (Shi Hu) – Hypotensive, Antipyretic, and Analgesic

Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbs at 3:08 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Ref: How to Use Herbs in Chinese Medicine: The Basics and Practical Guides

Scientific name:
Dendrobium nobile Lindl., D. chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl., D. loddigesii Rolfe, and Ephemerantha fimbriata (Bl.) Hunt et Summerh.

Family:
Orchidaceae

Parts used:
Stem

Actions:
Dendrobine (component): raises the level of blood sugar, hypotensive, antipyretic, and analgesic
Infusion: cardio-inhibitory
Low dosage causes excitation but high dosage causes inhibition of rabbit intestine in vitro

TCM effects:
Benefits the stomach
Clears heat
Nourishes yin
Promotes the production of body fluid

Uses:
Dry throat
Epigastric pain
Febrile diseases
Red tongue
Retching
Thirst
Vexation

Dosages:
Decoction 9-20g

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03.29.09

Concha Haliotidis (Shi Jue Ming) – Improves Eyesight

Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Eye Problems, Headaches & Migraines, Herbs at 1:20 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Scientific name:
Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, H. gigantea discus Reeve, and H. ovina Chemnitz

Family:
Haliotidae

Parts used:
Shell

Actions:
Haemostatic
Improves eyesight

TCM effects:
Analgesic
Antiacid
Benefits yin
Calms the liver
Clears away liver-fire to improve visual acuity
Suppresses the sthenic yang

Uses:
Blurring of vision
Conjunctivitis
Dizziness
Headaches
Insomnia
Irritability
Nebula
Night blindness
Regurgitation
Stomachache
Tinnitus

Dosages:
Appropriate amount for external use
Decoction 15-30g, crushed and decocted first
Powder 2-3g bid or tid

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