This is a PPT from a lecture I gave recently in Taiwan. I will be using a revised version of this to teach some classes this Summer in the US.

1. Integrating Plants into Chinese Medicine from Outside China: A Methodology Thomas Avery Garran 05-21-2011Taichung,Taiwan

2. Why is this important? Chinese medicine is an evolving system, if there is a way to improve it, we should try to do so. Although there are over 5000 plants used throughout China, only about 500 (10%) are used beyond local traditions. This is primarily because the best has been culled out and into the primary medicine.

3. Difference between Chinese medicine practiced in the West and in Asia In the West many patients are already using some of Western herbs Western herbs are often higher quality The use of Western herbs is more sustainable

4. History Chinese medicine has long history of integrating plants from outside of Chinese into Chinese medicine Example: myrrh, frankincense, American ginseng, corn silk, turmeric, coix, evodia, cinnamon, etc.

5. Tools Historical usage Understanding thoroughly how a plant has been used historically Botanical relationships Very important as traditionally there have been plants used from same genus or even family as the same herb within Chinese medicine, ex. Chemistry Experience Knowledge and experience in Chinese medicine

6. Historical Usage Understanding the systems plants have been used in This can be complicated in the West Understanding the historical usage of plants Because of the above, this is both complicating and helpful

7. Historical Usage Looking at different descriptions of plant usage Finding similarities throughout this history Finding connections between descriptions in Western literature and Chinese theory and materiamedica Hypericumperforatum Avenafatua Arnica montana

8. Hypericum perfoliatum Antiinflammatory Acute and chronic tissue inflammation Wound healer Used both internally and externally Lightens the spirits For anxiety, depression

9. Avena fatua Strengthens the male sex organs Nourishes the exhausted body Builds blood and energy Soothes the mind Helps anxiety and insomnia when exhausted

10. Arnica montana Acute pain from trauma Used both internally and externally Chest pain and heart problems

11. Botanical Relationships History of using botanically related plants Many plants in Chinese medicine have been used as the same medicine; several species of Actaea (cimicifuga) used as sheng ma (升麻), Angelica as du huo (独活), Glycyrrhiza (甘草), etc. Family Relationships within families; Apiaceae (Heracleum being used as Angelica (独活), Asteraceae, etc. Genus polygala, calamus, cassia, actaea, clematis

12. How we can use these relationships A Western herb with related plant(s) in Chinese medicine; caulophyllum, angelica, polygala, calamus, lobelia, etc. Sometimes this there is very different information; lobelia Sometimes there is very similar information; calamus, angelica

13. Family Relationships Asteraceae From 菊花 to Leucanthemumvulgare Ranunculaceae From 黄连 to Hydrastiscanadensis Lamiacea From 藿香 to Monardapunctata

14. Leucanthemumvulgare Mildly stimulate circulation Diaphoretic (combine with ginger) Painful menstruation with congestion and scant flow, especially chronic Emotional issues with “foul stomach” and “nervous tendencies” Temper heat and refresh the liver

15. Hydrastis canadensis Tonic to the digestion (stomach) Atonic secretions Stimulates digestion Soothes irritation of feeble & congested mucus membranes Ulceration of the bowels (combine with 大黄) Diarrhea/dysentery Jaundice Palpitations combine with Leonorus and Scutellaria Sore throat External inflammations and infections

16. Monarda punctata Mild, diffusive, stimulating and relaxing antispasmodic nervine and carminative Warming to the stomach, relieves vomiting and diarrhea, especially from acute illness Diaphoretic for colds, catarrhal fever and eruptive fevers

17. Genus Relationships Polygala Chinese name 远志 (multiple species used) Angelica Multiple species used Ligusticum Chinese names 川芎 and 藁本 (multiple species used) Leonorus Chinese name 益母草 (multiple species used) Scutellaria Chinese names 黄芩 and 半支莲 and others * Scrophularia Chinese name 玄參 (two or more species used) Taraxacum Chinese name 蒲公英 (multiple species used)

18. Polygala senaga Stimulate expectoration for chronic coughs with excessive phlegm Used in chronic asthma Considered warm and stimulating

19. Angelica archangelica Diaphoretic for cold conditions Dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea do to cold Cough with abundant mucus Cold pains in the digestive tract Comforts the heart, blood and spirit

20. Ligusticum porterii; L. grayii Head ache do to cold Sore throat with common cold Dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea Body aches and pains do to invasion of external influences or injury

21. Leonorus cardiaca Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, or pain in the back during menstruation Lochia not arriving or scant, especially with “after-pains” Suppressed labor Pain in the chest with palpitations and nervousness Chronic nervousness, anxiety, insomnia associated with anemia

22. Scutellaria lateriflora Nervous exhaustion Insomnia, anxiousness, hypochondria Antispasmodic; nervous headache, dysmenorrhea, neuralgia Used for drug and alcohol withdrawals

23. Scrophularia nodosa, S. californica Red, hot swollen lymph nodes Red, hot swollen skin diseases Painful and irregular menstruation with irritation and excitation Externally for burns, inflammation, sore nipples, eczema, hemorrhoids “Obstinate ulcers, the result of a depraved state of the fluids and solids, are frequently benefited by its use.”

24. Taraxacum officinale Jaudice Congestion of the liver and spleen Digestive weakness Inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, especially from epidemic illnesses

25. Special Properties Flavor Understanding how the flavors function Nature The concept of a “temperature” in different systems may vary Understanding of the “over-all” function of the herb Channels entered Affinity to organs or areas of the body

26. Experience The most important aspect Experiment on yourself Keep good notes

27. Thank You!