Chinese herbal medicines : comparisons and characteristics = 中药比较与中药特性 Chinese herbal medicines : comparisons and characteristics

Students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine must learn hundreds of commonly used herbs as the first step in studying Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, junior practitioners lack the clinical experience required to ensure that they can skilfully select the appropriate herbs to use in the formulas. This presents them with a major challenge. Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics presents a method of learning individual herbs through vivid and clear discussion of their characteristics and through a comparison with other herbs of their characteristics and strengths. This clear and logical approach makes it easy for the user to understand and memorize the functions of specific herbs. It also enables experienced practitioners to improve their therapeutic results through the use of better formulas. Key features of the new edition * Retains the same easy to follow format as the first edition * Presents detailed comparisons and discussions of commonly used Chinese herbs * Provides a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers * Structured to help the reader to learn and memorize the content more easily * The easy-to-use question-andanswer format is convenient to apply in the consulting room * Includes discussion of clinical applications to help with the practical use of the information in clinical setting * Revised and updated with particular emphasis on the safe use of Chinese herbal medicines * New appendices provide information on safe dosages, commonly used herbal combinations and the meanings of Chinese words used in herbal names * Provides a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicinse: Comparisons and Characteristics is already wellknown to students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine. This new, improved edition will continue to be of value to students and practitioners alike. It is now supported by a new companion volume by the same author entitled Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Together these two books provide a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine. * Retains the same easy to follow format as the first edition * Presents detailed comparisons and discussions of commonly used Chinese herbs * Provides a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers * Structured to help the reader to learn and memorize the content more easily * The easy-to-use question-andanswer format is convenient to apply in the consulting room * Includes discussion of clinical applications to help with the practical use of the information in clinical setting * Revised and updated with particular emphasis on the safe use of Chinese herbal medicines * New appendices provide information on safe dosages, commonly used herbal combinations and the meanings of Chinese words used in herbal names * Provides a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine. Copyright page......Page 2 Foreword......Page 3 Preface to the first edition......Page 4 Notes on the second edition......Page 6 Explanation of the figures......Page 7 Acknowledgements......Page 8 What are the four flavors of Chinese herbs? What are their applications in clinical practice?......Page 9 Sweetness......Page 10 Bitterness......Page 11 Aromatic herbs......Page 12 Pungent-bitter herbs can disperse and descend the Qi and Blood......Page 13 Bitter-cold herbs can clear Heat, reduce Fire and eliminate Damp-Heat......Page 14 What are the applications of the concept that herbs enter meridians?......Page 15 Do the taste and the color of herbs influence their function? What is the relationship between the taste of herbs and the internal organs, and what is the relationship between their color and the internal organs? What are the clinical applications?......Page 16 What are the tendencies of action of the herbs in the body and what are the applications?......Page 17 Regulating the Liver-Qi......Page 18 What are the specific functions of the specific parts of a plant?......Page 19 What are the proper dosages when prescribing herbs?......Page 20 Light herbs......Page 21 What is the proper dosage for children?......Page 22 What is the usual way to take herbal medicine?......Page 23 Contraindications of particular syndromes......Page 24 Cautions about herb combinations......Page 25 Cautions about diet......Page 26 Which herbs can be used as substitutes for substances that are banned or unavailable?......Page 27 What attention should be paid to some common names of herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine?......Page 28 Pungent or pungent and warm......Page 29 Ma Huang (Ephedrae herba)* and Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi cassiae ramulus) can both expel Wind-Cold to treat Exterior Wind-Cold syndrome. What are the differences between their actions and characteristics? What are the cautions regarding their use?......Page 30 What are the differences between the actions of Ma Huang (Ephedrae herba)*, Zhi Ma Huang (honey-roasted Ephedrae herba) and Ma Huang Gen (Ephedrae radix)?......Page 31 Jing Jie (Schizonepetae