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    Aromatic Dampness-Transforming (芳香化湿药)

    广藿香 / 廣藿香 — Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.

    Pinyin: Guǎng Huòxiāng · Malay: Nilam · Family: Lamiaceae (唇形科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Slightly Warm (微温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, Acrid (辛)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺)

    Traditional Edict

    Transforms turbidity with aroma (芳香化浊), harmonizes the middle burner to arrest vomiting (和中止呕), and releases the exterior to dispel summer-heat and dampness (发表解暑). Indicated for dampness obstructing Spleen-Stomach, epigastric fullness, choleraic vomiting and watery diarrhea (霍乱吐泻), and summer-heat dampness flu.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Prolonged boiling renders herb inert. Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat (crimson tongue without coating) and active gastrointestinal bleeding.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus), food poisoning, traveler's diarrhea, functional dyspepsia, metabolic dampness syndromes, tropical dermatophytosis, and mucosal ulcer repair.

    Quality Markers

    Patchouli Alcohol (百秋李醇) >= 1.6% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Patchouli alcohol (>= 1.6%) suppresses TLR4/NF-kB and MAPK pathways, downregulates TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6, COX-2, and accelerates gastric ulcer re-epithelialization. 2. Pogostone (Dhelwangin) exerts bactericidal membrane disruption against enteric pathogens, suppresses Candida hyphae, and modulates PI3K/Akt pathway. 3. Flavonoids (pachypodol, retusin) provide antispasmodic and antiemetic activity.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Cut crude herb sliced and dried; MUST be added late in decoctions (Hou Xia / 后下, final 5-10 minutes) to preserve volatile oils. Standardized dosage: 3-10 g daily in decoction. 0.5-2 g in concentrated extract.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Huoxiang Zhengqi San (藿香正气散) with Perilla, Atractylodes, Pinellia, and Tangerine Peel for summer-heat dampness gastroenteritis. 2. Baoji Nanyang Gastro-Relief with Amomum villosum, Poria, and Saussurea for travel diarrhea and indigestion.

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