STUDENT RESEARCH
Table 1 . Characteristics of Sheng Jiang
Pharmaceutical name English name Properties Channels entered Key characteristics Cautions and Contraindica-tions
Toxicity
Zingberis Rhizoma recens Fresh ginger rhizome Slightly warm and acrid Spleen , Stomach , Lung Dispersing , beneficial to the stomach , assists with nausea , alleviates cough , transforms phlegm
Contraindicated in spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency , heat due to Yin deficiency , or any pattern with excess heat .
High doses can cause dryness in the mouth , sore throat , epistaxis and nephritis . It may cause an elevation in blood pressure and high doses should not be used in people with high blood pressure
CMBA Guidelines No restrictions or warnings . Substance is not considered a danger
Note . Adapted from Materia Medica ( p . 30 ).( 2 ) The recommended dosage for Sheng Jiang is 3-10g . It can also be applied topically .( 3 )
Table 2 . Characteristics of Huang Lian
Pharmaceutical name English name Properties Channels entered Key characteristics Cautions and Contraindications
Toxicity
Coptidis Rhizoma Coptis Rhizome Bitter , cold Heart , Lung , , Liver , Large Intestine , Stomach Cools heat , drains fire ( especially in the Heart and Stomach ), dries damp , resolves toxicity
Due to its cold nature , bitterness , and drying actions it should be used with caution in those with cold patterns or Yang or Yin deficiency , especially in deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach .
Adverse reactions after administration include transient diarrhoea , abdominal distention , borborygmus , polyuria , loss of appetite , nausea , vomiting , epigastric discomfort . In infants oral administration can lead to jaundice . One report of a case of drug rash caused by the powder . Intravenously injected , berberine can cause allergic reaction : several cases of circulatory and respiratory arrest after berberine infusion have been reported .
CMBA Guidelines No restrictions or warnings . Substance is not considered a danger
Note . Adapted from Materia Medica ( p . 134 ).( 2 ) Recommended dosage is 2-10g in a decoction . Its different functions depend on how it is processed .( 3 )
Table 3 . Characteristics of Dan Shen
Pharmaceutical name English name Properties Channels entered Key characteristics Cautions and Contraindicated Toxicity
Salviae miltiorrhiza radix Salvia root Slightly cold , and bitter Pericardium , Heart , Liver Invigorates and tonifies blood , settles irritability caused by blood heat Contraindicated in pregnancy and do not use in conjunction with Vetatri nigri radix et rhizoma
After oral administration side effects have been minor , including dryness in the mouth , weakness , numbness and swelling sensation in the hands , anxiety , shortness of breath , tachycardia , gastrointestinal upset , nausea , vomiting . These symptoms disappear gradually , usually without termination of the treatment . There is only one known case of liver disease , and two cases of shock , reported after injection of preparations made from this herb . Headaches may also occur .
CMBA Guidelines Note . Adapted from Materia Medica ( p . 602 ).( 2 ) Recommended dosage is 5-10g in a decoction .( 3 )
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