Dispel wind-damp (qu feng shi)

Herbs that dispel wind-damp are acrid and bitter herbs which disperse pathogenic factors in the muscles and joints, which obstruct the flow of qi and blood, resulting in pain. Some alleviate pain, such as du huo (angelica, Angelica pubescens), while others open the peripheral channels and collaterals to resolve stiffness, numbness, paralysis and spasms, including sang zhi (mulberry branch, Morus alba). Another group strengthens the sinews and bones to treat weakness and atrophy, such as wu jia pi (acanthopanax bark, Acanthopanax gracilistylus).

Their warm, bitter and acrid properties may consume yin and blood, indicating caution where these are deficient, or when there is internal wind.