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CMBA Herbal Medicine MCQ study materials
CMBA Herbal Medicine MCQ study resources

CMBA Herbal Medicine MCQ practice questions

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Question 1Chinese herbal medicine

Which Chinese herb is traditionally classified as the principal herb for tonifying qi and is most associated with the spleen and lung channels?

  1. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome)
  2. Dang Shen (Codonopsis root)
  3. Huang Qi (Astragalus root)
  4. Ren Shen (Ginseng root) Correct answer.

Explanation

Ren Shen is the archetypal qi-tonifying herb, entering the spleen and lung channels to strongly supplement original qi and rescue collapse. It is regarded as the benchmark against which other qi tonics are compared, though it is costly and strong.

Question 2Chinese herbal medicine

A patient presents with high fever, great thirst, profuse sweating, and a surging pulse. Which herb is most appropriate to clear qi-level heat and generate fluids?

  1. Huang Lian (Coptis rhizome)
  2. Lu Gen (Phragmites rhizome)
  3. Shi Gao (Gypsum) Correct answer.
  4. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena rhizome)

Explanation

Shi Gao is the key herb for the four big signs of qi-level yangming heat: high fever, profuse sweat, great thirst, and a surging pulse. It clears heat and drains fire while also generating fluids.

Question 3Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is classically used to release the exterior and is described as warming, entering the lung and bladder channels, and suitable for wind-cold with absence of sweating?

  1. Ma Huang (Ephedra) Correct answer.
  2. Bo He (Mentha)
  3. Sang Ye (Morus leaf)
  4. Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower)

Explanation

Ma Huang is a warming exterior-releasing herb that induces sweating and disseminates lung qi, making it suitable for wind-cold with no sweating. Its warming nature contrasts with cooling exterior-releasing herbs.

Question 4Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is the primary choice for tonifying blood and is described as sweet and warm, entering the liver, heart, and kidney channels?

  1. Bai Shao (white Peony root)
  2. Long Yan Rou (longan aril)
  3. E Jiao (donkey-hide gelatin)
  4. Shu Di Huang (prepared Rehmannia) Correct answer.

Explanation

Shu Di Huang is the principal blood-tonifying herb, sweet and warm, entering the liver, heart, and kidney channels. It nourishes blood and also enriches yin and essence, making it central to many blood-tonic formulas.

Question 5Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to dry dampness and strengthen the spleen, and is a key component of Si Jun Zi Tang?

  1. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome) Correct answer.
  2. Fu Ling (Poria)
  3. Yi Yi Ren (Coix seed)
  4. Sha Ren (Amomum fruit)

Explanation

Bai Zhu is bitter, sweet, and warm, drying dampness and strengthening the spleen, and it is one of the four herbs in Si Jun Zi Tang. It addresses spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation.

Question 6Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is the classic choice to calm the spirit and nourish the heart, often used in insomnia with palpitations and forgetfulness?

  1. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) Correct answer.
  2. Huang Qin (Scutellaria root)
  3. Chen Pi (tangerine peel)
  4. Cang Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome)

Explanation

Suan Zao Ren is sour and neutral, entering the heart and liver, and is a principal herb for nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. It is commonly used when insomnia is accompanied by palpitations and forgetfulness.

Question 7Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is traditionally used to promote urination and drain damp-heat, and is often found in formulas for strangury and jaundice?

  1. Rou Gui (cinnamon bark)
  2. Che Qian Zi (Plantago seed) Correct answer.
  3. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra fruit)
  4. Gan Cao (licorice root)

Explanation

Che Qian Zi is a diuretic that clears damp-heat and is used for strangury, edema, and jaundice. It also benefits the lungs and liver, but its primary role here is draining damp-heat through urine.

Question 8Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is best known for stopping bleeding while also invigorating blood, making it useful for bleeding with stasis?

  1. San Qi (Panax notoginseng) Correct answer.
  2. Ai Ye (mugwort leaf)
  3. Di Yu (Sanguisorba root)
  4. Xian He Cao (Agrimony)

Explanation

San Qi stops bleeding while simultaneously invigorating blood and dispersing stasis, so it treats bleeding without causing stagnation. This dual action makes it a favored herb for traumatic injury and internal bleeding.

Question 9Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a chronic dry cough with scanty, sticky sputum and a dry mouth. Which herb best addresses lung yin deficiency with dryness?

