Single Herb Glossary
Xì Xīn 細辛
| Pharmaceutical name | Asari Herba Chinese wild ginger |
| Category | Warm, Acrid, Release the Exterior |
| Key Properties | Powerfully aromatic; Warm & piercing Dispel Cold (Taiyang & Shaoyin) ; Opens orifices; Relieve pain & reaches head, LU, bones & joints (Dispel Wind,Cold,Damp,& Phlegm) |
| Properties | Acrid Warm |
| Tropism | LU, HT, KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Disperse Cold, Release Exterior 2) Dispel Wind, Relieve Pain 3) Warms the Lungs, Transforms Thin Mucus 4) Unblock & facilitate orifice (nose) |
| Dosages | 1-3 g low dosage for powders, pills, and uncooked |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Profuse sweat (Qi def); H/A, cough due to Yin Def or Wind-Heat |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils 2.39-3.80% (methyl eugenol, safrole, asaricin, eucarvone), higenamine, aristolochic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Respiratory: stimulates respiratory system; intravenous injection of alcohol extract effectively reversed morphine-induced respiratory depression in rabbits; may also increase lung capacity for 15 to 30 minutes; methyleugenol has bronchodilating effect in mice • Cardiovascular: alcohol extract associated with increased heart rate and cardiac output in laboratory experiments • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against Streptococcus spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella typhi • Anti-inflammatory: essential oil reduces inflammation associated with increased vascular permeability caused by PGE2; in laboratory experiments, intraperitoneal injection of essential oil at 0.24 ml/kg effectively reduced swelling in the legs of rats • Anesthetic: when injected, essential oil produces local anesthetic effect in rabbits; anesthetic effect comparable to 1% novacaine |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Incompatible with Li Lu (Veratri nigri Radix et Rhizoma) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San Ligusticum Chuanxiong Powder to be Taken with Gree 川芎茶調散 (川芎茶调散) Da Qin Jiao Tang (Major Large Gentian Decoction) 大秦艽湯 Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Sang-Ji-Sheng Decoction)獨活寄生湯 Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang (Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium) 九味羌活湯 Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang (Poria, Licorice, Schisandra, Ginger & Asarium Decoction)苓甘五味薑辛湯 Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill) 烏梅丸 (乌梅丸) Da Huang Fu Zi Tang (Rhubarb and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction) 大黃附子湯 Dang Gui Si Ni Tang (Tangkuei Decoction for Frigid Extremities) 當歸四逆湯 Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) 小青龍湯 (小青龙汤) |
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.