Xiangxiang, also known as Xiangzhenxiang or Zijiangxiang, is the dried heartwood of the Dalbergia odorifera tree in the Fabaceae family. It is mainly produced in Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other regions. Xiangxiang has the functions of promoting blood circulation, stopping bleeding, regulating qi, and relieving pain. It is used for abdominal pain, liver qi stagnation, chest discomfort, injuries, and bleeding.
Regulating Qi and Relieving Pain
Xiangxiang has a pungent aroma and can disperse and move. It has the ability to dissolve stasis, regulate qi, and relieve pain. It can be used to treat abdominal pain, liver qi stagnation, chest discomfort, and pain and swelling caused by injuries.
Stopping Bleeding
Xiangxiang has a pungent and warm nature, which can dissolve stasis, promote blood circulation, and stop bleeding. It is suitable for bleeding caused by stasis, especially for internal and external bleeding caused by injuries. It is commonly used in surgery. For example, it can be applied topically to stop bleeding from knife wounds.
Relieving Nausea
Xiangxiang has a pungent and warm fragrance and a sinking nature. It can regulate qi, expel impurities, harmonize the middle, and relieve nausea. It is used for vomiting and abdominal pain caused by impurities and disharmony of the spleen and stomach.
Treating Coronary Heart Disease
Xiangxiang can improve microcirculation, significantly increase coronary blood flow, slow down heart rate, reduce plasma viscosity, lower blood lipids, inhibit platelet aggregation, and have anticoagulant effects. These effects have comprehensive therapeutic effects in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease and cerebral infarction.
Nutritional Value of Xiangxiang
Xiangxiang mainly contains volatile oils, isoflavones, nerolidol, xiangxiang flavonoids, and other flavonoid compounds. It also contains monomers, dimers, and cinnamene derivatives of isoflavones.
1. The volatile oils and aromatic components of Xiangxiang have anti-thrombotic effects.
2. Ethanol extracts of Xiangxiang have anticonvulsant and analgesic effects.
3. The flavonoid compounds in Xiangxiang have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and vasodilating effects.
Precautions for Using Xiangxiang
1. It is contraindicated for individuals with constipation, Yin deficiency with excessive heat, and reckless blood circulation, as it may worsen the symptoms.
2. Pregnant women should be cautious. It is not advisable for pregnant women to consume Chinese herbal medicines that promote blood circulation and have aromatic penetration, as it is not conducive to fetal safety. The same applies to the use of Xiangxiang.
