Ch15 Aromatic substances the open orifices

Question 1

Shi Chang Pu ***
“Flourishing reeds”
(Grassleaf sweetflag rhizome)

Answer 1

Acrid, bitter, warm, aromatic
HT, ST
Opens the orifices, dislodges phlegm, removes filth, and quiets the spirit (opens sensory orifices, improves memory); Transforms turbid dampness, awakens the SP, and promotes movement of Qi; Promotes blood flow and reduces swelling (for WC Bi)
CAUTION with yin xu heat, irritability, excessive sweating, vomiting blood, or spermatorrhea

Question 2

She Xiang **
“Musk deer fragrance”
(Naval gland secretions of musk deer)

Answer 2

Acrid, warm, aromatic (0.03-0.1g)
HT, SP, LV
Vigorously opens orifices, revives spirit, and unblocks closed d/o; Invigorates blood, dissipates clumps, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain; Hastens delivery and facilitates downward passage of stillborn
NOT during pregnancy, or w/yin xu + heat. CAUTION w/allergies, hypertension, or decreased KD fx

Question 3

Su He Xiang **
“Revive and join fragrance”
(Rose maloes resin)

Answer 3

Sweet, acrid, warm, aromatic (0.3-1g)
HT, SP
Opens the orifices and penetrates through turbidity to awaken the spirit; Opens up areas of constraint and clears away filth
NOT w/high fever and coma, spontaneous sweating and collapse. CAUTION w/pregnancy

Question 4

Bing Pian **
“Ice slice”
(Borneol)

Answer 4

Acrid, bitter, mildly cold (0.01-0.3g)
HT, LU, SP
Opens the orifices, awakens spirit, unblocks closed d/o for impaired consciousness; Clears heat, drains fire, resolves toxicity, clears eyes, and removes superficial visual obstructions, stops pain; Dissipates nodules and alleviates itching
NOT w/qi or blood deficiency. CAUTION pregnancy. Don’t expose to heat

Question 5

An Xi Xiang **
“Pacifying extinguishing frangrance”
(Benzoin)

Answer 5

Acrid, bitter, neutral (0.6-1.5g)
HT, LV, SP
Opens orifices and awakens spirit; Invigorates blood, promotes movement of Qi, alleviates pain; Promotes movement of Qi and blood, unblocks channels and collaterals.
CAUTION w/fire from yin xu

Question 6

Niu Huang **

cattle bezoar, calcified gallstones

Answer 6

Bitter, cool (0.2-0.5g)
HT, LV
Clears heat, opens orifices, awakens spirit, and dislodges phlegm (obstructing PC); Clears LV and blood, resolves toxicity, extinguishes wind, and stops tremors; Drains heat and resolves toxicity
NOT during pregnancy, in absence of excess heat, or w/SP/ST xu