Wuxiangcao, a Chinese herbal medicine, is the whole herb of the plant Alyssum tenuifolium, a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is mainly distributed in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, and eastern Jiangxi. It has the effects of relieving exterior, dispelling heat, regulating qi, and relieving pain. It is used for symptoms such as cold, heatstroke, scrofula, gastric pain, sore throat, furuncle, and centipede bite.
Image of Wuxiangcao
【Functions and Indications】
Wuxiangcao has the functions of relieving exterior, regulating qi, and relieving pain. It is used for the treatment of cold, tonsillitis, scrofula, and gastric pain.
"Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine": "Relieves inflammation, diuresis, and analgesia. It is used for the treatment of tonsillitis, centipede bites, furuncle, ulcer disease, heatstroke, cold, and stomach pain."
【Formulas and Applications】
1. Treatment of abdominal pain: Wuxiangcao 15g, Huoxiang 9g, Jingjie 9g. Decoction for oral administration. ("Hangzhou Medicinal Plants")
2. Treatment of ulcer disease: Wuxiangcao 9g, Hongmuxiang 9g, Pugongying 30g, Xuchangqing 6g. Decoction for oral administration.
3. Treatment of tonsillitis: Wuxiangcao 45g, with honey as needed. Decoction for oral administration.
4. Treatment of furuncle: Wuxiangcao 9g, Wild Chrysanthemum Flower 9g, Zihua Diding 30g, Pugongying 30g. Decoction for oral administration.
5. Treatment of centipede bites: Apply mashed Wuxiangcao externally.
Image of Wuxiangcao
【Clinical Applications】
Wuxiangcao has similar effects to Huaqinu and Mint. It has a fragrant and pungent aroma, with the functions of relieving exterior, regulating qi, and stimulating appetite. It also has antibacterial effects, so it is worth promoting for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal infections.
【Pharmacological Actions】
(1) Antibacterial Effects
In vitro experiments have shown that the decoction of Wuxiangcao has certain antibacterial effects, which are stronger than those of the same plant Huaqinu, against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. It is also effective against Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, and Proteus mirabilis.
After oral administration of the decoction to rats, their concentrated urine showed antibacterial effects in test tubes. The active ingredients are found in the leaves and stems of Wuxiangcao.
(2) Toxicity Test
Subacute toxicity tests on mice and rats have shown that the toxicity is very low. The median lethal dose after intraperitoneal injection of the decoction in mice is 10.1 grams per kilogram.
