Aglaia odorata
Aliases：Shù Lán (recorded in Taiwan Fuzhi — Taiwan Gazetteer, literally "Tree Orchid"), Yú Zǐ Lán (recorded in Guangzhou Zhiwu Zhi — Guangzhou Flora, literally "Fish‑Egg Orchid"), Qiān Lǐ Xiāng (recorded in Luchuan Bencao — Luchuan Materia Medica, literally "Thousand‑Mile Fragrance"), Lán Huā Mǐ (literally "Orchid Flower Rice"), Zhū Lán (literally "Pearl Orchid"), Mù Zhū Lán (recorded in Sichuan Zhongyao Zhi — Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, literally "Wood Pearl Orchid"), Suì Mǐ Lán (recorded in Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian — Selected Compendium of Guangxi Herbal Medicine, literally "Crushed Rice Orchid"), Qiū Lán (recorded in Taiwan Yaoyong Zhiwu Zhi — Taiwan Medicinal Plants Records, literally "Autumn Orchid"), Mǐ Lán (recorded in Guizhou Zhongcaoyao Minglu — Directory of Chinese Herbal Medicines of Guizhou, literally "Rice Orchid"), Ér Zǐ Lán (literally "Child Seed Orchid"), and Yú Gǔ Mù (recorded in Guangxi Yaoyong Zhiwu Minglu — Directory of Medicinal Plants of Guangxi, literally "Fish‑Bone Wood"). (These are all alternative names for Mǐ Zǐ Lán, i.e., the branch, leaf, or flower of Aglaia odorata.)
Mǐ Zǐ Lán is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the branch, leaf, or flower of Aglaia odorata Lour., a plant belonging to the family Meliaceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Branch and leaf (Mǐ Zǐ Lán): Dispel wind‑dampness, disperse stasis and swelling. Flower (Mǐ Zǐ Lán Huā): Promote qi circulation and relieve chest stuffiness, ventilate the Lung and relieve cough.
Indications
Branch and leaf (Mǐ Zǐ Lán): Rheumatic joint pain, traumatic injuries, carbuncles and toxic swellings. Flower (Mǐ Zǐ Lán Huā): Chest oppression with stuffiness, early‑stage dysphagia, and common cold with cough.
Modern Pharmacology
Aglaia odorata is commonly used in folk medicine for rheumatic joint pain, traumatic injuries, and respiratory diseases.
Ingredients
The flower contains volatile oils, with the main components including α‑humulene, β‑caryophyllene, β‑cubebene, β‑gurjunene, and cubebene, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Branch and leaf (oral): decoct in water, 6–12 g. Flower (oral): decoct in water, 3–9 g; or steep as tea. For topical use: apply an appropriate amount, mashed; or boil down to an ointment and apply.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Yin‑blood deficiency. Contraindicated during pregnancy (recorded in Sichuan Zhongyao Zhi — Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica).
Selected Formulas
For fractures due to trauma and carbuncles (Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take 9-12g of the branches and leaves of Mi Zai Lan (Aglaia odorata), decoct in water and drink. Also take fresh leaves, crush them, mix with wine, stir-fry until hot, and apply externally.
Medicinal Parts
Branch, leaf, or flower.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
