Temperature of Medicines
Common to all Traditional Medical systems is the concept of the Temperature of a Medicine. This is related to both its Nature, and Medicinal Effect. Whereas usually a medicine is classed as 'Hot', 'Warm', 'Cool' or 'Cold', the Western Tradition (including Unani) elaborated by giving degrees of heat and cold, 1st degree being mild, while a 4th degree denotes extreme. In addition, they add the secondary qualities of Dryness and Moisture. Therefore a medicine may be Hot in the 2nd degree and dry in the first degree. This also marries well with Humoral theory as each of the 4 pairs of attributes relates to one of the 4 Humors (warm and dry to Bile, warm and moist to Blood, cool and dry to Melancholy, cool and moist to Phlegm).
According to Elemental Theory, everything is composed of the 4 Elements. So a Hot medicine contains more Fire Element, yet also contains Water, just in a lesser degree. Therefore, the temperature of a medicine is a recognition of its dominant energetic principle.
According to Elemental Theory, everything is composed of the 4 Elements. So a Hot medicine contains more Fire Element, yet also contains Water, just in a lesser degree. Therefore, the temperature of a medicine is a recognition of its dominant energetic principle.
"whenever we say a thing to be hot or cold, we never mean that it is actually hot or cold, but
we actually mean that the thing is potentially hot or cold. And further we mean that it is
potentially hot or cold in comparison to our body" (Avicenna)
The Four Temperatures actually refer to the effect of a drug once it has been metabolised and absorbed. And the primary reason is to counter an imbalance within the body with its opposite. So once we know the Temperature and Quality of a Medicine, along with its taste and effected Organs, we can conclude the effect and benefits that drug will possess.
Effects of the Four Temperatures
1. Hot Drugs
These have an effect on the Natural Heat (Yang) of the Body. They enhance and mobilise it to produce Heat and stimulate metabolic activity.
2. Cold Drugs
These hinder the Natural Heat (Yang) of the Body. They also counteract unnatural (pathological) Heat to Cool the body and slow metabolism.
3. Dry Drugs.
These suppress fluid excretion or dry the body. They may damage the Radical Moisture (Yin), but benefit Natural Heat (Yang) by clearing Fluid and Damp which obstruct its flow.
4. Moist Drugs
These counteract dryness, increase Fluidity and support Radical Moisture (Yin). However, they can suppress Natural Heat (Yang).
There are 9 Possible Classifications
As with the Body, there can be said to be 9 classifications in Temperature of Drug:
1. Balanced
2. Dominated by Heat
3. Dominated by Cold
4. Dominated by Dryness
5. Dominated by Moisture
6. Hot and Moist
7. Hot and Dry
8. Cold and Moist
9. Cold and Dry.
Differing views on the Temperature of a Drug
The large majority of medicines have a consistent classification of Temperature throughout the systems. All systems recognise Violet, Pearl and Plantain as Cool, whereas Pepper, Garlic and Sulphur are universally regarded as Hot.
However, there are often differing opinions, even within one system. Mohammad Husain stated in reference to Maidenhair: 'According to Galen it is normal in heat and cold; according to Ibn Sina it is inclined towards heat with very less dryness; while in the opinion of Al-Razi it is hot and dry in the first grade. Some other scholars say that its heat reaches up to second grade'.
In some cases, medicines are classed as Warm in one system and Cold in another. Gentian, Wormwood and Aloe are all classed as Warm by most Western authors, but are universally regarded as Cold in TCM. (See Hot or Cold? The Temperature of Medicines for more on this).
In cases where differing opinions occur, either the aspect in mild or unimportant, or else it may depend on the use. Small doses of bitter medicines can have a metablism stimulant effect whereas full doses may have the opposite reaction.
Dose can affect Temperature Degree
The dose has an effect on the Degree of Temperature. A cold medicine in small dose can have a cool effect whereas a Hot medicine may have a warm effect in small dose. Conversely, a large dose of a Warm or Cool dry can have a Hot or Cold reaction respectively. A mildly dry medicine taken in normal dose has not great drying quality, whereas if taken in large dose its drying effect may be profound.
