Chinese Bulk Herbs – Notopterygium (Qiang Huo)

Notopterygium treats are conjunctivitis, colds, fevers, headaches, muscle pain (chiefly in the upper back and shoulders), joint pain, and eczema caused by allergic reactions.

This herb has strong actions of releasing exterior and dispersing cold, expelling wind-damp as well as alleviating pain. It is indicated for the cases with more severe syndrome of external wind-cold contraction with concurrent dampness, which is manifested as aversion to cold and fever, absence of sweat, headache, painful and stiff nape, aching pain of body and limbs.

Being pungent and warm with the strong actions of expelling wind-damp and alleviating pain, it is also used for wind-cold-damp arthralgia manifested as body and limbs pain. Because it enters taiyang bladder meridian of foot and is good at alleviating headache and pain of shoulder and back, it especially is suitable for treating wind-cold arthralgia and body and limbs pain in upper half-length.

Clinical Use (Chinese):
Release exterior and disperse cold, expel wind-damp and alleviate pain.

Latin Name:
Notopterygium incisum

Chinese Name:
Qiang Huo

Common Names:
Incised notopterygium rhizome, Notopterygium Root

Parts Used:
Root

Properties:
Pungent, bitter, warm; lung and bladder meridians entered.

Cautions:
Overdoses of this root can cause nausea and vomiting. It should not be used in cases with blood or yin deficiency.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts, please consult an acupuncturist or herbal practitioner trained in the use of Chinese herbs or refer to more in-depth reference materials. Chinese herbal remedies are meant to improve health and function, not act as a substitute for medical care.