Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae
Aliases：Jiàng Zhēn Xiāng (True Incense Wood); Zǐ Téng Xiāng (Purple Wisteria Fragrance); Jiàng Zhēn (True Drop); Huā Lí Mǔ (Rosewood Mother).
Jiàng Xiāng is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried heartwood from the trunk and root of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen, a plant of the Fabaceae family. Its wood is purplish-red, hard, and fragrant. It is a commonly used herb for resolving stasis and stopping bleeding.
Efficacy & Actions
Resolves stasis, stops bleeding, regulates qi, and relieves pain.
Indications
Used for hematemesis, epistaxis, traumatic bleeding, hypochondriac pain due to liver depression, stabbing chest pain (angina-like), pain from falls and contusions, and vomiting with abdominal pain, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Cardiovascular System Protection: Exhibits antithrombotic, anticoagulant, vasodilatory, and coronary flow-increasing effects. Research also suggests potential mechanisms in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Anti-inflammatory Effect: Possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Antibacterial Effect: Shows inhibitory effects against various bacteria. Antitumor Effect: Exhibits certain antitumor activity. Analgesic Effect: Has analgesic properties. Antioxidant Effect: Exhibits antioxidant activity.
Ingredients
Volatile Oils: Nerolidol, β-bisabolene, trans-β-farnesene, etc. Flavonoids: Isosakuranetin, luteolin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, dalbergin, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 9–15g. It should be added at the end of decoction (as prolonged boiling will cause the volatile oils to evaporate and lose efficacy). Powder form: 1–2g. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into fine powder and applied to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and fire excess. Not suitable for use in patients with bleeding due to blood heat without the presence of blood stasis. During the course of medication, avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, and spicy/irritating foods, and refrain from tobacco and alcohol.
Selected Formulas
For traumatic hematemesis (Modern Practical Chinese Medicine) Take 3g each of Jiangxiang (Dalbergia wood) and Huaruishi (Ophicalcite), and 1.5g each of Moyao (Myrrh) and Ruxiang (Frankincense). Grind into very fine powder. Take 0.3g each time with children's urine or yellow wine. For bleeding from knife wounds or traumatic injuries with persistent bleeding (Bai Yi Xuan Fang) Take equal parts of Jiangxiang powder, Wubeizi (Gallnut) powder, and copper powder. Mix well and apply to the wound. For internal injury hematemesis and epistaxis (empirical formula) Take Jiangxiang, often combined with Danpi (Moutan bark) and Yujin (Curcuma). Decoct in water and drink, to descend qi, resolve stasis, and stop bleeding.
Daily Consumption
Jiàng Xiāng is generally not used in daily diets or as a health supplement; it is primarily used as a medicinal herb. Its fragrant aroma makes it suitable for use in sachets, which are believed to “ward off evil qi”.
Medicinal Parts
Dried heartwood.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
