NCCAOM Single Herb Combinations
The NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) certification is a gold standard for acupuncture and Chinese medicine practitioners. For students and licensed acupuncturists, mastering single herb combinations is a vital skill that not only helps in passing exams but also lays the foundation for effective clinical practice.
These combinations reveal the depth and precision of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), providing tailored therapeutic approaches for various conditions, from respiratory ailments to digestive disorders, gynecological issues, and beyond. This blog post delves into key NCCAOM herb combinations, offering insights into their applications and benefits for both new learners and seasoned practitioners.
Warm Acrid Release Exterior Combinations:
Ma Huang + Shu Di Huang = Cough & wheezing due to KD yin deficiency
Ma Huang + Shi Gao = Cough & wheezing from LU heat
Ma Huang + Gui Zhi = Wind-cold excess (no sweating)
Gui Zhi + Dan Shen = Palpitations & chest pain due to HT yang deficiency
Gui Zhi + Fu Ling = Congested fluids due to deficient Yang edema
Gui Zhi + Tao Ren + Mu Dan Pi = Pain due to stagnant blood
Zi Su Ye + Sha Ren = Stifling sensation & fullness in the chest/abdomen
Zi Su Ye + Huang Lian + Chen Pi = Morning sickness & irritability during pregnancy
Fang Feng + Cang Zhu = Wind-cold causing diarrhea in damp Spleen pattern
Qiang Huo + Fang Feng = Pain due to external wind-damp
Jing Jie + Qiang Huo + Fang Feng: Wind-cold (Jing Fang Bai Du San)
Jing Jie + Huang Qin + Ju Hua = Eye inflammation due to wind-heat
Jing Jie + Bo He = Wind-heat
Bai Zhi + Hai Piao Xiao (secure essence) = Damp-cold vaginal discharge
Bai Zhi + Huang Bai + Che Qian Zi = Damp-heat vaginal discharge
Xin Yi Hua + Cang Er Zi = Wind-cold nasal congestion & sinus headache
Xin Yi Hua + Ju Hua + Xi Xian Cao (cools heat) = Frontal sinusitis
Sheng Jiang + Da Zao = SP qi deficiency w/nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain
Sheng Jiang + Ban Xia = Vomiting
Gao Ben + Chuan Xiong + Bai Zhi = Headaches
Cool Acrid Release Exterior Combinations:
Ge Gen + Ju Hua = Relieve hangover
Ge Gen + Bai Zhu + Fu Ling = Deficient SP diarrhea
Ge Gen + Huang Lian + Huang Qin = Hot diarrhea (damp-heat)
Ge Gen + Ma Huang + Gui Zhi + Bai Shao = Stiff neck & upper back due to wind-cold
Ge Gen + Chai Hu + Huang Qin = Wind-heat in muscle layer
Dan Dou Chi + Cong Bai = Colds due to deficient yin
Man Jing Zi + Ren Shen + Huang Qi = Tinnitus & dizziness due to deficiency
Chai Hu + Qiang Huo + Fang Feng = Deficient SP w/excess dampness w/bi-syndrome
Chai Hu + Qing Pi = Stagnant Qi in LR channel w/intercostal pain
Chai Hu + Huang Qin = Heat in Shaoyang
Chai Hu + Bai Shao + Bo He = Stagnant LR qi w/flank distention (Xiao Yao San)
Chai Hu + Bai Shao = Stagnant LR qi w/dizziness, costal pain, irregular periods
Chan Tui + Ge Gen + Niu Bang Zi = Measles (vent rashes herbs)
Chan Tui + Ju Hua + Sang Ye + Bo He = Wind-rash or itchy, red eyes
Man Jing Zi + Ju Hua + Chan Tui = Headache & dizziness due to wind-heat
Niu Bang Zi + Jie Geng = Sore throat & cough due to wind-heat
Niu Bang Zi + Lian Qiao = Sore throat w/tongue and mouth ulcers
Sheng Ma + Bai Zhi = Yangming headaches
Sheng Ma + Chai Hu = Deficient Yang qi prolapse
Sheng Ma + Shi Gao = Yangming heat
Sheng Ma + Huang Lian = Swollen gums + mouth ulcers from HT/SP fire
Bo He + Ju Hua = Wind-heat headache
Bo He + Jie Geng + Jiang Can = Painful & swollen throat
Ju Hua + Chuan Xiong = Wind-heat or LR yang headache
Sang Ye + Ju Hua + Dou Juan = Cough & red eyes due to wind-heat
Mu Zei + Ju Hua = Swollen, painful, red eyes
Clear Heat & Drain Fire Combinations:
Shi Gao + Zhi Mu = Heat at Qi level w/irritability & extreme thirst, high fever
Shi Gao + Xi Xin = ST fire w/toothache & gum swelling
Shi Gao + Dan Zhu Ye = lingering fever
Zhi Mu + Bie Jia = Steaming bone disorder (Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang)
Zhi Mu + Tian Hua Fen + Mai Men Dong = Thirst & irritability from LU/ST dryness
Zhi Mu + Sheng Di Huang + Xuan Shen = Oral cavity ulcers
Zhi Mu + Zhe Bei Mu = LU heat w/cough and thick yellow sputum
Tian Hua Fen + Zhi Mu + Wu Wei Zi + Ge Gen = Thirst & irritability due to injured fluids after warm-febrile disorder
Tian Hua Fen + Sang Bai Pi + Jie Geng + Bei Mu = LU phlegm heat cough w/thick blood or blood streaked sputum
Tian Hua Fen + Lu Gen + Bai Mao Gen = Thirst & irritability due to injured fluids in hot disorders
Tian Hua Fen + Chuan Bei Mu + Sang Bai Pi + Jie Geng = Cough w/thick, blood streaked sputum due to phlegm heat
Tian Hua Fen + Sha Shen + Mai Men Dong + Sheng Di Huang = Wasting & thirsting - Injured yin due to ST heat
Lu Gen + Shi Gao = Dry mouth, bad breath, tooth pain from ST fire
Lu Gen + Zhu Ru + Pi Pa Ye = ST heat w/irritability, thirst, and vomiting
Dan Zhu Ye + Shi Gao = Late stage fever w/sensation of heat & irritability in chest, thirst for cold drinks, red tongue w/thin coating
Dan Zhu Ye + Mu Tong + Sheng Di Huang = HT fire w/mouth sores, heat sensations, dark urine
Zhi Zi + Hua Shi = Painful urination due to BL damp-heat
Zhi Zi + Mu Dan Pi = Heat from stagnant LR qi, menstrual irregularities (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San additions)
Zhi Zi + Yin Chen Hao (jaundice) + Da Huang = Jaundice from GB/LR heat
Zhi Zi + Che Qian Zi + Hai Jin Sha = Dribbling, painful urination due to lower burner heat or urinary tract stones
Zhi Zi + Yin Chai Hu (childhood nutritional impairment) + Huang Qin = Fever, emaciation, thirst, red eyes due to LR chronic childhood nutritional impairment
Xia Ku Cao + Chai Hu = Neck nodules due to stagnant LR qi
Xia Ku Cao + Xuan Shen + Mu Li = Nodules due to phlegm fire
Xia Ku Cao + Ju Hua + Shi Jue Ming = Rising LR fire w/headache, vertigo & red eyes
Jue Ming Zi + Xia Ku Cao + Long Dan Cao (drain LR fire) = Temporal headache due to wind-heat
Jue Ming Zi + Xia Ku Cao + Zhi Zi = Eye problems due to heat in LR
Jue Ming Zi + Ju Hia + Man Jing Zi = Red eyes due to wind-heat
Jue Ming Zi + Ju Hua + Sang Ye = Red eyes from LR fire or wind-heat
Jue Ming Zi + Sheng Di Huang + Huo Ma Ren = Move stools when there are remnants of heat in intestines
Jue Ming Zi + Chuan Xiong + Man Jing Zi = Temporal headache due to wind-heat
Jue Ming Zi + Dang Gui = Constipation due to dry intestines
Clear Heat & Cool Blood Combinations:
Shiu Niu Jiao + Shi Gao + Xuan Shen = Fire in both Qi & Blood levels
Shiu Niu Jiao + Huang Lian + Xuan Shen = Delirium, vomiting blood, nosebleed, and purpura due to febrile disorders
Sheng Di Huang + E Jiao = Bleeding due to deficiency heat
Sheng Di Huang + Xuan Shen = Extreme heat at Ying (nutritive) level
Sheng Di Huang + Bai Shao = Heat symptoms from Blood deficiency
Xuan Shen + Mu Dan Pi = Purpuric rashes
Xuan Shen + Niu Bang Zi + Jie Geng = Painful & swollen throat from wind-heat
Xuan Shen + Mu Li + Zhe Bei Mu = Phlegm nodules
Mu Dan Pi + Tao Ren = Amenorrhea & abdominal pain associated w/stagnant blood (+ Gui Zhi = Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan)
Mu Dan Pi + Bai Mao Gen (stop bleeding) = Bloody urine, vomiting blood, epistaxis due to warm febrile disorder
Mu Dan Pi + Chi Shao = Purpuric rash due to Ying or Xue level heat
Mu Dan Pi + Ju Hua = Dizziness w/red eyes due to ascending LR fire
Zi Cao + Da Qing Ye = Purpuric rash due to severe fire toxin
