Hu Po - Amber
TCM Materia Medica
Hu Po TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "hu po" which in english is 
"amber", is categorized within the "herbs that anchor, settle and calm the spirit" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, liver and urinary bladder channels and exhibits neutral (ping) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 0.9-3g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Arrest tremors, stop palpitations, calm the spirit - tremor, palpitation, anxiety, excessive dreams, insomnia, poor memory, convulsions, seizures.
- Invigorate the blood, dissipate stasis - amenorrhea with pain, palpable masses, coronary heart disease.
- Promote urination, invigorate the blood - xue lin.
- Reduce swellings, promote healing - sores, carbuncles, ulcers, genital swelling and pain.
Hu Po may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), anxiety, convulsions, genital pain - swelling, heart disease, insomnia, memory problems, palpitations and/or ulcers
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, hu po is generally included in the following 3 formulas:
ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)
A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementi…
ViewMa Ying Long (Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment)
Hemorrhoids and/or constipation from an accumulation of damp-heat and toxins in the lower jiao - possibly bleeding hemorrhoids, pain, rectal prolapse, anal itching. Shrinks swollen tissue, helps to …
ViewTe Xiao Zao Ren An Mian Wan (Peaceful Sleep Tablets)
Insomnia, vivid dreaming, nightmares. Acute emotional instability. May be used to treat convulsions or spasms that are caused by a combination of blood deficiency with wind.
As noted above, hu po is within the herbs that anchor, settle and calm the spirit functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... mostly involves the heart and the liver - irritability, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, insanity. herbs within this group are usually minerals or shells with side effects of injuring the stomach and/or spleen - most often combined with h…)".
All Content 1999-2024
Chad J. Dupuis / Yin Yang House
Our Policies and Privacy Guidelines
Our Affiliated Clinics