✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Astringent Herbs.
Introduction: Astringent Herbs: also known as discharge-stopping herbs, an agent or substance that stops discharges such as sweat, diarrhea, urine, blood, leukorrhea and semen.
Astringent Herbs have functions of discharging-arresting, constringency and inducing astringency, and are mainly used for discharging and exhaustion syndrome, etc, also known as discharge-stopping herbs, these herbs are mostly sour, puckery in flavor, warm or neutral in property.
According to the difference of its functions, astringent herbs are classified into several kinds: ①.superficies-strengthening anhidrotic herbs, ②.lung-intestine astringent herbs, ③.spontaneous emission and leukorrhagia-arresting and polyuria-arresting herbs, etc.
Superficies-strengthening anhidrotic herbs are herbs that arrest excessive sweating by strengthening the superficies. Superficies-strengthening anhidrotic herbs are used to treat syndromes of spontaneous perspiration due to Qi deficiency and lowered superficial resistance, striae of the skin and muscles being loose, body fluid leak, and night sweating due to Yin deficiency and could not bind Yang, body fluid leaking forced by Yang, this kind of herbs could enter the superficies and regulate the Wei system, and protect the Cou Li (space between skin and muscles), and have functions of strengthening exterior and reducing sweat. Representative herbs of this kind are Fructus Tritici Levis (Fú Xiǎo Mài), and other herbs including Radix Oryzae Glutinosae (Nuò Dào Gēn), etc.
Lung-intestine astringent herbs are herbs that relieves cough and asthma, and arrests chronic diarrhea. Lung-intestine astringent herbs are sour and puckery in flavor, have functions of astringing the lung to relieve cough, astringing the intestine to relieve darrhea, are mainly used for the treatment of asthma syndrome of lung-kidney deficiency, lung deficiency and chronic cough, chronic diarrhea and chronic dysentery due to cold and deficiency of large intestine and could not astringe, deficiency and cold of spleen and kidney, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Fructus Schisandrae (Wǔ Wèi Zǐ), Fructus Mume (Wū Méi), and other herbs including Galla Chinensis (Wǔ Bèi Zǐ), Fructus Chebulae (Hē Zǐ), Pericarpium Granati (Shí Liu Pí), Semen Myristicae (Ròu Dòu Kòu), Halloysitum Rubrum (Chì Shí Zhī), Limonitum (Yǔ Yú Liánɡ), etc.
Spontaneous emission and leukorrhagia-arresting and polyuria-arresting herbs are herbs that relieving spontaneous emission and leukorrhagia, relieving polyuria, some herbs has functions of replenishing kidney, and are use for syndromes of spontaneous emission, involuntary emission, enuresis (urinary incontinence), polyuria (frequency of micturition), leukorrhagia, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Fructus Corni (Shān Zhū Yú), and other herbs including Fructus Rosae Laevigatae (Jīn Yīnɡ Zǐ), Semen Nelumbinis (Lián Zǐ), Stamen Nelumbinis(Lián Xū), Semen Euryales (Qiàn Shí), Fructus Rubi (Fù Pén Zi), Os Sepiae (Hǎi Piāo Shāo), Concha Ostreae Usta (Duàn Mǔ Lì), etc.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [17] kinds of common TCM herbs, [17] kinds of related plant species, [6] kinds of related animals species, [2] kinds of related minerals, are recorded in this category.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [1] kinds of common TCM herbs, [1] kinds of related plant species, are recorded in this category. These superficies-strengthening anhidrotic herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Fructus Tritici Levis (Light Wheat)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Tritici Levis is the dried, lightweight (shrunken or underdeveloped) grains of Triticum aestivum L. It is used clinically as an antihidrotic for spontaneous sweating and night sweats. Commonly known as Light Wheat, Fú Xiǎo Mài, or Fructus Tritici Levis.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [8] kinds of common TCM herbs, [10] kinds of related plant species, [2] kinds of related minerals, are recorded in this category. These lung-intestine astringent herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Fructus Schisandrae (Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Schisandrae is the dried, ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. or Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. It is used as an astringent to treat dry cough, asthma, night sweats, seminal emission, and chronic diarrhea, and as a tranquilizer to alleviate palpitations and insomnia. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Schisandrae, Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit, or Wǔ Wèi Zǐ.
