Article 23: Qi-tonifying herbs (ginseng, codonopsis, schisandra, astragalus, atractylodes macrocephala, yam, licorice, honey, eleutherococcus senticosus)
I. Qi-tonifying herbs
The main function of Qi-tonifying herbs is to enhance the body's ability to function. They are mainly suitable for Qi deficiency syndrome, with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, shortness of breath, easy sweating, poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and weak pulse.
Qi-tonifying herbs have various effects, including regulating the nervous system, promoting learning and memory, enhancing immune function, anti-tumor, anti-aging, liver protection, anti-ulcer, regulating gastrointestinal function, improving heart function, regulating blood pressure, promoting hematopoietic function, regulating endocrine function, and improving stress resistance.
If taking qi-tonifying medicine causes qi stagnation, resulting in symptoms such as chest tightness and abdominal distension, it should be combined with qi-regulating medicine as appropriate.
Ginseng
This product is the root of ginseng, a plant belonging to the Araliaceae family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm.
[Functions] ① Greatly replenishes vital energy, used to treat deficiency of vital energy, lethargy, weak pulse, and impotence; ② Replenishes qi and consolidates the body, used to treat impending collapse of vital energy and weak pulse; ③ Replenishes spleen qi, used to treat spleen and stomach qi deficiency, fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, and loose stools; ④ Replenishes lung qi, used to treat lung qi deficiency, shortness of breath, and weak voice; ⑤ Replenishes qi and generates fluids, used to treat thirst due to fluid depletion and diabetes; ⑥ Improves intelligence and calms the mind, used to treat palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness caused by insufficient qi and blood; ⑦ Replenishes qi and generates blood, used to treat various symptoms of blood deficiency; ⑧ Replenishes qi and controls blood, used to treat bleeding caused by qi failing to control blood.
[Pharmacological Actions] It strengthens the excitation and inhibition processes of the central nervous system, with a more significant excitation effect; promotes learning and memory; strengthens the heart; resists myocardial ischemia; dilates blood vessels; bidirectionally regulates blood pressure; resists shock; protects and stimulates bone marrow hematopoietic function; inhibits platelet aggregation; lowers blood lipids; resists arteriosclerosis; enhances immunity; resists tumors; enhances the function of the pituitary-adrenal cortex system; stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotropins; enhances thyroid function; promotes insulin release; lowers blood sugar; promotes protein synthesis; resists aging; improves stress resistance; resists ulcers; protects the liver; resists diuresis; resists radiation; resists oxidation; resists inflammation; and resists bacteria.
[Modern Applications] Shock, arrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome, heart failure, coronary heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, hypercoagulability, anemia, leukopenia, neurasthenia, chronic hepatitis, acute hepatitis B, impotence, postpartum hemorrhage, critical neonatal diseases, neonatal scleroderma, rhinitis, anal prolapse, tumors.
[Usage]Decoction, 3-10 grams, large doses up to 30 grams, decocted separately and taken with the decoction; or made into pills or powders, 1-2 grams.
[Caution] This medication is contraindicated for those with excess syndromes or heat syndromes who are not deficient in vital energy. It is incompatible with Veratrum nigrum. It should not be consumed with tea or radish.
Codonopsis pilosula
This product is the root of Codonopsis pilosula, Codonopsis pilosula var. sarcodactylis, or Codonopsis pilosula var. chuanxiong, all belonging to the Campanulaceae family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, neutral.
[Functions] ① Tonifies the spleen and stomach qi, used to treat spleen and stomach weakness, fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools; ② Tonifies the lung qi, used to treat lung qi weakness, cough and shortness of breath; ③ Tonifies qi and generates blood, used to treat various symptoms of blood deficiency.
[Pharmacological Actions] Enhances immunity, improves stress response, regulates blood pressure, resists myocardial ischemia, improves cardiac function, increases blood cell count, inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombosis, sedates and anticonvulsants, relieves pain and fever, resists ulcers, protects the liver, fights tumors, enhances memory, improves microcirculation, resists aging, relieves cough and expectorates, increases plasma corticosterone levels, raises blood sugar, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
[Modern Applications] Peptic ulcers, infantile diarrhea, viral enteritis, chronic hepatitis, chronic bronchitis, hypotension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, anemia, acute altitude sickness, nephritis, neurosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, myopia, rectal prolapse.
[Usage] Decocted and taken orally, 6-15 grams. For nourishing body fluids and blood, use raw; for tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen, use stir-fried.
[Caution] This medication is contraindicated in cases of excess syndrome or heat syndrome where the body's vital energy is not deficient.
Schisandra chinensis
This product is the fruit of Schisandra chinensis or Schisandra chinensis, both belonging to the Magnoliaceae family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sour, sweet, warm.
