- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 662
Elsholtzia splendens
Herb · Asia
Elsholtzia (xiang ru)
Elsholtzia splendens
Traditionally attributed effects: for summer colds from cold and dampness, and for oedema.
Safety notes
Not with deficiency with sweating. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Flowering herb. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that open the surface'. Xiang ru is also called 'the ma huang of summer': it opens the exterior in summer colds caused by cold and damp, for example after drinking cold drinks. It is part of Xiang Ru San.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, warm, aromatic
- Meridians
- lung, stomach
Attributed effects
Opens the surface in summer heat with dampness: chills and fever after much cold food and drink on warm days, and promotes urination in swellings.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, drink cool.
Combinations
- With huo xiang and hyacinth bean for summer heat with dampness
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction