Radix ASPARAGUS
(TIAN MEN DONG)
 

Nourishes the Yin, clears heat, moistens the Lungs and Kidneys, and helps make the skin smooth and soft. It is often beneficial for men and women to help increase sexual secretions. Women often find it helpful going through menopause with symptoms of dryness and hot flashes.  Usage: 6-15 grams.

Radix GLEHNIA
(BEI SHA SHEN and NAN SHA SHEN; English: Northern Glehnia and Southern Glehnia)
 

Moistens the Lungs and alleviates cough, nourishes the Stomach Yin, and moistens the exterior. It is beneficial for cough, dryness of the mouth or throat, and for dry skin. There are two varieties of Sha Shen available: the Northern and the Southern. The Northern is stronger for nourishing the Yin, while the Southern one is better for stopping coughs.  Usage: 9-15 grams.

Fructus LIGUSTRI LUCIDI
(NU ZHEN ZI; English: Ligustrum Lucidum)
 

Tonifies the Kidney and Liver Yin. It is used traditionally for premature graying of hair, blurring of vision, and lower back ache due to Kidney Yin deficiency. Modern Western research has shown it to increase the white blood cell count.  Usage: 4.5-15 grams.

Bulbus LILIUM
(BAI HE; English: Lilly Bulb)
 

Used for Yin deficiency of the Lungs. It nourishes Yin without causing dampness, as well as clear heat from the Heart. It is beneficial for chronic coughs due to dryness, as it helps to moisten the Lungs.  Usage: 9-30 grams.

Bulbus OPHIOPOGONIS
(MAI MEN DONG; English: Ophiopogonis)
 

Used similarly to Asparagus Root. It is used to moisten dryness anywhere in the body, promotes fertility, and helps increase milk secreation by tonifying the fluids in the body. It is used for chronic coughs with blood in the sputum due to dryness or Lung Yin deficiency.  Usage: 6-12 grams.

Radix PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM
(XI YANG SHEN; English: American Ginseng)
 

Tonifies the Qi and Yin of the Lungs and Kidneys. It is similar in its actions to Chinese Ginseng but is stronger in tonifying the Yin of the Lungs and Kidneys. In contrast, Chinese Ginseng is stronger in tonifying the Qi of the Spleen and Lungs. American Ginseng is the Ginseng preferred for those who have a restless, nervous disposition, for whom Chinese Ginseng would probably be exacerbating as it is warm in property energetically, and these persons are already too hot in energy. American Ginseng is cooling in energy and would tend to cool the heat in these persons, helping to prevent burn-out.  Usage: 3-9 grams.

Rhizoma POLYGONATI
(YU ZHU English: Solomon's Seal)
 

nourishes the Yin and moistens dryness. It is beneficial for cough, dry throat, and thirst.  Usage: 9-15 grams

Semen SESAME
(HEI ZHI MA; English: Black Sesame Seed)
 

is used to nourish and fortify the Kidneys and Liver for blurred vision, tinnitus, and dizziness. Modern research shows that it contains the linoleic and oelic fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E and Calcium.  Usage: 9-15 grams