herba) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae radix) are often used for Exterior Wind-Cold syndrome. What are the differences between using Ma Huang (Ephedrae herba) and Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi cassiae ramulus)?......Page 32 Xi Xin (Asari herba)* is a commonly used herb for Exterior syndrome and Bi syndrome. What are its characteristics? What caution should be applied in clinical practice?......Page 33 Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis rhizoma recens), Sheng Jiang Zhi (Zingiberis rhizoma recens succus), Wei Jiang (roasted Zingiberis rhizoma recens) and Sheng Jiang Pi (Zingiberis rhizoma recens cortex) are all products of the same herb. What are the differences be......Page 34 Qiang Huo (Notopterygii rhizoma), Bai Zhi (Angelicae dahuricae radix), Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong rhizoma) and Gao Ben (Ligustici sinensis radix) are often used for treating headache. What are the differences between their actions?......Page 35 Ge Gen (Puerariae radix), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae rhizoma) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri radix) are all commonly used herbs for dispersing and lifting the Yang-Qi. What are the differences between them?......Page 36 Bo He (Menthae herba), Chan Tui (Cicadae periostracum), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii fructus), Jiang Can (Bombyx batrycatus) and Jing Jie (Schizonepetae herba) are able to expel Wind and alleviate itching, and are commonly used for different skin diseases. What ar......Page 37 Bo He (Menthae herba), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi indici flos), Sang Ye (Mori folium) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri radix) have similar functions of expelling and dispersing Wind-Heat in the Upper Jiao. What are the differences between them?......Page 38 How many kinds of Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi indici flos) are used for medical purposes and how does one choose the correct one in practice?......Page 39 Expelling of Wind, clearing of Heat and treatment of skin diseases......Page 40 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that release the Exterior......Page 41 Sweet and cold......Page 44 What kind of diseases can be treated by the herbs that clear Heat? How should one choose the herbs in clinical practice?......Page 45 Heat in the Spleen and Stomach......Page 46 Heat in the Defensive level......Page 47 What are the characteristics of Shi Gao (Gypsum)? Why is it often used with Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae rhizoma)? What are the differences between their actions?......Page 48 Why is Shi Gao (Gypsum) the first-line choice when Excessive-Heat spreads through the entire body?......Page 49 What are the differences in clearing Liver-Heat between the herbs Zhi Zi (Gardeniae fructus), Xia Ku Cao (Prunellae spica), Long Dan Cao (Gentianae radix) and Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan fructus)?......Page 50 What are the characteristics of the herbs that clear Liver-Heat and benefit the eyes?......Page 51 What are the differences between Chi Shao Yao (Paeoniae radix rubra) and Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae radix lactiflora)?......Page 52 What are the differences between the products of Di Huang (Rehmanniae radix)?......Page 53 How many kinds of Zhu Ye (Bambusae folium) are used in Chinese herbal medicine? What are their differences?......Page 54 Dan Dou Chi (Sojae semen praeparatum) and Zhi Zi (Gardeniae fructus) can both treat Heat accumulation in the chest and release irritability. What are the differences between them?......Page 55 Which parts of the plant Lian (Nelumbinis) can be used for medical purposes and what are their functions?......Page 56 Why are herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness often used for skin diseases? What are the characteristics of the commonly used herbs?......Page 57 What is Fire-toxin syndrome and what are the differences between Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae flos) and Lian Qiao (Forsythiae fructus) in treating it?......Page 58 What kind of herbs can treat sore throat and benefit the throat?......Page 59 What are the differences between Qing Hao (Artemisiae annuae herba), Yin Chai Hu (Stellariae radix) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri radix) in regulating the Liver-Qi?......Page 60 What kind of herbs can be used for reducing Deficient-Heat in febrile disease? What are their characteristics? What are the differences between these herbs and the herbs that tonify the Yin and reduce Empty-Heat?......Page 61 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that clear Heat......Page 62 Fire-toxin accumulation......Page 66 Entering the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians, or Spleen, Lung and Kidney meridians......Page 67 What are the characteristics of Da Huang (Rhei rhizoma), Mang Xiao (Natrii sulfas), Fan Xie Ye (Sennae folium) and Lu Hui (Aloe folii extractus) as purgatives?......Page 68 What are the differences between Huo Ma Ren (Cannabis semen), Yu Li Ren (Pruni semen), Xing Ren (Armeniacae semen), Tao