Tonic herbs HBR class 6

Tonic herbs Tend to be sweet, different characteristics depending on type of deficiency present:

Qi tonics Generally sweet and slightly warm, enter the SP and LU.

Ren shen - Ginseng / Rx Ginseng sl warm, sweet, sl bitter / Sp, Lu A&I: Strongly tonifies source qi: collapse of qi, shock, blood loss. (Shen Fu Tang) Tonifies Sp & Lu qi: lo appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, SOB, wheezing. (Si Jun Zi Tang) Generates fluids, relieves thirst: diabetes or post- febrile. (Sheng Mai San)

Calms mind. C&C: Contraindicated: heat signs, absence of qi def, Lr yang w/HTN. Do not use w/ Wu ling zhi, Li lu; tea, turnips reduce effectiveness. OD: HA, insomnia, palpitations, elevated BP. Antidote: mung bean soup. 1-9 g collapse: up to 30 g cook separate

Dang shen - Codonopsis root / Rx Codonopsis pilosulae neutral, sweet / Sp, Lu A&I: Weaker/safer sub for Renshen, used in xs cases to tonify Zheng qi Tonifies Sp & Lu qi. Generates fluids, relieves thirst. Incompatible w/Lilu g

Tai zi shen - Pseudostellaria / Rx Pseudostellariae neutral, sweet, sl bitter / Sp, Lu A&I: Tonifies Sp & Lu qi: lo appetite, fatigue, spontaneous sweat. Generates fluids, relieves thirst. Summerheat fever in children. Incompatible w/Lilu g

Huang qi - Astragalus root / Rx Astragali Membranaceus sl warm, sweet / Sp, Lu A&I: Tonifies qi, raises yang: fatigue, diarrhea, prolapse, bleeding. (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) Stabilizes exterior: spontaneous sweat, weak Wei qi. (Yu Ping Feng San) Wei & bi. (Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang)

Tonifies qi & blood post-partum. (Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang) Drains pus, promotes healing of chronic sores. Reduces edema (Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang) C&C: Contraindicated: yin def yang xs, qi stagnation, damp accumulation, food stagnation, ext xs, early stage sores. Honey-fry: tonify qi, raise yang. Raw: sores, edema g; hi dose g

Shan yao - Dioscorea / Rz Dioscoreae neutral, sweet / Sp, Lu, K A&I: Tonifies Sp: chronic diarrhea, fatigue, spontaneous sweat. (Shen Ling Bai Zhu San) Tonifies Lu: cough, wheezing. Benefits Kd, binds essence: wasting thirst, spermatorrhea, freq urination, vaginal discharge. (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Zuo Gui Yin)

C&C: Contraindicated: xs patterns, qi stagnation, damp accumulation, food stagnation. Dry-fry: tonify Sp. Raw: tonify yin g; wasting-thirst: up to 250g

Bai zhu - White atractylodes / Rz Atractylodis macrocephalae warm, sweet, bitter / Sp, St A&I: Tonifies Sp: diarrhea, fatigue. (Si Jun Zi Tang) Dries dampness: edema, damp bi. (Wu Ling San, Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang) Stabilizes exterior, stops sweat. (Yu Ping Feng San)

Calms fetus. C&C: Contraindicated: yin def heat, damage to fluids. Raw: dry damp. Dry-fried: tonify qi. Char: stop diarrhea g

Da zao - Jujube / Fr Jujubae neutral, sweet / Sp, St A&I: Tonifies qi: fatigue, SOB Nourishes blood, calms mind (Gan Mai Da Zao Tang) Harmonizes other herbs C&C: Contraindicated: xs damp, food stagnation, phlegm, worms, ab fullness 3-12 pieces; g

Gan cao - Licorice root / Rx Glycyrrhizae neutral or warm, sweet / all 12 channels, esp Ht, Lu, Sp, St A&I: Tonifies qi: fatigue, SOB, palpitations d/t qi & bl def (Zhi Gan Cao Tang) Moistens Lu: coughing, wheezing Fire toxin: sore throat, sores Spasms & pain: ab or legs (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang)

