Huo Xiang (Patchouli, Agastache)

Channels: LU, SP, ST Properties: Spicy, Slightly Warm Latin: Herba Agastaches Rugosus, Herba Pogostemonis Chinese: 藿香 Tone Marks: huò xiāng

Actions

Contraindications and Cautions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Toxicity and Overdose

• None Noted

Dosage

• 5-10 grams in decoction, should be added at the end of boiling ¹²
• 3-9 grams in decoction, double dosage of fresh herb, don’t overcook ¹³

Notes

• Two herbs are commonly called Huo Xiang; Agastache and Pogostemonis. They share common functions and are interchangeable.

Clinical Studies and Research

• Essential oil compounds from Agastache rugosa as antifungal agents against Trichophyton species.
  Arch Pharm Res. 2004 Mar;27(3):295-9.
• Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Agastache rugosa Kuntze and its synergism with ketoconazole.
  Lett Appl Microbiol. 2003;36(2):111-5.
• Antifungal effects of herbal essential oils alone and in combination with ketoconazole against Trichophyton spp.
  J Appl Microbiol. 2004;97(6):1289-96.
• HIV integrase inhibitory activity of Agastache rugosa.
  Arch Pharm Res. 1999 Oct;22(5):520-3
• Agastaquinone, a new cytotoxic diterpenoid quinone from Agastache rugosa.
  J Nat Prod. 1995 Nov;58(11):1718-21.

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• Huo Xiang has proven antibiotic effects (1) and stimulatory effect on the secretion of gastric acid (2).
• Huo Xiang in a formula has shown to effective for infantile diarrhea (3).
  
  
  • 1. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 323:324
  • 2. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 323:324
  • 3. Fu Jian Zhong Yi Yao, 1984; (1):13

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (Sweet Dew Special Pill to Eliminate Toxins)
  Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
• Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi)
  Formulas that Transform Damp Turbidity
• Xie Huang San (Drain the Yellow Powder)
  Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs