Cinnamomum cassia (Rougui): the dried bark of *Cinnamomum cassia* Presl, a plant of the Lauraceae family. **[Properties and Meridian Tropism]** Nature: extremely hot; Flavor: pungent, sweet. Meridian entry: Kidney Meridian (KI), Spleen Meridian (SP), Heart Meridian (HT), Liver Meridian (LR). 【Actions and Indications】Supplements fire and assists yang, leads fire back to its origin, disperses cold … Read more
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt., Roudoukou): the mature seed kernel of *Myristica fragrans* Houtt., a plant of the Myristicaceae family. 【Nature and Flavor】Nature: warm, flavor: pungent. Meridian tropism: Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming (LI), Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST), and Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin (SP). 【Actions and Indications】Warms the Middle and Moves Qi, Astringes the Intestines … Read more
Baihe: The fleshy scale leaves of *Lilium longiflorum* Thunb. (family Liliaceae). 【Property, Flavor, and Meridian Tropism】Cold in nature, sweet in flavor. Enters the Heart Meridian (HT) and Lung Meridian (LU). **Actions and Indications**: Nourishes Yin and moistens the Lung, clears the Heart and calms the Shen (spirit). It is classified as a Yin-tonifying medicinal under … Read more
Cassia obtusifolia (Juemingzi): The mature seeds of *Cassia obtusifolia* L., a plant in the Fabaceae family. **Nature and Flavor:** Slightly cold, bitter and sweet. **Meridian Tropism:** Enters the Liver Meridian of Foot‑Jueyin (LR), Kidney Meridian of Foot‑Shaoyin (KI), and Large Intestine Meridian of Hand‑Yangming (LI). [Actions and Indications] Clears heat and improves vision, moistens the … Read more
Longan Aril (Guiyuan): Aril of *Dimocarpus longan* Lour. (Sapindaceae) 【Nature, Flavor, and Meridian Tropism】Warm in nature, sweet in flavor. Enters the Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin (HT) and the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin (SP). 【Actions and Indications】Tonifies the Heart and Spleen, nourishes Blood and calms the Spirit. It is classified as a Qi-tonifying medicinal, a subcategory … Read more
White Hyacinth Bean Flower (Baibiandouhua): the flower of *Dolichos lablab* L., a leguminous plant. **Nature, Flavor, and Meridian Tropism:** Sweet and bland, neutral in nature. Enters the Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST), and Large Intestine (LI) meridians. 【Effects and Functions】Fortify the Spleen and harmonize the Stomach, clear summerheat and transform dampness. Treats dysentery, diarrhea, and red … Read more
Baibiandou (Dolichos lablab): the seed of the leguminous plant *Dolichos lablab* L. **Nature, Flavor, and Meridian Tropism:** Sweet and bland; slightly warm; neutral. Enters the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians. 【Actions and Indications】 **Actions:** Invigorates the Spleen, transforms Dampness, harmonizes the Middle, and dispels Summer-Heat. **Indications:** Spleen-Stomach Deficiency (pi wei xu ruo) with poor … Read more
Ginkgo biloba (Baiguo): the seed of Ginkgo biloba L. (family Ginkgoaceae), with the fleshy outer seed coat removed. **Nature, Flavor, and Meridian Entry:** Neutral nature; flavors: sweet, bitter, astringent. 【Actions and Indications】 Astringes the lung to relieve dyspnea (dyspnea), arrests leukorrhea and turbid vaginal discharge, and reduces urinary frequency. It is classified under the astringent … Read more
**Baizhi (Angelica dahurica):** The root of *Angelica dahurica* (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. et Hook.f., or its variety *Angelica dahurica* var. *formosana* (Boiss.) Shan et Yuan, both plants of the Apiaceae family. Nature and flavor: Warm, pungent. Meridian tropism: Stomach (ST), Large Intestine (LI), Lung (LU). 【Actions and Indications】Disperses wind and eliminates dampness, unblocks the orifices … Read more
Gancao (Licorice root): the dried root of *Glycyrrhiza uralensis* Fisch., *Glycyrrhiza inflata* Bat., or *Glycyrrhiza glabra* L. (Fabaceae). 【Nature, Flavor, and Meridian Tropism】Sweet, neutral. Attributable to the Heart (HT), Lung (LU), Spleen (SP), and Stomach (ST) meridians. 【Functions and Indications】 Supplement the Spleen and boost Qi, clear Heat and resolve Toxin, transform Phlegm and stop … Read more