Harmonizes other herbs (many formulas) Antidotes toxic substances C&C: Contraindicated: xs dampness, nausea, vomiting. Long-term use can cause hi BP, edema, hypothyroid. Incompatible w/ Gan sui, Da ji, Yuan hua, Hai zao; antagonizes Yuanzhi. Honey-fry: tonify qi, stop spasm. Raw: relieve toxicity. 3-6 g

Huang jing - Polygonatum / Rz Polygonati neutral, sweet / K,Sp, Lu A&I: Tonifies Sp/St qi/yin: fatigue, wasting-thirst, dry stools Lu qi/yin def: dry cough Tonifies essence: chronic illness C&C: Contraindicated: Sp def w/ damp, poor digestion. Mild, can be taken long-term g

Yi tang - Maltose sl warm, sweet / Lu, Sp, St A&I: Tonifies Sp: SOB, lo appetite Lu qi def: weak voice, dry cough Ab pain d/t def cold (Xiao Jian Zhong Tang) C&C: Contraindicated: xs dampness, nausea, vomiting, phlegm-heat, food stagnation g dissolve into decoction

Blood tonics Tend to be either warm or neutral and sweet; enter LR stores Blood

Shu di huang - Prepared rehmannia / Rx Rehmanniae praeparata sl warm, sweet / Lr, K, H A&I: Tonifies blood: pale complexion, dizziness, insomnia, palpitations, irreg menses, bleeding. (Si Wu Tang) Nourishes yin: 5-heart heat, steaming bone, night sweats. (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan) Tonifies essence: weak low back & legs, tinnitus, gray hair. (You Gui Wan, Zuo Gui Yin)

C&C: Caution: Sp/St def, stagnant qi, phlegm. Mild side fx: diarrhea, ab pain, dizziness, low energy, palpitations. Usually disappear w/continued administration g

He shou wu - Fleeceflower root / Rx Polygoni multiflori sl warm, bitter, sweet, astringent / Lr, K A&I: Tonifies Lr, Kd, essence: gray hair, dizziness, weak vision, etc. (Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan) Secures essence: vaginal discharge, spermatorrhea. Skin problems d/t fire toxin or bl def. Constipation d/t bl def. C&C: Contraindicated: Sp def, diarrhea, phlegm. Do not take w/onion, chives, garlic. Do not decoct in steel container 9-30 g

Dang gui - Chinese angelica root / Rx Angelicae sinensis warm, acrid, bitter, sweet / Lr, H, Sp A&I: Tonifies blood, regulates menses: all bl def sx, esp GYN. (Si Wu Tang) Bl stasis pain, esp w/def cold or bl def. (Wen Jing Tang) Dry stools d/t bl def. Reduces swelling, generates flesh: sores, abcesses.

C&C: Caution: diarrhea d/t damp. Contraindicated: yin def heat. Head - Dang gui Tou: best to tonify. Tail - Dang gui Wei: best to move. Body - Dang gui Shen: more tonifying than moving g

Bai shao - White peony root / Rx Paeoniae alba cool,bitter, sour / Lr, Sp A&I: Tonifies blood, regulates menses: important for GYN, vaginal discharge, bleeding. (Si Wu Tang) Soothes Lr: ab pain, spasm. (Dang Gui Shao Yao San) Preserves Yin, harmonizes Ying & Wei: sweating, essence leakage. (Gui Zhi Tang) Caution: diarrhea d/t def cold. Antagonizes Shi hu, Mang xiao, Bie jia, Xiao ji, Li lu g up to 30 g

