It is the dried root of Aucklandia lappa Decne, family Compositae. The roots are dug and collected in autumn and winter.Afterthe fibrous roots are removed, they are cut into segments and bumped the rough bark away after being dried. The raw or roasted are used for medication.
[ Medicinal Properties ]: Pungent,bitter and warm; relate spleen, stomach, large intestine, triple energizer and gallbladder meridians.
[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Promote qi flow to stop pain; regulate the middle energizer.
[ Clinical Applications ]: 1. Spleen and stomach qi stagnation syndromes For epigastric swelling pain and hiccups, it is combined with Sharen and Huoxiang in Muxiang Tiaoqi Powder; for qi deficiency of spleen and stomach, distension and fullness in epigastric abdomen, poor appetite and loose stools, with Chenqi, Dangshen and Baizhu, such as Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction.
2. Large intestine qi stagnation syndrome For retention in large intestine and dysentery with tenesmus, it is used with Bingliang, Zhishi and Dahuang, such as Muxiang Binglang Pills; for damp-heat manifested as dysentery with abdominal pain, usually with Huanglian in Xianglian pills.
3. Liver and gallbladder qi stagnation It is combined with Yinchen, Yujin and Chaihu to treat failure of liver to disperse and purge, steaming fever due to damp-heat, distending pain of hypochondrium, bitter taste in mouth, yellowish tongue coating and jaundice.
In addition, used with tonifying medicinals , it can tonify but not stagnate.
[ Usage and Dosage ]: 1.5-6g. The raw are used to promote qi flow, and the roasted are used to relieve diarrhea.
[ Precautions ]: Since it is pungent, warm , fragrant and dry, it should be used with caution for hyperactive fire due to yin deficiency.
木香 为菊科植物木香 Aucklandia lappa Decne.、川木香 Vladimiria souliei (Franch.)Ling的根。木香产于印度、巴基斯坦、缅甸者,称为广木香,现我国已栽培成功。主产于云南、广西者,称为云木香;主产于四川、西藏等地者称川木香。秋、冬二季采挖,除去泥沙及须根,切段,大的再纵剖成瓣,干燥后撞去粗皮。生用或煨用。