Zi Cao + Gua Lou Ren = Carbuncles w/constipation
Zi Cao + Huang Bai = Eczema due to heat
Clear Heat & Dry Dampness Combinations:
Huang Qin + Gua Lou + Sang Bai Pi + Xing Ren = Chronic LU heat cough
Huang Qin + Bai Zhu + Dang Gui = Restless fetus due to heat
Huang Qin + Huang Bai + Mu Dan Pi + Da Huang = Epistaxis & hematemesis
Huang Qin + Bai Mao Gen + Sheng Di Huang = Chaotic movement of hot blood
Huang Qin + Zhi Zi + Yin Chen Hao + Da Huang = Damp-heat jaundice
Huang Lian + Wu Zhu Yu = Epigastric & abdominal pain, acid reflux due to LR fire or ST heat (Zuo Jin Wan)
Huang Lian + Gan Jiang + Ban Xia = Focal distention due to cold-heat complex in middle burner (Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang)
Huang Lian + Sheng Di Huang = Insomnia and delirium due to Ying level heat
Huang Lian + Qin Qi + Dan Zhu Ye = Red swollen eyes
Huang Lian + Huang Qin + Zhi Zi = High fever due to fire toxin in all 3 burners (Huang Lian Jie Du Tang)
Huang Lian + Xi Xin = Toothache, swelling of gums, mouth ulcers from ST heat
Huang Bai + Sheng Di Huang + Gui Ban = Spermatorrhea due to deficient yin
Huang Bai + Che Qian Zi = Burning, painful, and hesitant urination
Huang Bai + Hua Shi = Topical powder for eczema
Huang Bai + Mu Xiang = Acute diarrhea with abdominal pain
Long Dan Cao + Huang Qin + Chai Hu = Red/swollen eyes, deafness, bitter taste, testes swelling, short/dark/painful urination due to LR fire or damp-heat
Ku Shen + Long Dan Cao + Zhi Zi = Resolve jaundice
Ku Shen + Fu Ling = Edema due to damp-heat painful urinary problems
Ku Shen + Huang Bai + Bai Zhi + She Chuang Zi = Thick, yellow vaginal discharge with itching
Ku Shen + Dang Gui + Bei Mu = Urinary dysfunction during pregnancy
Ku Shen + Qin Qi + Mu Xiang = Dysentery with severe tenesmus
Clear Heat & Relieve Toxicity Combinations:
Jin Yin Hua + Bo He + Jing Jie = External wind-heat
Jin Yin Hua + Jie Geng + Niu Bang Zi = Painful & swollen throat
Jin Yin Hua + Da Qing Ye = Sores due to heat toxins
Jin Yin Hua + Huang Qin + Huang Lian = Unremitting high fever
Jin Yin Hua + Huang Qin = Suppurating boils that have not ulcerated
Jin Yin Hua + Bai Jiang Cao = Suppurative abscesses
Lian Qiao + Bo He + Jing Jie = Wind-heat influenza
Lian Qiao + Ban Lan Gen = Externally contracted heat
Lian Qiao + Chi Shao + Zi Cao = Rashes due to blood heat
She Gan + Huang Qin = Cough due to LU heat
She Gan + Da Qing Ye = Painful & swollen throat
She Gan + Ma Huang + Xi Xin = Wind-cold asthma (She Gan Ma Huang Tang)
Ban Lan Gen + Xuan Shen + Zhi Mu = Acute tonsillitis
Ban Lan Gen + Yin Chen Hao = Damp-heat jaundice
Shan Dou Gen + Ban Lan Gen = Swollen gums & sores in the mouth/tongue
Shan Dou Gen + Niu Bang ZI + Jie Geng = Painful & swollen throat
Tu Fu Ling + Yi Yi Ren = Damp heat toxin joint pain
Tu Fu Ling + Pu Gong Ying = LR/GB damp-heat jaundice
Tu Fu Ling + Bi Xie = Joint pain & turbid urine due to damp-heat
Pu Gong Ying + Zi Hua Di Ding = Breast abscess, damp-heat jaundice, painful urinary dribbling
Pu Gong Ying + Gua Lou + Zhi Bei Mu = Breast abscess
Pu Gong Ying + Xia Ku Cao = Subcutaneous phlegm nodules
Pu Gong Ying + Ju Hua + Huang Qin = Red & swollen eyes
Bai Jiang Cao + Chi Shao = Abdominal pain w/fever due to postpartum blood stasis
Bai Jiang Cao + Jin Yin Hua = Suppurative abscesses
Clear Empty Fire Combinations:
Qing Hao + Di Gu Pi + Bai Wei = Blood deficiency fevers, afternoon fevers, nights sweats
Qing Hao + Bie Jia + Sheng Di Huang = Fever due to smoldering heat in yin parts of body (Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang)
Qing Hao + Bian Dou + Hua Shi = Fever, no sweating, dizziness due to summerheat
Di Gu Pi + Mu Dan Pi = Vomiting of blood due to blood deficient steaming bone disorder
Di Gu Pi + Sang Bai Pi = Cough/wheezing due to LU heat (Xie Bai San)
Di Gu Pi + Hu Huang Lian = Recurring afternoon fever from steaming bone disorder
Di Gu Pi + Yin Chai Hu = Recurrent afternoon fever
Di Gu Pi + Sheng Di Huang + Tian Hua Fen = Wasting & thirsting with profuse urination
Bai Wei + Di Gu Pi = Steaming bone disorder due to deficient blood w/intermittent fever/chills
Bai Wei + Dang Gui + Ren Shen = Chronic fever & post partum fever & irritability due to deficient blood
Bai Wei + Dan Zhu Ye + Mu Tong = Urinary problems due to deficient yin & hot blood
Clear Summerheat Combinations:
He Ye + Bian Dou = Summerheat disorders
He Ye (fresh) + Bian Dou Hua = Summerheat (Qing Luo Yin)
Bian Dou + Bai Zhu + Shan Yao = Diarrhea or vaginal discharge from SP deficiency
Bian Dou + Xiang Ru + Hou Po = Smoldering summerheat with dampness (Sudden turmoil) – Xiang Ru San
Bian Dou + Bai Zhu + Yi Yi Ren = SP/ST qi deficiency w/damp – Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Purge Downward Combinations:
Da Huang + Mang Xiao = Constipation due to accumulation of heat in ST/LI
Da Huang + Huang Lian = Feeling of fullness & distention due to accumulation of heat
Da Huang + Huang Lian + Huang Qin = Nosebleed or vomiting blood due to chaotic movement of hot blood
Da Huang + Rou Gui = Chronic constipation
Da Huang + Gui Zhi = Abdominal masses due to blood stasis
Da Huang + Zhi Shi + Hou Po = Constipation with abdominal fullness
Da Huang + Fu Zi = Constipation due to accumulation of cold
Lu Hui + Long Dan Cao + Huang Qin = Heat in LR channel w/epigastric pain, dizziness, irritability, headache
Lu Hui + Zhu Sha = Chronic or hot constipation
Huo Ma Ren + Yu Li Ren + Xing Ren = Chronic constipation due to dryness in intestines or deficient qi
Huo Ma Ren + Xing Ren + Bai Shao + Zhi Shi = Dryness due to ST/LI heat leading to constipation
Huo Ma Ren + Dang Gui + Shu Di Huang = Constipation from deficient blood or fluids in the elderly or post partum
Drain Dampness Combinations:
Fu Ling + Che Qian Zi = Cloudy & painful urination
Fu Ling + Ze Xie = Painful urination caused by lingering dampness obstruction (Wu Ling San)
Fu Ling + Bai Zhu = Painful urination with edema (Wu Ling San)
Fu Ling + Chen Pi = Transform phlegm (Er Chen Tang)
Fu Ling + Ban Xia = Phlegm, vomit, nausea
Fu Ling + Ren Shen + Bai Zhu = Loose & watery stools from SP deficiency (Si Jun Zi Tang)
Fu Ling + Zhu Ling = Diarrhea, edema, scanty urine, painful urination
Fu Ling + Zhu Ling + Mu Tong = Edema
Yi Yi Ren + Dong Gua = Scanty urine & edema caused by dampness obstruction
Yi Yi Ren + Fu Ling + Bai Zhu = Diarrhea due to deficient SP
Zhu Ling + Da Fu Pi (regulate qi) = Edema, abdominal distention, urinary difficulty
Ze Xie + Ban Xia = Scanty urine & abdominal distention due to turbid damp in middle jiao
Ze Xie + Mu Tong = Painful urination due to heat in HT/SI channels
Yin Chen Hao + Gan Jiang + Fu Zi + Fu Ling = Damp cold jaundice (Yin Chen Si Ni Tang)
Yin Chen Hao + Zhi Zi + Da Huang = Damp heat jaundice (Yin Chen Hao Tang)
Deng Xin Cao + Hua Si = Irritability & incomplete/painful urination due to damp heat in HT/BL/LU channels
Mu Tong + Deng Xin Cao = Edema & painful urination due to heat in HT/SI
Mu Tong + Dan Zhu Ye + Sheng Di Huang = Oral ulcers, burning throat, irritability, insomnia due to HT fire (Dao Chi San)
Dong Kui Zi + Ji Nei Jin + Shi Wei = Urinary stones due to lower burner damp heat
Dong Kui Zi + Sha Ren = Insufficient lactation & swollen painful breasts due to qi stagnation
Qu Mai (alone) = Bloody/burning urinary dribbling
Qu Mai + Hai Jin Sha = Stones in urinary tract
