Ge Shan Xiang is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It can be collected throughout the year, but the best quality is obtained in autumn. It can be used fresh after washing or dried. What are its pharmacological effects and applications in traditional Chinese medicine?
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Functions and Indications of Ge Shan Xiang
Ge Shan Xiang can promote Qi circulation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, and eliminate dampness and toxins.
It is used for stomach pain, abdominal pain, angina, headache, rheumatism, bruises, hernia pain, bronchitis, ascites caused by liver cirrhosis, amenorrhea, amoebic dysentery, parotitis, and snake bites.
Pharmacological Effects of Ge Shan Xiang
1. Antitussive, Expectorant, and Anti-inflammatory Effects
The distillate of Ge Shan Xiang has obvious antitussive effects on guinea pigs induced by ammonia solution, and it can promote the discharge of phenol red from the bronchi of mice, indicating certain expectorant effects.
The inhibition rate of Ge Shan Xiang on rat foot swelling inflammation is similar to 0.25% dexamethasone.
2. Effects on Smooth Muscles
The crystal isolated from the ethyl ether extract of Ge Shan Xiang root, called Iridoid Lactone, has a certain spasmolytic effect on the isolated rabbit intestines, guinea pig trachea, and rabbit aorta, and it can also inhibit the peristalsis of the small intestine in situ.
3. Antibacterial Effects
In vitro antibacterial tests have shown that the distillate of Ge Shan Xiang has certain inhibitory effects on Streptococcus type A and B, influenza bacillus, and pneumococcus.
Image of Ge Shan Xiang
Applications of Ge Shan Xiang in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas
① Treatment of Common Cold
Take 5 grams of Ge Shan Xiang root, 2 grams of Perilla leaf, and 3 slices of fresh ginger. Decoction and drink. Or take 3-5 grams of Ge Shan Xiang stem and flower, decoct and drink. (From "Traditional Herbs of Zhejiang Province")
② Treatment of Cough with Excessive Phlegm
Take 5 grams of Ge Shan Xiang root, decoct and drink. (From "Traditional Herbs of Zhejiang Province")
③ Treatment of Cough with Wind-heat
Take 5 grams of Ge Shan Xiang root, decoct and drink. (From "Traditional Herbs of Jiangxi Province")
④ Treatment of Hemoptysis
Take 3 grams of Ge Shan Xiang root, 2 grams of Achyranthes bidentata root, 3 grams of Glechoma hederacea, and 2 grams of Lonicera japonica in June. Decoction with water and add brown sugar and rice wine. (From "Traditional Herbs of Jiangxi Province")
Methods of Consuming Ge Shan Xiang
Daily dosage: 15-50 grams, decoct with water, or grind into powder and take 2.5-5 grams.
Contraindications of Ge Shan Xiang
People with excessive Yin and excessive internal heat should avoid using Ge Shan Xiang. Pregnant women and children should use it with caution.
