Astringent Herbs

Materials in this group can produce an astringent effect to treat abnormal discharge of various secreta and excreta and prolapse of internal organs. Astringent herbs can secure the body surface to arrest sweating and astringe the lungs to control coughing, stop profuse uterine bleeding and discharge of leukorrhea, reduce over-discharge of urine and semen and astringe the intestines to control diarrhea. Therefore, they are chiefly used to treat spontaneous and night sweating, chronic cough and deficient asthma (shallow, quick breath), profuse uterine bleeding and over-discharge of leukorrhea, emission of semen, incontinence of urine, chronic diarrhea and dysentery and prolapse of the rectum. Astringent herbs are used to temporarily relieve symptoms and prevent exhaustion of vital energy caused by loss of a large amount of blood and body fluid, which may cause severe complications. However, the conditions mentioned above are actually caused by deficiency of vital energy, so that astringent hers should be prescribed in combination with tonics for both saving vital energy and relieving symptoms.