Herbs That Calm The Spirit - anchor, settle and calm the spirit

Question 0

What are qualities of herbs that calm the spirit (anchor, settle and calm the spirit)?

Answer 0

• most herbs that calm the spirit go to the HT, LV or both as the HT houses the Shen and the LV houses the Ethereal Soul
• these substances are either minerals or shells. They “weigh” upon the HT so as to calm the spirit, weigh upon floating LV yang, upon LU to contain leakage of Qi, and upon ST to redirect rebellious Qi downwards
• have a sedative and tranquilizing effect
• easily injure ST and should be combined with nourishing substances that strengthen the SP & ST

Question 1

List 5 herbs that calm the spirit (anchor, settle and calm the spirit)

Answer 1

Long Gu (1)
Mu Li (1)
Zhu Sha 
Zhen Zhu
Dai Zhe Shi (1)

Question 2

Long Gu (1)

Answer 2

• settles and calms the spirit
• calms LV, anchors and preserves floating yang
  (dragon bone)
• often paired with Mu Li

Question 3

Mu Li (1)

Answer 3

• settles and calms the spirit
• benefits the yin and anchors the floating yang
  (oyster shell)

*often paired with Long Gu

Question 4

Zhu Sha (2)

Answer 4

• banned due to high mercury content

vermillion sand

Question 5

Zhen Zhu (2)

Answer 5

• commonly used in cosmetic formulas

pearl

Question 6

Dai Zhe Shi (1)

Answer 6

• most often paired with Xuan Fu Hua
• strongly directs rebellious Qi downward (ST in particular)
  (hematite)