Warm, Pungent Herbs that Release the Exterior

Channels: LU, KI

Properties: Spicy, Warm

Common:  Chinese Wild Ginger, Asarum

Latin: Herba Asari Cum Radice

Actions:

• Releases the exterior, disperses cold: for all exterior cold patterns, especially if accompanied by underlying yang deficiency or internal dampness.
• Stops pain from cold: for wind-cold causing body aches, headache, and toothache.
• Warms the lungs: for copious cold phlegm, congested fluids, and nasal congestion.

Contraindications:

• Caution in cases of lung heat, yin Deficiency, qi Deficiency with sweating, and headache from blood Deficiency. Traditionally contraindicated with Fructus Corni Officinalis (shan zhu yu), Radix Astragali Membranacei (huang qi), and Talcum (hua shi). Caution in patients with renal problems.

Dosage:

• 1-3g. Apply powder directly to affected area for nasal and oral problems. Part used = whole plant.