Qing Mu Xiang
StarAristolochia debilis Siebold & Zucc.
☯ TCM Properties
Promotes the flow of Qi, alleviates pain, resolves edema, clears Heat and removes toxicity
Traditional Chinese Uses
Qing Mu Xiang is the root of Aristolochia debilis. Traditional texts, in which it is pungent, bitter and cold entering the Liver and Stomach channels, used it to promote Qi movement and relieve epigastric and abdominal pain, clear Heat and resolve toxicity, and reduce swelling, including topical use for sores, abscesses and snakebite.
Critical safety warning: like all Aristolochia species, it contains aristolochic acid, which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic and has caused aristolochic acid nephropathy and urothelial cancers. For this reason it has been removed from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and banned or withdrawn in many countries. It is no longer recommended for any internal or medicinal use, and this entry is provided as historical information only, not as an endorsement.
Botanical Description
Qing Mu Xiang in current Chinese pharmacopoeia tradition denotes the dried root of Aristolochia debilis Sieb. & Zucc. (Aristolochiaceae), a slender perennial twiner of central and southern China with cordate-hastate leaves and small S-curved trumpet-shaped purple-veined flowers, also the source of the fruit drug Ma Dou Ling. WARNING: All Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids, potent nephrotoxins and IARC Group 1 human carcinogens implicated in aristolochic acid nephropathy and urothelial carcinoma; these herbs are banned or restricted in the United States, European Union, and many other jurisdictions and were removed from the 2005 and later Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Historically classified as acrid, bitter, cold, and slightly toxic in TCM, it moved qi, relieved pain, and clear heat for epigastric pain, dysentery, and snakebite. Note: in some older materia medica the name Qing Mu Xiang was also applied to Saussurea costus root, distinct from the modern Aristolochia identity.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
⚠ Safety & Contraindications
Safety Warnings
- Aristolochic acid — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic (aristolochic-acid nephropathy, urothelial cancer). Not for internal use; illegal to dispense.
Regulatory Status
- Banned in China (removed from the Pharmacopoeia in 2004); prohibited or restricted in the US/EU. Contains aristolochic acid.
⚠ Toxicity Information
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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