The source is from the tuberous root of the perennial herbage Curcuma aromatica Salisb., and C. zedoaria (Berg) Rosc. or C. longa L. or C. kuangsiensis S. lee et C. F. Liang, family Zingiberaceae. The medicinal material is dug and collected in autumn and winter, cleaned, dried in the sun and cut into pieces after being boiled thoroughly in boiling water. The raw can be used.

Medicinal Properties Pungent and bitter in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the heart, liver and gallbladder meridians.

Actions Circulate the blood, arrest pain, promote flow of qi and disperse the stagnated qi, cool the blood and clear away heat from the heart, normalize the gallbladder to cure jaundice.

Application
1. It is indicated for distention and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea and abdominal masses, etc., due to qi stagnation and blood stasis. For pain in the chest and hypochondrium, it is combined with Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Xiangfu (Rhizoma Cyperi), and Zhike (Fructus Aurantii), etc. ; for depression of liver-qi with fever, abdominal pain before menstruation, combined with Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri ), Xiangfu (Rhizoma Cyperi ), Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ) and Baishaoyao ( Radix Paeoniae Alba ) ; for mass in the hypochondrium, combined with Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae ), Biejia ( Carapax Trionycis) and Qingpi (Pericarpium Cirri Reticulatae Viride ) .

2. It is used for damp febrile disease, mental confusion due to turbid phlegm, fullness and oppression in the epigastrium, unconsciousness; and epilepsy and mania due to phlegmatic mental confusion. For the former, it is usually combined with Shichangpu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei), Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae), and Lianqiao (Fructus Forsythiat), etc., such as Changpu Yujin Tang (Decoction); for the latter, usually combined with Mingfan (Alumen), such as Baijin Wan (Pill).

3. For bleeding due to blood-heat manifested as haematemesis, epistaxis, hematuria and unsmooth menstruation, etc., which is accompanied by blood stasis, it is combined with Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae ), Mudanpi ( Cortex Moutan Radicis ) , Zhizi ( Fructus Gardeniae ) , and Niuxi ( Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), etc..

4. For jaundice of dampness-heat type, it is usually combined with Yinchen (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae ), Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae), etc..
Usage and Dosage 3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use, and 2 - 5 g of the powder is taken.

Notes It's incompatible with Dingxing (Flos Caryophylli ) .

Jianghuang Rhizoma Curcumae Longae

The source is from the rhizome of the perennial herbage Curcuma longa L., family Zingiberaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Sichuan and Fujian, dug and collected in winter. The impurity is removed, boiled in water, dried in the sun, cut into pieces and the crude is used.

Medicinal Properties Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the liver and spleen meridians.

Actions Promote circulation of the blood and qi, dredge the meridian passage to arrest pain.

Application
1. For epigastric and hypochondriac pain due to qi stagnation and blood stasis and abdominal pain resulting from amenorrhea, it is combined each time with Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba ), Honghua ( Flos Carthami ), and Yanhusuo ( Rhizoma Corydalis ) , etc..

2. For pain in the Bi-syndrome of wind-dampness type, especially for that of arms and shoulders, it is combined
0each time with Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Notopterygii ), Haitongpi ( Cortex Erythrinae) and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), such as Shujin Tang (Decoction).

In addition, Jianghuang (Rhizoma Curcume Longae) is used in combination with Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei ), Baizhi ( Radix Angeticae Dahuricae ), Tiannanxing ( Rhizoma Arisaematis ), and Tianhuafen (Radix Trichosanthis ), etc., which are ground into powder for external application on the local area to treat early stage of abscess, ulcer, sore, and furuncle with redness, swelling, feverish sensation and pain, such as Ruyi Jinhuang San (Powder), and now it is used for hyperlipemia.
Usage and Dosage 3 - 10 g is used in decociton for oral use, and just right amount for external use.

Ruxiang Olibanum

The source is from the resin from the dark of Bosuellia carterii Birdw and other species in the same genus, family Burseraceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Somalia, Ethiopia of Africa. In spring and autumn, the bark is cut with knife from the bottom to the upper along the tree so that the resin can made to ooze out of the cut and coagulate into solid after several days, the solid being collected. It is often stir-baked for medication.

Medicinal Properties Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the heart, liver and spleen meridians.
Actions Circulate the blood and qi to alleviate pain, subside swelling and promote tissue regeneration.

Application
1. It is indicated for various pains due to stasis of blood. For dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, it is usually combined with Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), and Xiangfu (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc.; for epigastric pain, combined with Chuanlianzi (Fructus Meliae Toosendan ), Yanhusuo (Rhizoma Corydalis), etc. ; for Bi-syndrome of windcold-dampness type, combined with Qianghuo (Rhizomaet Radix Notopterygii ) , Qinjiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae ), and Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), etc., such as Juanbi Tang (Decoction); for trauma with pain due to blood stasis, combined with Moyao (Myrrha ) , Xuejie ( Resina Draconis ) , Honghua ( Flos Carthami), and Shexiang (Moschus artifactus), etc. , such as Qili San (Powder); for large carbuncle with hardness and pain, combined with Moyao (Myrrha), Xionghuang (Realgar), and Shexiang (Moschus artifactus ), that is, Xingxiao Wan (Pill); for periappendicular abscess, combined with Hongteng (Caulis Sargentodooxae ) , Zihuadiding ( Herba Violae ), Lianqiao ( Fructus Forsythiae ), and Jinyinhua ( Flos Lonicerae ), etc., such as Hongteng Jian (Decoction).