[Functions] ①Astringent and consolidating, used to treat spontaneous sweating, night sweats, chronic cough and asthma, chronic diarrhea, seminal emission and enuresis; ②Invigorating qi and generating fluids, used to treat excessive sweating and thirst due to qi and yin deficiency in febrile diseases and diabetes; ③Tonifying the kidneys and calming the mind, used to treat insomnia and palpitations due to restlessness; ④Tonifying the kidneys and stopping asthma, used to treat asthma due to kidney deficiency and inability to receive qi.
[Pharmacological Actions] Sedative, analgesic, bidirectionally regulates the excitation and inhibition processes of the cerebral cortex, anti-fatigue, anti-liver damage, choleretic, expectorant, antitussive, respiratory stimulant, cardiotonic, vasodilator, bidirectionally regulates blood pressure, enhances immunity, improves the body's adaptability, anti-ulcer, stimulates the uterus, anti-tumor, anti-aging, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and ascaridicide.
[Modern Applications] Viral hepatitis, elevated alanine aminotransferase in non-hepatitis, neurosis, bacterial dysentery, hypotension, Keshan disease, severe asthma, prolonged labor, nasal polyps.
[Usage] Decocted and taken orally, 3-6 grams.
[Caution] This product is contraindicated for those with external pathogenic factors, early-stage cough, early-stage measles, or internal heat.
Astragalus
This product is the root of Astragalus mongholicus or Astragalus membranaceus, both belonging to the legume family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, warm.
[Functions] ① Tonifies Qi and raises Yang, used to treat fatigue, weakness, poor appetite and loose stools due to spleen and stomach Qi deficiency; chronic diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and visceral prolapse due to sinking of middle Qi; numbness of limbs and hemiplegia due to Qi deficiency and blood stasis; ② Tonifies the lungs and strengthens the exterior, used to treat cough, asthma and shortness of breath due to lung deficiency; spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency; and external pathogenic factors due to Qi deficiency; ③ Promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, used to treat edema due to spleen deficiency; ④ Promotes tissue regeneration and healing, used to treat carbuncles and boils caused by Qi and blood deficiency.
[Pharmacological Actions] Enhances immunity, promotes hematopoietic function, inhibits platelet aggregation, stimulates myocardium, resists myocardial ischemia, lowers blood pressure, promotes diuresis, anti-aging, enhances learning and memory, sedates, stimulates respiration, bidirectionally regulates blood sugar, estrogen-like effects, anti-stress, protects the liver, detoxifies, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and anti-ulcer.
[Modern Applications] Respiratory tract infections, prevention of colds, chronic hepatitis, hepatitis B surface antigen positive, peptic ulcers, bacterial dysentery, bronchial asthma, nephritis, proteinuria, hypotension, leukopenia, lupus erythematosus, late-stage schistosomiasis, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cervical erosion, soft tissue pain in the lower back and legs, rhinitis.
[Usage] Decocted and taken orally, 10-15 grams, large doses can be up to 30-60 grams. For invigorating qi and raising yang, it is advisable to use roasted; for consolidating the exterior, promoting diuresis, and promoting the healing of sores, it is advisable to use raw.
[Caution] This product is contraindicated in cases of excess pathogenic factors, internal stagnation, yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity, or yang syndrome of sores and ulcers.
Atractylodes macrocephala
This product is the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, a plant in the Asteraceae family.
[Properties and Flavors] Bitter, sweet, warm.
[Functions] ① Tonifies Qi and strengthens the spleen, used to treat spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal distension, fatigue and weakness; ② Dries dampness and promotes diuresis, used to treat spleen deficiency edema, phlegm retention, and dampness-related arthralgia; ③ Stops sweating, used to treat spontaneous sweating due to Qi deficiency; ④ Calms the fetus, used to treat fetal restlessness due to Qi deficiency.
[Pharmacological Actions] Diuretic, anti-ulcer, regulates gastrointestinal function, anti-tumor, tonic, antibacterial, antifungal, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, immune-enhancing, increases white blood cell count, stabilizes pregnancy, protects the liver, promotes bile secretion, inhibits cardiac function, antioxidant.
[Modern Applications] Infant diarrhea, drooling in children, indigestion, constipation, gastroptosis, ascites due to cirrhosis, chronic lower back and leg pain, Meniere's disease, suppurative otitis media, tumors.
[Usage] Decocted and taken orally, 5-15 grams. For drying dampness, promoting diuresis, and stopping sweating, use raw; for invigorating qi, strengthening the spleen, and calming the fetus, use stir-fried; for stopping diarrhea, use charred.
[Caution]Use with caution if you have yin deficiency and internal heat or depletion of body fluids.
yam
This product is the rhizome of Dioscorea opposita, a plant belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, neutral.
[Functions] ① Tonifies the spleen and stomach, used to treat spleen and stomach weakness, poor appetite and fatigue, loose stools and chronic diarrhea, malnutrition and leukorrhea; ② Tonifies the lungs and kidneys, used to treat lung and kidney yin deficiency, seminal emission, frequent urination, chronic cough and asthma, and diabetes.
[Pharmacological effects] Lowers blood sugar, lowers blood lipids, enhances immunity, regulates gastrointestinal function, has antioxidant properties, scavenges free radicals, has anti-aging effects, has androgen-like effects, and promotes wound healing.
