Single Herb Glossary
Sū Hé Xiāng 蘇合香
| Pharmaceutical name | Styrax resin of rose maloes, styrax "revive & join fragrance" |
| Category | Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices |
| Key Properties | Warm-opening substance, for patterns of cold closure |
| Properties | Sweet, Acrid, Warm Aromatic |
| Tropism | HT, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Opens Orlfices & Penetrates through Turbidity to Awaken the Spirit 2) Opens Up Areas of Constraint & Clears Away Filth (fullness/pain in chest) |
| Dosages | 0.3-1g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: High fever & coma, spontaneous sweating & collapse; bi zheng (closed disorder) from Heat or Deficiency Use with caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Oleanonic acid, 3-epi-oleanonic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hematological: antiplatelet action and prolongs clotting time • Cardiovascular: commonly used to treat coronary artery disease; benefits cardiac muscle by increasing blood perfusion, decreasing heart rate, decreasing oxygen consumption, and increasing muscle resistance to hypoxia • Others: demonstrated mild antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: herb has antiplatelet action, should be used with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications; may potentiate effect of drugs such as warfarin |
| Classical Formula(s) |
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.