---
title: "Introduction and Directions"
url: "https://books.drcassone.com/7/cale-single-herbs/312/introduction-and-directions"
---

I made this book as gift to students of East Asian Medicine. The images capture the functions and indications of each herb with the herb category representing the primary function. The amount of herbal medicine data points required to memorize in order to pass the examination is possibly the most overwhelming aspect of the exam preparation. These images offer a pathway to learning and success with this section of the exam.

**Follow these 5 steps:**
1. no thinking and no concentration is required and will actually impair the rote memorization process
2. thoughtless repetition is essential
3. simply view the first image and herb name for each herb and then see the category provided on the second image for the same herb (observe the symbol for each image that represents the category, e.g. a sweater for warm acrid releasing herbs)
4. only memorize the herb name and the herb category while glancing at the entire image; do not memorize any other data points
5. repeat often

The most important data point to remember for each herb is the **category**, which is also the primary function. This is enough to pass the exam. Everything else is extra. The secondary, tertiary, and quandiary functions are next in importance, but will be remembered effortlessly as the images become familiar. This is the same with the indications. The least important information to memorize, based on passing the exam, is the entering channels, tastes, and temperatures (for formulas, you will need to know the temperatures). 

Because the herbs have interesting images, you will slowly notice the other functions and indications through repetition. If you try to memorize all the data points, you will be overwhelmed. Only commit to the **herb name** and **category** and the rest will naturally sink in visually without strain or stress. This is the way.

You're welcome. 

_Contraindications were left out in this collection as they are generally consistent with the category and follow basic OM theory (e.g. all invigorate blood herbs are not for pregnancy, drying herbs should not be given to yin deficient patients, heat reducing herbs should cautiously be given to yang deficient patients, etc.)._

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