  1. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon tuber) Correct answer.
  2. Bei Mu (Fritillaria bulb)
  3. Ban Xia (Pinellia rhizome)
  4. Zi Su Ye (Perilla leaf)

Explanation

Mai Men Dong nourishes lung and stomach yin and moistens dryness, making it suitable for a dry cough with scanty sputum and dry mouth. It addresses the underlying yin deficiency rather than simply suppressing cough.

Question 10Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb combination best illustrates the principle of harmonizing ying and wei in a wind-cold pattern with sweating?

  1. Gui Zhi and Bai Shao Correct answer.
  2. Shi Gao and Zhi Mu
  3. Huang Lian and Huang Qin
  4. Ma Huang and Gui Zhi

Explanation

Gui Zhi and Bai Shao are the core of Gui Zhi Tang, where Gui Zhi releases the exterior and Bai Shao preserves yin and ying. Together they harmonize ying and wei, which suits wind-cold with spontaneous sweating.

Question 11Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to transform phlegm and is specifically indicated for hot phlegm with a yellow, sticky cough?

  1. Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria bulb) Correct answer.
  2. Ban Xia (Pinellia rhizome)
  3. Chen Pi (tangerine peel)
  4. Xing Ren (apricot seed)

Explanation

Chuan Bei Mu is cooling, moistening, and phlegm-transforming, suited to hot phlegm with a yellow, sticky cough. Its moistening quality distinguishes it from warming phlegm transformers.

Question 12Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb warms the interior and is used for cold pain in the abdomen with vomiting and diarrhea due to internal cold?

  1. Huang Bai (Phellodendron bark)
  2. Zhi Zi (gardenia fruit)
  3. Gan Jiang (dried ginger) Correct answer.
  4. Mu Dan Pi (moutan bark)

Explanation

Gan Jiang is pungent and hot, warming the middle and dispelling internal cold, and is used for cold abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea. It restores yang in the middle burner.

Question 13Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is a key astringent used for spontaneous sweating and night sweats by securing the exterior?

  1. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra fruit) Correct answer.
  2. Huang Qi (Astragalus root)
  3. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)
  4. Chai Hu (Bupleurum root)

Explanation

Wu Wei Zi is sour and astringent, entering the lungs and kidneys, and secures the exterior to stop spontaneous sweating and night sweats. It also astringes lung qi and generates fluids.

Question 14Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has damp-heat jaundice with yellow eyes and skin. Which herb is most appropriate to clear damp-heat and treat jaundice?

  1. Gou Qi Zi (goji berry)
  2. Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche)
  3. Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris) Correct answer.
  4. Du Zhong (Eucommia bark)

Explanation

Yin Chen Hao is the principal herb for damp-heat jaundice, clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder. It is used whether the jaundice is of the yang or yin type, adjusted with other herbs.

Question 15Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to invigorate blood and dispel stasis, and is especially noted for treating gynecological blood stasis with pain?

  1. Lian Qiao (Forsythia fruit)
  2. E Zhu (Curcuma rhizome)
  3. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum root) Correct answer.
  4. Bai Mao Gen (Imperata rhizome)

Explanation

Chuan Xiong invigorates blood, moves qi, and dispels stasis, and is widely used for gynecological blood stasis with pain. It is described as moving qi within the blood and is a common adjunct in blood-moving formulas.

Question 16Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to tonify kidney yang and is often included in formulas for impotence and cold lower back pain?

  1. Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum fruit)
  2. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon tuber)
  3. Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium) Correct answer.
  4. Shi Hu (Dendrobium stem)

Explanation

Yin Yang Huo warms kidney yang and is used for impotence and cold lower back pain. It also dispels wind-dampness, but its primary tonic role is kidney yang supplementation.

Question 17Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to promote qi movement and relieve chest and abdominal distension, and is described as bitter, pungent, and slightly cold?

  1. Ai Ye (mugwort leaf)
  2. Rou Gui (cinnamon bark)
  3. Gan Jiang (dried ginger)
  4. Zhi Ke (bitter orange) Correct answer.

Explanation

Zhi Ke is bitter, pungent, and slightly cold, moving qi and relieving distension in the chest and abdomen. It descends qi and is often used for fullness and constipation with qi stagnation.

Question 18Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to resolve toxicity and is classically applied for sore throat and skin lesions, often described as clearing heat and resolving toxicity?

