Aromatically resolves dampness and transforms turbidity — used for damp obstruction in the Middle Jiao with chest tightness, nausea, loss of appetite, and a greasy tongue coat
Harmonizes the Middle Jiao and stops vomiting — used for nausea and vomiting from damp-cold or summer-heat dampness obstructing the Stomach
Releases the exterior and dispels summer-heat — used for early-stage damp-warm febrile disease and summer-heat with dampness presenting with fever, headache, and drowsiness
Secondary Actions
Disperses turbid dampness to relieve abdominal pain and diarrhea from cold-damp patterns
Opens nasal passages — used for sinusitis and nasal congestion from damp turbidity (secondary use)
Classic Formulas
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (藿香正气散) — Agastache Powder to Rectify Qi; treats externally contracted Wind-Cold with internal Dampness causing sudden gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Huo Pu Xia Ling Tang (藿朴夏苓汤) — Agastache, Magnolia, Pinellia, and Poria Decoction; treats early-stage damp-warm disease with dampness predominating
Classical References
Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians, Tao Hongjing, c. 500 CE) — early documentation of Huo Xiang for aromatic transformation of dampness and summer-heat patterns
β-Patchoulene — major sesquiterpene hydrocarbon in essential oil; antifungal and anti-inflammatory
Pogostone — phenylpropanoid ketone; potent antimicrobial, particularly against Candida species
Patchoulene epoxide — sesquiterpene oxide; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Pachypodol — flavonoid; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Apigenin and luteolin — additional flavonoid constituents with anti-inflammatory activity
Studied Effects
Anti-peptic ulcer — patchouli alcohol inhibits H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal damage; reduces gastric acid secretion in animal models (PMID 33413544)
Antimicrobial — broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi; pogostone particularly active against Candida and drug-resistant pathogens (PMID 33413544)
Anti-inflammatory — suppresses NF-κB pathway, reduces IL-6 and TNF-α production; in vivo anti-inflammatory in multiple models (PMID 33413544)
Antitumor and antidiabetic — patchouli alcohol demonstrates cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines; reduces blood glucose in diabetic models (PMID 33413544)