Therefore, Dose can affect Temperature, although never does dose create and opposite effect, rather, just the degree of effect.
The Differing Effects in the Grade of a Drug
1. First Degree
Medicines of the First Degree are mild with no prolonged or extreme effect. They are safe for the young and old, generally safe in large doses or prolonged administration. They don't disturb body functions. It has been stated that their effects are confined to the Vital Force (Qi) circulating in the Vessels, not effecting the Blood, Tissues or Organs.
2. Second Degree
Second Degree Medicines are moderate in action. Their effect can be somewhat felt after administration. However, they don't produce adverse effects, sometimes severe. There effect goes beyond the Vital Force (Qi) to effect the Humors and Organs.
3. Third Degree
Medicines of the Third Degree are strong in effect. They produce more notable effects. Long-term use or large doses produce adverse effects. Their effects go beyond the Humors to effect Metabolism.
4. Fourth Degree
Fourth Degree drugs are strong, harsh, and often poisonous or narcotic. Their action can cause severe unwanted effects and their overdose results in severe poisoning or fatality. They are generally purified or detoxified for use (prepared to moderate the harshness of their action). The effect the Organs and Tissues
While there is disagreement in the Temperature of some Medicines, the following gives a generally guide.
Effects of the Four Temperatures
1. Hot Drugs
These have an effect on the Natural Heat (Yang) of the Body. They enhance and mobilise it to produce Heat and stimulate metabolic activity.
2. Cold Drugs
These hinder the Natural Heat (Yang) of the Body. They also counteract unnatural (pathological) Heat to Cool the body and slow metabolism.
3. Dry Drugs.
These suppress fluid excretion or dry the body. They may damage the Radical Moisture (Yin), but benefit Natural Heat (Yang) by clearing Fluid and Damp which obstruct its flow.
4. Moist Drugs
These counteract dryness, increase Fluidity and support Radical Moisture (Yin). However, they can suppress Natural Heat (Yang).
There are 9 Possible Classifications
As with the Body, there can be said to be 9 classifications in Temperature of Drug:
1. Balanced
2. Dominated by Heat
3. Dominated by Cold
4. Dominated by Dryness
5. Dominated by Moisture
6. Hot and Moist
7. Hot and Dry
8. Cold and Moist
9. Cold and Dry.
Differing views on the Temperature of a Drug
The large majority of medicines have a consistent classification of Temperature throughout the systems. All systems recognise Violet, Pearl and Plantain as Cool, whereas Pepper, Garlic and Sulphur are universally regarded as Hot.
However, there are often differing opinions, even within one system. Mohammad Husain stated in reference to Maidenhair: 'According to Galen it is normal in heat and cold; according to Ibn Sina it is inclined towards heat with very less dryness; while in the opinion of Al-Razi it is hot and dry in the first grade. Some other scholars say that its heat reaches up to second grade'.
In some cases, medicines are classed as Warm in one system and Cold in another. Gentian, Wormwood and Aloe are all classed as Warm by most Western authors, but are universally regarded as Cold in TCM. (See Hot or Cold? The Temperature of Medicines for more on this).
In cases where differing opinions occur, either the aspect in mild or unimportant, or else it may depend on the use. Small doses of bitter medicines can have a metablism stimulant effect whereas full doses may have the opposite reaction.
Dose can affect Temperature Degree
The dose has an effect on the Degree of Temperature. A cold medicine in small dose can have a cool effect whereas a Hot medicine may have a warm effect in small dose. Conversely, a large dose of a Warm or Cool dry can have a Hot or Cold reaction respectively. A mildly dry medicine taken in normal dose has not great drying quality, whereas if taken in large dose its drying effect may be profound.
Therefore, Dose can affect Temperature, although never does dose create and opposite effect, rather, just the degree of effect.
The Differing Effects in the Grade of a Drug
1. First Degree
Medicines of the First Degree are mild with no prolonged or extreme effect. They are safe for the young and old, generally safe in large doses or prolonged administration. They don't disturb body functions. It has been stated that their effects are confined to the Vital Force (Qi) circulating in the Vessels, not effecting the Blood, Tissues or Organs.
