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Principles of Herb Usage (qi qing)
1. Single Effect (dan xing)
effect of single herb
almost never used
2. Mutual Enhancement (xiang xu)
Two herbs combined of same properties to enhance effectiveness
3. Mutual Assistance (xiang shi)
One chief herb with assistant herbs
The second herbs have a different but also a similar supporting function
4. Mutual Counteraction (xiang wei)
A chief herb with an herb to reduce its toxicity
5. Mutual Suppression (xiang sha)
Same as mutual counteraction but when used to counteract an acute overdose of the chief toxic herb
6. Mutual Inhibition/Antagonism (xiang wu) -- Contraindication
A chief herb with an herbs added to reduce or inhibit completely an aspect of the chief
Usually an undesirable affect and not used
Liu Huang w/ Pu Xiao
Shui Yin w/ Pi Shuang
Lang Du w/ Mi Tuo Zeng
Ba Dou w/ Qian Niu Zi
* Ding Xiang w/ Yu Jin
Ya Xiao w/ Sa Leng
Chuan/Cao Wu w/ Xi Jiao
* Rou Gui w/ Chi Shi Zhi
* Ren Shen w/ Wu Ling Zhi
7. Mutual Incompatibility (xiang fan) -- Contraindication
An herbal combination the specifically creates a toxic mix
Gan Cao -- Gan Sui, Da Ji, Yuan Hua and Hai Zao
Wu Tuo -- Bei Mu, Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bian Luo, Bai Ji
Li Lu -- Ren Shen, Sha Shen, Dan Shen, Xuan Shen, Xi Xin, Shao Yao | 
