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TCM Treasures - Shi xiang 石香
By Wing Tan |
March 17, 2013, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SHI xiang (labiatae) - a member of the wider mint family - extensively growing in the southern side of the Yangtze River Delta is an important traditional medicinal herb, first officially recorded in the national TCM pharmacopoeia during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).
The "warm" herb is often processed to promote blood circulation, dispel dampness, warm the stomach, alleviate heat stroke and stop vomiting.
And according to the "Handbook of Common Chinese Herbal Medicine," shi xiang can treat poisonous snake bites - mashed or chewed leaves applied to the wound helping remove the venom.
It is usually picked in summer and dried to make medicine. Ancient Chinese found the plant contains a fragrant oil that is refreshing during hot summer.
Modern science has found that shi xiang oil can kill different types of bacteria. The oil combined with ethanol can be used to disinfect wounds.
And when made into pills, it can be used to treat colds and flu.
In Hubei, Hunan and Guangxi provinces, shi xiang is made into sticks which are burned like incense to clean the air and scent the environment.
Prescriptions & Usage:
Shi xiang tea
Prepare 10g shi xiang, 10g mint, 10g dried tangerine skins, 20g jin yin (honeysuckle) stalks and three scallion bulbs.
Boil together for about 10 minutes.
Drink every day.
Benefits: Helps prevent cold and flu
Shi xiang sugar water
Boil 50g shi xiang with water.
Add brown sugar to flavor the concoction.
Benefits: Treats heat stroke and stomachache
Shi xiang powder
Dry equal amount of shi xiang and huang mao'er (goldhair hedyotis).
Grind and mix them together.
Take 10-15g with water three times a day.
Benefit: Treats stomachache
The "warm" herb is often processed to promote blood circulation, dispel dampness, warm the stomach, alleviate heat stroke and stop vomiting.
And according to the "Handbook of Common Chinese Herbal Medicine," shi xiang can treat poisonous snake bites - mashed or chewed leaves applied to the wound helping remove the venom.
It is usually picked in summer and dried to make medicine. Ancient Chinese found the plant contains a fragrant oil that is refreshing during hot summer.
Modern science has found that shi xiang oil can kill different types of bacteria. The oil combined with ethanol can be used to disinfect wounds.
And when made into pills, it can be used to treat colds and flu.
In Hubei, Hunan and Guangxi provinces, shi xiang is made into sticks which are burned like incense to clean the air and scent the environment.
Prescriptions & Usage:
Shi xiang tea
Prepare 10g shi xiang, 10g mint, 10g dried tangerine skins, 20g jin yin (honeysuckle) stalks and three scallion bulbs.
Boil together for about 10 minutes.
Drink every day.
Benefits: Helps prevent cold and flu
Shi xiang sugar water
Boil 50g shi xiang with water.
Add brown sugar to flavor the concoction.
Benefits: Treats heat stroke and stomachache
Shi xiang powder
Dry equal amount of shi xiang and huang mao'er (goldhair hedyotis).
Grind and mix them together.
Take 10-15g with water three times a day.
Benefit: Treats stomachache
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