2. Second Degree
Second Degree Medicines are moderate in action. Their effect can be somewhat felt after administration. However, they don't produce adverse effects, sometimes severe. There effect goes beyond the Vital Force (Qi) to effect the Humors and Organs.
3. Third Degree
Medicines of the Third Degree are strong in effect. They produce more notable effects. Long-term use or large doses produce adverse effects. Their effects go beyond the Humors to effect Metabolism.
4. Fourth Degree
Fourth Degree drugs are strong, harsh, and often poisonous or narcotic. Their action can cause severe unwanted effects and their overdose results in severe poisoning or fatality. They are generally purified or detoxified for use (prepared to moderate the harshness of their action). The effect the Organs and Tissues
While there is disagreement in the Temperature of some Medicines, the following gives a generally guide.
Hot–4th degree
Garlic, Onion, Dry Ginger, Peppers, Mustard, Cress, Pepperwort
Euphorbium
Vitriol, Arsenic
Hot–3rd degree
Dill, Cumin, Anise, Parsley, Caraway, Fennel, Radish, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, fresh Ginger
Bay, Dittany, Hyssop, Rue, Marjoram, Elecampane, Juniper, Orris, Safflower
Dodder of Thyme, Calamint, Pennyroyal
Savin, Asarabacca, Squill, Wake Robin
Sulphur, Red Vitriol, Verdigris, Niter, Burnt Brass
Warm–2nd degree
Caper, Dry Figs, Pistachio nut, Walnut, Saffron
Wormwood, Hops, Angelica, Betony, St. John’s wort, Calamus, Horehound, Dill seed, Rosemary, Schoenanth,
Basil, Balm, Motherwort, Parsley seed, Sage, Lavender, Carnation
Myrrh, Storax, Rosin, Pitch, Frankincense, Mastic
Warm–1st degree
Sweet Almond, Chestnut, Green Walnut, Linseed, Fenugreek, Grape, Mulberry, Beet, Cabbage
Borage, Bugloss, Meliot, Betony, Agrimony, Camomile, Fumitory, Coltsfoot, Cypress nut, Marshmallow
Bears Breech, Tamarisk, Guaiacum, Bdellium
Tallow of Goats and Deer, Butter, Sugar
Neutral
Pine nut, Date, Raisin, Jujube, Fresh Fig
Licorice, Gum Tragacanth, Maidenhair, Asparagus root
Cool–1st degree
Barley, Millet, Quince, Plum, Pear, Citron,
Rose, Violet, Sorrel, Wood Sorrel, Mallow, Marshmallow
Gum Arabic, Dragons Blood
Hyacinth, Sapphire, Emerald
Cool–2nd degree
Lettuce, Cucumber, Spinach, Endive, Chicory, Plantain, Purslane, Knotgrass, Sandalwood, Poppy seed
Pomegranate, Prune, Gourd, Orange, Peach, Winter Cherry
Cold–3rd degree
Purslane, Pomegranate flowers
Poppy seed, Mandrake
Cold–4th degree
Hemlock, Opium, Deadly Nightshade, Poppy
Moist–1st degree
Sweet Almond, Jujubes, Bugloss, Borage, Endive, Mallows, Sesame
Satyrion (Orchis), Licorice, Turnip root
Moist–2nd degree
Ripe Grape, Prune, Spinach, Gourd, Melon, Pumpkin
Violet, Water Lily, Purslane, Lettuce
Sugar
Dry–1st degree
Fenugreek, Barley, Chestnut, Cabbage, Bean, Beet, Fennel
Marshmallow, Camomile, Juniper berry, Frankincense, Madder
Wake Robin
Dry–2nd degree
Capers, Lentils, Millet, Rice, Quince, Endive
Cypress nut, Fennel seed Betony, Calamus, Shepherd’s Purse, Plantain, Nutmeg, Vervain, Spikenard, Fumitory, Horsetail, Rosemary
