Witnessed by: TCM
Elsholtzia (Elsholtzia ciliata), of the Lamiaceae family. Aromatic annual mint; native range: widespread across China and East Asia. Globally recognized as xiang ru (香薷) in Chinese. The part used is aerial parts. Square purplish stems and toothed leaves, strongly fragrant and pungent.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
ELSHOLTZIA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- elsholtzia
- Scientific name
- Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Form
- Part used
- aerial parts
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent (aromatic)
Temperature
- TCM
- warm (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- induces sweating and releases the exterior, disperses cold and harmonizes the middle by transforming dampness, promotes urination and reduces edema
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating and in heat patterns; not for prolonged decoction
- Toxicity
- none noted
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