Huo Xiang - Lab Tested, 1lb

Huo Xiang , also known as Patchouli, Agastache, or Rugose Giant Hysop Herb (Herba Agastaches/Pogostemonis), is a fundamental Chinese medicinal herb in the category of aromatic herbs that transform Dampness. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for aromatically transforming Dampness, releasing the Exterior, dispelling Summerheat, and harmonizing the Middle Jiao.

TCM Formula Profile

Temperature: Slightly Warm, Aromatic
Taste: Acrid
Channels Entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Primary Functions

• Aromatically transforms Dampness, releases the Exterior and dispels Summerheat (transforms turbidity)
• Harmonizes the Middle Jiao and stops vomiting
• Treats dermatosis and fungal infection

Indications

Huo Xiang is traditionally used for:

• Turbid Dampness Obstructing the Middle Jiao
• Summer Heat-Dampness
• Damp-Warmth
• Wind-Dampness
• Nausea or vomiting due to Dampness Obstructing the Middle Jiao
• Other types of vomiting, and morning sickness when combined with appropriate herbs
• Dermatosis and fungal infections affecting either the hands or feet

Clinical Notes

Huo Xiang treats Turbid Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao and interfering with the Spleen's transformative and transportive functions. It is used primarily for Summer-Heat affecting the Spleen/Stomach. This herb is used for decayed food in the Stomach causing bad breath. It treats turbid stagnation, obstruction, tightness in the chest or abdomen, feelings of nausea, vomiting and morning sickness.

Huo Xiang, Fol. Perillae (Zi Su Ye), and Rz. Phragmitis (Lu Gen) all control vomiting. Huo Xiang is better at transforming Dampness, Zi Su Ye is better at releasing the exterior, and Lu Gen is better at clearing Stomach Heat.

Agastache was traditionally used, but for the past century Pogostemonis has been cultivated and used instead. Some sources say that this herb treats Wind-Cold invasion with underlying internal Dampness.

It is often used with Hb. Eupatorii (Pei Lan) which is most effective for excessive salivation and an unpleasant, sticky sensation in the mouth while Huo Xiang is more effective at releasing the exterior and stopping vomiting. Both Huo Xiang and Hb. Eupatorii (Pei Lan) dispel Summerheat and transform Dampness and are often used together. Huo Xiang is better suited for expelling externally-contracted pathogenic Cold during hot summer weather. Pei Lan is milder and more harmonious and less dispersing.

Preparation Forms

Patchouli Leaf (Huo Xiang Ye): Mobilizes the Exterior, disseminates and disperses to treat externally-contracted Wind-Cold with Internal Dampness Obstruction.

Patchouli Stalk (Huo Xiang Geng): Mobilizes the Middle, expands the chest and is particularly good for harmonizing the Stomach and stopping nausea. It is often used to treat nausea and vomiting due to Dampness Obstructing the Middle or Stomach Cold and morning sickness.

Fresh Patchouli (Xian Huo Xiang): Relieves Summerheat and releases the Exterior. It is often combined with Hb. Menthae Haplocalycis (Bo He) as a tea for the early stages of Summerheat with Dampness.

Patchouli Dew (Huo Xiang Lu): Acrid and slightly warm and is used to clear Summerheat, restore the normal flow of Qi and dissipate Turbid Dampness via its strong aroma to treat Summerheat-Dampness Obstructing the flow of Qi with a stifling sensation in the chest, nausea and vomiting and is valued for its ability to prevent Summerheat disorders.