香茅草 / 红香茅 / 枫茅 — Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle (incl. C. winterianus)

Pinyin: Xiāngmáocǎo / Hóngxiāngmáo · Malay: Serai Wangi / Serai Merah · Family: Poaceae (禾本科)

Energetics

Warm (温)

Flavor

Pungent, intensely aromatic (辛、大香)

Meridians

Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺)

Traditional Edict

Dispels wind-cold, transforms dampness, unblocks collaterals to relieve pain, and neutralizes toxins. Sovereign Nanyang postpartum bath herb (Mandi Daun Serai Wangi) for chills, rheumatism, and flatulence.

Cautions & Contraindications

Not for culinary curries (unlike Serai Makan). Undiluted oil causes chemical burns; NEVER apply 100% pure oil on broken skin. Use caution in severe Yin deficiency.

Clinical Applications

Postpartum recovery hydrotherapy (Param/Pilis), tension headaches, post-exercise muscle soreness, enteric flatulence, tropical tinea, and natural mosquito repellent.

Quality Markers

Citronellal (香茅醛) >= 35.0% & Geraniol >= 20.0% (MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Citronellal and geraniol disrupt microbial lipid bilayers of Candida and S. aureus. 2. Stimulates cutaneous TRPV1/TRPM8 channels, inducing localized warming hyperemia and downregulating substance P. 3. Downregulates COX-2 and relaxes gut smooth muscle.

Preparation & Dosage

Maternal Postpartum Bath (Mandi Serai Wangi): 100-150 g fresh leaves boiled in 10 L water. YeMama Warming Oil: 2-5% essential oil in virgin coconut oil. Dried leaf infusion: 3-10 g.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Royal Malay Postnatal Wind-Expelling Soak with Blumea balsamifera (Da Feng Ai), Zingiber zerumbet, and Vitex negundo. 2. Nanyang Anti-Colic Liniment with Kaempferia galanga.

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Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only