Shi Wei + Qu Mai + Hua Shi = Short stabbing, painful urination due to damp heat in lower jiao
Shi Wei + Pu Huang = Bloody urine with stabbing pain
Che Qian Zi + Ze Xie = Edema, distention, painful urination
Che Qian Zi + Qu Mai + Bian Xu = Urinary discomfort due to lower burner damp heat or urinary tract stones (Ba Zheng San)
Che Qian Zi + Huang Bai + Shan Yao = Vaginal discharge due to damp heat & deficient SP
Che Qian Zi + Niu Xi = Deficient KD edema
Hua Shi + Dong Kui Guo = Urinary dysfunction & discomfort due to damp-heat in lower jiao
Hua Shi + Fu Ling + Yi Yi Ren = Damp-heat diarrhea
Hua Shi + Che Qian Zi + Mu Tong = Burning or bloody urinary dribbling (Ba Zheng San)
Hua Shi + Qu Mai + Mu Tong = Hot painful urination
Hua Shi + Zhu Ling + Mu Tong = Painful urination, bloody urine, abdominal distention with heat signs
Hua Shi (alone) = Dark, painful, burning, scanty urination
Di Fu Zi + Zhu Ling + Tong Cao + Qu Mai = Urinary discomfort due to turbid damp in BL
Di Fu Zi + Sheng Di Huang + Bai Xian Pi = Itchy skin due to damp-heat or wind-heat
Bi Xie + Hua Shi + Huang Bai + Che Qian Zi = Frequent, cloudy urination & vaginal discharge
Bi Xie + Yi Zhi Ren + Wu Yao = Frequent urination, incontinence due to deficient yang
Dispel Wind-Damp Combinations:
Du Huo = Upper Body
Qiang Huo = Lower Body
Du Huo + Ma Huang = External wind-cold, no sweating, body aches & pain
Du Huo + Xi Xin + Qin Jiao = Pain in neck, back, and lower extremities from wind-damp obstruction
Wei Ling Xian + Qiang Huo = Joint pain in the arms due to wind-damp obstruction
Wei Ling Xian + Niu Xi = Joint pain in the legs due to wind-damp obstruction
Qin Jiao + Bie Jia + Di Gu Pi + Qing Hao = Afternoon fever due to deficient yin
Qin Jiao + Huo Ma Ren + Yu Li Ren = Constipation due to dry intestines
Qin Jiao + Dang Gui + Bai Shao = Hemiplegia due to deficient blood
Mu Gua + Dang Gui + Bai Shao = Muscle spasms due to deficient blood
Sang Zhi + Gui Zhi = Upper extremity pain (twigs go to upper extremities)
Xi Xian Cao + Wei Ling Xian = Painful & sore bones and numb lower legs due to wind-damp
Xi Xian Cao + Xia Ku Cao = H/A, dizziness, blurry vision from LR fire rising
Bai Hua She + Qiang Huo + Fang Feng + Qin Jiao = Joint pain, weakness, and stiffness from wind-damp
Bai Hua She + Dang Gui + He Shou Wu + Bai Shao = Chronic rashes due to blood deficiency
Wu Jia Pi + Qin Jiao + Qiang Huo + Wei Ling Xian = Painful muscular spasms due to wind-damp obstruction
Wu Jia Pi + Sang Ji Sheng + Xu Duan + Niu Xi = Painful obstruction arising from long term illness w/deficient LR/KD
(All strengthen Sinews/Bones in cases of LR/KD deficiency)
Hai Tong Pi + Niu Xi + Qiang Quo = Chronic back & knee pain due to wind-damp-cold
Transform Phlegm-Heat Combinations:
Gua Lou = Best for leading turbid phlegm down
Gua Lou Pi = Excels at expanding chest & regulating qi
Gua Lou Ren = Strongest at moistening intestines & moving bowels
Qian Hu + Jie Geng + Bo He = Fever, nasal congestion, headache, runny nose, cough due to external wind-heat
Qian Hu + Bai Qian = Cough due to externally contracted disorder
Chuan Bei Mu + Zhi Mu = Cough w/little sputum due to empty fire in LU
Chuan Bei Mu + Xing Ren = Cough & wheezing with lots of sputum
Zhi Bei Mu + Jin Yin Hua + Pu Gong Ying + Ju Hua = Abscesses & toxic swellings in their early stages
Zhi Bei Mu + Hai Zao + Xia Ku Cao + E Zhu = Thyroid nodules
Zhi Bei Mu + Xia Ku Cao = Thyroid nodules
Gua Lou + Pu Gong Ying + Ru Xiang = Early stages of breast abscess OR subcutaneous phlegm nodules
Gua Lou + Chen Pi + Jie Geng + Zhe Bei Mu = Dry cough, dry throat, thick phlegm due to wind-heat
Zhu Ru + Chen Pi + Sheng Jiang + Ren Shen = vomiting due to deficient ST heat (Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang)
Zhu Ru + Lu Gen = Irritability, thirst, and vomiting due to deficient fluids arising from heat
Hai Zao + Xuan Shen + Lian Qiao + Xia Ku Cao = Goiter
Transform Phlegm-Cold Combinations:
Ban Xia + Huang Lian = Epigastric distention & indigestion due to both hot/cold pathogenic factors in the ST
Ban Xia + Huang Qin = Rebellious qi with cough, nausea, vomiting due to phlegm heat
Ban Xia + Chen Pi = Epigastric distention, nausea, vomiting due to ST disharmony
Bai Qian + Sang Bai Pi = Chronic productive cough due to LU heat
Bai Qian + Jing Jie + Bai Bu + Jie Geng = Cough due to wind-cold-phlegm (Zhi Sou San)
Jie Geng + Sang Ye + Ju Hua = Cough due to wind-heat
Jie Geng + Zi Su Ye + Xing Ren = Productive cough w/clear sputum due to external wind cold
Stop Cough & Wheezing Combinations:
Xing Ren + Zi Su Ye = Dry cough due to external wind-cold
Xing Ren + Sang Ye = Non-productive dry cough due to external wind-heat (Sang Xing Tang)
Xing Ren + Pi Pa Ye = Cough w/thick phlegm that is difficult to bring up and with chest pain & dry throat
Xing Ren + Huo Ma Ren + Dang Gui = Constipation due to deficient qi & dry intestines
Xing Ren + Chuan Bei Mu = Cough & wheezing with lots of sputum
Xing Ren + Sang Bai Pi + Ma Dou Ling = Productive cough, wheezing, and hoarseness due to LU heat
Xing Ren + Zhi Ban Xia + Zi Su Ye = dry cough due to external wind-cold (Xing Su San)
Xing Ren + Zi Su Ye + Jie Geng = Productive cough w/clear sputum due to external wind-cold
Su Zi + Ban Xia + Bai Qian = Coughing & wheezing due to rebellious qi & phlegm
Su Zi + Zhe Bei Mu = Coughing & wheezing w/lots of thick sputum due to phlegm obstruction
Bai Qian + Bai Bu = Chronic cough & wheezing due to external/internal LU qi obstruction
Bai Qian + Sang Bai Pi = Chronic productive cough due to LU heat
Zi Wan + Kuan Dong Hua = Cough & wheezing with lots of sputum & rebellious qi
Zi Wan + Zhi Mu + Chuan Bei Mu = Chronic cough with blood in sputum due to LU deficiency
Zi Wan + Wu Wei Zi = Productive cough, wheezing, and spontaneous sweating
Kuan Dong Hua + Xin Ren = Cough & wheezing due to obstructing phlegm
Bai Bu + Mai Men Dong = Cough due to LU heat injuring qi/fluids
Bai Bu + Sha Shen = Cough due to LU heat injuring qi/fluids
Bai Bu + Chuang Bei Mu = Cough & chest pain due to phlegm heat
Gou Lou Ren + Ban Xia + Xie Bai = Painful heart or chest obstruction
Pi Pa Ye + Huang Qin + Xiang Fu = Belching & vomiting due to ST heat
Pi Pa Ye + Zhu Li + Gua Lou = Phlegm-heat obstructing LU
Sang Bai Pi + Da Fu Pi + Fu Ling Pi = Superficial edema w/difficult urination
Sang Bai Pi + Di Gu Pi + Gan Cao = Cough w/thick phlegm, fever, thirst due to phlegm heat obstructing LU (Xie Bai San)
Gua Lou Ren + Huo Ma Ren + Yu Li Ren + Zhi Ke = Constipation due to phlegm-heat w/dry mouth & thirst
Transform Turbid-Damp Combinations:
Huo Xiang + Ban Xia + Cang Zhu = Nausea, vomiting, fullness in the chest, poor appetite due to turbid dampness obstructing the middle jiao
Huo Xiang + Sha Ren = Morning sickness
Huo Xiang + Huang Lian + Zhu Ru = Vomiting due to damp-heat
Huo Xiang + Bai Zhu + Dang Shen = Vomiting & diarrhea due to SP/ST deficiency
Cang Zhu + Xiang Fu = Distention, discomfort, pain in chest, epigastrium, and abdomen due to obstruction of qi dampness
Cang Zhu + Hou Po = Epigastric fullness, acid reflux, belching, and nausea due to ST excess (also diarrhea & poor appetitie due to damp obstructing middle jiao)
Cang Zhu + Mu Zei (clear WH & visual obstruction) = Blurred vision and excessive tearing
Cang Zhu + Jin Yin Hua = Diarrhea due to summerheat
Hou Po + Xing Ren + Ma Huang = Cough/wheezing with lots of sputum due to congested fluids
Hou Po + Da Huang + Zhi Shi = Constipation w/abdominal fullness (Xiao Cheng Qi Tang)
Bai Dou Kou + Xing Ren + Yi Yi Ren = Headache, stuffy chest, fatigue, dark urine w/reduced urination, diarrhea, white-greasy tongue due to early states of damp warm-febrile disease
Bai Dou Kou + Huang Qin + Hua Shi + Zhu Ling = Recurrent fevers & body aches due to damp-warm febrile disease in middle jiao
Bai Dou Kou + Huo Xiang + Ban Xia = Nausea & vomiting and poor appetite due to damp-cold or stagnant food
Sha Ren + Bai Zhu + Dang Shen = Morning sickness OR abdominal pain & diarrhea due to SP/ST obstructed w/damp
Sha Ren + Sang Ji Sheng + Du Zhong = Unstable fetus due to KD deficiency
Sha Ren + Dong Kui Zi = Insufficient lactation & swollen painful breasts due to qi stagnation
Sha Ren + Hou Po + Bai Dou Kou = Epigastric & abdominal pain, nausea & vomit caused by qi obstructing the SP/ST
Cao Dou Kou + Rou Gui + Gan Jiang = Vomiting, abdominal pain, intense diarrhea due to attack of cold
Cao Dou Kou + Rou Gui + Rou Dou Kou = Chronic diarrhea due to deficiency cold
Cao Dou Kou + Ban Xia + Chen Pi = Cold phlegm in chest
Cao Dou Kou + Gao Liang Jiang = Poor appetite, abdominal pain & distention due to deficient SP w/qi stagnation due to damp-obstruction
Cao Guo + Cang Zhu + Hou Po = Damp-cold obstructing the SP/ST
Cao Guo + Cang Zhu + Huo Xiang = Damp-cold obstructing SP/ST
Relieve Food Stagnation Combinations:
Shan Zha + Xiao Hui Xiang (hernia) = Testicular pain due to hernia
Shan Zha + Chuan Xiong + Dang Gui = Menstrual pain due to stagnant blood
Shan Zha + Shen Qu + Zhi Ke = Abdominal distention & pain due to food stagnation
Mai Ya + Gan Jiang = Indigestion due to weak SP/ST
Mai Ya + Shen Qu = Indigestion due to stagnant food
Shen Qu + Bai Zhu = stagnant food & diarrhea due to deficient SP
Ji Nei Jin + Dan Shen = Epigastric pain due to chronic hepatitis
Ji Nei Jin + San Piao Xiao (+ Long Gu + Mu Li) = Frequent urination
Ji Nei Jin + Tu Si Zi = Spontaneous emission
Ji Nei Jin + Jin Qian Cao = Urinary or biliary stones
Lai Fu Zi + Zhi Ke = Distention, belching, and poor appetite due to stagnant food
Lai Fu Zi + Xing Ren = Chronic productive cough
Lai Fu Zi + Ban Xia = Wheezing, distention, and vomiting due to food stagnation
Lai Fu Zi + Shan Zha + Shen Qu + Chen Pi = Abdominal distention & diarrhea due to stagnation in ST/LI
Regulate Qi Combinations:
Chen Pi + Ban Xia = Stifling sensation in chest & cough w/excess & viscous white sputum due to obstruction of damp-phlegm
Chen Pi + Bai Zhu = Reduced appetite & other symptoms due to damp obstructing SP
Chen Pi + Hou Po + Cang Zhu = Epigastric & abdominal fullness & distention, acid reflux, fatigue, loose stool due to damp-cold stagnating in SP/ST (Ping Wei San)
Chen Pi + Bai Zhu + Fang Feng = Borborygmus, abdominal pain, and diarrhea due to LR attacking SP
Chen Pi + Zhu Ru + Huang Lian = Vomiting due to phlegm heat
Qing Pi + Shan Zha + Mai Ya + Shen Qu = Pain & distention in epigastrium due to stagnant food
Qing Pi + Chai Hu + Yu Jin = Pain & distention in chest & flank due to disharmony between LR/ST
Qing Pi + Xiang Fu + Wang Bu Liu Xing (move blood) + Dan Shen = Pain & distention in the flank and pain/swelling of breasts due to obstructed LR qi
Qing Pi + Ju He + Xiao Hui Xiang + Chuan Lian Zi = Pain associated w/intestinal prolapse
Qing Pi + Wu Yao + Gao Liang Jiang + Mu Xiang = Lower abdominal pain radiating to testicles due to cold invading LR channel
Da Fu Pi + Hou Po + Chen Pi = Epigastric & abdominal distention w/difficult bowel movements associated w/stagnant qi & damp
Da Fu Pi + Fu Ling Pi + Sheng Jiang Pi = Mild edema
Xiang Fu + Dang Gui + Chuan Xiong = Irregular menses & dysmenorrhea due to stagnant qi & blood
Xiang Fu + Chai Hu + Gua Lou (unbind chest) = Breast masses that swell around time of menstrual flow
Xiang Fu + Chai Hu + Bai Shao = Flank pain due to LR qi stagnation (Chai Hu Shu Gan San)
Xiang Fu + Wu Yao + Xiao Hui Xiang = Pain, distention, and prolapse in lower abdomen due to cold & qi obstruction in LR/KD
Chuan Lian Zi + Xio Hui Xiang + Wu Zhu Yu = Pain associated w/cold type hernia disorders
Chuan Lian Zi + Yan Hu Suo = Menstrual pain & irritability due to stagnant LR qi w/heat
Chen Xiang + Lai Fu Zi = Rebellious qi & wheezing due to deficient KD unable to grasp LU qi
Chen Xiang + Zi Su Ye = Nausea & discomfort associated w/morning sickness
Chen Xiang + Wu Yao = Stifling sensation in chest & diaphragm w/wheezing, distention, and poor appetite
Wu Yao + Yi Zhi Ren + Shan Yao = Enuresis in children due to cold KD from deficiency (Suo Quan Wan)
Wu Yao + Xiang Fu = Dysmenorrhea due to stagnant qi
Wu Yao + Rou Gui = Abdominal pain w/sensation of cold in lower abdomen
Mu Xiang + Sha Ren = Epigastric & abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to qi obstruction
Mu Xiang + Chai Hu + Yin Chen Hao = Damp heat fomenting & causing flank distention/pain & bitter taste
Mu Xiang + Zhi Ke + Yan Hu Suo = Epigastric pain & distention due to qi stagnation
Mu Xiang + Huang Lian = Tenesmus (Xiang Lian Wan)
Mu Xiang + Bing Lang + Da Huang = Epigastric & abdominal fullness and pain accompanied by constipation due to stagnation in ST/Intestines transforming into damp-heat
Regulate Blood Combinations:
Pu Huang + Pao Jiang = Chronic bloody stools due to deficient cold in SP/KD
P Huang + Wu Ling Zhi = Chest & abdominal pain due to stagnant blood associated w/menstrual irregularities (Shi Xiao San)
Pu Huang + Bai Mao Gen = Dysuria due to UB damp heat
San Qi + Bai Ji = Vomiting blood & coughing blood as well as bloody nose & bloody urine
Qian Cao Gen + Da Ji = Nosebleed & spitting blood caused by hot blood
Qian Cao Gen (Cao Gen) + Dan Shen = Amenorrhea due to hot blood
Qiao Cao Gen + Hai Piao Xiao (secure essence) = Excess uterine bleeding
Qiao Cao Gen + Huang Lian & Huang Qin = Bloody dysenteric disorders
Qiao Cao Gen + Sheng Di Huang = Nosebleed due to heat
Xian He Cao + E Jiao = Coughing blood due to deficient LU yin
Xian He Cao + Ce Bai Ye = Vomiting blood
Xian He Cao + Huai Hua Mi = Bloody stool
Xian He Cao + Hai Piao Xiao = Excess uterine bleeding or dark bloody stool w/pain in middle burner
Bai Ji + Hai Piao Xiao + Chuan Bei Mu = Coughing up blood
Huai Hua Mi + Ce Bai Ye = Bleeding (stool, urine, urerine, bose, or saliva)
Huai Hua Mi + Di Yu = Hot hemorrhoids
Di Yu + Wu Mei (+Huang Lian + Mu Xiang) = Bloody stools, bleeding hemorrhoids, and chronic damp heat induced vaginal discharge
Di Yu + Qian Cao Gen = Bleeding in lower jiao due to damp heat
Di Yu + Ku Shen = Skin lesions due to damp heat
Ce Bai Ye + Pu Huang = Excess uterine bleeding due to heat
Ce Bai Ye + Gan Jiang + Ai Ye = Bleeding due to deficient cold
Ce Bai Ye + Sheng Di Huang = Various forms of bleeding due to hot blood
Bai Mao Gen + Huang Qi = Edema due to deficient qi
Ai Ye + Xiang Fu = Menstrual pain due to deficient cold & stagnant qi
Ai Ye + E Jiao = Restless fetus & threatened miscarriage
Niu Xi + Du Zhong = Pain & weakness of lower back/extremities due to deficient KD
Niu Xi + Dang Gui + Huang Qin = Hot painful urinary disorder
Niu Xi + Wu Jia Pi + Sang Ji Sheng + Xu Duan = Painful obstruction from LT illness w/deficient LR/KD (all strengthen sinews & bones)
Invigorate Blood Combinations:
Chuan Xiong + Dang Gui = Menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, or late scanty menstruation due to deficient blood
