Asari Radix Et Rhizoma
Aliases：Xiǎo Xīn (Small Pungent Herb); Shǎo Xīn (Less Pungent Herb); Xì Cǎo (Fine Herb); Xì Tiáo (Fine Stripe); Lǜ Xū Jiāng (Green Beard Ginger); Dú Yè Cǎo (Single-leaf Herb); Jīn Pén Cǎo (Golden Basin Herb); Wàn Bìng Cǎo (Ten-Thousand-Disease Herb); Wò Lóng Dān (Crouching Dragon Elixir); Líng Dāng Huā (Bell Flower); Sì Liǎng Má (Four-Liang Hemp); Bái Xì Xīn (White Asarum); Pén Cǎo Xì Xīn (Basin Herb Asarum).
Xì Xīn (Asarum Root) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried root and rhizome of Asarum heterotropoides Fr. Schmidt var. mandshuricum (Maxim.) Kitag., Asarum sieboldii Miq. var. seoulense Nakai, or Asarum sieboldii Miq., plants of the Aristolochiaceae family. It is named “Xì Xīn” (literally “thin and pungent”) because of its slender roots and intensely pungent taste. It was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) as a top-grade herb.
Efficacy & Actions
Releases the exterior and disperses cold; dispels wind and relieves pain; opens the nasal orifices; warms the lungs and transforms fluid retention.
Indications
Used for wind-cold colds, headache, toothache, nasal congestion with runny nose, allergic rhinitis (nasal discharge), sinusitis (profuse nasal discharge), rheumatic arthralgia, and cough with wheezing due to fluid retention (phlegm-rheum).
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: The volatile oil of Xixin (Asarum Root) exhibits significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, possibly related to the activation of GABA receptors and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) levels. Antipyretic Effect: Exhibits fever-reducing effects. Antiallergic Effect: Can be used in antiallergic preparations. Sedative Effect: Exhibits sedative effects. Respiratory Improvement: Exhibits effects in improving respiratory function. Anticoagulant Effect: Exhibits anticoagulant activity. Antitumor Effect: Exhibits antitumor activity. Anti-aging Effect: Exhibits anti-aging effects. Antidepressant and Memory-Enhancing Effects: Exhibits antidepressant and memory-improving effects. Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects: Exhibits antibacterial and antiviral activities.
Ingredients
Volatile Oils: The main components are methyl eugenol (approximately 11.97% content), safrole (approximately 2.61% content), 3-carene, among others. Volatile oils are both the material basis for its therapeutic effects (dispersing cold, relieving fever, relieving pain, and anti-inflammation) and its toxic components. Other Components: Asarinin, N-isobutyldodecatetraenamide, dl-demethylcoclaurine, sitosterol, stigmasterol, etc. Aristolochic Acids: The underground roots and rhizomes used medicinally contain very low levels of aristolochic acid; toxicity is mainly derived from the above-ground stems and leaves.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: The standard dosage is 1–3g. Powder: 0.5–1g per dose.
Contraindications
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Selected Formulas
For yang deficiency with external contraction, manifesting as chills, fever, anhidrosis, and a deep pulse (Shanghan Lun, Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang) Take Xixin (Asarum), combined with Mahuang (Ephedra) and Fuzi (Aconite). Decoct in water and drink. For wind-cold external contraction with marked head and body pain (Cishi Nanzhi, Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang) Take Xixin with Qianghuo (Notopterygium), Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), and Baizhi (Angelica dahurica). Decoct in water and drink. For wind pathogen headache (Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang, Chuanxiong Chatiao San) Take Xixin with Chuanxiong (Ligusticum), Baizhi, and Qianghuo. Decoct in water and drink. For cold-phlegm cough and wheezing (Shanghan Lun, Xiaoqinglong Tang) Take Xixin with Mahuang, Guizhi (Cinnamon twig), Ganjiang (Dried ginger), Wuweizi (Schisandra), and Banxia (Pinellia). Decoct in water and drink. For blood deficiency with cold congelation, manifesting as cold extremities (Shanghan Lun, Danggui Sini Tang) Take Xixin with Danggui (Angelica), Guizhi, Baishao (White peony), and Tongcao (Tetrapanax). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Xixin Congee: Clean the Xixin (Asarum Root) and place it in a pot with an appropriate amount of water. Soak for 5–10 minutes, then decoct and strain to obtain the liquid. Add rice to the liquid and cook into a thin congee. Take 1–2 doses daily for 2–3 consecutive days. Efficacy: Dispels wind, disperses cold, warms the lungs, transforms fluid retention, and unblocks the nasal passages.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root and rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