Ren (Persicae semen) and Hei Zhi Ma (Sesami semen nigricum) in their laxative effects?......Page 69 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that drain downwards......Page 70 Damp Painful Obstruction syndrome......Page 72 Entering the Kidney, Bladder and Liver meridians......Page 73 Dispersing the Lung-Qi, regulating the Qi from the Bladder meridian and expelling exogenous pathogenic factors......Page 74 What are the differences between Qiang Huo (Notopterygii rhizoma) and Du Huo (Angelicae pubescentis radix)?......Page 75 What are the characteristics of Xi Xin (Asari herba)*, Wei Ling Xian (Clematidis radix), Hai Tong Pi (Erythrinae cortex), Xi Xian Cao (Sigesbeckiae herba) and Lu Lu Tong (Liquidambaris fructus)?......Page 76 What are the characteristics of Fu Zi (Aconiti radix lateralis preparata)*, Chuan Wu (Aconiti carmichaeli radix)*, Cao Wu (Aconiti kusnezoffii radix)*, Xi Xin (Asari herba)* and Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi cassiae ramulus) for treating Bi syndrome? What are the pr......Page 77 What are the differences in the function of tonifying the Liver and Kidney, strengthening the tendons and bones between Xu Duan (Dipsaci radix), Gu Sui Bu (Drynariae rhizoma), Sang Ji Sheng (Taxilli herba) and Gou Ji (Cibotii rhizoma)**?......Page 78 What are the characteristics of Hai Feng Teng (Piperis caulis), Qing Feng Teng (Sinomenii caulis), Luo Shi Teng (Trachelospermi caulis) and Sang Zhi (Mori ramulus)?......Page 79 What precautions should be observed when herbs that expel Wind, Cold and Dampness and treat Bi syndrome are used?......Page 80 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that expel Wind-Dampness......Page 81 Bland taste......Page 84 Drying Dampness......Page 85 Fu Ling (Poria) can promote urination, tonify the Spleen and calm the Mind. What are its characteristics compared with other herbs which have the same function?......Page 86 Fu Ling (Poria), Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Ze Xie (Alismatis rhizoma) and Yi Yi Ren (Coicis semen) are all sweet and bland, and are able to transform and drain out Dampness. What are the differences between the four herbs?......Page 87 Mu Tong (Mutong caulis)* and Tong Cao (Tetrapanacis medulla) can both promote urination, drain Damp-Heat and promote lactation. What are the differences between them?......Page 88 Yin Chen Hao (Artemisiae scopariae herba) and Qing Hao (Artemisiae annuae herba) are both able to transform Damp-Heat, reduce low-grade fever and relieve jaundice. What are the differences between them?......Page 89 Qu Mai (Dianthi herba), Shi Wei (Pyrrosiae folium), Hai Jin Sha (Lygodii spora) and Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachiae herba) can be used for Blood-Painful Urinary Dysfunction syndrome. What are the differences between them?......Page 90 Which herbs can clear Heat from the Lung and promote urination? What are the indications for them?......Page 91 Which herbs can transform Damp-Heat from the Middle Jiao and reduce jaundice? What are the indications for them?......Page 92 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that transform Dampness......Page 93 What are the indications for and characteristics of the aromatic herbs that transform Dampness in the Middle Jiao?......Page 96 Huo Xiang (Agastachis herba), Pei Lan (Eupatorii herba), Zi Su Ye (Perillae folium) and Xiang Ru (Moslae herba) are all able to disperse and transform Dampness and ease the Exterior. What are the differences between them?......Page 97 Which herbs can aromatically eliminate Damp-Phlegm from the Heart and what are the symptoms in this syndrome?......Page 98 Locked-up syndrome and Collapsing syndrome can both occur in coma. What are the differences in the symptoms and the pathological changes between the two syndromes?......Page 99 What are the characteristics of the herbs that open the orifices and what precautions should be observed when they are used?......Page 100 Comparisons of strength and temperature in aromatic substances that transform Dampness, that are for external application and that open the orifices......Page 101 What are the indications for herbs that transform Phlegm? What are visible Phlegm and invisible Phlegm?......Page 104 Combining with herbs that transform Dampness and herbs that tonify the Spleen......Page 105 What are the characteristics of Jie Geng (Platycodi radix)?......Page 106 What are the differences between Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillariae cirrhosae bulbus) and Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillariae thunbergii bulbus)?......Page 107 What are the differences between Tian Zhu Huang (Bambusae concretio silicea), Zhu Li (Bambusae succus) and Zhu Ru (Bambusae caulis in taeniam)?......Page 108 What are the functions of Ban Xia (Pinelliae rhizoma)? What are the characteristics of processed Ban Xia?......Page 109 What are the differences between Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis rhizoma) and processed Nan Xing?......Page 110 Which herbs are able to moisten the Lung and loosen sputum?......Page 111 Which herbs are able to soothe the Stomach-Qi, and transform Phlegm and Dampness in the Stomach?......Page 112 Which herbs