2. It is used for pyocutaneous disease after rupture, which is not yet healed for a long time. Its combination with Moyao (Myrrha) is ground into powder for application on a sore and the powder has the actions of subsiding swelling and alleviating pain, removing the necrotic tissue and promoting tissue regeneration.

Usage and Dosage 3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use. It can be usually prepared into plaster to be used for application, or put in decoction for washing.

Notes Its decoction looks turbid that it easily makes a case with weakness of stomach vomit, therefore the large dosage should be avoided. It is contraindicated in a case without blood satsis, and pregnant women.

Moyao Myrrha
The source is from the resin from the bark of Commiphora myrrha Engl. or other species in the same genus, family Burseraceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Somalia and Ethiopia of Africa and in India, etc.. The resin oozes out of crevices in the tree and changes into redbrown but hard one in the air that is collected. So it is broken and stir-baked until it changes into burned black for being used.
Medicinal Properties Bitter in flavor, mild in nature, and attributive to the liver, heart and spleen meridians.
Actions Promote circulation of the blood to alleviate pain, subside swelling and promote tissue regeneration.

Application
It is used for amenorrhea due to blood stasis, dysmenorrhea, epigastric pain, trauma, carbuncle and periappendicular abscess. Its actions are similar to those of Ruxiang (Olibangm), so far for the above syndromes, they are usually combined with each other so that they can strengthen the action of promoting circulation of the blood and alleviating pain.
In addition, it can also be used for hyperlipemia.
Usage and Dosage 5 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use, the usage being same as Ruxiang (Olibahum).
Notes The notes are same as those of Ruxiang (Olibanum). If the both herbs are used together, their dosage must be decreased accordingly.

Taoren Semen Persicae

The source is from the seed of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch or P. davidiana Franch., family Rosaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hebei, Shandong and Guizhou. The ripe fruits are picked from July to September, the flesh of fruit is removed, the centre of fruit is broken and the seed is fetched out and dried in the sun. The seed peeled, the crude or pounded one being used.

Medicinal Properties Bitter in flavor, mild in nature, mildly toxic and attributive to the heart, liver, lung and large intestine meridians.

Actions Promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, moisten the intestine and relax the bowels.

Application
1. It is usually used for a lot of blood-stasis syndromes. For irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and abdominal mass, it is combined with Honghua (Flos Carthami ), Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chuanxiong ( Rhizoma Chuanxiong ), and Chishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), etc., such as Tao Hong Siwu Tang (Decoction); for trauma, swelling and pain due to blood stasis, usually combined with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis ) , Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), and Honghua (Flos Carthami), etc. ; for the early stage of pulmonary abscess, periappendicular abscess, while heat clearing herbs are used, Taoren (Semen Persicae) is usually used to assist them to remove blood stasis, purge heat and subside carbuncle, such as Weijing Tang (Decoction) and Dahuang Mudanpi Tang (Decoction).

2. For constipation due to dry intestine, it is usually combined with Huomaren (Fructus Cannabis ) and Gualouren ( Fructus Trichosanthis ) .

In addition, it can relieve cough and dyspnea, so it can be used as an assistant to treat cough and dyspnea.

Usage and Dosage 6- 10 g is used in decoction for oral use, being broken to be put in decoction.
Notes Contraindicated in pregnant women.

Honghua Flos Carthami

The source is from the flower of Carthamus tinctorius L., family Compositae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Zhejiang, etc.. The medicinal material is picked in summer when the flower changes from the yellow into the bright red, dried in shade and the crude is used.

Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the heart and liver meridians.

Actions Promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis, promote menstruation and alleviate

Application
1. For blood-stasis syndrome with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and mass, trauma and pain of joints, etc., it is usually combined with Taoren ( Semen Persicae ), Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chuanxiong ( Rhizoma Chuanxiong ), and Chishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), etc..

2. For darkish skin eruptions due to stagnation of heat and blood stasis, it is combined with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis ) , Zicao ( Radix Amebiae seu Lithospermi), and Daqingye (Folium Isatidis), etc., such as Danggui Honghua Yin (Decoction).

In addition, it can be used for angina pectoris of coronary heart disease, thromboangiitis obliterans and erythema multiforme, etc..

Usage and Dosage 3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use and just right amount for external use.
Notes Contraindicated in pregnant women and over dose is not suitable for cases with tendancy of bleeding.