Storax, Myrrh, Mastic, Pitch, Honey
Dry–3rd degree
Betony, Hyssop, Thyme, Yarrow, Rue, Wormwood, Juniper berry, Savin, Dodder, Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove
Parsley, Cumin, Dill, Caraway, Horehound, Ground Pine, Pomegranate flowers
Asarabacca, Aloe, Squill, Dragonwort
Salt, Camphor, Saltpeter, Burnt Brass, Sulphur, Red Vitriol
Dry–4th degree
Garlic, Wild Rue, Cress, Mustard seed
Copperas, Arsenic
Garlic, Onion, Dry Ginger, Peppers, Mustard, Cress, Pepperwort
Euphorbium
Vitriol, Arsenic
Hot–3rd degree
Dill, Cumin, Anise, Parsley, Caraway, Fennel, Radish, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, fresh Ginger
Bay, Dittany, Hyssop, Rue, Marjoram, Elecampane, Juniper, Orris, Safflower
Dodder of Thyme, Calamint, Pennyroyal
Savin, Asarabacca, Squill, Wake Robin
Sulphur, Red Vitriol, Verdigris, Niter, Burnt Brass
Warm–2nd degree
Caper, Dry Figs, Pistachio nut, Walnut, Saffron
Wormwood, Hops, Angelica, Betony, St. John’s wort, Calamus, Horehound, Dill seed, Rosemary, Schoenanth,
Basil, Balm, Motherwort, Parsley seed, Sage, Lavender, Carnation
Myrrh, Storax, Rosin, Pitch, Frankincense, Mastic
Warm–1st degree
Sweet Almond, Chestnut, Green Walnut, Linseed, Fenugreek, Grape, Mulberry, Beet, Cabbage
Borage, Bugloss, Meliot, Betony, Agrimony, Camomile, Fumitory, Coltsfoot, Cypress nut, Marshmallow
Bears Breech, Tamarisk, Guaiacum, Bdellium
Tallow of Goats and Deer, Butter, Sugar
Neutral
Pine nut, Date, Raisin, Jujube, Fresh Fig
Licorice, Gum Tragacanth, Maidenhair, Asparagus root
Cool–1st degree
Barley, Millet, Quince, Plum, Pear, Citron,
Rose, Violet, Sorrel, Wood Sorrel, Mallow, Marshmallow
Gum Arabic, Dragons Blood
Hyacinth, Sapphire, Emerald
Cool–2nd degree
Lettuce, Cucumber, Spinach, Endive, Chicory, Plantain, Purslane, Knotgrass, Sandalwood, Poppy seed
Pomegranate, Prune, Gourd, Orange, Peach, Winter Cherry
Cold–3rd degree
Purslane, Pomegranate flowers
Poppy seed, Mandrake
Cold–4th degree
Hemlock, Opium, Deadly Nightshade, Poppy
Moist–1st degree
Sweet Almond, Jujubes, Bugloss, Borage, Endive, Mallows, Sesame
Satyrion (Orchis), Licorice, Turnip root
Moist–2nd degree
Ripe Grape, Prune, Spinach, Gourd, Melon, Pumpkin
Violet, Water Lily, Purslane, Lettuce
Sugar
Dry–1st degree
Fenugreek, Barley, Chestnut, Cabbage, Bean, Beet, Fennel
Marshmallow, Camomile, Juniper berry, Frankincense, Madder
Wake Robin
Dry–2nd degree
Capers, Lentils, Millet, Rice, Quince, Endive
Cypress nut, Fennel seed Betony, Calamus, Shepherd’s Purse, Plantain, Nutmeg, Vervain, Spikenard, Fumitory, Horsetail, Rosemary
Storax, Myrrh, Mastic, Pitch, Honey
Dry–3rd degree
Betony, Hyssop, Thyme, Yarrow, Rue, Wormwood, Juniper berry, Savin, Dodder, Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove
Parsley, Cumin, Dill, Caraway, Horehound, Ground Pine, Pomegranate flowers
Asarabacca, Aloe, Squill, Dragonwort
Salt, Camphor, Saltpeter, Burnt Brass, Sulphur, Red Vitriol
Dry–4th degree
Garlic, Wild Rue, Cress, Mustard seed
Copperas, Arsenic