Pogostemonis Herba
Aliases：Tu Huoxiang、Mao Ba、Qing Jing Bo He、Pai Xiang Cao、Da Ye Bo He、Lü He He、Chuan Huoxiang、Su Huoxiang、Ye Huoxiang、Mao Wei
Huoxiang (Pogostemonis Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb that resolves dampness and relieves summer heat. It is the dried aerial part of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (family Lamiaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Transform Dampness, stop vomiting, and relieve Summerheat.
Indications
1. Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao: This herb has a fragrant aroma and is an essential herb for aromatically transforming Dampness and turbidity. It is especially effective in relieving epigastric and abdominal distension, poor appetite, and other symptoms caused by dampness turbidity obstructing the Middle Jiao. 2. Vomiting: This herb can both transform Dampness and harmonize the Middle to descend rebellious Qi, thereby having a good anti‑emetic effect. 3. Summer‑dampness or early‑stage damp‑warm disease: This herb can both transform Dampness and relieve Summerheat. It is indicated for fever, chest stuffiness, nausea, and other symptoms caused by Summer‑dampness patterns or early‑stage damp‑warm diseases. 4. Corresponding modern medical conditions: Chronic gastroenteritis belonging to the pattern of Dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao; gastrointestinal neurosis, gastrointestinal type common cold, and acute gastroenteritis belonging to the pattern of Summer‑dampness exterior syndrome.
Modern Pharmacology
The volatile oil promotes gastric juice secretion, enhances digestion, and exerts an antispasmodic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It also has preservative and antibacterial effects. In addition, it possesses astringent and anti-diarrheal actions, as well as mild diaphoretic effects by dilating microvessels.
Ingredients
It contains approximately 1.5% volatile oil, the main component of which is patchouli alcohol. Other constituents include benzaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, etc. Additionally, it contains various other sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene, among others. It also contains alkaloids.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 5–10 g in decoction; double the amount for fresh herb.
Contraindications
It should not be decocted for a prolonged time. It is contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency with blazing fire.
Selected Formulas
1. For poor appetite, vomiting, and fatigue caused by dampness obstructing the middle jiao Often combined with Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) to aromatically transform dampness, regulate qi, and harmonize the middle – as in Buhuan Jin Zhengqi San (Unalterable Golden Elixir Powder) from Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary). 2. For vomiting due to damp‑turbidity obstructing the middle jiao This herb is most effective for this pattern. Often combined with Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Dingxiang (Caryophylli Flos) – as in Huoxiang Banxia Tang (Patchouli and Pinellia Decoction) from the same formulary. If the vomiting is predominantly damp‑heat, combine with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) and Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam). For vomiting during pregnancy, combine with Sharen (Amomi Fructus) and Sugeng (Perillae Caulis). For spleen‑stomach weakness, combine with Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma). 3. For summer‑dampness pattern (external wind‑cold in summer with internal cold injury from raw/cold food) Manifestations include aversion to cold, fever, headache, epigastric stuffiness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Often combined with Zisu (Perillae Folium), Houpo, and Banxia – as in Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Patchouli Qi‑Correcting Powder) from Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang. For early‑stage damp‑warm disease with equal emphasis on dampness and heat, often combined with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Huashi (Talcum), and Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba) – as in Ganlu Xiaodu Dan (Sweet Dew Detoxifying Pill) from Wenre Jingwei (Compendium of Warm‑Heat Diseases).
Daily Consumption
Cold salad: Blanch the tender stems and leaves, then mix with minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, etc. Stimulates appetite and aids digestion. Congee: Cook Huoxiang leaves with rice, or use Huoxiang water to make congee. Aromatically transforms dampness and relieves summerheat. Tea: Steep 3–6 g of fresh leaves (or 3 g dried) in boiling water for 5 minutes. Relieves summerheat, transforms dampness, and alleviates abdominal bloating. Soup: Simmer with winter melon, coix seed, pork ribs, etc. Eliminates dampness and relieves summerheat. Seasoning: Add fresh leaves just before removing from heat when stewing fish, stir-frying, or making sauces. Removes fishy odor, enhances aroma, and stimulates appetite. Precautions: Do not decoct for a long time (volatile oil easily dissipates). Use with caution in cases of yin deficiency with blazing fire, during pregnancy and lactation, and for children or allergic individuals. Recommended dosage: 5–10 g fresh or 3–5 g dried per use. Stop once symptoms improve.
Medicinal Parts
dried aerial part
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.