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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Aromatic Wind-Dispelling, Middle-Harmonizing & Antiseptic (芳香化湿 / 疏风解表止痛药)

    丁香罗勒 / 广罗勒 — Ocimum gratissimum L.

    Pinyin: Dīngxiāng Luólè · Malay: Selasih Besar / Ruku-ruku Hitam · Family: Lamiaceae (唇形科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, slightly bitter, intensely aromatic (辛、微苦、大香)

    Meridians

    Lung (肺), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Dispels wind-cold, transforms dampness, harmonizes stomach, stops vomiting, and resolves swelling. Valued in Malay and Lingnan folklore for respiratory colds, colic, and antiseptic skin washes.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Undiluted essential oil causes mucous membrane burns. Contraindicated in severe Yin deficiency with dry heat and pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute viral bronchitis, digestive spasms, oral odontogenic pain/gingivitis, tropical dermatophytosis, and gastrointestinal bacterial overgrowth.

    Quality Markers

    Eugenol (丁香酚) >= 60.0% in essential oil (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. High eugenol fraction (60-80%) binds vanilloid TRPV1 receptors, producing localized topical anesthesia and pain relief. 2. Eugenol disrupts fungal and bacterial cell membranes. 3. Rosmarinic acid downregulates COX-2 and 5-LOX inflammatory cascades.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried leaves in decoction: 5-10 g daily. Essential oil: 1-2% dilution in carrier oil for topical rubs. Infusion of fresh leaves for gargling/washing.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Nanyang Respiratory & Pharyngeal Gargle with Piper betle (Sirih) and Sea Salt. 2. Aromatic Gastro-Relief Tea with Pogostemon cablin and Citrus reticulata peel.

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