AP AP Herbal Medicine & Botanical Therapy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which herb in Chinese medicine is classified as a chief herb (jun) for tonifying Qi and is considered the 'King of Qi tonics'?
- Ren Shen (Ginseng) (Correct answer)
- Huang Qi (Astragalus)
- Dang Shen (Codonopsis)
- Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
Correct answer: Ren Shen (Ginseng)
Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) is considered the primary Qi tonic in Chinese herbal medicine, strongly tonifying Yuan Qi and treating collapse of Qi.
Question 2: A patient presents with Liver Qi stagnation with heat signs. Which formula is MOST appropriate?
- Si Ni San
- Xiao Yao San
- Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Correct answer)
- Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Correct answer: Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder with Moutan and Gardenia) is Xiao Yao San plus Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Zi, specifically designed for Liver Qi stagnation with heat.
Question 3: Which category of herbs is CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy due to their strong downward-moving properties?
- Tonifying herbs
- Exterior-releasing herbs
- Drastically purgative herbs (Correct answer)
- Aromatic damp-transforming herbs
Correct answer: Drastically purgative herbs
Drastically purgative herbs such as Da Huang, Mang Xiao, and Ba Dou are contraindicated in pregnancy because their forceful downward movement can cause miscarriage.
Question 4: Which toxic herb requires special processing (pao zhi) to reduce toxicity before clinical use?
- Bai Shao (White Peony)
- Fu Zi (Aconite) (Correct answer)
- Dang Gui (Angelica)
- Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel)
Correct answer: Fu Zi (Aconite)
Fu Zi (Aconite root) contains aconitine alkaloids and must be properly processed (typically soaked and boiled) to reduce its cardiotoxic and neurotoxic properties.
Question 5: In the 'Eighteen Incompatibilities' (Shi Ba Fan), Wu Tou is incompatible with which group of herbs?
- Ren Shen, Dang Shen, Tai Zi Shen
- Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bai Ji, Bai Lian, Bei Mu (Correct answer)
- Hai Zao, Kun Bu, Hai Dai
- Da Ji, Gan Sui, Yuan Hua, Hai Zao
Correct answer: Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bai Ji, Bai Lian, Bei Mu
Wu Tou (Aconite) is incompatible with Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bai Ji, Bai Lian, and Bei Mu according to the classical Eighteen Incompatibilities.
Question 6: Which formula is the classical base formula for treating Blood deficiency with Liver involvement?
- Si Jun Zi Tang
- Si Wu Tang (Correct answer)
- Ba Zhen Tang
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Correct answer: Si Wu Tang
Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) containing Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao, Dang Gui, and Chuan Xiong is the foundational Blood-nourishing formula targeting the Liver.
AP AP Herbal Medicine & Botanical Therapy 1
Which herb in Chinese medicine is classified as a chief herb (jun) for tonifying Qi and is considered the 'King of Qi tonics'?