Ch3 Harsh Expellants

Question 1

Qian Niu Zi **
“cowherd seed”
(Morning glory seeds)

Answer 1

Bitter, acrid, cold, slightly toxic (milder than others), 3-6g
Enters Kidney, LI, LU, SI
Drains water and promotes urination; Drives out phlegm and thin mucus; unblocks the bowels and removes accumulations; expels intestinal parasites and reduces stagnation
BUT slightly toxic, not for pregnancy

Question 2

Harsh Expellants, general function

Cathartics

Answer 2

Not used often because so strongly causes purging (vomiting & diarrhea). For constipation, ascites, pleural fluid accumulation

Question 3

Gan Sui **

“sweet process”

Answer 3

Bitter, sweet, cold, toxic, 0.5-1.5g
Enters KD, LI, LU
Drains water downward; drives out phlegm; clears heat and reduces swelling
ONLY for use with strong patients in excess conditions. Not during pregnancy

Question 4

Hong Da Ji **

“Red big lance”

Answer 4

Bitter, acrid, cold, slightly toxic, 1.5-3g
Enters KD, LI, SP
Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus; Reduces swelling and dissipates nodules
DON’T combine with Gan Cao

Question 5

Yuan Hua **

Daphne genkwa flower

Answer 5

Bitter, acrid, warm, toxic
Enters KD, LI, LU
Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus; dispels phlegm and stops coughing; Kills parasites

Question 6

Ba Dou **

“Clinging bean”

Answer 6

Acrid, hot, toxic
Enters ST, LI, LU
Warmly unblocks and vigorously purges; Drives out water and reduces edema; Breaks up clogged phlegm and improves the condition of the throat; promotes the healing of abscesses and ulcers
NOT for use during pregnancy or with weak patients

Question 7

Yuan Hua Vs Gan Sui Vs Da Ji

Answer 7

All harsh expellants for fluid in chest and abdomen
Da Ji for draining Zang & Fu
Gan Sui for mobilizing water.dampness in channels and collaterals
Yuan Hua drains phlegm/thin mucus in chest and lungs