There are many varieties of traditional Chinese medicine, and most of the Chinese medicines we use today are classified according to their functions. By looking at their categories, we can understand the effects of these medicines. Chinese medicines can be classified into about twenty types based on their functions, including dispersing exterior pathogens, clearing heat, promoting bowel movements, and so on. Let's briefly introduce the effects and representative medicines of these twenty categories of Chinese medicines.
(1) Dispersing exterior pathogens: Medicines that have the effect of expelling exterior pathogens and relieving superficial symptoms are called dispersing exterior pathogen medicines. Representative medicines: Ephedra, Ledebouriella, Peppermint, Mulberry Leaf, Bupleurum, etc.
(2) Clearing heat: Medicines that have the effect of clearing internal heat are classified as clearing heat medicines. Representative medicines: Anemarrhena, Gypsum, Scutellaria, Sophora Flavescens, Rehmannia, Honeysuckle, Cortex Dictamni, etc.
(3) Promoting bowel movements: Medicines that can cause diarrhea, lubricate the large intestine, and promote bowel movements are classified as promoting bowel movement medicines. Representative medicines: Rhubarb, Aloe, Croton Seed, Hemp Seed, etc.
(4) Dispelling wind-dampness: Medicines that mainly dispel wind-dampness and relieve paralysis are classified as dispelling wind-dampness medicines. Representative medicines: Papaya, Acanthopanax Bark, Tiger Bone (substitute), Mulberry Twig, etc.
(5) Aromatic dampness-transforming medicines: Medicines that have the function of transforming dampness and have aromatic smells are classified as aromatic dampness-transforming medicines. Representative medicines: Atractylodes, Agastache, Cardamom, White Cardamom, etc.
(6) Diuretic and dampness-dissipating medicines: Medicines that mainly promote diuresis, dissipate dampness, and unblock water pathways are classified as diuretic and dampness-dissipating medicines. Representative medicines: Coix Seed, Poria, Moneywort, Alisma, etc.
(7) Warming interior medicines: Medicines that mainly warm and disperse interior cold and treat cold syndromes are classified as warming interior medicines. Representative medicines: Aconite, Clove, Fennel, Pepper, etc.
(8) Regulating Qi medicines: Medicines that regulate Qi, promote smooth flow of Qi, and eliminate Qi stagnation are classified as regulating Qi medicines. Representative medicines: Agarwood, Mosla, Litchi Seed, Sword Bean, etc.
(9) Digestive medicines: Medicines that mainly eliminate food retention are classified as digestive medicines. Representative medicines: Crataegus, Malt, Raphanus Seed, etc.
(10) Anthelmintic medicines: Medicines that mainly expel parasitic worms are classified as anthelmintic medicines. Representative medicines: Areca Seed, Brucea Javanica, Pumpkin Seed, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, etc.
(11) Hemostatic medicines: Medicines that mainly stop internal and external bleeding are classified as hemostatic medicines. Representative medicines: Sanqi Ginseng, Bletilla, Flowering Stones, Boehmeria Root, etc.
(12) Blood-activating and stasis-removing medicines: Medicines that mainly activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and promote blood flow are classified as blood-activating and stasis-removing medicines. Representative medicines: Chuanxiong Rhizome, Leonurus, Salvia, etc.
(13) Cough-suppressing and asthma-relieving medicines: Medicines that have the function of resolving phlegm, suppressing cough, and relieving asthma are classified as cough-suppressing and asthma-relieving medicines. Representative medicines: Apricot Kernel, Mulberry Bark, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf, etc.
(14) Calming and sedative medicines: Medicines that mainly have the effect of calming the mind are classified as calming and sedative medicines. Representative medicines: Cinnabar, Magnetite, Sour Jujube Seed, Biota Seed, etc.
(15) Liver-calming and wind-extinguishing medicines: Medicines that mainly calm the liver, extinguish wind, and subdue Yang are classified as liver-calming and wind-extinguishing medicines. Representative medicines: Deer Antler, Cassia Seed, Earth Dragon, etc.
(16) Opening orifice medicines: Medicines that mainly have the effect of refreshing the mind and opening orifices are classified as opening orifice medicines. Representative medicines: Musk, Moschus, Borneol, etc.
(17) Tonifying deficiency medicines: Medicines that can supplement the body's nutrition, enhance physical fitness, and improve disease resistance are classified as tonifying deficiency medicines. Representative medicines: Ginseng, American Ginseng, Codonopsis, Prince Ginseng, Astragalus, Jujube, etc.
(18) Astringent medicines: Medicines that have the effects of astringing and consolidating, astringing sweat and consolidating essence are classified as astringent medicines. Representative medicines: Schisandra, Raspberry, Cornus, etc.
(19) Vomiting-inducing medicines: Medicines that mainly induce vomiting are classified as vomiting-inducing medicines. Representative medicines: Trichosanthes Root, Glauber's Salt, etc.
(20) External use medicines and other medicines: Medicines that are mainly used externally are classified as external use medicines. Representative medicines: Camphor, Sulfur, Alum, etc.