E jiao - Donkey hide gelatin / Colla Corii Asini neutral, sweet / Lu, Lr, K A&I: Blood def: dizziness, palpitations. (Zhi Gan Cao Tang) Stops bleeding: any type, esp cough, stool, uterine. (Jiao Ai Tang) Lu/Kd yin def: dry cough, post-febrile. (Bu Fei E Jiao Tang) C&C: Contraindicated: ext patterns. Caution: Sp/St def. Counteracts Da huang g dissolve into decoction

Gou qi zi - Lycium fruit / Fr Lycii neutral, sweet / Lu, Lr, K A&I: Nourishes Lr & Kd yin/bl: weak or blurry vision, sore low back & legs, impotence, dizziness. (Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan) Lu yin def cough. C&C: Contraindicated: ext xs heat patterns, Sp def w/loose stools g

Sang shen - Mulberry / Fr Mori cold, sweet / H, Lr, K A&I: Tonifies blood/yin: gray hair, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, dry constipation, wasting & thirsting. C&C: Contraindicated: Sp def diarrhea g

Long yan rou - Longan aril / Arillus longan warm, sweet / Sp, H A&I: Tonifies Ht & Sp bl, calms spirit: insomnia, palpitations, memory lapse. Commonly used for xs thinking or overwork. (Gui Pi Tang) C&C: Contraindicated: middle jiao damp, phlegm-fire g often eaten alone

Yang tonics Warm, sweet, some acrid; almost always combined with Qi and/or Yin tonics. 3 subtypes: 1. enters KD & SP: diarrhea, fatigue, incontinence. 2. enters KD & LR: sinew & bone weakness / injury, fertility, libido 3. enters KD & LU: KD not grasping Qi

Lu rong - Deer antler velvet / Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum warm, sweet, salty / Lr, Kd A&I: Nourishes essence-blood, Kd yang: exhaustion, impotence, infertility, dim vision & hearing, child developmental disorders. Uterine bleeding, vaginal discharge d/t def cold. Strengthens sinews & bones. Chronic non-healing sores.

C&C: OD: dizziness or red eyes; start w/low dose. Tends to injure yin, possibly may cause hemorrhage. Contraindicated: def yin w/ hyperactive yang, blood heat, St fire, phlegm-heat in Lu, febrile diseases. 1-3 g powder Lu jiao - Mature deer antler: warm, salty Sim to Lu rong but weaker for Kd. Mainly for pain d/t bl stasis, deep low back pain, toxic swellings. Can use topically, powder or decoction g

Lu jiao jiao - Deer antler glue: sl warm, sweet, salty Sim to Lu rong but weaker. Mainly for bleeding; also combined w/ Gui ban jiao to tonify yin & yang. (Zuo Gui Wan, You Gui Wan) 6-12 g Dissolve into decoction or yellow wine. Lu jiao shuang - Antler w/o glue: sl warm, sweet - Weakest tonic, stronger retaining effect, mainly for bleeding or Sp/St cold w/vomiting.

Ge jie - Gecko neutral, salty / Lu, Kd A&I: Lu/Kd not grasping qi, wheezing, cough w/blood. Wasting thirst (Ren Shen Ge Jie San) Kd yang def: freq urination, impotence, diarrhea, etc. C&C: Contraindicated: cough & asthma d/t xs int heat or ext wind-cold. powder: 3-7g; decoction: 9-15g; Tail is most effective part.

Dong chong xia cao - Cordyceps / Cordyceps sinensis warm, sweet / Lu, Kd A&I: Tonifies yin & yang, esp Lu disease: cough, wheezing, phlegm, sweat, enduring def after disease. Kd yang def: impotence, seminal emission, low back & knee pain. C&C: Caution: exterior patterns. May be taken safely for prolonged period of time g

Rou cong rong - Cistanche / Herba cistanches warm, sweet, salty / Kd, LI A&I: Tonifies Kd yang: impotence, freq urination, cold low back pain. (Tu Si Zi Wan) Moistens intestines. (Ji Chuan Jian) Spotting, infertility d/t Kd yang def. (Zan Yu Dan) C&C: Contraindicated: Sp/St def w/loose stool, xs ministerial fire. Raw: constipation. Wine-fry: impotence, infertility, back pain g