Explanation Fanhonghua (Stigma Croci) is from the dried flower of the perennial herbage Crocus sativus L. family Iridaceae. It is mainly produced in Europe and Middle Asia, sweet in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the heart and liver meridians. Its effect is similar to but stronger than that of Honghua (Flos Carthami) in circulating the blood and removing blood stasis, and promoting menstruation. Besides, it also has the effect of cooling the blood and removing toxins and is especially suitable for heat invading yingfen and xuefen, general eruption whose color is not redish, etc.. 1.5 - 3 g is decocted for oral use.

Yimucao Herba Leonuri

The source is from the aerial parts of Leonurus heterophyclus Sweet, family Labiatae. The medicinal material is produced in all areas of China, cut in summer, dried in the sun. The crude is used or decocted into extract for being used
.
Medicinal Properties Pungent and bitter in flavor, slightly cold in nature and attributive to the heart, liver and bladder meridians.

Actions Promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation, promote diuresis and relieve edema.

Application
1. For blood stasis syndrome with unsmooth menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and lochiostasis, it is usually combined with Chuanxiong ( Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), and Chishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra ).

2. For dysuria and edema, especially for edema and dysuria due to stagnation of water, it can be used alone or together with Baimaogen (Rhizoma Imperatae) and Zelan (Herba Lycopy) so as to strengthen the effects of promoting diuresis and relieving edema.

Besides, it is also used to treat ulcer and carbuncle, and skin itching rash. It may be used orally or externally.

Usage and Dosage 10 - 15 g is used in decoction for oral use, large dosage may be 30 g and just right amount is for external use.

Notes Contraindicated for pregnant women and used with caution for deficiency of the blood without stasis.

Niuxi Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae

The source is from the root of the perennial herbage Achyrantes bidentata Blume (Huainiuxi) and C. officinalis Kuan (Chuanniuxi), family Amaranthaceae. The former is cultivated in large amount in Henan Province and the latter is mainly produced in the areas of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, etc.. Their roots are dug in winter, stored after being dried or smoked with sulphur. The crude is cut into small sections or stir-baked with wine for medication.
Medicinal Properties Bitter and sour in flavor, mild in nature and attributive to the liver and kidney meridians.
Actions Promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis, nourish the liver and kidney, strengthen bones and muscles, induce diuresis to treat stranguria and ensure proper downward flow of blood.

Application
1. It is used for blood stasis syndrome with irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and trauma with pain. For irregular menstruation, dysmenrrhea, amenorrhea and postpartum abdominal pain, it is usually combined with Honghua (Fins Carthami ), Taoren ( Semen Persicae ) and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis); for trauma with pain, combined with Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), Ruxiang ( Olibanum ), Moyao ( Myrrha ), and Xuduan (Radix Dipsaci) , etc..

2. It is used for pains of the loins and knees and weakness of lower limbs, especially for pains of the low back and knee joints. For those due to insufficiency of the liver and kidney, it is used every time in combination with Duzhong ( Cortex Euzommiae ), Xuduan (Radix Dipsaci ), and Sangjisheng ( Ramulus Taxilli ), etc. ; for those due to wind and dampness, combined with Mugua ( Fructus Chaenomelis ) , Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae ), and Duhuo ( Radix Angelicae Pubescentis ), etc.; for those due to dampness and heat blended attacking the lower energizer, usually combined with Cangzhu ( Rhizoma Atractylodis ) , Huangbai ( Cortex Phellodendri) and Yiyiren (Semen Coicis), that is, Simiao Wan (Pill).

3. For hematuria, dysuria and urethralgia, it is used in combination with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Mutong ( Caulis Akebiae), and Huashi ( Talcum), etc..

4. It is used for haematemesis, epistaxis, toothache, aphthae, headache and dizziness. Of those, for haematemesis and epistaxis caused by flaming-up of fire and bleeding due to blood-heat, it is combined with Baimaogen (Rhizoma Imperatae), Xiaoji (Herba Cephalanoploris) and Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae) to lead fire downward flow, to cool the blood and stop bleeding; for toothache and aphthae caused by hyperactivity of fire due to deficiency of yin, usually combined with Dihuang (Radix Rehmanniae ), Shengshigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae), etc. to moisten yin and lower fire; for headache and dizziness caused by hyperactivity of yang due to deficiency of yin, and liver-wind stirring inside, often combined with Daizheshi (Haematitum), Shengmuli ( Concha Ostreae ), Shenglonggu ( Os Draconis ), and Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), etc. to suppress the sthenia-yang and astringe yin, and eliminate liver-wind.
Usage and Dosage 5 - 15 g is used in decoction for oral use. The crude one is used for promoting blood circulation and diuresis, and leading fire downward, but the one parched with wine is used for nourishing the liver and kidney, and strengthening bones and muscles.

Notes Contraindicated in pregnant women and women with profuse menstruation.

Explanation The actions of Huainiuxi and Chuanniuxi are similar. But Huainiuxi is a bit on the side of nourishing the liver and kidney, and strengthening the back. It is often used to treat pains of the loins and knees, and weakness of lower limbs. Chuanniuxi is a bit on the side of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and mostly used for syndrome of blood stasis.