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Qiang Huo羌活

Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix · Notopterygium Root

Herbs that Release the Exterior 解表药《神农本草经》

Overview

A strongly aromatic root from the high cold country of western China. Acrid, bitter and warm, entering the Bladder and Kidney, it opens the exterior and scatters wind-cold, and it is the herb of choice when that cold has settled with damp into the upper body — the occiput, neck, shoulders and upper back along the Taiyang channel. The old pairing with Du Huo 独活 divides the body: Qiang Huo above, Du Huo below.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm

Channels

Bladder · Kidney

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
羌活Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Releases the exterior, disperses coldWind-cold with chills, no sweating, headache and a body that aches all over, especially when damp makes the limbs feel heavy.
  • Dispels wind-damp, relieves painAching, stiff neck, shoulders and upper back; occipital headache along the Taiyang channel; upper-limb joint pain of wind-damp bi.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Qiang Huo

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Wind-cold-damp exterior pattern with chills, no sweat and generalized body ache
    - Occipital headache and stiff neck
    - Shoulder, upper back and upper limb joint pain
    - Wind-damp bi felt mainly in the upper body

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Common coldTension headacheNeck painMyalgia

Contraindications

Cautions

Acrid, warm, drying and strongly aromatic: a large dose can turn the stomach and cause nausea. Not appropriate for headache from blood deficiency, or for yin-deficient patterns with heat, where its dispersing dryness makes matters worse. Not toxic.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》, listed with Du Huo 独活 (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.