Fructus Mume (Smoked Plum)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Mume is the dried, nearly ripe fruit of Prunus mume (Sieb.) Sieb. et Zucc. It is used clinically as an antidiarrheal, antitussive, antithirst (antidiabetic), and anthelmintic agent for treating chronic diarrhea, persistent cough, morbid thirst (xiao ke), and ascariasis. Commonly known as Smoked Plum, Dark Plum, or Wū Méi.
Galla Chinensis (Chinese Gall)
Brief Introduction:Galla Chinensis is a gall induced primarily by the aphid Melaphis chinensis (Bell) Baker on the leaves of sumac species—including Rhus chinensis Mill., Rhus potaninii Maxim., and Rhus punjabensis Stewart var. sinica (Diels) Rehder et Wilson. It is used internally as an astringent to treat persistent cough, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, hematochezia, and enuresis; and externally for burns, traumatic bleeding, hemorrhoids, and oral ulcers. It is commonly known as Chinese Gall or Wǔ Bèi Zǐ.
Fructus Chebulae (Terminalia Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Chebulae is the dried, ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. or Terminalia chebula Retz. var. tomentella (Kurz.) C.B. Clarke. It is used as an antidiarrheal and antitussive agent for treating chronic diarrhea or dysentery, persistent cough, and hoarseness. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Chebulae, Terminalia Fruit, or Hē Zǐ.
Pericarpium Granati (Pomegranate Rind)
Brief Introduction:Pericarpium Granati is the dried pericarp of Punica granatum L., used clinically as an antidiarrheal for chronic diarrhea and dysentery, and as an anthelmintic for intestinal taeniasis and ascariasis. It is commonly known as Pericarpium Granati, Pomegranate Rind, or Shí Liú Pí.
Semen Myristicae (Nutmeg)
Brief Introduction:Semen Myristicae is the dried kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt., used as an antidiarrheal agent by warming the spleen and stomach for the treatment of chronic diarrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Myristicae, nutmeg, or Ròu Dòu Kòu.
Halloysitum Rubrum (Red Halloysite)
Brief Introduction:Halloysitum Rubrum is a naturally occurring hydrated aluminum silicate mineral, reddish in color due to trace iron oxide impurities. It is used as an antidiarrheal and hemostatic agent for chronic diarrhea, menorrhagia, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Halloysitum Rubrum, red halloysite, or Chì Shí Zhī.
Limonitum (Limonite)
Brief Introduction:Limonitum is a brownish iron ore, primarily composed of hydrated iron oxide [FeO(OH)]. It is used as an astringent to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, menorrhagia, and leukorrhea. The herb is commonly known as Limonite or Yǔ Yú Liáng.
Spontaneous emission and leukorrhagia-arresting and polyuria-arresting herbs.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [8] kinds of common TCM herbs, [6] kinds of related plant species, [6] kinds of related animals species, are recorded in this category. These spontaneous emission and leukorrhagia-arresting and polyuria-arresting herbs are briefly introduced separately:
Fructus Corni (Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Corni is the dried, ripe sarcocarp of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. It is used: (1) to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, alleviating soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, and impotence; and (2) to astringe and arrest abnormal discharge—such as nocturnal emission, enuresis, metrorrhagia, and spontaneous sweating. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Corni, Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit, Common Macrocarpium Fruit, Fruit of Macrocarpium, or Shān Zhū Yú.