Suo yang - Cynomorium / Herba Cynomorii warm, sweet / Kd, LI, Lr A&I: Sim to Rou cong rong, often substituted. Treats dry constipation, low back pain, impotence, freq urine. C&C: Contraindicated: yin def w/heat, Sp def w/diarrhea, constipation d/t xs heat g

Yin yang huo - Epimedium / Herba Epimedii warm, acrid, sweet / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Kd yang: impotence, spermatorrhea, dribbling urine, memory lapse, weak back/legs, hemiplegia, numb extremities. (Er Xian Tang) Wind-damp bi; Lr yang rising substitute for Fu zi or Rou gui C&C: Contraindicated: def yin w/xs ministerial fire. Do not take for long period of time. Can damage yin, causing dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, nosebleed g

Ba ji tian - Morinda root / Rx Morindae officinalis warm, acrid, sweet / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Kd yang: infertility male/female, impotence, irregular menses, cold low ab pain. (Er Xian Tang) Wind-damp bi substitute for Fu zi or Rou gui C&C: Contraindicated: def yin, damp-heat, obstructed urine g

Hu lu ba - Fenugreek seed / Semen Trigonellae Foeni-graeci warm, bitter / Lr, Kd A&I: Warms Kd, disp damp: cold shan, low ab pain, damp-cold leg qi. C&C: Contraindicated: pregnancy, damp heat, yin def. 3-9 g

Hu tao ren - Walnut seed / Semen Juglandis warm, sweet / Kd, Lu, LI A&I: Tonifies Lu & Kd: coughing, wheezing, stone dysuria, freq urine, weak lumbar/legs. Moistens intestines. C&C: Contraindicated: def yin w/heat, cough d/t phlegm-heat, diarrhea g

Bu gu zhi - Psoralea fruit / Fr Psoraleae v. warm, bitter, acrid / Kd, Sp A&I: Tonifies Kd yang: impotence, premature ejaculation, back pain, incontinence, enuresis Sp/Kd def diarrhea (Si Shen Wan) Lu/Kd def: qi not grasping. Topical for alopecia. C&C: Contraindicated: yin deficiency fire, constipation. 3-9 g

Yi zhi ren - Alpinia, Black cardamom / Fr Alpiniae oxyphyllae warm, acrid / Kd, Sp A&I: Warms Kd, retains essence: incontinence, dribbling urine, spermatorrhea. (Suo Quan Wan) Warms Sp, stops diarrhea C&C: Contraindicated: seminal emission, frequent urination, uterine bleeding d/t heat. 3-9 g

Xian mao - Curculigo rhizome / Rz curculiginis hot, acrid, toxic / Kd, Lr A&I: Warms Kd yang: impotence, infertility d/t cold, spotting. (Er Xian Tang) Cold pain in heart, abdomen; Cold-damp bi. C&C: Contraindicated: def yin w/heat. Long-term use not recommended. Toxicity causes tongue swelling. Antidote w/Da huang, Huang qin, Huang lian. 3-9 g

Du zhong - Eucommia bark / Cx Eucommiae warm, sweet, sl acrid / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Lr & Kd & strengthens bones & tendons. (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, You Gui Wan) Calms the fetus to prevent miscarriage The fried herb is more effective than the raw herb. C&C: Yin deficiency fire. Latex allergy g

Gou ji - Chain fern rhizome / Rz Cibotii warm, bitter, sweet / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Kd, Lr, sinew & bone: stiffness/weakness of spine, legs. Wind-damp bi. Incontinence, vaginal discharge. C&C: Contraindicated: dysuria, yin def g

