Mu Xiang Common Costus Root Slices Saussurea Radix Aucklandiae Chinese Herbal

Key Information:

• 1. Chinese Name (Pinyin): Mù Xiāng (木香)

• 2. Common English Names: Costus root, Saussurea root, Aucklandia root

• 3. Part Used: Dried root
  

Properties & Uses in TCM:

• 1. Taste: Pungent, bitter

• 2. Nature: Warm

• 3. Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Gallbladder

• 4. Functions:

  • Promotes Qi (气) circulation to relieve pain and distension.

  • Regulates digestive disorders (bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea).

  • Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach to improve digestion.

  • Used in formulas for dampness and phlegm conditions.

Common Applications:

• 1. Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea.

• 2. Qi stagnation: Emotional stress-related digestive dysfunction.

• 3. Combination with other herbs: Often used with Cyperus rotundus (Xiang Fu) and Aucklandia (Mu Xiang) in formulas like Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan (木香顺气丸).

Modern Research:

• 1. Contains active compounds like costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.

• 2. May help with ulcers, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).