Dīng Xiāng (丁香) — Clove Flower Bud
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1. Overview
Dīng Xiāng (丁香) — the dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum — is one of the classical Stomach-warming herbs of Chinese medicine. Its acrid warmth directly disperses internal cold in the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi (the cause of hiccups, nausea and vomiting in cold patterns) and warms Kidney Yang. Modern research has confirmed the activity of its principal compound eugenol as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial. It should not be confused with the ornamental lilac (Syringa) which is also called “ding xiang” in Chinese but is botanically unrelated and has no medicinal use.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dīng Xiāng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 丁香 |
| Latin name | Flos Caryophylli / Syzygium aromaticum |
| English name | Clove flower bud |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach, Kidney |
| Category | Warm interior herbs that expel Cold |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Warms the Middle Jiao and descends rebellious Qi
- Warms Kidney Yang
Indications
- Hiccups, nausea and vomiting from Stomach Cold
- Cold abdominal pain and diarrhoea from Spleen and Stomach Yang deficiency
- Poor appetite from cold-pattern digestive weakness
- Impotence and clear vaginal discharge from Kidney Yang deficiency
- Toothache from Cold (topical application of clove oil)
4. Key formulas containing Dīng Xiāng
- Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang — Clove and Persimmon Calyx Decoction for hiccups from Stomach Cold
- Wu Xiang San — Five-Fragrance Powder for cold-pattern abdominal pain
5. Cautions
Contraindicated in Heat patterns and in Yin deficiency with Fire. Should not be combined with Yu Jin (one of the classical “eighteen incompatibles” of Chinese herbal medicine). Used in small doses (1–3 g of the dried herb). Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
