Qingmuxiang is a commonly used medicine in clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has high medicinal value, but due to the presence of aristolochic acid, it has certain toxicity. Therefore, it must be used with caution!
【Efficacy and Function of Qingmuxiang】
1. Chest and abdominal pain
Qingmuxiang has a pungent and bitter taste, and it enters the Liver and Stomach meridians. It can promote Qi circulation, soothe the Liver, regulate the Middle Jiao, and relieve pain. It is effective for chest and rib pain caused by Liver and Stomach Qi stagnation. It can be taken alone or used in combination with Xiangfu, Chuanlianzi, and Foshou.
2. Diarrhea and abdominal pain
Qingmuxiang has a bitter and cold nature. It can clear heat, detoxify, and stop pain. Fresh Qingmuxiang can be juiced or dried Qingmuxiang can be ground into powder for oral administration. It can also be used in combination with Gegen, Huanglian, and Muxiang to treat diarrhea and abdominal pain caused by unclean food and summer dampness.
3. Carbuncle and swelling
Qingmuxiang has a bitter and cold nature. It has the functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, detoxifying, and reducing swelling. It can be ground into powder and mixed with honey for external application. It can also be used in fresh form for external application. For treating damp sores on the skin, Qingmuxiang can be boiled into water for washing and the powder can be sprinkled on the affected area. It can also be used in combination with Mingfan, Wubeizi, and Lushan. For treating snake bites, it can be used in combination with Baizhi for internal and external use, or used in combination with Chuanxinlian and Zaoxiu.
【Difference between Qingmuxiang and Muxiang】
1. Different sources
Qingmuxiang and Muxiang are two different Chinese medicinal materials derived from different plants. Qingmuxiang is derived from the root of the plant Aristolochia debilis, a member of the Aristolochiaceae family.
On the other hand, Muxiang is derived from the plant Saussurea costus, a member of the Compositae family. It is mainly produced in Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and other regions in China. In clinical TCM, it is also known as Guangmuxiang. This is an important difference between the two.
2. Difference in efficacy
Qingmuxiang has the ability to improve liver and kidney function, detoxify, and reduce swelling. It is commonly used to treat dizziness, carbuncle, swelling, and pain in humans, with excellent therapeutic effects.
Muxiang, on the other hand, is a Chinese medicinal material that promotes Qi circulation, relieves pain, invigorates the Spleen, and aids digestion. It is commonly used in TCM for the treatment of abdominal distention, loss of appetite, and indigestion.
【Side Effects of Qingmuxiang】
1. Effects on the urinary and reproductive systems: edema, oliguria, anuria, ascites, increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, proteinuria, and hematuria.
2. Effects on the digestive system: mainly manifested as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal distention, diarrhea or constipation, and dry mouth.
3. Effects on the central nervous system: dizziness, muscle spasms, mydriasis followed by miosis, muscle weakness, and even severe respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
It should be used with caution in patients with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, as well as in patients with Yang deficiency and insufficient body fluids. Pay attention to the contraindications of Qingmuxiang when used in combination with other medications, especially antihypertensive drugs. Qingmuxiang has a synergistic effect with antihypertensive drugs, which can cause rapid decrease in blood pressure.
In ancient herbal medicine, Qingmuxiang was described as harmful, and excessive intake can cause side effects. Therefore, the dosage should be strictly controlled, based on the condition and individual use. Exceeding the recommended dosage is strictly prohibited.
