Warm, Pungent Herbs that Release the Exterior

Channels: LU, ST

Properties: Spicy, Aromatic, Slightly Warm

Common: Aromatic Madder, Elsholtzia

Latin: Herba Elsholtziae

Actions:

• Expels summerheat from the exterior and dampness from the interior: for exterior disorders in the summer or dampness with chills, fever, headache, lack of sweat, diarrhea, and body ache.
• Promotes urination: for edema and dysuria, especially during an exterior disorder. 

• Contraindications:

  • Contraindicated for exterior deficiency syndrome with sweating. Add Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis (huang qin) or Rhizoma Coptidis (huang lian) to reduce tendency of this herb to cause vomiting, or take at a cool temperature.

  Dosage:

  • 3-9g. Cook 10-15 minutes for exterior condition, cook longer for edema and make into a concentrated decoction. Part used = whole herb.