are able to soften hardness and dissipate nodules?......Page 113 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that transform Phlegm......Page 114 What are the characteristics of Mai Ya (Hordei fructus germinatus), Shen Qu (Massa medicata fermentata) and Shan Zha (Crataegi fructus)?......Page 117 What are the characteristics of Ji Nei Jin (Gigeriae galli endothelium corneum) and Shan Zha (Crataegi fructus)?......Page 118 What are the characteristics of Shi Jun Zi (Quisqualis fructus) and Ku Lian Pi (Meliae cortex)?......Page 119 What are the indications for and characteristics of the herbs that induce vomiting? What precautions should be observed in their use?......Page 120 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that relieve food stagnation, that expel parasites and that induce vomiting......Page 121 Pungent and warm in nature......Page 122 What are the differences in actions between Ju Hong (Citri erythrocarpae pars rubra epicarpii), Chen Pi (Citri reticulatae pericarpium), Ju Luo (Citri reticulatae fructus retinervus), Ju Ye (Citri reticulatae folium) and Ju He (Aurantii semen)?......Page 123 What are the characteristics of Xiang Fu (Cyperi rhizoma)?......Page 124 Which herbs are often used to promote Liver-Qi movement and what are their characteristics?......Page 125 Regulating Qi in the Middle Jiao and promoting digestion......Page 126 Harmonizing the Qi and Blood and treating disorders in a certain part of the body......Page 127 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that regulate the Qi......Page 128 What are the characteristics of herbs that promote the Blood circulation?......Page 131 Relieving pain......Page 132 Selecting proper herbs from the strength scale to treat a specific case of Blood stagnation......Page 133 What are the differences between Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong rhizoma) and Dan Shen (Salviae miltiorrhizae radix) in promoting the Blood circulation?......Page 134 What are the differences between Yi Mu Cao (Leonuri herba) and Ze Lan (Lycopi herba)?......Page 135 Yan Hu Suo (Corydalidis rhizoma) and Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterori faeces) are commonly used herbs for alleviating pain. What are the differences between them?......Page 136 What are the indications for herbs that cool the Blood and regulate its circulation?......Page 137 What are the functions of Zhe Chong (Eupolyphaga seu opisthoplatia)*, Shui Zhi (Hirudo) and Mang Chong (Tabanus)*?......Page 138 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that regulate the Blood......Page 139 Usage of charred herbs......Page 141 Xiao Ji (Cirsii herba) and Bai Mao Gen (Imperatae rhizoma) can both treat blood in the urine. What are the differences between them when they are used in clinical practice?......Page 142 Ai Ye (Artemisiae argyi folium), Pao Jiang (quick- fried Zingiberis rhizoma preparatum) and Zao Xin Tu (Terra flava usta) are substances for warming the Interior and stopping bleeding. What are the differences between them?......Page 143 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that stop bleeding......Page 144 Spleen-Yang deficiency......Page 147 Entering the Heart, Spleen and Kidney meridians......Page 148 Herbs that tonify the Yang......Page 149 Assisting in an opposite way to treat the syndrome of Yang collapse......Page 150 What are the differences between Fu Zi (Aconiti radix lateralis preparata)* and Gan Jiang (Zingiberis rhizoma)?......Page 151 What are the differences between Rou Gui (Cinnamomi cassiae cortex) and Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi cassiae ramulus)?......Page 152 What are the differences between Rou Gui (Cinnamomi cassiae cortex) and Ai Ye (Artemisiae argyi folium) in the function of warming the Qi and Blood in the Lower Jiao?......Page 153 Xiao Hui Xiang (Foeniculi fructus), Cao Dou Kou (Alpiniae katsumadai semen), Hua Jiao (Zanthoxyli fructus) and Ding Xiang (Caryophylli flos) all can warm the Middle Jiao and expel Damp-Cold. What are the differences between their functions?......Page 154 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that warm the Interior......Page 155 What are the functions of tonifying herbs and their indications? What precautions should be observed in their usage?......Page 157 What are the methods of ‘direct tonifying’ and ‘indirect tonifying’?......Page 158 What is the opinion of the ‘school of tonifying the Spleen’ in the herbal literature?......Page 159 What is the opinion of the ‘school of tonifying the Kidney’ in the herbal literature?......Page 160 What are the differences between strong tonification and gentle tonification?......Page 161 Sweet in taste......Page 162 Ren Shen (Ginseng radix) and Huang Qi (Astragali radix) are the most important herbs for tonifying the Qi. What are their characteristics?......Page 163 What are the differences between the different products of Ren Shen (Ginseng radix)?......Page 164 Xi Yang Shen (Panacis quinquefolii radix), Sheng Shai Shen (raw dried Ginseng radix), Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellariae radix) and Bei Sha Shen (Glehniae radix) are all able to tonify the Qi and Yin. What are the differences between their