Single Herb Glossary
Dīng Xiāng 丁香
| Pharmaceutical name | Caryophylli Flos Eugenia caryophyllata flower bud, Clove |
| Category | Warm Interior, Expel Cold |
| Key Properties | Warms the Middle Directs Stomach Qi downward Treats hiccough Fortifies the Kidney Yang |
| Properties | Acrid Warm |
| Tropism | KD, SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Warms the Middle Burner and Directs Rebellious Qi Downward 2) Warms the Kidneys and Aids the Yang |
| Dosages | 1-3g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Internal Heat with Yin Deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | Possible side effects: dizziness, palpitations, chest oppression, headache, perspiration, decreased blood pressure, skin rash |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils 16-19% (eugenol, caryophyllene, acetyleugenol), α-caryophyllene, chavicol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: promotes digestion by increasing bile and gastric acid secretions • Antibiotic: inhibiting effect against Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and S. aureus • Analgesic: essential oil applied topically has analgesic effect to relieve toothache • Antitoxin: potassium cyanide and sodium nitrate poisoning can be treated by administration of Ding Xiang; according to animal studies, intraperitoneal injection was beneficial in prolonging survival time in mice that were given 4 mg/kg of potassium cyanide via intravenous injection; similar beneficial effects observed in mice poisoned with 800 mg/kg of sodium nitrate • Antiasthmatic: essential oil has marked antiasthmatic effect, with duration of action of approximately 6 hours |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Yu Jin (Curcumae Radix) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang (Clove & Persimmon Calyx Decoction) 丁香柿蒂湯 Su He Xiang Wan (delete She Xiang, Zhu Sha, An Xi Xiang) (Liquid Styrax Pill) 蘇合香丸（減麝香，硃砂，安息香） |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.