State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Curcumae Radix

Common Name

Curcuma Root Tuber

Category

Regulate Blood/Invigorate the Blood

Ingredients

Taste

Acrid, Bitter

Pao Zhi

Vinegar-fried to enhance its ability to course the Liver and relieve pain.

Temperature

Cold

Action / Indication

1. Invigorates the blood and stops pain while promoting the movement of qi and resolving constraint: used topically and internally for pain related to traumatic injury and to hasten the healing process of chronic sores as well as such symptoms as chest, abdominal, flank, or menstrual pain from constrained Liver qi. Particularly useful for constrained Liver qi patterns with heat signs. 
2. Clear heat and cools the blood: for heat in the blood aspect causing chaotic movement of the blood leading to such problems as nosebleed, vomiting of blood, and blood in the urine. Especially useful for nosebleed at the onset of menstruation or instead of menstruation, known as inverted menses (dao jing).
3. Clears the Heart and opens the orifices: used when hot phlegm obstructs the Heart orifices with such symptoms as anxiety, agitation, seizures, or mental derangement. Although it is rather effective in clearing the Heart, its ability to open the orifices is weak.
4. Benefits the Gallbladder and reduces jaundice: for gallbladder disorders and jaundice.

Treatment Principles

Moves the Blood
Moves Qi
Clears Heart Heat
Cools the Blood
Opens the Orifices
Clears Damp-Heat from the Gallbladder

Contraindication

Yin deficiency from blood loss and in the absence of qi stagnation or blood stasis. Caution during pregnancy.

Dosages

4.5-12g

Meridians

HT, LU, LV

Tom's Comment

Source

Formula Type