Chuan Xiong + Fang Feng + Jing Jie = Headache due to external wind cold
Chuan Xiong + Yi Mu Cao + Tao Ren = Post-partum blood stasis
Yan Hu Suo + Xiang Fu = Dysmenorrhea due to stagnant blood
Yu Jin + Xiang Fu + Dang Gui + Bai Shao = Flank & abdominal pain associated with menstruation
Yu Jin + Mu Dan Pi + Niu Xi = Puplish skin blotches, blood spitting, nosebleed due to hot blood w/blood stasis
Yu Jin + Mu Dan Pi = Clear heat & cool blood with symptoms of chaotic movement of hot blood
Yu Jin + Dan Shen = Painful obstruction of chest due to heat & obstruction of blood
Yu Jin + Yin Chen Hao + Zhi Zi = Jaundice due to damp-heat
Dan Shen + Tan Xiang + Sha Ren = Pain in chest, epigastrium, and abdomen due to stagnant qi & blood (Dan Shen Yin)
Dan Shen + Mu Dan Pi + Sheng Di Huang = High fever, irritability, subcutaneous bleeding, spitting of blood, and nose bleed due to heat injuring nutritive level in warm febrile disorder
Dan Shen + Ru Xiang = Pain & swelling due to stagnant blood
Dan Shen + Dang Gui = Irregular menstruation, retained lochia or blood stasis due to trauma
Dan Shen + Suan Zao Ren + Bai Zi Ren = Palpitations due to deficient heat
Chi Shao + Ju Hua + Huang Qin = Redness, swelling, and eye pain
Chi Shao + Xiang Fu = Flank pain, abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea due to stagnant qi & blood
Chi Shao + Tao Ren = Premature period, excessive bleeding, and presence of purple-thick clots (Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang)
Chi Shao + Chuan Xiong = Immobile abdominal masses & amenorrhea w/abdominal pain
Yi Mu Cao + Chuan Xiong + Xiang Fu = Dysmenorrhea or lower abdominal pain due to post-partum blood stasis
Yi Mu Cao + Dang Gui + Chi Shao + Zhi Zi = Irregular menses, scanty menstruation, lower ab pain, and infertility due to stagnant blood
Ze Lan + Dan Shen = Trauma induced swelling & pain
Ze Lan + Bai Mao Gen = Edema with heat symptoms
Tao Ren + Da Huang + Mu Dan Pi = Pain & swelling associated w/intestinal abscess (Da Huang Mu Dan Tang)
Tao Ren + Hong Hua = Dysmenorrhea w/abdominal pain, clotting, and scanty flow due to stagnant blood
Tao Ren + Xing Ren + Huo Ma Ren = Constipation due to dry intestines (Wu Ren Wan)
Hong Hua + Chuan Xiong = Pain in chest & abdomen due to stagnant blood & qi
Mo Yao + Hong Hua = Blood stasis induced chest & abdominal pain
Mo Yao + Wu Ling Zhi + Xiang Fu + Yan Hu Suo = Epigastric & abdominal pain due to stagnant blood & qi obstruction
Ru Xiang + Di Long + Wu Tou = Spasm & rigidity due to wind-stroke
Ru Xiang + Qiang Huo + Qin Jao = Joint pain due to wind-cold damp obstruction (Juan Bi Tang)
Ru Xiang + Mo Yao = Use topically for chronic, ulcerated, non-healing sores (sores & carbuncles)
Ru Xiang + Niu Xi = Flank pain due to acute sprain
San Leng + Dang Gui + E Zhu + Hong Hua + Tao Ren = Amenorrhea, post-partum abdominal pain, and immobile abdominal masses due to stagnant blood
Niu Xi + Dang Gui + Huang Qin = Hot painful urinary disorder
Warm Interior Combinations:
Fu Zi + Huang Qi = Spontaneous sweating & chills due to yang xu
Fu Zi + Ren Shen = Severe deficiency w/cold extremities, sweating, weak breathing, dizziness, and extremely pale complexion
Fu Zi + Gui Zhi = Generalized aches & pains and difficulty turning the trunk due to damp-cold obstruction in the channels
Fu Zi + Fu Ling + Bai Zhu + Bai Shao = Urinary difficulty due to KD/SP yang deficieny (Zhen Wu Tang)
Gan Jiang + Hou Po = Epigastric distention & pain due to cold-induced congealed fluids
Gan Jiang + Bai Zhu = Diarrhea due to SP xu
Gan Jiang + Gan Cao = Epigastric pain & vomiting due to xu-cold of SP/ST
Gan Jiang + Gao Liang Jiang = Stomach cold
Gan Jian + Chuan Jiao = Abdominal pain & vomiting due to middle jiao yang deficiency
Rou Gui + Dang Gui + Chuan Xiong = Dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea due to cold from deficiency of penetrating & conception vessels
Rou Gui + Huang Bai + Zhi Mu = Urinary discomfort & retention due to deficient KD
Rou Gui + Ren Shen + Shu Di Huang = Palpitations & shortness of breath due to deficient SP/KD yang
Hua Jiao (Chuan Jiao) + Gan Jiang + Ren Shen = Excruciating epigastric & abdominal pain, strong feelings of cold in epigastrium, nausea, vomiting caused by middle burner deficient yang with ascendant cold
Hua Jiao + Gan Jiang + Ren Shen = Abdominal pain & nausea/vomiting
Wu Zhu Yu + Gan Jiang + Ban Xia = Abdominal pain, vomiting, and acid reflux due to ST cold
Wu Zhu Yu + Huang Lian = Vomiting, epigastric pain, and acid reflux due to heat-induced disorder b/w LR & ST (Zuo Jin Wan)
Wu Zhu Yu + Sheng Jiang = Epigastric pain, vomiting, and headache due to Jue & Shao Yin stages of cold induced disorders
Xiao Hui Xiang + Sheng Jiang + Hou Po =
Xiao Hui Xiang + Gan Jiang + Mu Xiang = Vomiting & poor appetite due to cold ST
Ding Xiang + Rou Gui + Ba Ji Tian = Male impotence or vaginal discharges due to deficient KD
Ding Xiang + Sha Ren + Bai Zhu = Vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite due to SP/ST deficiency cold
Ding Xiang + Ban Xia = Abdominal pain & vomiting due to ST cold
Ding Xiang + Sheng Jiang = ST deficiency cold leading to hiccups (Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang)
Ding Xiang + Chen Pi + Da Fu Pi = Heart Qi stagnation (Mu Xiang Liu Qi Yin)
Gao Liang Jiang + Ban Xia + Sheng Jiang = Rebellious qi w/vomiting of clear fluid due to cold ST
Bi Ba + Gao Liang Jiang = Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea due to cold ST
Hu Jiao + Gao Liang Jiang = Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to cold ST
Tonify Qi Combinations:
Ren Shen + Zi Su Ye = Wind-cold with deficient qi
Ren Shen + Dang Gui + Long Yan Rou + Yuan Zhi = Palpitations, SOB, poor appetite, and insomnia due to deficient HT & SP
Ren Shen + Wu Wei Zi + Mai Men Dong = Shortness of breath and spontaneous sweating due to qi/yin xu
Ren Shen + Bai Zhu + Fu Ling = Poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue due to SP/ST deficiency
Ren Shen + Shu Di Huang + Tian Men Dong = Fever, thirst, irritability, SOB, dry red tongue due to deficient qi/yin
Dang Shen + Huang Qi = Fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and poor appetite due to deficient LU & SP
Dang Shen + Bai Zhu = Poor appetite, loose stools, and vomiting due to SP qi deficiency
Dang Shen + Shu Di Huang + Dang Gui = Dizziness, weakness, and lassitude due to deficient qi & blood
Huang Qi + Mu Li + Fu Xiao Mai = Sweating during the day but worsens at night
Huang Qi + Gui Zhi = Numbness & painful obstruction of musculature due to qi & blood deficiency (Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang)
Huang Qi + Chai Hu + Sheng Ma = Uterine prolapse and excess uterine bleeding due to weak SP qi
Huang Qi + Dang Gui + Tao Ren + Hong Hua = Sequelae of wind-stroke w/deficient qi and stagnant blood
Huang Qi + Sheng Di Huang + Shan Yao = Wasting & thirsting (Xiao Ke)
Bai Zhu + Fu Ling + Gui Zhi = Congested fluids w/distention of chest & edema due to SP deficiency (Wu Ling San & Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Bai Zhu + Cang Zhu = Vaginal discharge (Wan Dai Tang)
Bai Zhu + Dang Shen + Gan Jiang = Diarrhea due to middle burner deficiency cold
Bai Zhu + Huang Qi + Fang Feng = Stabilize exterior for spontaneous sweating (Yu Ping Feng San)
