ACTCM Herbs 3-2H RelFoodSt Hints

gǔ yá 穀芽

(+) Transforms food stagnation & eliminates accumulation [Poor digestion* d/t stagn & accum esp of undigested starchy foods]
(+) Strengthens & nourishes ST & SP [Loss of appetite*, weak digestion; Used with tonifying SP & ST herbs ]
(N) Weakest herb in group [*Very mild, helps to promote digestion, a helper herb]

No noted CTX

gǔ(grain) yá(sprouts)
Setariae/Oryzae Fructus germinatus
millet or rice sprouts

jī nèi jīn 雞內金

(1) Strongly reduces food stagnation & improves sp's transportive function [Indigestion*, fullness, distention of epigast & abdom, childhood nutritional impairment; Transforms food stagnation & eliminates accumulation, for all types of food stagnation from mild to severe ]
(2) Secures jing-essence & stops enuresis [Bed-wetting*, urinary frequency, urination at night]
(3) Softens hardness & dissolves stones [Stones* in urinary or biliary tracts; All types of stones]

Caution: SP defic w/out food stagn

jī(chicken) nèi(inner) jīn(gold)
Gigeriae galli Endothelium corneum
gizzard lining

lái fú zǐ 萊菔子

(1) Reduces food stagnation & eliminates distention (accum) [Fullness & distention in MJ*, belching w/ rotten smell, acid regurgitation, abd pain w/ diarrhea; For significant food stagn]
(2) Causes qi to descend & reduces phlegm [Chronic productive cough*, wheezing; Transforms phlegm, stops cough, & alleviates wheezing, often d/t stagn causing phlegm which blocks qi from descending]
(N) Is a qi mover

CTX: Absence of food stagn, phlegm, or other accum, Ren Shen - incompatable; Caution: Consumes qi, long term use

lái(radish) fú(turnip) zǐ(seeds)
Raphani Semen
radish seed

mài yá 麥芽

(1) Reduces food stagnation & strengthens ST SP [Poor digestion d/t stagn & accum of undigested starchy foods*, poorly digested milk in infants, loss of appetite d/t SP defic]
(2) Restrains lactation [Women discontinuing nursing*, or distended painful breasts; Use 60-120 grams in tea per day]
(3) Facilitates smooth flow of LV qi [Helper: Stifling ribs/chest*, distention in epigastrium, belching, loss of appetite, d/t LV qi constraint]
(N) Lowers blood sugar [*Especially good for complex carbohydrate food stagnation]

CTX: Women during lactation, or small doses only

mài(wheat, barley, oats) yá(sprouts)
Hordei Fructus germinatus
barley/wheat sprouts/malt

shān zhā 山楂

(1) Reduces food stagnation & transforms accumulation [Abdom distention*, pain, diarrhea, d/t accum from meat or greasy foods]
(2) Moves blood, transforms stasis, dissipates clumps [Post-partum abdom pain*, clumps d/t blood stasis, bulging disorders ie hernia]
(3) Stops diarrhea [Chronic dysentary-like diarrhea*; Use partially-charred herb]
(4) Hypertension [HBP*, coronary artery disease, elevated blood cholesterol]
(N) Like a very small apple [*Strong relieving Food Stagnation Herb, especially due to oily/greasy foods (fried foods, meat); good for Food Stag. + Phlegm; reducing herb for Excess]

Caution: SP ST defic

shān(mountain, hill) zhā(hawberry)
Crataegi Fructus
Chinese hawthorn fruit

shén qū 神麴

(1) Reduces food stagnation, eliminates accumulation, & harmonizes ST [Epigastric & abdominal fullness & distention*, lack of appetite, borborygmus, diarrhea, esp from grains ]
(+) Strengthens SP & harmonizes ST [ST flu*; ST/SP disharmony w/ exterior condition]
(2) Aids digestion & absorption of shells & mineral herbs [*Balancing herb; Helps aid & protect SP/ST]

No noted CTX

shén(spirit) qū(leaven, fermented plant yeast)
Massa medicate fermentata
medicated leaven