  1. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome)
  2. Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower) Correct answer.
  3. Shan Yao (Chinese yam)
  4. Huang Qi (Astragalus root)

Explanation

Jin Yin Hua clears heat and resolves toxicity, making it a common herb for sore throat and skin lesions of heat-toxin type. It is often paired with Lian Qiao in formulas such as Yin Qiao San.

Question 19Chinese herbal medicine

A patient with spleen deficiency has poor appetite, loose stools, and fatigue. Which herb pair best tonifies spleen qi while drying dampness?

  1. Ma Huang and Gui Zhi
  2. Dang Shen and Bai Zhu Correct answer.
  3. Huang Lian and Huang Qin
  4. Mai Men Dong and Shi Hu

Explanation

Dang Shen tonifies spleen qi while Bai Zhu strengthens the spleen and dries dampness, together addressing deficiency with loose stools. This pairing appears in Si Jun Zi Tang and related formulas.

Question 20Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to calm the liver and extinguish wind, and is indicated for tremors and convulsions?

  1. Gou Teng (Uncaria hook) Correct answer.
  2. Sha Ren (Amomum fruit)
  3. Fu Ling (Poria)
  4. Chen Pi (tangerine peel)

Explanation

Gou Teng calms the liver and extinguishes wind, making it useful for tremors, convulsions, and liver yang rising with headache. It also clears heat, which distinguishes it from warming herbs.

Question 21Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to drain fire and resolve toxicity, and is specifically applied topically for burns and skin infections?

  1. Gou Qi Zi (goji berry)
  2. Da Huang (rhubarb root) Correct answer.
  3. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra fruit)
  4. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)

Explanation

Da Huang clears heat, drains fire, and resolves toxicity, and can be applied topically for burns and skin infections. Internally it also purges accumulation and invigorates blood.

Question 22Chinese herbal medicine

A patient with lung heat has a cough with thick yellow sputum and chest pain. Which herb best clears lung heat and transforms phlegm?

  1. Huang Qin (Scutellaria root) Correct answer.
  2. Du Zhong (Eucommia bark)
  3. Gan Jiang (dried ginger)
  4. Rou Gui (cinnamon bark)

Explanation

Huang Qin clears heat and dries dampness, with a strong affinity for the lung, and is used for cough with thick yellow sputum from lung heat. It also clears heat in the gallbladder and lower burner.

Question 23Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to nourish the heart and calm the spirit while also invigorating blood, making it useful for palpitations with blood stasis?

  1. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome)
  2. Che Qian Zi (Plantago seed)
  3. Dan Shen (Salvia root) Correct answer.
  4. Ai Ye (mugwort leaf)

Explanation

Dan Shen invigorates blood and dispels stasis while also calming the spirit and nourishing the heart, so it suits palpitations with blood stasis. Its dual action distinguishes it from purely sedative or purely blood-moving herbs.

Question 24Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to rescue collapsing yang and is described as acrid, hot, and toxic, entering the heart, spleen, and kidney channels?

  1. Shi Gao (Gypsum)
  2. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon tuber)
  3. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena rhizome)
  4. Fu Zi (aconite root) Correct answer.

Explanation

Fu Zi is acrid, hot, and toxic, entering the heart, spleen, and kidney channels, and is used to rescue collapsing yang in severe cold patterns. It is typically prepared and used cautiously because of its toxicity.

Question 25Chinese herbal medicine

A formula contains a large dose of a cold, sweet herb to clear qi-level heat, plus a small amount of a warming herb to protect the stomach. Which principle does the warming herb illustrate?

  1. Counteracting the cold nature to protect the middle Correct answer.
  2. Reinforcing the cold-clearing effect
  3. Transforming the cold herb into a tonic
  4. Guiding the formula to the exterior

Explanation

A small warming herb can counteract the cold nature of a large cold dose, protecting the middle burner from injury while the main herb clears heat. This illustrates the principle of combining herbs to offset adverse effects rather than to change the main action.

Question 26Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is the primary choice to tonify qi and is described as sweet and slightly warm, entering the spleen and lung channels?

  1. Ma Huang (Ephedra)
  2. Ren Shen (Ginseng) Correct answer.
  3. Huang Lian (Coptis)
  4. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)

Explanation

Ren Shen is the archetypal qi tonic: sweet, slightly warm, entering spleen and lung, it strongly supplements original qi and is used for fatigue, weak pulse, and shortness of breath. Other herbs in the list address blood, heat, or exterior patterns rather than primary qi deficiency.