Fructus Rosae Laevigatae (Cherokee Rose Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Rosae Laevigatae is the dried, ripe pseudocarp (receptacle-derived fruit) of Rosa laevigata Michx., used clinically as an astringent to treat seminal emission, enuresis, urinary frequency, and chronic diarrhea. It is commonly known as Cherokee Rose Fruit, Jīn Yīnɡ Zǐ, or Fructus Rosae Laevigatae.
Semen Nelumbinis (Lotus Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Nelumbinis is the dried, ripe seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used as an astringent to treat chronic diarrhea, spontaneous emission, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Nelumbinis, Lotus Seed, or Lián Zǐ.
Stamen Nelumbinis (Lotus Stamen)
Brief Introduction:Stamen Nelumbinis is the dried stamen of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used as an astringent to consolidate Kidney Qi for treating seminal emission and pathological leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Lián Xū.
Semen Euryales (Gordon Euryale Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Euryales is the dried kernel of the ripe seed of Euryale ferox Salisb., used as an astringent to treat chronic diarrhea, spontaneous emission, enuresis, and pathological leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Euryales, Gordon Euryale Seed, Seed of Gordon Euryale, or Qiàn Shí.
Fructus Rubi (Palmleaf Raspberry Fruit)
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Rubi is the steamed and dried fruit of Rubus chingii Hu (family Rosaceae), used as an astringent for the treatment of frequent micturition, enuresis, and seminal emission. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Rubi, Palmleaf Raspberry Fruit, Fù Pén Zi.
Os Sepiae (Cuttlebone)
Brief Introduction: The herb Os Sepiae is the dried internal shell of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune , or Sepia esculenta Hoyle(family Sepiadae), used as a hemostatic and antacid agent for the treatment of hematemesis, bloody stool, menorrhagia, acid regurgitation and leukorrhagia. The herb is commonly known as Os Sepiae, Cuttlebone, Endoconcha Sepiae, Hǎi Piāo Shāo.
Concha Ostreae Usta (Calcined Oyster Shell)
Brief Introduction: The herb Concha Ostreae Usta is the calcined shell of oyster, Ostrea gigas Thunb., Ostrea talienwhanensis Crosse or Ostrea rivularis Gould(family Ostreidae), used as an astringent and antacid for the treatment of excessive sweating, seminal emission, leukorrhagia and acid regurgitation. The herb is commonly known as Concha Ostreae Usta, Calcined Oyster Shell, Duàn Mǔ Lì.
✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Introduction: Astringent Herbs: also known as discharge-stopping herbs, an agent or substance that stops discharges such as sweat, diarrhea, urine, blood, leukorrhea and semen.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Tritici Levis is the dried, lightweight (shrunken or underdeveloped) grains of Triticum aestivum L. It is used clinically as an antihidrotic for spontaneous sweating and night sweats. Commonly known as Light Wheat, Fú Xiǎo Mài, or Fructus Tritici Levis.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Schisandrae is the dried, ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. or Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. It is used as an astringent to treat dry cough, asthma, night sweats, seminal emission, and chronic diarrhea, and as a tranquilizer to alleviate palpitations and insomnia. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Schisandrae, Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit, or Wǔ Wèi Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Mume is the dried, nearly ripe fruit of Prunus mume (Sieb.) Sieb. et Zucc. It is used clinically as an antidiarrheal, antitussive, antithirst (antidiabetic), and anthelmintic agent for treating chronic diarrhea, persistent cough, morbid thirst (xiao ke), and ascariasis. Commonly known as Smoked Plum, Dark Plum, or Wū Méi.
