This extremely powerful heat clearing herb is perhaps the most directly anti-vital(in the Western way of thought) of the Chinese herbs. It was one of the first herbs to be used for removing “toxins of the blood” which was very close to an understanding of “germ theory” only 2000 years earlier. Even the traditional Chinese teachings say its main indications are: “epidemic febrile diseases with heat invading the blood.” this herb has an extremely cold energy and a very bitter taste. Daqingye is extremely fast acting and seems to help activate other herbs in formulas that contain it.

Mudanpi(Cortex Moutan Radicis)

This heat clearing root bark is also associated with epidemic febrile diseases of the blood and is now shown to be effective against a broad range of germs by modern science. The part that science may never grasp is that the yin and yang energies of the body are often affected in diseases and this must be addressed. It is within these energies that herbal TCM works.

In the case of Mudanpi, this herb is most effective when the yin is damaged(noted by heavy night-time fever). this herb is also often used in normalizing menstruation as its overall effect on the blood is very profound.

Jinqiancao(Herba Lysimachiae)

This herb is not classified as a heat clearing herb but as a diuretic or “herbs for excreting dampness.” It is almost miraculous in its ability to remove and break up both urinary stones and gall stones. Its abilityto remove large solids is a reflection of what it can remove on a microscopic scale as well. Although not fully understood how it works at this, it has been shown to relieve jaundice and normalize many liver conditions, especially those that are associated with viruses, including hepatitis C.

 

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