Elsholtzia densa Benth. var. calycocarpa (Diels) C. Y. Wu et S. C. Huang
Aliases：Xiāng Rú (recorded in Xinjiang Zhongcaoyao Shouce — Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicines of Xinjiang, literally "Fragrant Elsholtzia"), Tǔ Xiāng Rú (recorded in Xizang Changyong Zhongcaoyao — Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Tibet, literally "Earth Fragrant Elsholtzia"), Chòu Lán Xiāng (literally "Stinky Rag Fragrance"), Ké Sou Cǎo (literally "Cough Grass"), Yě Zǐ Sū (literally "Wild Perilla"), Xiāng Yàn (literally "Fragrant Flame"), and Yě Bò He (a local name in Qinghai, literally "Wild Mint"). (These are all alternative names for è Guǒ Xiāng Rú, i.e., the dried whole herb of Elsholtzia densa var. calycocarpa.)
è Guǒ Xiāng Rú is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried whole herb of Elsholtzia densa Benth. var. calycocarpa (Diels) C. Y. Wu et S. C. Huang, a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It grows in relatively moist places such as mountain valleys, field edges, and beside streams. It is recorded in the Xinjiang Zhongcaoyao Shouce (Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicines of Xinjiang).
Efficacy & Actions
Induces diaphoresis to relieve summer‑heat, and promotes diuresis to eliminate dampness.
Indications
Summer‑dampness cold: Characterized by fatigue and a heavy sensation in the body, fever with unresolved sweating. Edema due to water‑dampness retention: Manifested as eyelid edema or general anasarca. Summer‑heat cold and nephritis. Headache, heavy sensation in the body, anhidrosis with aversion to cold, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abscesses and toxic swellings. Enterobiasis and trichomoniasis.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory and hemostatic effects: E Guo Xiang Ru is used in folk medicine for its anti‑inflammatory and hemostatic properties. Chemical constituents: Several new compounds have been isolated from it, including furan flavonoids and furan coumarins.
Ingredients
E Guo Xiang Ru contains various chemical components. Studies have isolated five new compounds from this plant, including furan flavonoids and furan coumarins.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–9 g. Or grind into powder, 3–6 g each time, 2–3 times daily. For topical application: grind into powder and apply with a suitable base, or decoct in water and wash the affected area.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with exterior deficiency and profuse sweating.
Selected Formulas
For poor appetite (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Eguo Xiangru (a local herb), grind into powder. Take 3-6g each time, 2-3 times daily, with boiled water. For summer-heat cold (empirical formula) Take 9g each of Eguo Xiangru, Zisu (Perilla frutescens), and Huoxiang (Pogostemon cablin), plus 15g of Mugua (Chaenomeles speciosa) and 6g of honey-fried Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). Decoct in water and drink. For summer-heat cold with fever, heavy head, chest tightness, limb weakness, and diarrhea (empirical formula) Take 9g of Xiangru (Mosla chinensis), 9g of Houpo (Magnolia officinalis), and 15g of Baibiandou (Dolichos lablab). Decoct in water and drink. For nephritis with edema and scanty urine (empirical formula) Take 6g each of Xiangru and Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried whole herb of Elsholtzia densa Benth. var. calycocarpa (Diels) C. Y. Wu et S. C. Huang, a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
