"The Spleen opens into the mouth"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Mu Xiang (Costus Root, Saussurea)

Herb 11 of 19 in Herbs that Regulate the Qi

Channels:
GB, LI, SP, ST

Properties:
Spicy, Bitter, Warm

Latin Name:
Radix Auklandiae Lappae

Mu Xiang means "Wood Fragrance"

Actions

Moves Qi, Relieves Pain, Regulates the Middle Jiao
Used for symptoms of Qi stagnation of the Spleen and Stomach including poor appetite, indigestion, food stagnation, epigastric and abdominal fullness, bloating, pain, diarrhea and tenesmus. Also relieves flank pain, distension, and soreness as well as bitter taste, yellow tongue coat, and possible jaundice associated with Liver Qi stagnation.
Strengthens the Spleen and Prevents Stagnation
Used for Spleen Qi Deficiency symptoms including abdominal fullness, distention, bloating, pain, poor appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Helps ameliorate the side effects of tonifying herbs.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use with Yin Xu Fire, Depleted Fluids, or Blazing Fire.

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

One case of allergic reaction has been reported after ingestion of 10 grams. The same patient reacted to a smaller dose of 3 grams as well. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, watery diarrhea, granular rash, pruritus, and restlessness.

Dosage

3-9 grams in decoction (Bensky)
3-10 grams in decoction (Chen)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill)
Formulas that Expel Parasites
Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi and Blood
Hei Xi Dan (Lead Special Pill)
Formulas that Rescue Devastated Yang
Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang (Magnolia Bark Decoction for Warming the Middle)
Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi
Hui Chun Dan (Return of Spring Special Pill)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Open the Orifices
Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
Ju He Wan (Tangerine Seed Pill)
Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi
Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction from Medical Revelations)
Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Aucklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
Shao Yao Tang (Peony Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
Shi Pi Yin (Bolster the Spleen Decoction)
Formulas that Warm and Transform Water and Dampness
Su He Xiang Wan (Liquid Styrax Pill)
Formulas that Warm and Open the Orifices
Tian Tai Wu Yao San (Top Quality Lindera Powder)
Formulas that Promote the Movement of Qi
Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang (True Man's Decoction to Nourish the Organs)
Formulas that Restrain Leakage from the Intestines
Zhou Che Wan (Vessel and Vehicle Pill)
Formulas that Drive Out Excess Water
Zi Xue Dan (Purple Snow Special Pill)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Open the Orifices

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

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.