Moves and Regulates Qi, Resolves Stagnation
Abdominal, epigastric, and/or chest fullness, bloating, loss of appetite, poor digestion, constipation, and a plum pit throat sensation.
Warms and Dries Damp
For nausea, vomiting, distension, fullness in the abdomen and epigastrum, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and a turbid, greasy tongue coat.
Descends Qi, Calms Wheezing, Dissolves Phlegm
For cough, wheezing and dyspnea with chest congestion and excess phlegm.
Contraindications and Cautions
Use with caution during pregnancy
Use with caution in cases of Qi Deficiency
Herb-Drug Interactions
Hou Po contains magnolol, a mild anticoagulant. Caution should be used in patients taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants including; aspirin, dipyridamole, clopidogrel(plavix), heparin, warfarin, and enoxaparin(Lovenox).
Toxicity and Overdose
None Noted
Dosage
3-10 grams in decoction 12
3-9 grams in decoction 13
Notes
Hou Po is noted both traditionally and in modern research as having different effects depending on the dosage size.
Hou Po stands out in its ability to treat fullness and accumulation in the form of constipation when compared to Cang Zhu.
Hou Po has been demonstrated to have several physiological effects including as an anticoagulant (1), CNS suppressant (2), gastrointestinal inhibitor (3), antihypertensive (4), respiratory (5), and antibiotic (6).
Hou Po was shown to be effective in treating bloating following a hysterectomy (7).
Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.
Herb 5 of 8 in Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
