Drain Downward

Question 1

Da Huang

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Answer 1

-purges clumped heat and accumulations in intestines
-cools the blood; drains excess fire
-invigorates blood and removes blood stasis
-can stop bleeding in charred form
-transforms dampness
-internal + topical use to help w toxicity ie burns, skin lesions

(rhubarb root)

cold ~ bitter ~ HT, LI, LV, ST

Question 2

Mang Xiao

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Answer 2

-softens hardened clumps of pathogenic heat in intestines
-moistens dryness
-reduces swelling (external use)

(mirabilite)

very cold ~ acrid, bitter, salty ~ ST, LI

Question 3

Fan Xie Ye

Answer 3

-drains downward and guides out stagnant heat in the intestines
-constipation

(senna leaf)

cold ~ sweet, bitter ~ LI

Question 4

Lu Hui

Answer 4

-cools the liver
-relieves constipation
-kills parasites

(aloe vera)

cold ~ bitter ~ LI, LV, ST

Question 5

Huo Ma Ren

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(also called Ma Zi Ren)

Answer 5

-enriches yin fluids
-nourishes and moistens intestines
-unblocks dry constipation
-good for constipation in elderly and in cases of blood deficiency

(cannabis seed)

neutral ~ sweet ~ LI, SP, ST