Xu duan - Dipsacus / Rx Dipsaci sl warm, bitter, acrid / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Kd, Lr, sinew & bone: back pain, joints stiff, weak legs. Stops uterine bleeding, calms fetus. (Shou Tai Wan) Moves blood, stops pain, generates flesh: topically and/or internally for trauma, sores. Vinegar-fry: pain; roast w/salt: enter Kd; char: bleeding g

Gu sui bu - Drynaria / Rz Drynariae warm, bitter / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Kd: weak lumbar, dim hearing, toothache, bleeding gums. Helps mend sinews & bones: injuries, fractures. Topical for hair loss. C&C: Caution: yin def, absence of blood stasis g

Tu si zi - Cuscuta seed / Sm Cuscutae neutral, acrid, sweet / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Kd yang and yin, secures essence: impotence, premature ejaculation, tinnitus. (Tu Si Zi Wan, You Gui Wan) Nourishes Lr, improves vision. (Zhu Jing Wan) Sp/Kd yang def diarrhea. Calms fetus. (Shou Tai Wan)

C&C: Contraindicated: yin def fire, constipation, dark scanty urine. Bensky: "Though neutral, leans toward tonifying yang." 9-15 g

Sha yuan ji li - Astragalus seed/ Semen Astragali warm, sweet / Lr, Kd A&I: Tonifies Lr & Kd: freq urination, premature ejaculation, vaginal discharge, aching low back. (Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan) Brightens eyes: cloudy vision. C&C: Contraindicated: xs ministerial fire 6-15 g

Zi he che - Placenta / Placenta Hominis warm, sweet, salty / Kd, Lr, Lu A&I: Tonifies Kd, Lr, essence: infertility, dizziness, tinnitus. Supplements qi & blood: pallor, emaciation, insufficient lactation. Wheezing d/t Lu & Kd def. C&C: Caution: yin def heat g

Jiu zi - Leek seeds / Sm Allii tuberosi warm, sweet, acrid / Kd, Lr A&I: Warms Kd, secures Essence: impotence, incontinence, spermatorrhea, etc. (Zan Yu Dan ) Vomiting d/t St cold. C&C: Contraindicated: yin def 3-9g

Yin tonics Tend to be cool or cold; sweet and/or bitter tastes. 2 subtypes: 1. enters LU & ST; post-febrile Yin damage; cough, nausea. 2. enters LR & KD; deeper Yin damage; flushing, night sweats, 5-heart, etc.

Sha shen - Glehnia root / Rx Glehniae sl cold, sweet, bland / Lu, St A&I: Moistens Lu, stops dry cough d/t yin def. (Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang) Nourishes St, generates fluids: thirst, dry mouth. Dry itchy skin esp in cold, dry weather.

Antagonizes Fang ji, Li lu. C&C: Contraindicated: cough d/t wind-cold, def cold. Nan sha shen - Adenophora: cool, sweet, sl bitter, better for stopping cough, not moistening g

Xi yang shen - American ginseng / Rx Panacis quinquefolii Cold, sweet, sl bitter / Ht, K, Lu A&I: Nourishes qi & yin: chronic fever, irritability. Lu yin def w/blazing fire: wheezing, coughing blood. C&C: Contraindicated: damp-cold g often cooked separate

Tian men dong - Asparagus root / Rx Asparagi very cold, bitter, sweet / Kd, Lu A&I: Lu/Kd yin def w/heat in upper jiao: dry mouth, thick sputum, bloody sputum, wasting-thirst. (Da Zao Wan) Dry constipation. C&C: Contraindicated: cough d/t wind-cold, def cold diarrhea g

Mai men dong - Ophiopogon root / Rx Ophiopogonis sl cold, sl bitter, sweet / Ht, Lu, St A&I: Moistens Lu, stops cough: dry mouth, thick sputum, bloody sputum d/t damaged yin. (Sheng Mai San, Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang) Supplements St yin, generates fluids: dry mouth & tongue. (Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang, Yu Nu Jian) Clears Ht: irritability d/t Ht yin def. (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan)