actions?......Page 165 What are the differences in actions and applications between Huang Qi (Astragali radix) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma)?......Page 166 What are the differences in the functions of tonifying the Spleen-Qi and eliminating Dampness between Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma) and Fu Ling (Poria)?......Page 167 What are the characteristics of Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae radix)?......Page 168 Sweet and cold......Page 169 What are the differences between Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae radix praeparata) and He Shou Wu (Polygoni multiflori radix) in nourishing the Blood?......Page 170 Which herbs can be used in the diet to tonify the Blood?......Page 171 Tonifying the thin-Yin or the thick-Yin......Page 172 Tian Men Dong (Asparagi radix), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis radix), Bei Sha Shen (Glehniae radix), Bai He (Lilii bulbus) and Yu Zhu (Polygonati odorati rhizoma) are able to nourish the Lung-Yin and reduce Heat in the Upper Jiao. What are the differences be......Page 173 Tian Men Dong (Asparagi radix), Shi Hu (Dendrobii caulis)**, Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustri lucidi fructus), Han Lian Cao (Ecliptae herba), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae radix) and Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae radix) are able to nourish the Kidney-Yin. What are the differ......Page 174 What are the indications for the herbs that tonify the Yang?......Page 175 What are the differences between warming the Yang and tonifying the Yang?......Page 176 What are the differences in the function of tonifying the Kidney and strengthening the bones between Du Zhong (Eucomniae cortex), Xu Duan (Dipsaci radix), Gou Ji (Cibotii rhizoma)** and Sang Ji Sheng (Taxilli herba)?......Page 177 References......Page 178 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that tonify......Page 179 What precautions should be observed in the use of astringent herbs?......Page 186 Which herbs can bind up the intestines and stop diarrhea and how should one prescribe them in clinical practice?......Page 187 Comparisons of strength and temperature in astringent herbs......Page 188 What are the characteristics of the substances that sedate the Spirit and calm the Mind? What precautions should be observed when using them?......Page 190 Ci Shi (Magnetitum), Zhen Zhu (Margarita usta), Zhen Zhu Mu (Concha margaritifera usta) and Hu Po (Succinum) are all used for disturbance of the Heart-Spirit. What are the differences between them?......Page 191 What are the differences between Long Gu (Mastodi fossilium ossis) and Mu Li (Ostrea concha) in the function of calming the Mind?......Page 192 Dang Gui (Angelicae sinensis radix), Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae radix lactiflora), Bai He (Lilii bulbus), Fu Ling (Poria), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae radix) and Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis radix) can all calm the Mind. What are the differences between them?......Page 193 Comparisons of strength and temperature in substances that sedate the Spirit and calm the Mind......Page 194 What are the treatment principles for the syndromes of Liver-Yang rising and Liver-Wind? What precautions should be observed in their treatment?......Page 196 Usage of worms for opening the collaterals and extinguishing Wind and relieving spasms......Page 197 Shi Jue Ming (Haliotidis concha), Zhen Zhu Mu (Concha margaritifera usta), Ci Shi (Magnetitum), Long Gu (Mastodi fossilium ossis) and Dai Zhe Shi (Haematitum) can all be used for the syndromes of Liver-Yang rising and Liver-Wind. What are the differences......Page 198 Quan Xie (Scorpio)*, Wu Gong (Scolopendra)* and Di Long (Pheretima) are all able to extinguish Liver-Wind, relieve spasms and control tremor. What are the differences between them?......Page 199 Jiang Can (Bombyx batrycatus), Bai Ji Li (Tribuli fructus), Chan Tui (Cicadae periostracum) and Jing Jie (Schizonepetae herba) are all able to relieve itching and treat itchy skin lesions or rashes. What are the differences between them?......Page 200 Comparisons of strength and temperature in herbs that sedate the Liver-Yang and extinguish Liver-Wind......Page 201 Dosage up to 6 g......Page 203 Dosage up to 30 g......Page 204 Dosage up to 120 g......Page 205 To clear Heat in the San Jiao......Page 206 To reduce Qi, water and food stagnation in the abdomen......Page 207 To expel Wind and open the meridians and collaterals......Page 208 To ascend the Yang and strengthen the Exterior......Page 209 Combinations to treat complicated syndromes or disorders......Page 210 To promote digestion......Page 211 To enter the Yin level and return to the Qi level in order to eliminate Heat at the Yin level in febrile disease......Page 212 Pi/Ke—skin, peel, bark, shell......Page 213 Xiang—aroma......Page 214 Herbs named with functions or appearance......Page 215 Pinyin names of herbs with Latin (pharmaceutical) equivalents......Page 216 Ancient classics......Page 221 Other sources of knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine......Page 222 Index......Page 223