Brief Introduction: Galla Chinensis is a gall induced primarily by the aphid Melaphis chinensis (Bell) Baker on the leaves of sumac species—including Rhus chinensis Mill., Rhus potaninii Maxim., and Rhus punjabensis Stewart var. sinica (Diels) Rehder et Wilson. It is used internally as an astringent to treat persistent cough, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, hematochezia, and enuresis; and externally for burns, traumatic bleeding, hemorrhoids, and oral ulcers. It is commonly known as Chinese Gall or Wǔ Bèi Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Chebulae is the dried, ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. or Terminalia chebula Retz. var. tomentella (Kurz.) C.B. Clarke. It is used as an antidiarrheal and antitussive agent for treating chronic diarrhea or dysentery, persistent cough, and hoarseness. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Chebulae, Terminalia Fruit, or Hē Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Pericarpium Granati is the dried pericarp of Punica granatum L., used clinically as an antidiarrheal for chronic diarrhea and dysentery, and as an anthelmintic for intestinal taeniasis and ascariasis. It is commonly known as Pericarpium Granati, Pomegranate Rind, or Shí Liú Pí.
Brief Introduction: Semen Myristicae is the dried kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt., used as an antidiarrheal agent by warming the spleen and stomach for the treatment of chronic diarrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Myristicae, nutmeg, or Ròu Dòu Kòu.
Brief Introduction: Halloysitum Rubrum is a naturally occurring hydrated aluminum silicate mineral, reddish in color due to trace iron oxide impurities. It is used as an antidiarrheal and hemostatic agent for chronic diarrhea, menorrhagia, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Halloysitum Rubrum, red halloysite, or Chì Shí Zhī.
Brief Introduction: Limonitum is a brownish iron ore, primarily composed of hydrated iron oxide [FeO(OH)]. It is used as an astringent to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, menorrhagia, and leukorrhea. The herb is commonly known as Limonite or Yǔ Yú Liáng.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Corni is the dried, ripe sarcocarp of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. It is used: (1) to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, alleviating soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, and impotence; and (2) to astringe and arrest abnormal discharge—such as nocturnal emission, enuresis, metrorrhagia, and spontaneous sweating. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Corni, Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit, Common Macrocarpium Fruit, Fruit of Macrocarpium, or Shān Zhū Yú.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Rosae Laevigatae is the dried, ripe pseudocarp (receptacle-derived fruit) of Rosa laevigata Michx., used clinically as an astringent to treat seminal emission, enuresis, urinary frequency, and chronic diarrhea. It is commonly known as Cherokee Rose Fruit, Jīn Yīnɡ Zǐ, or Fructus Rosae Laevigatae.
Brief Introduction: Semen Nelumbinis is the dried, ripe seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used as an astringent to treat chronic diarrhea, spontaneous emission, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Nelumbinis, Lotus Seed, or Lián Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Stamen Nelumbinis is the dried stamen of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used as an astringent to consolidate Kidney Qi for treating seminal emission and pathological leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Lián Xū.
Brief Introduction: Semen Euryales is the dried kernel of the ripe seed of Euryale ferox Salisb., used as an astringent to treat chronic diarrhea, spontaneous emission, enuresis, and pathological leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Euryales, Gordon Euryale Seed, Seed of Gordon Euryale, or Qiàn Shí.
Brief Introduction: The herb Fructus Rubi is the steamed and dried fruit of Rubus chingii Hu (family Rosaceae), used as an astringent for the treatment of frequent micturition, enuresis, and seminal emission. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Rubi, Palmleaf Raspberry Fruit, Fù Pén Zi.
Brief Introduction: The herb Os Sepiae is the dried internal shell of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune , or Sepia esculenta Hoyle(family Sepiadae), used as a hemostatic and antacid agent for the treatment of hematemesis, bloody stool, menorrhagia, acid regurgitation and leukorrhagia. The herb is commonly known as Os Sepiae, Cuttlebone, Endoconcha Sepiae, Hǎi Piāo Shāo.
Brief Introduction: The herb Concha Ostreae Usta is the calcined shell of oyster, Ostrea gigas Thunb., Ostrea talienwhanensis Crosse or Ostrea rivularis Gould(family Ostreidae), used as an astringent and antacid for the treatment of excessive sweating, seminal emission, leukorrhagia and acid regurgitation. The herb is commonly known as Concha Ostreae Usta, Calcined Oyster Shell, Duàn Mǔ Lì.