State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Cimicifugae Rhizoma

Common Name

Chinese Cimicifuga Rhizome

Category

Cool, Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior

Ingredients

Taste

Sweet, Acrid

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Slightly Cold

Action / Indication

1. Discharges exterior conditions and vents measles: for headache due to exterior wind-heat or the early stages of measles.
2. Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for various manifestations of fire toxin in the upper or superficial aspects of the body. It is commonly used for sore teeth, swollen or painful gums, ulcerated lips or gums, canker sores, painful and swollen throat, sores, or maculae from warm-heat pathogen diseases.
3.  Raises the yang and lifts what has sunken: for middle qi deficiency leading to such symptoms as shortness of breath, fatigue, and prolapse. Also used for Girdle vessel spasm and as a messenger to guide the effects of other herbs upward. 
   

Treatment Principles

Releases the Exterior
Clears Wind-Heat
Vents Measles
Clears Heat Toxin
Raises Yang Qi

Contraindication

Yin deficiency heat, yang rising, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, full-blown measles, and bleeding in the upper body.

Dosages

1.5-9g. 15g maximum. To raise fallen yang qi use a small dose, honey-fried. To clear heat toxins use a large dose, raw.

Meridians

LU, LI, SP, ST

Tom's Comment

1. Sheng Ma is often used with Chai Hu to raise the Yang Qi especially in organ prolapsed formulations.

Source

Formula Type