Students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine must learn hundreds of commonly used herbs as the first step in studying Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, junior practitioners lack the clinical experience required to ensure that they can skilfully select the appropriate herbs to use in the formulas. This presents them with a major challenge.

Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics presents a method of learning individual herbs through vivid and clear discussion of their characteristics and through a comparison with other herbs of their characteristics and strengths. This clear and logical approach makes it easy for the user to understand and memorize the functions of specific herbs. It also enables experienced practitioners to improve their therapeutic results through the use of better formulas.

Key features of the new edition

• Retains the same easy to follow format as the first edition
• Presents detailed comparisons and discussions of commonly used Chinese herbs
• Provides a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers
• Structured to help the reader to learn and memorize the content more easily
• The easy-to-use question-andanswer format is convenient to apply in the consulting room
• Includes discussion of clinical applications to help with the practical use of the information in clinical setting
• Revised and updated with particular emphasis on the safe use of Chinese herbal medicines
• New appendices provide information on safe dosages, commonly used herbal combinations and the meanings of Chinese words used in herbal names
• Provides a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese Herbal Medicinse: Comparisons and Characteristics is already wellknown to students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine. This new, improved edition will continue to be of value to students and practitioners alike. It is now supported by a new companion volume by the same author entitled Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Together these two books provide a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine.

