The Chinese herbal medicine Qingmuxiang is the dried root of the Aristolochia plant in the Aristolochiaceae family. It has a mild toxicity and is used in traditional medicine for its effects of soothing the liver, relieving pain, detoxifying, and reducing swelling. Let's learn more about the medicinal uses of Qingmuxiang!
Image of Qingmuxiang
【Precautions for Using Qingmuxiang】
The reason why Qingmuxiang should be avoided is because it has significant renal toxicity. Qingmuxiang and other medicinal herbs contain aristolochic acid, which can cause severe toxic side effects such as acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis.
The National Food and Drug Administration has officially announced the cancellation of the medicinal standards for Chinese medicinal preparations containing Qingmuxiang due to its potential for causing kidney damage and other adverse reactions. This type of medicine will no longer be available in the market.
Currently, Guangmuxiang is used as a substitute for Qingmuxiang in prescriptions. If Qingmuxiang must be used, it should be under the guidance of a qualified physician.
The dosage and duration should be strictly controlled, and during the treatment, the function of the renal tubules and glomeruli should be monitored. However, caution should be exercised when using it in children and the elderly, and it should be prohibited for pregnant women, infants, young children, and those with impaired renal function.
【Medicinal Uses of Qingmuxiang】
Treating boils: Fresh Qingmuxiang is chopped and mixed with an appropriate amount of honey, then applied to the affected area.
Treating toothache: Take a fresh piece of Qingmuxiang and bite it onto the painful tooth.
Treating hypertension: Take two liang of fresh Qingmuxiang root, decoct it in water, and drink it with brown sugar as a sweetener.
Treating snake bites: Take one liang of dry Qingmuxiang and two liang of Atractylodes macrocephala. Grind them into powder and take three qian (approx. 9 grams) with sweet wine or warm water. Apply a separate amount to the wound.
Treating heatstroke and abdominal pain: Take three to five qian (approx. 9-15 grams) of fresh Qingmuxiang root, grind it into juice, and drink it with warm water. Alternatively, take one to two qian (approx. 3-6 grams) of Qingmuxiang root powder and drink it with warm water.
