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Huang qin is one of the few herbs that enter the so-called "pivot" of the body.
Detoxifying since 220 AD. Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) is a simple modification of the #1 formula in Shang Han Lun style Chinese herbalism. The Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Injury) is one of the key Chinese medicine “bibles” (or “classics” as the Chinese say). Huang Qin Tang is pronounced “wong chin tong“.
About this formula: Recently studied as a digestive aid called PHY906 (Huang Qin Tang) in those undergoing Western drug therapy.
Huang Qin Tang was traditionally used for detoxifying the intestines when resulting in burning crampy diarrhea with a strong odor. However it was not assumed that this diarrhea was due to an infection in the intestines, rather a toxicity issue in other locations of the body, specifically the “Shao Yang pivot.”
The FDA frowns on dietary supplement marketers making medical claims but this review of many research studies talks at length about how Chinese medicine herbs are being studied in the treatment of cancer. It also has a lot of good things to say about Huang Qin Tang. More… »
Astragalus root is all about immunity, but that includes skin functions too.
Notes: This formula’s name suggests that, like a screen door, good air can pass through, but insects remain outside. This formula isn’t about repelling insects exactly, but it is about forming a screen to keep out other problems carried by the wind.
It also promotes appropriate skin functions such as sweating. If you sweat inappropriately, and have more than four colds or flus per year, this is a great formula for you. More… »
Bupleurum unsticks what is stuck.
Alternative Names:
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Philodendum root (huang bai) provides potent hormonal support.
Shan yao is a Chinese yam supports reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems.
In ancient Chinese medicine texts, the body fluids are said to arise from the left Kidney. Hence, to “restore the left” means to hydrate the body or at least support the Kidney functions to that end.
The Kidneys are the body’s “root of yin and yang” or fluids and metabolic heat. Together, they create Kidney qi which is the many functions of the Kidneys and the precursor of other forms of energy and organ functions in the body.
Symptoms of a weakness of the left Kidney are called “Kidney Yin Deficiency” in modern Chinese medicine. Think “dehydration”. However, it isn’t always good enough to simply drink more fluids. This formula is really about fluid metabolism, which is what prevents losing all your body fluids through the urination. So this formula supports the functions of your kidneys that limit your fluid loss. Biomedicine calls that “reuptake” where the kidneys reabsorb much of the fluid that passes through, and creates much less urine for excretion.
Cinnamon bark is a powerful tummy warmer.
“Restore the Right Pill” is a reference to an ancient theory that the Yang-warmth of the body comes from the right Kidney (while the yin-fluids come from the left.)
The Kidney yang-warmth in the body looks like metabolic heat in modern medicine. However, the Kidney yang is associated with many other specific function in Chinese medicine such as the muscular strength of the lower back and knees, libido, fertility, fluid metabolism and urinary functions, and even some immunity functions.
Bai zhu's root supports digestive functions to aleviate excessive gurgling.
Chinese medicine teaches that qi is the master of blood, while blood is the mother of qi. As such, there are important relationships between the two. The qi energy of the Heart propels the blood about the body, while the blood nourishes the organs needed for the production of the qi.
To have one, you must have the other. That’s why this is such a popular and balanced formula. It contains the core four herbs used to build qi in the body, plus the core four herbs used when there is a deficiency of blood. Add to that two more herbs to support the digestive organs and you’ve got one potent mixture that brings qi and blood to all the organs of the body.
The lovely "mum" is a popular and delicious cooling herb.
Cinnamon Twig helps keep your skin and exterior warm.
Mentioned in these formula finders: psoriasis
This lovely herb is difficult to find in the US but is a great laxative when you can find it.