• Retains the same easy to follow format as the first edition
• Presents detailed comparisons and discussions of commonly used Chinese herbs
• Provides a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers
• Structured to help the reader to learn and memorize the content more easily
• The easy-to-use question-andanswer format is convenient to apply in the consulting room
• Includes discussion of clinical applications to help with the practical use of the information in clinical setting
• Revised and updated with particular emphasis on the safe use of Chinese herbal medicines
• New appendices provide information on safe dosages, commonly used herbal

combinations and the meanings of Chinese words used in herbal names

• Provides a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine.

Students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine must learn hundreds of commonly used herbs as the first step in studying Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, junior practitioners lack the clinical experience required to ensure that they can skilfully select the appropriate herbs to use in the formulas. This presents them with a major challenge.

Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics presents a method of learning individual herbs through vivid and clear discussion of their characteristics and through a comparison with other herbs of their characteristics and strengths. This clear and logical approach makes it easy for the user to understand and memorize the functions of specific herbs. It also enables experienced practitioners to improve their therapeutic results through the use of better formulas.

Key features of the new edition

• Retains the same easy to follow format as the first edition
• Presents detailed comparisons and discussions of commonly used Chinese herbs
• Provides a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers
• Structured to help the reader to learn and memorize the content more easily
• The easy-to-use question-andanswer format is convenient to apply in the consulting room
• Includes discussion of clinical applications to help with the practical use of the information in clinical setting
• Revised and updated with particular emphasis on the safe use of Chinese herbal medicines
• New appendices provide information on safe dosages, commonly used herbal combinations and the meanings of Chinese words used in herbal names
• Provides a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese Herbal Medicinse: Comparisons and Characteristics is already wellknown to students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine. This new, improved edition will continue to be of value to students and practitioners alike. It is now supported by a new companion volume by the same author entitled Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Together these two books provide a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine.

Detailed and vivid comparisons and discussions of Chinese herbs to help the reader memorize and understand their characteristics

Structured as a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers, again to help memorize the content

Includes "clinical applications" subsection within each section, to help the reader understand how to apply information better and more accurately in the clinical setting.

Students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine must learn hundreds of commonly used herbs as the first step in studying Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, junior practitioners lack the clinical experience required to ensure that they can skilfully select the appropriate herbs to use in the formulas. This presents them with a major challenge. Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics presents a method of learning individual herbs through vivid and clear discussion of their characteristics and through a comparison with other herbs of their characteristics and strengths. This clear and logical approach makes it easy for the user to understand and memorize the functions of specific herbs. It also enables experienced practitioners to improve their therapeutic results through the use of better formulas. Key features of the new edition Retains the same easy to follow format as the first edition Presents detailed comparisons and discussions of commonly used Chinese herbs Provides a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers Structured to help the reader to learn and memorize the content more easily The easy-to-use question-andanswer format is convenient to apply in the consulting room Includes discussion of clinical applications to help with the practical use of the information in clinical setting Revised and updated with particular emphasis on the safe use of Chinese herbal medicines New appendices provide information on safe dosages, commonly used herbal combinations and the meanings of Chinese words used in herbal names Provides a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicinse: Comparisons and Characteristics is already wellknown to students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine. This new, improved edition will continue to be of value to students and practitioners alike. It is now supported by a new companion volume by the same author entitled Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Together these two books provide a sound foundation for the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine. Detailed and vivid comparisons and discussions of Chinese herbs to help the reader memorize and understand their characteristics Structured as a series of thought-provoking questions with very detailed answers, again to help memorize the content Includes "clinical applications" subsection within each section, to help the reader understand how to apply information better and more accurately in the clinical setting. "Students and practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine must learn hundreds of commonly used herbs as the first step in studying Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, junior practitioners lack the clinical experience required to ensure that they can skillfully select the appropriate herbs to use in the formulas. This presents them with a major challenge." "Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics presents a method of learning individual herbs through vivid and clear discussion of their characteristics and through a comparison with other herbs of their characteristics and strengths. This clear and logical approach makes it easy for the user to understand and memorize the functions of specific herbs. It also enables experienced practitioners to improve their therapeutic results through the use of proper herbs to make better formulas."--BOOK JACKET