Question 27Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is known as the key herb to nourish blood and is commonly used for pale complexion, dizziness, and irregular menstruation?

  1. Fu Ling (Poria)
  2. Chen Pi (Citrus peel)
  3. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) Correct answer.
  4. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)

Explanation

Dang Gui is sweet, acrid, and warm, entering liver, heart, and spleen; it is the principal blood-nourishing and blood-invigorating herb, used for blood deficiency with pale face, dizziness, and menstrual irregularity. The other options act on qi, dampness, or qi stagnation rather than blood.

Question 28Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is classically used to release the exterior and is described as acrid, sweet, and cool, suitable for wind-heat with sore throat?

  1. Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig)
  2. Sheng Jiang (Fresh ginger)
  3. Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum)
  4. Bo He (Mentha) Correct answer.

Explanation

Bo He is acrid, aromatic, and cool, entering the lung and liver; it disperses wind-heat, clears the head and eyes, and is especially useful for sore throat and early-stage wind-heat. Its cooling nature distinguishes it from warm exterior-releasing herbs.

Question 29Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to dry dampness and strengthen the spleen, and is often included for diarrhea with fatigue and poor appetite?

  1. Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit)
  2. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon)
  3. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)
  4. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) Correct answer.

Explanation

Bai Zhu is bitter, sweet, and warm, entering spleen and stomach; it tonifies spleen qi and dries dampness, making it a standard herb for diarrhea, fatigue, and poor appetite due to spleen deficiency with dampness. The other herbs are yin-nourishing or astringent and do not dry dampness.

Question 30Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to calm the spirit and is specifically indicated for palpitations and insomnia with heart blood deficiency?

  1. Long Gu (Dragon bone)
  2. Shi Jue Ming (Abalone shell)
  3. Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus seed)
  4. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) Correct answer.

Explanation

Suan Zao Ren is sweet and sour, entering heart and liver; it nourishes heart blood and calms the spirit, and is a first-line herb for insomnia and palpitations due to blood deficiency. The mineral and shell herbs calm the spirit by anchoring yang rather than nourishing blood.

Question 31Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to clear heat and dry dampness and is especially applied for damp-heat diarrhea with a burning sensation?

  1. Huang Qin (Scutellaria)
  2. Huang Lian (Coptis) Correct answer.
  3. Huang Bai (Phellodendron)
  4. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena)

Explanation

Huang Lian is bitter and cold, entering heart, liver, stomach, and large intestine; it strongly dries dampness and clears heat, making it the classic herb for damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery with burning. The other herbs clear heat in other locations or nourish yin.

Question 32Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to warm the kidney and is classically included in formulas for impotence, frequent urination, and cold lower back?

  1. Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche) Correct answer.
  2. Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium)
  3. Du Zhong (Eucommia)
  4. Ba Ji Tian (Morinda)

Explanation

Rou Cong Rong is sweet, salty, and warm, entering kidney and large intestine; it tonifies kidney yang and nourishes kidney essence, and is a standard herb for impotence, cold lower back, and constipation from yang deficiency. The other herbs warm yang but differ in their secondary actions.

Question 33Chinese herbal medicine

Which herb is used to resolve phlegm and is described as acrid, bitter, and warm, entering the lung and spleen?

  1. Gua Lou (Trichosanthes)
  2. Bei Mu (Fritillaria)
  3. Zhu Ru (Bamboo shavings)
  4. Ban Xia (Pinellia) Correct answer.

Explanation

Ban Xia is acrid, bitter, and warm, entering lung and spleen; it dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and directs qi downward, making it a foundational herb for damp phlegm with cough or nausea. The other herbs are cooling or clearing and act on hot phlegm.

Question 34Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a dry cough with scanty sputum, dry mouth, and a red tongue with little coating. Which herb best moistens the lung and nourishes yin?

  1. Zi Su Ye (Perilla leaf)
  2. Qian Hu (Peucedanum)
  3. Xing Ren (Apricot seed)
  4. Bei Sha Shen (Glehnia) Correct answer.

Explanation

Bei Sha Shen is sweet and slightly cold, entering lung and stomach; it nourishes lung and stomach yin, clears heat, and moistens dryness, so it fits a dry cough with scanty sputum and a red, dry tongue. The other herbs are warm or dispersing and would worsen dryness.

