Hu Po (Amber) is a neutral, sweet herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for calming the spirit, invigorating the blood, and promoting urination. It is a fossilized tree resin valued for its gentle yet effective ability to settle the Heart and relieve restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Hu Po is also used to promote blood circulation, dissolve stasis, and assist in the healing of injuries. In addition, it is known for clearing urinary blockages and reducing painful urination caused by heat or blood stasis.
Functions & Benefits
Calms the Spirit and Relieves Anxiety
Settles the Heart, eases restlessness, and improves sleep quality.
Invigorates Blood and Disperses Stasis
Helps heal traumatic injuries, bruising, and pain caused by blood stagnation.
Promotes Urination and Clears Heat from the Urinary Tract
Eases painful, difficult urination from heat or blood stasis.
Aids Healing After Injury
Supports tissue recovery by improving blood flow to damaged areas.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with anxiety, insomnia, or palpitations.
✔ People recovering from injuries with bruising or swelling.
✔ Those with urinary difficulty or pain from heat or blood stasis.
✔ Patients with emotional distress linked to blood stasis or trauma.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Dark or with purple spots if blood stasis is present; may have a yellow coating with urinary heat.
Pulse: Choppy or rapid, reflecting stasis or heat in the blood.
Related TCM Patterns
Heart and Liver Fire Disturbing the Spirit – Causes insomnia, irritability, and palpitations.
Blood Stasis from Trauma – Produces pain, swelling, and bruising.
Heat or Blood Stasis in the Urinary Tract – Leads to painful or blocked urination.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Anxiety and Insomnia – Calms the mind and promotes restful sleep.
Traumatic Injuries – Disperses blood stasis and speeds healing.
Urinary Pain or Retention – Promotes urination and clears heat.
Post-Trauma Emotional Distress – Combines calming and stasis-resolving actions.
Common Herbal Formulas with Hu Po
Often combined with Suan Zao Ren and Bai Zi Ren for calming, or with Hong Hua and Tao Ren for blood stasis after trauma.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy unless prescribed by a professional.
Not suitable for use in cases of significant Yin deficiency with heat.
Use powdered form internally for best absorption; not recommended for decoction boiling.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to enhance its calming effects.
✔ Eat foods that support healthy circulation, such as beets, berries, and leafy greens.
✔ Stay hydrated to aid urinary health.
✔ Avoid excessive stress and overexertion during recovery from injuries.
Conclusion
Hu Po (Amber) is a neutral, sweet medicinal in TCM that calms the spirit, invigorates the blood, and promotes urination. It is ideal for those with anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, traumatic injuries, or urinary discomfort from heat or blood stasis.
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