Bai Zhu + Huang Qin = Restless fetus with internal heat
Bai Zhu + Zhi Shi = Reduced appetite w/epigastric distention due to deficient SP qi w/stagnant qi
Shan Yao + Mai Men Dong + Wu Wei Zi = Cough due to deficient LU (Du Qi Wan)
Shan Yao + Bai Zhu + Fu Ling = Loose & watery stools due to deficient SP
Shan Yao + Shu Di Huang + Shan Zhu = Spermatorrhea & night sweats due to KD deficiency (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan)
Da Zao + Sheng Jiang = Regulate disharmony b/w nutritive & protective qi
Da Zao + Dang Gui + E Jiao = Nutritive qi & blood deficiency
Gan Cao + Dang Shen + Gui Zhi = Chronic diarrhea due to deficient SP leading to damp accumulation
Gan Cao + Jin Yin Hua = Damp rashes or acne
Gan Cao + Jin Yin Hua + Pu Gong Ying = Red, swollen, painful sores
Gan Cao + Jie Geng = Pain & swelling of throat, especially acute
Gan Cao + Bai Shao = Abdominal pain & intestinal spasms (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang)
Gan Cao + Sang Ye + Jie Geng = Cough due to wind heat (Sang Ju Yin)
Tonify Blood Combinations:
Shu Di Huang + Shan Zhu Yu + Shan Yao = Dizziness, tinnitus, low back pain, impotence, night sweats due to LR/KD yin deficieny (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan)
Shu Di Huang + Dang Gui + Bai Shao (and Bai Zi Ren + Suan Zao Ren)= Dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, and menstrual problems due to blood deficiency
Shu Di Huang + Dang Gui + Bai Shao + E Jiao + Ai Ye = Excessive uterine bleeding due to blood deficiency (Jiao Ai Tang)
Shu Di Huang + Huang Qi + Xi Yang Shen = Ascendant LR fire due to qi deficiency
Shu Di Huang + Dang Gui + Bai Zi Ren + Suan Zao Ren = Insomnia & palpitations due to blood deficiency
Dang Gui + Huang Qi = Pallor, debility, fatigue, and low grade fever associated w/blood loss
Dang Gui + Bai Shao + Shu Di Huang + Chuan Xiong = menstrual irregularity or amenorrhea due to either deficient or stagnant qi (Si Wu Tang)
Dang Gui + Tao Ren + Hong Hua = Amenorrhea, pain, swelling, and other stagnant blood symptoms (Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang & Tao Hong Si Wu Tang)
Dang Gui + Dan Shen + Mo Yao = Stagnant blood in extremities
Bai Shao + Gou Teng + Ju Hua = Headache & dizziness due to LR yang rising
Bai Shao + Chai Hu = Flank pain due to stagnant LR qi (Xiao Yao San)
Bai Shao + Xiang Fu + Yan Hu Suo = Abdominal pain with menstruation
Bai Shao + Zhi Gan Cao = Muscle spasms of calf or abdominal pain due to blood deficiency (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang)
Bai Shao + Gui Zhi = Wind cold with external deficiency (Gui Zhi Tang)
E Jiao + Xian He Cao = Coughing blood due to deficient LU yin
E Jiao + Huang Qin + Bai Shao = Irritability & insomnia due to deficient yin & injured fluids
E Jiao + Dang Shen + Dang Gui = Dizziness & palpitations from blood xu
E Jiao + Mai Men Dong + Sha Shen = Dry cough w/blood in sputum due to LU yin deficiency
E Jiao + Pu Huang = Stop bleeding
Gou Qi Zi + Shu Di Huang + Rou Gui + Zhi Fu Zi = Impotence and weak low back/knees due to KD yang deficiency (You Gui Wan)
Gou Qi Zi + Ju Hua = Tinnitus & headache due to LR/KD deficiency
Gou Qi Zi + Mai Men Dong + Bei Mu = Consumptive coughs
Sang Shen + Mai Men Dong + Tian Hua Fen = Dry mouth and throat, irritability due to deficiency blood & fluids
Long Yan Rou + Suan Zao Ren + Ren Shen + Dang Gui = Palpitations & insomnia due to deficient HT blood (Gui Pi Tang)
Long Yan Rou + Bai He = Mild cases of insomnia & excitability
Tonify Yang Combinations:
Lu Rong + Gou Ji = Copious vaginal discharge
Lu Rong + Dang Gui + E Jiao + Hai Piao Xiao = Excessive uterine bleeding due to deficient KD
Lu Rong + Ren Shen = Palpitations, lower back pain, and decreased urination due to severe deficient KD & HT
Lu Rong + Shan Yao = Impotence due to KD yang deficiency
Lu Rong + Tu Si Zi + Rou Cong Rong = Frequent, scanty urine with continuous dripping
Lu Rong + Shu Di Huang = Impotence & spermatorrhea in men or infertility and thin vaginal discharge in women due to deficient cold KD
Hu Tao Ren + Ren Shen + Ge Jie = Wheezing from deficient LU & KD
Yin Yang Huo + Xian Mao + Huang Bai + Zhi Mu = Menopausal symptoms such as facial pallor, lower back pain, nocturia, menstrual irregularity, and dizziness due to Yin & Yang deficiency
Xian Mao + Yin Yang Huo = Infertility due to cold (Er Xian Tang)
Xian Mao + Du Zhong = Impotence, spermatorrhea, and weakness & pain in low back/legs
Ba Ji Tian + Ren Shen + Shan Yao = Impotence & infertility
Bu Gu Zhi + Hu Tao Ren + Du Zhong = Lower back pain, premature, ejaculation, coughing/wheezing due to deficient KD yang
Bu Gu Zhi + Tu Si Zi + Yi Zhi Ren = Urinary frequency from KD yang deficiency
Bu Gu Zhi + Hu Tao Ren + Chen Xiang = Impotence
Bu Gu Zhi + Rou Dou Kou + Wu Wei Zi + Wu Zhu Yu = Daybreak diarrhea (Si Shen Wan)
Bu Gu Zhi (topically) = Vitiligo
Yi Zhi Ren + Bai Zhu + Gan Jiang = Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea due to cold entering SP/KD
Yi Zhi Ren + Sha Ren = Uterine bleeding during pregnancy
Yi Zhi Ren + Dang Shen + Ban Xia + Fu Ling = Reduced appetite & excess salivation due to cold from SP/ST deficiency
Yi Zhi Ren + Wu Yao + Shan Yao = Urinary incontinence or frequency due to SP/KD deficiency cold (Suo Quan Wan)
Gou Ji + Dang Gui = Swelling in lower extremities as an aftermath of a chronic illness
Gou Ji + Du Zhong + Qin Jiao = Painful obstruction in low back due to wind-damp
Gou Ji + Tu Si Zi = Lowe back pain due to KD problems
Gou Ji + Du Zhong + Niu Xi = Pain, stiffness & motor impairment of lower back w/weak legs due to deficient LR/KD
Xu Duan + Pu Gong Ying = Breast sores
Xu Duan + Ai Ye = Excess uterine bleeding with abdominal pain
Xu Duan + Tu Si Zi + E Jiao + Sang Ji Sheng = Habitual miscarriage
Du Zhong + Xu Duan + Tu Si Zi = Habitual miscarriage
Du Zhong + Xu Duan + Shan Yao = Habitual miscarriage
Du Zhong + Xu Duan + Tu Si Zi + Sang Ji Sheng = Restless fetus or threatened miscarriage due to deficient KD
Du Zhong + Shan Zhu Yu + Tu Si Zi = Impotence & frequent urination from cold & deficient KD (You Gui Wan)
Du Zhong + Bai Shao + Xia Ku Cao = Dizziness & lightheadedness from LR yang rising
Du Zhong + Gui Zhi + Du Huo = Cold-damp back pain
Tu Si Zi + Shan Yao + Fu Ling + Dang Shen = Poor appetite, loose stools, or diarrhea due to deficient SP & KD
Tonify Yin Combinations:
Bai He + Zhi Mu = Irritability & mental disorientation due to deficient yin (Bai He Zhi Mu Tang)
Bai He + Sheng Di Huang = Palpitations, irritability, insomnia, and dark urine due to lingering heat
Bai He + Sheng Di Huang + Xuan Shen + Shu Di Huang = Cough w/blood streaked sputum (Bai He Gu Jin Tang)
Tian Men Dong + Sheng Di Huang + Chuan Bei Mu + Bai He = Chronic, dry cough due to heat w/difficult expectoration of sputum associated w/LU yin deficiency
Tian Men Dong + Ren Shen + Shu Di Huang = Debility & low grade fever due to deficient yin from the aftermath of a severe illness
Tian Men Dong + Mai Men Dong = Dry cough, thirst, and other symptoms due to deficient yin with injured fluids
Mai Men Dong + Ren Shen + Wu Wei Zi = Profuse sweating, wheezing, increased heart rate, and exhaustion to severe HT & LU deficiency (Sheng Mai San)
Mai Men Dong + Suan Zao Ren + Sheng Di Huang = Irritability & insomnia due to deficient yin (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan)