Question 35Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has abdominal distension with belching, nausea, and a greasy tongue coating after overeating. Which herb best moves qi, dries dampness, and harmonizes the middle?

  1. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
  2. Shan Yao (Chinese yam)
  3. Gan Cao (Licorice)
  4. Chen Pi (Citrus peel) Correct answer.

Explanation

Chen Pi is acrid, bitter, and warm, entering spleen, lung, and stomach; it regulates qi, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm, making it suitable for food stagnation with distension, belching, and a greasy coating. The other herbs tonify or harmonize without moving qi.

Question 36Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has red, swollen, painful gums with bleeding and a foul mouth odor. Which herb best clears stomach heat and cools blood?

  1. Dang Gui (Angelica)
  2. Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga)
  3. Mu Dan Pi (Moutan cortex) Correct answer.
  4. Huang Qi (Astragalus)

Explanation

Mu Dan Pi is acrid, bitter, and slightly cold, entering heart, liver, and kidney; it clears heat, cools blood, invigorates blood, and resolves stasis, so it addresses gum bleeding with swelling and heat. The other herbs tonify or raise yang rather than cool blood.

Question 37Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has edema with scanty urine, lower limb swelling, and a sensation of heaviness. Which herb best promotes urination and drains dampness?

  1. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon)
  2. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)
  3. Fu Ling (Poria) Correct answer.
  4. Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit)

Explanation

Fu Ling is sweet, bland, and neutral, entering heart, spleen, and kidney; it leaches out dampness and promotes urination, making it a standard herb for edema, scanty urine, and heaviness from dampness. The other herbs are yin-nourishing or astringent and do not drain dampness.

Question 38Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a headache with dizziness, red eyes, and irritability due to liver yang rising. Which herb best calms the liver and anchors yang?

  1. Long Gu (Dragon bone) Correct answer.
  2. Gan Cao (Licorice)
  3. Sheng Jiang (Fresh ginger)
  4. Chai Hu (Bupleurum)

Explanation

Long Gu is sweet and astringent, entering heart, liver, and kidney; it calms the liver, anchors floating yang, and settles the spirit, so it is used for headache, dizziness, and irritability from liver yang rising. The other herbs disperse, harmonize, or warm rather than anchor yang.

Question 39Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has chronic diarrhea with undigested food, cold limbs, and a deep, weak pulse. Which herb best warms the spleen and kidney and astringes the intestines?

  1. Ge Gen (Pueraria)
  2. Huang Lian (Coptis)
  3. Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark) Correct answer.
  4. Bai Shao (White peony)

Explanation

Rou Gui is acrid, sweet, and hot, entering kidney, spleen, heart, and liver; it warms the kidney and spleen yang and disperses deep cold, so it is used for chronic diarrhea with cold limbs and a weak pulse. The other herbs clear heat, release the exterior, or nourish blood.

Question 40Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a productive cough with white, watery sputum and a feeling of chest fullness. Which herb best dries dampness and transforms phlegm?

  1. Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria)
  2. Zhu Ru (Bamboo shavings)
  3. Gua Lou (Trichosanthes)
  4. Ban Xia (Pinellia) Correct answer.

Explanation

Ban Xia is acrid, bitter, and warm; it dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and directs qi downward, making it the key herb for damp phlegm with white, watery sputum and chest fullness. The other herbs are cooling and address hot phlegm.

Question 41Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a sore throat with swelling, fever, and slightly yellow sputum. Which herb best clears heat and resolves toxicity?

  1. Gan Jiang (Dried ginger)
  2. Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark)
  3. Du Zhong (Eucommia)
  4. Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root) Correct answer.

Explanation

Ban Lan Gen is bitter and cold, entering heart, stomach, and lung; it clears heat and resolves toxicity, and is especially used for sore throat, swelling, and heat-toxin patterns. The other herbs warm the interior or tonify yang and would not address heat-toxin.

Question 42Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has scanty, dark urine with a burning sensation and lower abdominal fullness. Which herb best clears heat and promotes urination?

  1. Shan Yao (Chinese yam)
  2. Mu Tong (Akebia) Correct answer.
  3. Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)
  4. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)

Explanation

Mu Tong is bitter and cold, entering heart, small intestine, and bladder; it clears heat, promotes urination, and unblocks the vessels, making it suitable for burning, scanty urine with lower abdominal fullness. The other herbs tonify or astringe and do not drain heat.

