Huo Xiang (Patchouli, Agastache)

Herb 6 of 8 in Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness

Channels:

LU, SP, ST

Properties:

Spicy, Slightly Warm

Latin:

Herba Agastaches Rugosus, Herba Pogostemonis

Chinese:

藿香

Tone Marks:

huò xiāng

Chinese Herb Actions

• Dispels Damp, Relieves Summer-Damp and Releases the Exterior
  For fullness and distension in the abdomen and epigastrum, poor appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and greasy tongue coat due to summer-dampness affecting the Spleen and Stomach.
• Harmonizes the Middle Jiao, Awaken the Spleen, Relieves Nausea and Vomiting
  For nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness especially if due to turbid dampness in the middle jiao.
• Treats Fungal Infections
  For dermatosis or fungal infections of the hands and feet.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use in cases where there is Yin Deficiency with Fire Blazing.

Herb-Drug Interactions

• None Noted

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None Noted
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 5-10 grams in decoction, should be added at the end of boiling ¹²
• 3-9 grams in decoction, double dosage of fresh herb, don’t overcook ¹³

Chinese Herb Notes

• Two herbs are commonly called Huo Xiang; Agastache and Pogostemonis. They share common functions and are interchangeable.

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

• Essential oil compounds from Agastache rugosa as antifungal agents against Trichophyton species.
  Arch Pharm Res. 2004 Mar;27(3):295-9.
• Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Agastache rugosa Kuntze and its synergism with ketoconazole.
  Lett Appl Microbiol. 2003;36(2):111-5.
• Antifungal effects of herbal essential oils alone and in combination with ketoconazole against Trichophyton spp.
  J Appl Microbiol. 2004;97(6):1289-96.
• HIV integrase inhibitory activity of Agastache rugosa.
  Arch Pharm Res. 1999 Oct;22(5):520-3
• Agastaquinone, a new cytotoxic diterpenoid quinone from Agastache rugosa.
  J Nat Prod. 1995 Nov;58(11):1718-21.

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• Huo Xiang has proven antibiotic effects (1) and stimulatory effect on the secretion of gastric acid (2).
• Huo Xiang in a formula has shown to effective for infantile diarrhea (3).
  
  
  • 1. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 323:324
  • 2. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 323:324
  • 3. Fu Jian Zhong Yi Yao, 1984; (1):13

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (Sweet Dew Special Pill to Eliminate Toxins)
  Category: Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
• Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi)
  Category: Formulas that Transform Damp Turbidity
• Xie Huang San (Drain the Yellow Powder)
  Category: Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs