Single Herb Glossary
Mù Xiāng 木香
| Pharmaceutical name | Aucklandiae Radix aucklandia, saussurea, costus root "wood fragrance" |
| Category | Regulate Qi |
| Key Properties | Promotes flow of Qi, Stops pain Strengthens spleen, Eliminates food stagnation |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Warm |
| Tropism | GB, LI, SP, ST, SJ |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promotes Movement of Qi & Stop pain (Middle Jiao, LV/GB) 2) Adjusts & Regulates Stagnant Qi in Intestine (tenesmus) 3) Strengthens SP & Prevents Stagnation (harm other herbs) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Caution in patients with depleted fluids, yin def, or blazing fire |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Saussurine, costus lactone, dihydrocostus lactone, dehydrocostus lactone, costunolide, dihydrocostunolide, 12-methoxydihydro-costunolide, α-costol, α-costic acid, saussurea lactone, α-costene, β-costene |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Respiratory: demonstrated ability to relax spasms of trachea and bronchi • Effects on smooth muscles: components of this herb have various effects on smooth muscle of intestines: some stimulate intestines and increase peristalsis, some relax intestinal spasms, and some have an inhibitory action • Cardiovascular: laboratory studies of frogs, dogs and rats have demonstrated different effects on cardiovascular system depending on dosage; with small dosage, there is a stimulating effect on heart, and dilation of blood vessels; with large dosage, there is an inhibiting effect on heart, and constriction of blood vessels • Antibiotic: essential oil has inhibitory effect on streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli, and Corynebacterium diphtheria |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Jia Wei Wu Yao Tang (Augmented Lindera Decoction) 加味烏藥湯 Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Aucklandia and Betel Nut Pill) 木香檳榔丸 Shao Yao Tang (Peony Decoction) 芍藥湯 Shen Su Yin (GinSeng and Perilla Leaf Drink) 參蘇飲 Shi Pi Yin (Bolster the Spleen Decoction) 實脾飲 Su He Xiang Wan (delete She Xiang, Zhu Sha, An Xi Xiang) (Liquid Styrax Pill) 蘇合香丸（減麝香，硃砂，安息香） Tian Tai Wu Yao San (Top-Quality Lindera Powder) 天臺烏藥散 (天台烏药散) Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (Tangkuei, Gentian, and Aloe Pill) (delete she xiang) 當歸龍薈丸 （減麝香） Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill) 肥兒丸 Ge Hua Jie Cheng San (Kudzu Flower Powder to Relieve Hangovers) 葛花解酲散 Gui Pi Tang (Restore the spleen decoction) 歸脾湯 (归脾汤) Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang (Magnolia Bark Decoction for Warming the Middle) 厚朴温中湯 Jian Pi Wan (Strenghten the Spleen Pill) 健脾丸 Ju He Wan (Tangerine Seed Pill) 橘核丸 Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction) 蠲痺湯 Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin (Sixteen Ingredient Drink for Qi Flow) 十六味流氣飲 Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang (True Man's Decoction to Nourish the Organs) 真人養臟湯 Zhou Che Wan (Vessel and Vehicle Pill) (deleted qing fen) 舟車丸 （減輕粉） |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.