Question 43Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a stifling sensation in the chest, a greasy tongue coating, and heaviness of the body. Which herb best aromatically transforms dampness and opens the middle?

  1. Gou Qi Zi (Lycium fruit)
  2. Huo Xiang (Agastache) Correct answer.
  3. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon)
  4. Bai Shao (White peony)

Explanation

Huo Xiang is acrid and slightly warm, entering spleen, stomach, and lung; it aromatically transforms dampness, opens the middle, and releases the exterior, making it a key herb for chest stifling, greasy coating, and body heaviness from damp turbidity. The other herbs nourish yin or blood and would not transform dampness.

Question 44Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has bleeding hemorrhoids with dark blood and a sensation of heat. Which herb best cools blood and stops bleeding?

  1. Ai Ye (Mugwort)
  2. Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark)
  3. Di Yu (Sanguisorba) Correct answer.
  4. Gan Jiang (Dried ginger)

Explanation

Di Yu is bitter, sour, and slightly cold, entering liver and large intestine; it clears heat, cools blood, and stops bleeding, making it a standard herb for hemorrhoids and other bleeding with heat. The other herbs are warming and would not cool blood.

Question 45Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has chronic fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools with a pale tongue. Which herb pair best tonifies spleen qi while also drying dampness?

  1. Mai Men Dong and Bei Sha Shen
  2. Huang Lian and Huang Qin
  3. Dang Shen and Bai Zhu Correct answer.
  4. Dang Gui and Bai Shao

Explanation

Dang Shen tonifies spleen and lung qi, while Bai Zhu tonifies spleen qi and dries dampness; together they address fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools from spleen qi deficiency with dampness. The other pairs nourish blood, clear heat, or nourish yin.

Question 46Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has palpitations, insomnia, and a pale tongue with a thin pulse. Which herb best nourishes the heart and calms the spirit?

  1. Huang Qi (Astragalus)
  2. Chen Pi (Citrus peel)
  3. Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
  4. Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus seed) Correct answer.

Explanation

Bai Zi Ren is sweet and neutral, entering heart, kidney, and large intestine; it nourishes the heart, calms the spirit, and moistens the intestine, making it suitable for palpitations and insomnia with blood deficiency. The other herbs regulate qi, tonify qi, or disperse.

Question 47Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a sudden collapse with cold limbs, a faint pulse, and profuse sweating. Which herb best rescues collapsing yang?

  1. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
  2. Gan Cao (Licorice)
  3. Fu Zi (Aconite) Correct answer.
  4. Ren Shen (Ginseng)

Explanation

Fu Zi is acrid, hot, and toxic, entering heart, spleen, and kidney; it restores yang and rescues from collapse, so it is the key herb for cold limbs, faint pulse, and sweating from yang collapse. Ren Shen rescues qi, but Fu Zi is the specific yang-rescuing herb.

Question 48Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has high fever, great thirst, profuse sweating, and a surging pulse. Which herb best clears qi-level heat?

  1. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena)
  2. Mu Dan Pi (Moutan cortex)
  3. Huang Lian (Coptis)
  4. Shi Gao (Gypsum) Correct answer.

Explanation

Shi Gao is acrid, sweet, and very cold, entering lung and stomach; it clears qi-level heat and drains fire, making it the key herb for high fever, great thirst, sweating, and a surging pulse. The other herbs clear heat in narrower locations or cool blood.

Question 49Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has chronic dry stools, a dry mouth, and a red tongue with little coating. Which herb best nourishes yin and moistens the intestines?

  1. Huang Qi (Astragalus)
  2. Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche)
  3. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) Correct answer.
  4. Dang Gui (Angelica)

Explanation

Mai Men Dong is sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold, entering heart, lung, and stomach; it nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and clears heat, so it is used for dry stools with dry mouth and a red, dry tongue. The other herbs warm yang, nourish blood, or tonify qi without moistening yin.

Question 50Chinese herbal medicine

A patient has a sensation of qi rushing upward to the chest with palpitations and anxiety. Which herb best directs qi downward and calms the spirit?

  1. Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga)
  2. Ge Gen (Pueraria)
  3. Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
  4. Dai Zhe Shi (Hematite) Correct answer.

Explanation

Dai Zhe Shi is bitter and cold, entering liver, heart, and stomach; it anchors yang, directs rebellious qi downward, and cools blood, making it suitable for qi rushing upward with palpitations and anxiety. The other herbs raise yang or release the exterior.