Mu Xiang (Costus Root) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Mu Xiang
English Name: Costus Root

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • Promotes the movement of Qi, alleviates pain - stagnant qi of the stomach and/or spleen causing lack of appetite, abdominal pain, distention, nausea; liver or gallbladder qi stagnation causing flank pain, distention.
  • Regulates stagnated Qi in the intestines - diarrhea, abdominal pain (common herb to treat tenesmus).
  • Strengthens the spleen and prevents stagnation, used with tonifying herbs to reduce side effects.

Functional Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 1.5-9g (add during the last 5 minutes)

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

There are currently no contraindications listed.

Staff Clinician Notes

There are no additional notes for this herb.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.

  • Bao Ji Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Empirical formula for food poisioning.  Also useful for overeating, excessive drinking - over indulgence in general.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, belching, reflux, nausea, vomiting, aversion to food, possibly diarrhea.


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  • Gui Pi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    The formula is used to tonify both the spleen and heart which can be damaged from excessive overthinking, compulsions, etc. along with poor dietary habits and stressful lifestyle.  General indications are anxiety, phobias, palpitations, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor appetite, pallid complexion.

    In women spleen and heart deficiencies may lead to prolonged periods with little flow or early periods, heavier with pale blood.

    The Pulse will be thin and frail and the Tongue will be pale with a thin white coat.


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    • Gui Pi Pian - Insomnia, Fatigue, Anemia Herbal Formula

  • Hui Chun Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Most often used for childhood convulsions (possibly with wheezing, nausea, nighttime crying, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive mucus/saliva) or other conditions that involve fever, impaired or loss of consciousness, irritability, restlessness such as seizure disorders, meningitis, measles, and gastroenteritis among others.


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  • Jian Pi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Shu Gan Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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    • Shu Gan Pian - Acid Reflux, Distention, Liver Stagnation Herbal Formula

  • Xiang Lian Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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