丁香 / 公丁香 / 丁子香 — Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry (syn. Eugenia caryophyllata)

Pinyin: Dīngxiāng / Gōngdīngxiāng · Malay: Cengkih / Bunga Cengkih · Family: Myrtaceae (桃金娘科)

Energetics

Warm (温 / 大温)

Flavor

Pungent, intensely aromatic (辛、大香)

Meridians

Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Kidney (肾)

Traditional Edict

Warms middle burner, descends rebellious Qi to arrest hiccups and vomiting, warms Kidney Yang. Supreme remedy for cold stomach hiccups (E Ni / 呃逆), vomiting, impotence, and toothache.

Cautions & Contraindications

INCOMPATIBLE WITH CURCUMA LONGA / RADIX CURCUMAE in classical Nineteen Incompatibilities (Shi Jiu Wei: 丁香莫与郁金见). Contraindicated in Stomach-Fire vomiting with red tongue.

Clinical Applications

Intractable diaphragmatic hiccups, gastroesophageal reflux with cold nausea, dental pulpitis/odontalgia, H. pylori-associated peptic ulcers, and erectile coldness.

Quality Markers

Eugenol (丁香酚) >= 85.0% in essential oil (Chinese Pharmacopoeia / MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Eugenol (85-95%) binds neuronal TRPV1 receptors and voltage-gated sodium channels, exerting immediate topical dental pulpal anesthesia. 2. Inhibits gastric H+/K+-ATPase and downregulates NF-kB. 3. Caryophyllene activates CB2 cannabinoid receptors, resolving pain.

Preparation & Dosage

Dried unopened flower buds (Gong Ding Xiang): 1-3 g decocted briefly (Hou Xia / 后下) or crushed. Essential oil: 1-2% dilution for topical toothache or warming rubs.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang (丁香柿蒂汤) with Persimmon Calyx (Shi Di) and Ginseng for intractable hiccups and cold reflux. 2. Nanyang Dental Emergency Anesthetic with Virgin Coconut Oil.

Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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