Andrographis and Wood Fragrance Decoction

Commentary

Bee pollen (Hua-fen) stands as the primary (chief) herb; neutral and sweet in character, it channels into the Spleen, Lung meridians, working chiefly to tonify qi and nourish. Andrographis paniculata (Chuan-xin-lian) serves as the deputy herb; cold and bitter in character, it travels through the Lung, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder meridians to clear heat, remove toxins, cool blood and reduce swelling. Guangmu Xiang (Guang Mu-xiang) reinforces this deputy action, working to move qi and relieve pain. White peony root (Bai-shao) serves as a supporting (assistant) herb, acting to nourish blood, soften the liver, restrains yin and alleviate pain, thus refining the overall action. Without a separate harmonizing herb, the herbal tea formula balance is achieved through the mutual tempering of its active ingredients. Taken together these herbs clear heat and purge fire, regulate qi and relieve pain, in keeping with the heat pattern.