Xi Xin (Herba Asari) is from the root and stem of Asarum sieboldii Miq. or A. heteropoides Fr. var. mandshuricum. It is predominantly grown throughout north-eastern China. It is harvested from June through July and dried before use.
Category: Warm – Exterior Releasing.
Common Name: Chinese Wild Ginger.
Channels Entered: Lung, Heart and Kidney.
Properties and Functions: Xi Xin is pungent in flavour and warm in nature. It functions to:
- Release the exterior and dispel Cold.
- Warm the Lung and transform Phlegm.
- Expel Wind and relieve pain.
- Disperse and unblock Qi of the nasal orifices.
Indications: Clinical indications for use include:
- Any exterior Cold pattern, especially with Dampness or underlying Yang deficiency.
- External Wind-Cold affecting the Lung with congested fluids, coughing and copious, watery sputum.
- Pain in various parts of the body, with the most common being headache, toothache or painful obstruction due to Wind and/or Cold.
- Various types of nasal congestion.
Dosage: 1 – 3g
Cautions and Contra-Indications: Contra-indicated in cases of Qi deficiency with profuse sweating; Headache due to Blood deficiency; Cough due to Yin deficiency.