Mao Dong Qing毛冬青
Illicis Pubescendis Radix · Pubescent Holly Root
Overview
The root of a small holly of south China, a folk remedy of Guangdong and Fujian that entered hospital practice only in the second half of the twentieth century, where it was taken up for vascular complaints. Bitter, astringent and cool, it opens obstructed vessels and clears heat toxin at the same time — which is why one herb is used both for cold, painful, poorly perfused limbs and for hot sore throats and skin infections. It has no classical materia medica entry; its record is modern provincial standards and clinical reports.
Nature & Flavor
Bitter, astringent · CoolChannels
Heart · LungTypical Dosage
10–30 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Invigorates blood, opens the vesselsChest oppression and chest pain, and cold, numb or ulcerating limbs where circulation is obstructed; the basis of its contemporary use in thromboangiitis obliterans and coronary heart disease.
- Clears heat, resolves toxinSwollen sore throat, boils and skin infections, and heat-type dysenteric diarrhea.
- Transforms phlegm, quiets coughLung-heat cough with thick sputum, including the recurrent cough of chronic bronchitis.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Mao Dong Qing
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Chest oppression and chest pain attributed to obstructed blood
- Cold, painful or slow-healing limbs from poor circulation
- Sore throat, boils and other heat-toxin presentations
- Cough with thick sputum from Lung heat
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
It moves blood, so it is not used where there is active bleeding or a bleeding tendency, and anyone taking warfarin or another anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug should use it only with the prescribing doctor informed. Large doses are reported to upset the stomach. Chest pain in particular needs a medical diagnosis first — this herb supports a treatment plan, it does not replace that assessment.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — it is strongly blood-invigorating.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
2. 《中华本草》 (modern compendium).
3. Provincial materia medica standards of Guangdong and Guangxi, where the herb is officially listed.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.