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Cura x Cura

Mo Yao没药

Myrrha · Myrrh

Herbs that Invigorate the Blood 活血化瘀药《开宝本草》

Overview

The dried oleo-gum-resin of a small thorny tree of the Horn of Africa and Arabia, which reached Chinese practice through trade rather than from any native source. Bitter and neutral, it breaks up stagnant blood and settles the fixed, stabbing pain that goes with it; applied to a sore that will not close, it reduces the swelling and encourages flesh to grow. It is nearly always used alongside Ru Xiang 乳香. Vinegar-frying cuts its raw harshness and directs it further into the Liver blood, while honey-preparing makes it easier on the stomach.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Neutral

Channels

Heart · Liver · Spleen

Typical Dosage

3–10 g in decoction
没药Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dispels stasis, stops painTraumatic injury with bruising and fixed pain, chest and abdominal pain of stagnant blood, painful or absent periods with dark clotted flow.
  • Reduces swelling, generates fleshSores and ulcers that are slow to close; used topically in powder at least as often as it is swallowed.
  • Processed formsVinegar-fried myrrh is the usual internal form — less harsh, better tolerated, more directed at Liver-blood pain. Honey-prepared myrrh is chosen when the stomach is weak.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Mo Yao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Fixed, stabbing pain from blood stasis: injury, chest or abdominal pain
    - Dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea with dark, clotted flow
    - Sores and ulcers that are slow to heal (mostly external use)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Sports injuryDysmenorrheaChronic woundsMusculoskeletal pain

Contraindications

Cautions

A resin that is hard on the digestion: nausea, vomiting and loose stools are the usual complaints, so it is avoided where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and it is given only for short courses. It moves blood, so it is not used where there is active bleeding or heavy menstrual flow, and anyone taking warfarin or another anticoagulant should have the prescribing doctor informed. Skin reactions are occasionally reported with topical use.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it breaks up stagnant blood and drives downward.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Ben Cao Gang Mu《本草纲目》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.