[Modern Applications] Diabetes, hepatitis, cirrhosis, neurasthenia, scleroderma, persistent pneumonia, infantile indigestion, childhood enuresis, pregnancy vomiting, ulcerative stomatitis.
[Usage] Decocted and taken orally, 15-30 grams, with larger doses up to 60-250 grams. For nourishing yin and promoting body fluids, it is best used raw; for strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, it is best used stir-fried.
[Caution]This product is contraindicated for those with dampness obstructing the middle burner or internal stagnation.
licorice
This product is the root and rhizome of licorice, licorice inflata, or licorice glossica, all belonging to the legume family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, neutral.
[Functions] ① Tonifies the heart and spleen, used to treat palpitations and irregular pulse due to deficiency of heart qi, shortness of breath and weakness due to deficiency of spleen and stomach, and hysteria in women; ② Moistens the lungs and relieves cough, used to treat cough; ③ Relieves spasms and pain, used to treat acute pain; ④ Moderates the properties of other medicines, reducing their side effects when combined with strong Chinese medicines; ⑤ Clears heat and detoxifies, used to treat sore throat due to heat toxins, carbuncles and boils, and drug and food poisoning.
[Pharmacological Actions] Adrenocortical hormone-like effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory, detoxifying, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, lipid-lowering, antiarrhythmic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant, antidiuretic, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anti-HIV, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-aging.
[Modern Applications] Chronic adrenocortical insufficiency, pituitary hypofunction, impotence, premature ventricular contractions, hypotension, viral hepatitis, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, infantile constipation, pertussis, thrombocytopenic purpura, allergic purpura, malaria, AIDS, acute mastitis, phlebitis, gastrocnemius muscle spasm, burns, frostbite, chronic pharyngitis, oral ulcers, ear, nose and throat inflammation, contact dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, pruritus, chapped hands and feet, tinea pedis.
[Usage] Decocted and taken orally, 2-10 grams, with larger doses up to 30-60 grams. For clearing heat and detoxifying, use raw; for tonifying the middle and relieving spasms, use roasted.
[Caution]This product is contraindicated in cases of dampness obstructing the middle burner and edema. It is incompatible with Euphorbia kansui, Euphorbia pekinensis, Daphne genkwa, and Sargassum.
Honey
This product is honey produced by the Chinese honeybee or the Italian honeybee, both belonging to the honeybee family.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, neutral.
[Functions] ① Tonifies the middle and relieves spasms, used to treat abdominal pain due to deficiency of the middle and weakness of the spleen and stomach; ② Moistens the lungs and stops cough, used to treat dry cough due to lung dryness and dry throat; ③ Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movement, used to treat constipation due to intestinal dryness; ④ Detoxifies, used to detoxify aconite and prepared aconite root, and applied externally to treat sores and burns.
[Pharmacological Actions] Nourishes the myocardium, has a mild laxative effect, bidirectionally regulates gastric acid secretion, enhances immunity, has anti-aging properties, regulates blood sugar, has estrogen-like effects, is antibacterial, expectorant, astringent, and nourishes wounds.
[Modern Applications] Peptic ulcers, intestinal obstruction caused by ascariasis, vaginal bleeding, burns, frostbite, chilblains, corneal ulcers, blepharitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and tumor prevention.
[Usage] Take 15-30 grams by dissolving in water; or make into a paste or pills and take as needed. For external use, apply as needed.
[Caution]This product is contraindicated for those with damp-heat phlegm retention, abdominal distension and fullness, loose stools and diarrhea.
Acanthopanax senticosus
This product is the root and rhizome of Acanthopanax senticosus, a plant belonging to the Araliaceae family.
[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, slightly bitter, warm.
[Functions] ① Tonifies Qi, strengthens the spleen and kidneys, and is used to treat spleen and kidney Yang deficiency, physical weakness, loss of appetite, and soreness of the waist and knees; ② Calms the mind and is used to treat insomnia, dreaminess, and forgetfulness; ③ Promotes blood circulation and unblocks collaterals, and is used to treat chest pain, wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, and swelling and pain from falls and injuries.
[Pharmacological Actions] Sedative, improves learning and memory, anti-fatigue, anti-radiation, anti-stress, anti-hypoxia, high and low temperature tolerance, anti-aging, regulates the secretory function of adrenal cortex, thyroid and pancreas, gonadotropin-like effect, immune enhancement, anti-tumor, bidirectional regulation of blood pressure, improves cerebral blood supply, anti-myocardial ischemia, antitussive and expectorant, antibacterial and antiviral, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, reduces basal metabolism.
[Modern Applications] Neurasthenia, leukopenia, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, thromboangiitis obliterans, Raynaud's disease, chronic bronchitis, melasma, acute altitude sickness.
[Usage] Decocted for oral administration, 6-15 grams. For external use, apply as needed.
[Caution]Use with caution if you have yin deficiency and excessive fire.