…We will continue on with our discussion focusing on the use of herbs or herbal formulas for generic TCM diagnoses. In my practice, I see many patients who have an underlying condition concerning the buildup of heat. I refer to it has internal heart stagnation. An herb that is very effective in dispelling heat is Mu dan pi. You will see this herb in many herbal formulas.

I also see patients who have an underlying condition that is opposite to heat and that, obviously, is the build up of cold patterns. Again, the condition of cold stagnation underlies or even exacerbates the condition of the main diagnosis. Thus, the base of either cold or het needs to be addressed. Herbs that are very effective in warming the interior are: Yi zhi ren and Xiao hui xiang.

Anything that is external and is a cause of some disorder to manifest is referred to as Wind, in TCM. This is a topic that I want to delve more deeply in in future blogs. In the West, conditions such as a runny nose, fever or body chills are associated with External Wind. For cool, acrid release Externa Wind, the best herbs are: Ju hua, Bo he, and Ge gen. For warm, acrid release External Wind, herbs such as Gui zhi are used.

Another condition that is highly presented is Food Stagnation. Again, I have seen this condition as part of the greater diagnosis and, thus, needs to be treated. A very effective herb to ease food stagnation is Shan zha. Dampness is another factor in many diagnoses. The accumulation of dampness leads to edema or poor circulation in general. Herbs used to drain dampness include Fu ling and Yi yi ren.

With the Wind patterns, I often see accompanying symptoms like phlegm or coughing. Herbs used to transform phlegm and to stop coughing are: Zi wan and Gua lou.