Haichow Elsholtzia Herb
- Chinese
- 香薷
- Pinyin
- Xiang Ru
- Latin
- Herba Elsholtziae
Known in TCM as Xiang Ru (香薷), this acrid, slightly warm herb enters the Lung and Stomach. Traditionally, it releases the Exterior and dispels Summer-Heat, most often applied for common cold, nausea, and diarrhea. Modern research has identified Rosmarinic among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Elsholtziae | Pinyin: Xiang Ru | Chinese: 香薷
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid
- Temperature
- slightly warm
- Channels
- Lung, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Releases the Exterior and dispels Summer-Heat
- Transforms Dampness and harmonizes the Middle Jiao
- Promotes urination and reduces edema
Secondary Actions
- Induces mild sweating for summer exterior patterns without sweating
- Calms nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from summer Damp-Cold
Classic Formulas
- Xiang Ru San (香薷散) … Xiang Ru with Bai Bian Dou and Hou Po; classic formula for summer-cold exterior pattern with chills, fever, headache, and absence of sweating
- Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin (新加香薷饮) … updated Qing dynasty formula adding Lian Qiao and Jin Yin Hua; treats summer-heat with concurrent wind-cold exterior and interior dampness
Classical References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Xiang Ru is the Ma Huang of summer … it releases the exterior through diaphoresis but acts specifically on Summer-Heat patterns'
- Described as essential in summer as ephedra is in winter; critical distinction: must be taken cool … hot decoction causes vomiting
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Rosmarinic acid (predominant phenolic; highest in flowers)
- Chlorogenic acid
- Luteolin-7-O-glucoside (antiviral flavonoid)
- Rutin
- Thymol (essential oil component; antibacterial)
- Carvacrol (essential oil; antibacterial)
- p-Cymene
Studied Effects
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: ethanolic extracts show significant reduction in NO production and free-radical scavenging; rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acid are principal active phenolics across all plant parts (PMID 32150805)
- Antiviral: luteolin-7-O-glucoside inhibits Human Coronavirus OC43 replication with IC50 ~2 µM, approximately 2.5-fold more potent than the whole ethanol extract (IC50 ~5 µg/mL); supports traditional use in summer respiratory infections
- Antibacterial: essential oil components thymol and carvacrol show inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Escherichia coli
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spontaneous sweating or profuse sweating … diaphoretic action will cause further fluid loss
- Yin deficiency with Heat patterns
- Heat-stroke with high fever and no exterior chill (pure interior Heat)
Cautions
- Standard dose 3–9g; up to 15g in acute conditions
- CRITICAL: must be drunk cool or at room temperature; hot decoction causes nausea and vomiting due to volatile oils
- Add during final 5–10 minutes of decoction to preserve volatile oil activity
- Use only when exterior pattern (chills, no sweating) is clearly present
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Haichow Elsholtzia Herb used for?
Haichow Elsholtzia Herb is traditionally used to Releases the Exterior and dispels Summer-Heat, Transforms Dampness and harmonizes the Middle Jiao, Promotes urination and reduces edema. Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: ethanolic extracts show significant reduction in NO production and free-radical scavenging; rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acid are principal active phenolics across all plant parts (PMID 32150805); Antiviral: luteolin-7-O-glucoside inhibits Human Coronavirus OC43 replication with IC50 ~2 µM, approximately 2.5-fold more potent than the whole ethanol extract (IC50 ~5 µg/mL); supports traditional use in summer respiratory infections.
What are other names for Haichow Elsholtzia Herb?
Haichow Elsholtzia Herb is also known as Elsholtzia. In TCM: 香薷 (Xiang Ru); Herba Elsholtziae.
Is Haichow Elsholtzia Herb safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Haichow Elsholtzia Herb during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Haichow Elsholtzia Herb?
Haichow Elsholtzia Herb should not be used in: Spontaneous sweating or profuse sweating … diaphoretic action will cause further fluid loss; Yin deficiency with Heat patterns; Heat-stroke with high fever and no exterior chill (pure interior Heat). Consult a qualified practitioner before use.