Chinese Herbology

1. Chinese physicians used several different methods to classify traditional Chinese herbs. Name three of them and describe each of them.

2. Who was the first herbalist in China?

3. How many healing substances did he supposidly record?

4. The first Chinese manual on pharmacology was called what?

5. A practitioner adds many other ingredients to the main ingredients used to adjust the formula to the patient's what?

6. In Chinese Herbology, what parts of the plant are commonly used?

7. What is the focus of herbology on the body?

8. Name three Chinese herbs that help to stop bleeding

9. What are the properties of Ci Shi?

10. What part of the body do the following Chinese herbs direct to?
A: Gao Ben
B: Xia Ku Cao
C: Sang Zhi
D: Niu Xi
E: Shi Chang Pu

Total available housepoints: 100


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1. Chinese physicians used several different methods to classify traditional Chinese herbs. Name three of them and describe each of them. (30)
Three of the classifications that Chinese physicians use for traditional Chinese herbs are: The Four Natures, The Five Tastes, and The Meridians.

The Four Natures have to do with yin and yang; more specifically: cold (which is extreme yin), cool, warm, and hot (extreme yang). When selecting herbs, a physician will think of the patient’s yin and yang balance (internally).

The Five Tastes are: pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Pungent herbs are thought to generate sweat and vitalize a patient’s chi and blood. Sweet herbs are used to harmonize bodily systems. Sour tasting herbs are used as astringents. The bitter herbs are believed to help get rid of heat and purge the bowels. Finally, the salty herbs are used to soften hard masses and open the bowels.

The Meridians have to do with what organ the herb is acting on. As an example, menthol is believed to be pungent and cool, and linked to the lungs and liver. The lungs are the organ that protects the body from the flu and the common cold, so menthol is believed to help get rid of coldness, and heat toxins, in the lungs.

2. Who was the first herbalist in China? (3)
Chinese tradition states that the first herbalist in China was Shen Nong. He was a tribal chief who lived along the Yellow River Plateau in 2700 B.C. He was said to have passed on his knowledge of plants to the farmers.

3. How many healing substances did he supposedly record? (3)
Shennong is said to have recorded 365 medicines, 252 of which are herbs.

4. The first Chinese manual on pharmacology was called what? (3)
The first Chinese manual on pharmacology was The Classic of Materia Medica, or the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, which dates back to around 206 B.C.

5. A practitioner adds many other ingredients to the main ingredients used to adjust the formula to the patient's what? (3)
Each herbal prescription is made up of a variety of herbs. The physician treats each patient individually, and adjusts a formula to a patient’s yin and yang condition.

6. In Chinese Herbology, what parts of the plant are commonly used? (5)
Practitioners in Chinese Herbology generally use all parts of the plant (leaf, stem, flower, and root).

7. What is the focus of herbology on the body? (10)
The focus of herbology is to help the body heal itself.

8. Name three Chinese herbs that help to stop bleeding (6)
Three of the many Chinese herbs that are used to stop bleeding are: Lotus Receptacle (Lian Fang), Pollen (Pu Huang), and Pseudognseng Root (San Qi).

9. What are the properties of Ci Shi? (6)
Ci Shi is categorized as an herb that will calm the spirit. It is a salty, cold herb that helps the kidneys, liver, hearing, and vision of a patient. It is also known as Magnetite and Loadstone.

10. What part of the body do the following Chinese herbs direct to? (10)
A: Gao Ben- Used to help with headaches and teeth or jaw pain. Also used for lower back pain, and for upset stomachs and spleens.
B: Xia Ku Cao- Used to help the liver, the eyes, the neck, and for headaches.
C: Sang Zhi- Used to help the liver and the upper extremities.
D: Niu Xi- Used to help the throat, the skin, and the blood.
E: Shi Chang Pu- Used to help the sensory orifices and the abdomen.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_herbology
http://www.acupuncturecare.com/chinese.htm
http://taoism.about.com/od/herbsthatcalmthespirit/g/Ci_Shi.htm
http://www.drshen.com/herbsforbleeding.htm
http://www.yinyanghouse.com