Chinese Herb Huo Xiang (Chinese Patchouli)
Agastache, Pogostemonis, Patchouli, Chinese Patchouli, Wrinkled Giant Hyssop, Rugose Giant Hysop, Agastache Rugosus, Herba Agastache
Properties:
Acrid, Slightly Warm, Aromatic
Channels Entered:
Spleen, Stomach. Lung
Functions:
Transforms Dampness, Stops Vomiting, Treats Skin Infections
Other Information:
Patchouli is a bushy herb that has small pink and white flowers. It is now cultivated in many countries but is native to the tropical regions of Asia. Historically, Chinese Patchouli has been used as a perfume, insect repellent, culinarily, and medicinally. Traditionally, Agastaches was the herb that was used. But, for the past 100 years, Pogostemonis is cultivated instead.
The Huo Xiang herb, or Chinese Patchouli, has many uses that relate to excessive dampness. In the presence of such dampness, especially that which obstructs the Middle Jiao, Huo Xiang's aromatic nature transforms the dampness and releases the exterior. This herb is effective on Damp-Warmth, Wind-Dampness, and Summer Heat-Dampness conditions. The Huo Xiang herb is also effective at relieving the symptoms caused by this dampness such as vomiting, nausea, and morning sickness. Huo Xiang can also be used externally to treat infections and dermatosis of the skin on the hands and feet.
Those with Stomach Fire and Yin Deficiency (Heat signs) should avoiding using the Huo Xiang herb.
Some of the best herbs to combine with Huo Xiang are Pei Lan, Huang Qin, and Gan Cao. The Pei Lan helps aid in combating fatigue. The Huang Qin is best to use with Huo Xiang to combat Damp-Warm febrile disease in its early stages. The Gan Cao helps clear up diarrhea and vomiting. Huo Xiang can also be soaked with Da Huang or Huang Jing in vinegar, left for a week, and then used topically to treat fungal infections.
For combatting vomiting, Huo Xiang, Zi Su Ye, and Lu Gen are all effective in different ways. Overall, the Huo Xiang herb is best when it comes to transforming Dampness. In treating vomiting, patients also see Huo Xiang restoring appetite. When the patient has bad breath, caused by decayed food in the stomach, Huo Xiang is a great herb to combat this.