Mai Men Dong + Ban Xia + Dang Shen = Chronic, dry cough due to deficient LU yin (Mai Men Dong Tang)
Mai Men Dong + Xuan Shen + Sheng Di Huang = Constipation due to injured fluids (Zeng Ye Tang)
Sha Shen + Mai Men Dong + Sang Ye = Chronic, dry, non-productive cough due to LU yin deficiency
Sha Shen + Mai Men Dong + Tian Hua Fen = Chronic, dry, non-productive cough due to LU yin deficiency
Sha Shen + Mai Men Dong + Zhu Yu = Itching due to dryness & cold
Sha Shen + Shi Hu + Sheng Di Huang = Constipation & dry mouth or throat due to ST yin deficiency
Sha Shen + Chuan Bei Mu + Zhi Mu = Dry cough w/sputum that is difficult to bring up due to LU yin deficiency
Shi Hu + Gou Qi Zi + Ju Hua + Shu Di Huang = Gradual onset of blurred vision & dizziness (Shi Hu Ye Guang Wan)
Shi Hu + Sheng Di Huang + Xuan Shen + Sha Shen = Low grade fever, thirst, blurry vision, and muscle pain due to heat from later stages of febrile disease
Shi Hu + Tian Men Dong + Tu Si Zi + Ju Hua = Enlarged pupils, blurred vision, and photophobia
Hei Zi Ma + Dang Gui + Bai Zi Ren = Constipation due to deficient blood
Hei Zi Ma + Sang Ye = Dizziness, blurry vision, tinnitus, and headache from deficient LR-KD w/yang rising
Gui Ban + Lu Rong = Debility due to deficient KD essence (Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao)
Gui Ban + Bie Jia + E Jiao = Low grade afternoon fever & night sweats due to deficient yin with yang rising (San Jia Fu Mai Tang)
Gui Ban + Long Gu + Yuan Zhi = Anxiety & insomnia due to deficient HT
Gui Ban + Zhi Mu + Huang Bai + Sheng Di Huang = Afternoon fever, night sweats, and steaming bone disorder (Da Bu Yin Wan)
Gui Ban + Shu Di Huang + Shan Yao = Kidney deficiency (Zuo Gui Wan)
Gui Ban + Ju Hua + Shi Jue Ming = Lightheadedness & vertigo due to ascendant LR yan
Bie Jia + Yin Chai Hu + Hu Huang Lian = Steaming bone disorder from deficient blood (Qing Gu San)
Bie Jia + Da Huang + Hu Po = Amenorrhea with abdominal masses
Stabilize & Bind Combinations:
Shan Zhu Yu + Shu Di Huang + Shan Yao = Tonify LR & KD yin (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan)
Shan Zhu Yu + Bai Shao + E Jiao = Dark, thick, uterine bleeding that alternates between trickling & gushing due to deficient yin heat
Shan Zhu Yu + Dang Gui + Shu Di Huang = Yin deficiency night sweats
Shan Zhu Yu + Huang Qi + Dang Shen = Spontaneous sweating due to deficient qi or yang
Shan Zhu Yu + Jin Ying Zi = Spermatorrhea or premature ejaculation
Shan Zhu Yu + Long Gu + Mu Li + Fu Zi + Ren Shen = Profuse sweating due to devastated yang
Shan Zhu Yu + Bu Gu Zhi + Dang Gui = Spermatorrhea or premature ejactulation
Jin Ying Zi + Shan Yao + Dang Shen + Bai Zhu = Chronic diarrhea due to deficient SP
Jin Ying Zi + Qian Shi = Vaginal discharge due to deficient KD or spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, and frequent urination due to deficient KD
Jin Ying Zi + Long Gu + Mu Li = Spermatorrhea & premature ejaculation due to deficient yin
Hai Piao Xiao + Zhe Bei Mu = Abdominal pain & belching with acid regurgitation
Hai Piao Xiao + Huang Bai + Qing Dai = Damp rashes and sores
Hai Piao Xiao + Shan Yao + Long Gu + Qian Cao Gen = Vaginal discharge due to SP deficiency (Qing Dai Tang)
Hai Piao Xiao + Huang Qi + Wu Bei Zi = Excessive uterine bleeding due to instability of Chong & Ren vessels (Gu Chong Tang)
Fu Pen Zi + Sang Shen + Gou Qi Zi + Shu Di Huang + Nu Zhen Zi = Poor vision due to deficient LR & KD (Ju Hua is for EXCESS!)
Fu Pen Zi + Du Zhong = Lower back pain & cold extremities due to deficient KD
Fu Pen Zi + Wu Wei Zi + Tu Si Zi + Gou Qi Zi = Impotence & spermatorrhea due to deficient KD
Qian Shi + Shan Yao = Vaginal discharge due to SP & KD deficiency
Qian Shi + Bai Zhu + Dang Shen + Fu Ling = Chronic diarrhea due to deficient SP
Qian Shi + Che Qian Zi + Huang Bai = Vaginal discharge due to damp-heat
Lian Zi + Bai He + Yi Yi Ren + Sha Shen = Mild cases of insomnia, palpitations, irritability, or nocturnal emissions due to HT fire excess
Lian Zi + Shan Yao + Bai Zhu = Chronic diarrhea due to deficient SP
Lian Zi + Huang Lian + Dang Shen = Insomnia, palpitations, and thirst due to HT/KD not communicating
Bai Guo + Sang Bai Pi + Ma Huang + Xing Ren = Cough & wheezing w/excess yellow sputum due to LU deficiency w/hot phlegm (Ding Chuan Tang)
Wu Wei Zi + Shan Zhu Yu = Spermatorrhea, abnormal sweating, palpitations, and shortness of breath due LR/KD yin and yang deficiency
Wu Wei Zi + Shu Di Huang + Shan Yao + Shan Zhu Yu = Cough & wheezing due to LU & KD deficiency (Du Qi Wan)
Wu Wei Zi + Gan Jiang + Xi Xin = Unremitting cough & wheezing due to coldness in LU channel
Wu Wei Zi + Bu Gu Zhi + Rou Dou Kou = Diarrhea due to SP & KD yang deficiency (Si Shen Wan)
Wu Wei Zi + Suan Zao Ren + Sheng/Shu Di Huang = Insomnia, irritability, and forgetfulness due to HT deficiency (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan)
Wu Wei Zi + Ren Shen + Zi Wan = Cough & wheezing due to LU deficiency (Bu Fei Tang)
Wu Wei Zi + Long Gu + San Piao Xiao = Spontaneous emissions (Sang Piao Xiao San)
Wu Wei Zi + Mu Li + Huang Qi = Spontaneous sweating due Qi deficiency
Wu Mei + Ge Gen + Tian Hua Fen + Mai Men Dong = Thirst & irritability from injured fluids due to heat
Wu Mei + E Jiao + Bai Shao + Dang Gui = Bloody stool & excessive uterine bleeding w/thirst due to deficient blood
Chi Shi Zhi + Gan Jiang + Bai Shao = Purulent bloody stool & abdominal pain due to chronic dysentery & rectal prolapse due to deficiency cold
Chi Shi Zhi + Huang Lian + Huang Qin + Gan Jiang = Chronic, recurrent dysentery w/tenesmus & thick mucoid stool
Rou Dou Kou + Mu Xiang = Poor appetite, diarrhea, and cold abdominal pain due to deficiency cold
Rou Dou Kou + Ban Xia + Gan Jiang = Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention, and poor appetite due to cold deficiency of SP/ST (Ban Xia Hou Po Tang)
Rou Dou Kou + Dang Shen + Fu Ling = Chronic diarrhea due to deficiency cold of SP/ST
Rou Dou Kou + Rou Gui + Bai Zhu + Ren Shen = Chronic diarrhea due to deficiency cold of SP/ST (NOT Gan Jiang)
Fu Xiao Mai + Gan Cao + Da Zao = Emotional disorders, emotional instability, and irritability due to mild deficiency of SP & HT
Fu Xiao Mai +Di Gu Pi = Sweating due to steaming bone disorder
Fu Xiao Mai + Huang Qi + Mu Li = Spontaneous sweating due to deficiency
Calm Spirit Combinations:
Long Gu + Gui Zhi + Bai Shao = Spermatorrhea, diarrhea, vaginal discharge, and excess uterine bleeding causing by deficient yang
Long Gu + Fu Zi + Ren Shen = Profuse sweating due to devastated yang & collapsed qi
Long + Mu Li + Dai Zhe Shi = Insomnia, irritability, dizziness, and blurred vision due to deficient yin w/yang rising
Long Gu + Huang Qi + Bai Shao = Spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency
Long Gu + Yuan Zhi + Gui Ban + Suan Zao Ren = Palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia & dream disturbed sleep
Mu Li + Long Gu + Bai Shao = Anxiety, palpitations, insomnia & dream disturbed sleep (Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang)
Mu Li + Huang Qi + Spontaneous sweating & night sweats
Mu Li + Huang Qi + Fu Xiao Mai = Night sweats (Mu Li San)
Mu Li + Shan Zhu Yu + Shan Yao = Vaginal discharge
Mu Li + Hai Piao Xiao = Acid regurgitation
Mu Li + Hai Piao Xiao + Zhi Bei Mu = Acid regurgitation
Mu Li + Gui Ban + Bie Jia + Sheng Di Huang = Internal movement of LR wind with tremors & twitching (Da Ding Feng Shu)
Mu Li + Chai Hu + Chi Shao + Dan Shen = Subcostal pain & swelling
Ci Shi + Shu Di Huang + Shan Zhu Yu + Wu Wei Zi = Tinnitus & impaired hearing
Ci Shi + Shu Di Huang + Shan Zhu Yu + Shan Yao = Diminished hearing due LR & KD yin deficiency (Er Long Zuo Ci Wan)
Ci Shi + Dai Zhe Shi + Wu Wei Zi + Hu Tao Ren = Chronic cough & wheezing due to KD not grasping qi
Ci Shi + Dang Gui + Shu Di Huang + Suan Zao Ren = Anemia, palpitations, and insomnia
Ci Shi + Shu Di Huang + Gou Qi Zi + Sha Yuan Zi = Cataracts
Ci Shi + Mu Li = Dizziness, heavy head, flushed face, and palpitations caused by deficient yin w/rising yang
CI Shi + Mu Li + Long Gu = Dizziness & vertigo due to deficient yin with yang rising
Ci Shi + Shi Jue Ming + Mu Li + Zhen Zhu Mu = Dizziness & vertigo due to deficient yin with yang rising WITH a bad temper
Ci Shi + Ju Hua + Gou Qi Zi + Nu Zhen Zi = Diminished vision due to LR & KD deficiency
Zhen Zu + Honey = Those who are easily fearful caused by a disorder of HT & spirit
Zhen Zu + Hu Po + Zhi Tian Nan Xing + Zhu Sha = Palpitations, anxiety, and childhood seizures
Suan Zao Ren + Zhi Mu + Fu Ling = Insomnia & irritability due to heat from LR deficient yin
Suan Zao Ren + Dang Shen + Fu Ling + Long Yan Rou = Insomnia, palpitations, and irritability due to deficient SP qi and HT blood (Gui Pi Tang)
Suan Zao Ren + Bai Shao + Dang Gui + He Shou Wu = Irritability, insomnia, and palpitations caused by deficiency or HT yin & blood
Suan Zao Ren + Huang Qi + Wu Wei Zi + Mu Li = Spontaneous sweating & night sweats
Suan Zao Ren + Huang Qi + Wu Wei Zi + Shan Zhu Yu = Spontaneous sweating & night sweats
Suan Zao Ren + Zhi Mu = Clear heat due to LR yin deficiency
Bai Zi Ren + Ma Huang Gen + Mu Li = Night sweats due to deficient yin
Bai Zi Ren + Wu Wei Zi + Mu Li = Night sweats due to deficient yin
Bai Zi Ren + Yuan Zhi + Suan Zao Ren = Palpitations & insomnia due to deficient HT blood
Bai Zi Ren + Huo Ma Ren + He Tao Ren = Constipation in elderly or post-partum women due to blood deficiency
Ye Jiao Teng + Suan Zao Ren + Bai Zi Ren + He Huan Pi = Nightmares due to deficient HT blood
Open Orifices Combinations:
Niu Huang + Zhu Li = Delirium & irritability due to heat in PC due to warm febrile disorders
Niu Huang + Zhi Zi + Huang Lian = Delirium & irritability due to heat crushing the PC
Niu Huang + Quan Xie + Dan Nan Xing = Convulsions in children due to severe heat
Niu Huang + She Xiang + + Dan Nan Xing + Gou Teng = Loss of consciousness & convulsion due to fever in children
Niu Huang + She Xiang + Zhen Zhu = Severe hot sores & ulcerations
Niu Huang + She Xiang + Xi Jiao = Sudden loss of consciousness & coma due to extreme heat or wind stroke
Niu Huang + Jin Yin Hua + Gan Cao = Sores, carbuncles, and boils
She Xiang + Mu Xiang + Tao Ren = Chest pain
She Xiang + Hong Hua + Tao Ren + Dan Shen = Amenorrhea
She Xiang + Rou Gui = Hasting of delivery of stillborns
She Xiang + Du Huo + Wei Ling Xian + Han Fang Ji = Severe wind-damp painful obstruction
She Xiang + Shi Gao = Blazing heat in PC
She Xiang + Chi Shao + Dan Shen + E Zhu = Immobile abdominal masses due to stagnant blood
Extinguish Wind Combinations:
Tian Ma + Gou Teng + Shi Jue Ming = Dizziness & vertigo due to LR wind (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin)
Tian Ma + Gou Teng + Shi Jue Ming + Niu Xi = Dizziness & headache caused by LR yang rising (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin)
Tian Ma + Gou Teng + Niu Xi + Huang Qin = Dizziness & headache caused by LR yang rising (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin)
Tian Ma + Niu Xi + Sang Ji Sheng = Numbness & weakness of extremities
Tian Ma + Ban Xia + Bai Zhu = Dizziness & vertigo due to phlegm damp
Gou Teng + Bo He + Chan Tui + Jing Jie = Headache & red eyes from wind-heat, OR incomplete expression of rashes
Gou Teng + Ju Hua + Shi Jue Ming + Sang Ye = Dizziness & vertigo due to LR disorders
Gou Teng + Tian Ma + Shi Jue Ming + Ju Hua = Dizziness & vertigo due to LR wind
Gou Teng + Xia Ku Cao + Huang Qin = Liver fire with headaches & dizziness
Gou Teng + Chan Tui = Convulsions due to LR wind
Shi Jue Ming + Xia Ku Cao = Headache & dizziness due to LR yang rising
Shi Jue Ming + Xia Ku Cao + Huang Qi + Ju Hua = LR yang rising: headache & dizziness, as well as irritability & insomnia
Shi Jue Ming + Xia Ku Cao + Gou Teng = Hypertension due to LR yang rising
Shi Jue Ming + Ju Hua = Eye redness, swelling, and pain from blazing LR fire
Shi Jue Ming + Chan Tui = Chronic progressive loss of vision & night blindness
Shi Jue Ming + Mu Li = Headache & dizziness due to deficient yin & rising yang
Shi Jue Ming + Mu Li + Bai Shao + Sheng Di Huang = LR yin deficiency w/ascendant yang (E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang)
Shi Jue Ming + Shan Zhu Yu + Shu Di Huang = Impaired vision due to LR & KD yin deficiency
Bai Ji Li (Ci Ji Li) + Jue Ming Zi + Ju Hua = Pain, redness, and swelling of eyes with excessive tearing due to wind-heat
Bai Ji Li + Chan Tui + Fang Feng = Itchy skin due to wind-heat
Bai Ji Li + Qing Pi + Xiang Fu = Pain & swelling of chest & flanks or lack of lactation due to stagnant LR qi
Bai Ji Li + Gou Teng + Niu Xi = Headache, dizziness, and vertigo caused by LR yang rising
Dai Zhe Shi + Ban Xia + Xuan Fu Hua = Vomiting, hiccup, & belching due to rebellious qi (Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang)
Dai Zhe Shi + Long Gu + Niu Xi = Dizziness & tinnitus due to ascendant LR yang (Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang)
Dai Zhe Shi + Long Gu + Niu Xi + Mu Li = Dizziness, vertigo, headache, and tinnitus due to hyperactive LR yang
Di Long + Dan Shen + Ci Shi = Hypertension due to rising LR yang
Di Long + Han Fang Ji + Ren Dong Teng + Qin Jiao = Red, swollen, and painful joints due to hot painful obstruction
Di Long + Huang Qi + Dang Gui + Chi Shao = Hemiplegia due to wind-stroke
Di Long + Gou Teng + Bai Jiang Can = Seizures due to high fevers
Di Long + Huang Qin + Shi Jue Ming + Xia Ku Cao = Hypertension
Di Long + Ma Huang + Xing Ren + Huang Qin = Wheezing & coughing due to LU heat
External Application Combinations:
She Chuang Zi + Wei Ling Xian + Ku Shen + Sha Ren = External wash for weeping & itching rashes of scrotum & groin, genital rashes
She Chuang Zi + Ku Shen + Bai Bu = Itchy, weepy skin lesions
She Chuang Zi + Rou Gui + Rou Cong Rong + Ba Ji Tian = Waning fire at gate of vitality
She Chuang Zi + Sang Ji Sheng + Du Zhong + Qin Jiao = Lower back & leg pain due to cold-damp
She Chuang Zi + Shan Zhu Yu + Shan Yao + Lu Jiao Jiao = Cold-damp vaginal discharge
She Chuang Zi + Qing Fen = Acute flare ups of chronic eczema, genital eczema, or scabies
Understanding and applying TCM herb combinations is more than just an academic exercise—it is a gateway to transforming patient care. By mastering these herbal pairings, acupuncturists and students can enhance their diagnostic precision and treatment efficacy, ensuring that each formula aligns with the unique needs of their patients. Whether you are preparing for certification exams or expanding your clinical toolkit, these combinations provide a roadmap to the profound wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, empowering you to offer integrative, patient-centered care.
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