Moistens intestines. C&C: Contraindicated: fluid congestion, def cold diarrhea. Antagonizes Kuan dong hua, Ku shen, Bai mu er. Wine-fry to reduce cold properties in tonic formulas g

Shi hu - Dendrobium / Herba Dendrobii Cold, sweet, sl salty, bland / Kd, St A&I: Nourishes St yin, generates fluids: thirst, dry mouth, stomach pain, dry heaves. Brightens eyes. Strengthens lumbar. C&C: Contraindicated: fluid congestion, xs heat, def w/o heat sx, dampness patterns. Retains exterior pathogens so cannot be used in early stage febrile disease g

Yu zhu - Solomonseal rhizome / Rz Polygonati odorati sl cold, sweet / Lu, St A&I: Lu/St yin def: dry cough, irritability, wasting-thirst, steaming bone. Extinguishes wind, moistens sinews: spasm, dizziness. Yin def w/ext wind-heat. (Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang) C&C: Contraindicated: phlegm in St, cold in middle jiao g Raw: clear heat; Steam until black: qi & yin def

Bai he - Lily bulb / Bulbus Lilii sl cold, sl bitter, sweet / Lu, Ht A&I: Moistens Lu, stop cough d/t Lu heat or dryness. (Bai He Gu Jin Tang) Clears Ht, calms mind: insomnia, low fever, restlessness post febrile, or palpitations d/t def qi & yin. C&C: Contraindicated: cough d/t wind-cold or phlegm, def cold diarrhea g

Sang ji sheng - Loranthus, Mulberry mistletoe / Rm Taxilli neutral, bitter / Lr, Kd A&I: Wind-damp bi. Tonifies Lr & Kd, strengthens sinews & bones. (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang) Calm the fetus. (Shou Tai Wan) Nourishes blood: dry skin. Hypertension g

Han lian cao - Eclipta / Herba Ecliptae cold, sweet, sour / Lr, Kd A&I: Nourishes Lr & Kd yin: graying hair, dizziness, blurred vision. (Er Zhi Wan) Cools blood, stops bleeding: vomiting, nosebleed, hematuria, bloody stool, uterine bleeding. C&C: Contraindicated: diarrhea d/t def cold g

Nu zhen zi - Ligustrum fruit / Fr Ligustri lucidi cool, sweet, bitter / Lr, Kd A&I: Nourishes Lr & Kd yin: graying hair, dizziness, blurred vision. (Er Zhi Wan) Clears def heat, brightens eyes. C&C: Contraindicated: diarrhea d/t def cold g

Hei zhi ma - Black sesame seed / Sm Sesami neutral, sweet / Lr, Kd A&I: Nourishes essence & blood: blurred vision, tinnitus, dizziness, numbness. Moistens intestines. C&C: Contraindicated: diarrhea. Most effective when fried g

Gui ban - Tortoise plastron / Plastrum Testudinis cold, sweet, salty / Lr, Kd, Ht A&I: Nourishes yin, anchors yang: Lr yang, int wind w/tremors of hands & feet. (Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang) Tonifies Kd, strengthens bones: weak lumbar, fragile bones, retarded bone growth in children. Cools blood: uterine bleeding. (Gu Jing Wan)

Nourishes Ht blood: anxiety, insomnia C&C: Contraindicated: pregnancy, yang def diarrhea, damp-cold in St. Antagonizes Ren shen, Sha shen g Crush and decoct 30 min before other herbs.

Bie jia - Turtle shell / Carapax Trionycis sl cold, salty / Lr, Sp A&I: Nourishes yin, anchors yang: Lr yang, int wind, tremors, spasms, convulsions. (Da Ding Feng Zhu) Steaming bone (Qing Gu San, Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang) Moves blood, promotes menstruation, disperses nodules.

C&C: Contraindicated: pregnancy, yang def diarrhea, damp-cold in St. Raw: yin def yang xs. Vinegar-fry: nodules g Decoct 30 min before other herbs.