Mù Xiāng (木香) — Costus root / Aucklandia root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Mù Xiāng (木香) — Aucklandia lappa / Saussurea costus — is known in English as Costus root / Aucklandia root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that regulate Qi in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Mù Xiāng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Promotes the movement of Qi and relieves pain throughout the Three Jiao — the most important Qi-regulating herb for abdominal pain
2. Harmonises the Spleen and Stomach and stops diarrhoea
3. Regulates the Gallbladder and relieves biliary pain
4. Prevents stagnation from tonic herbs

Indications

1. Abdominal pain, bloating and distension from Qi stagnation — IBS-type presentation
2. Diarrhoea and dysentery with tenesmus from Qi stagnation in the Large Intestine
3. Gallbladder pain and biliary disorders
4. Jaundice from Liver and Gallbladder Qi stagnation and Damp-Heat
5. Added to tonic formulas to prevent the stagnating effect of heavy tonics

4. Key formulas containing Mù Xiāng

Mù Xiāng appears in the following key formulas:

• Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
• Mu Xiang Shun Qi San

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Aucklandia lappa (Mu Xiang) is the primary Qi-regulating herb for gastrointestinal disorders and is one of the most widely prescribed Chinese herbs for IBS and digestive conditions. Key bioactive constituents include sesquiterpene lactones (costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone), aucklandie, and essential oils. Research confirms significant gastrointestinal smooth muscle regulatory effects (both stimulating and inhibiting depending on dose and physiological state — a regulatory rather than purely stimulating or inhibiting action), anti-inflammatory effects via NF-kB inhibition, antibacterial activity against gut pathogens, choleretic effects (stimulating bile flow) and analgesic properties. Clinical research confirms Mu Xiang-based formulas for IBS are superior to placebo for abdominal pain and bloating.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Yin deficiency with Heat and patterns of fluid deficiency. The warm, drying nature is appropriate for Qi stagnation-Cold patterns but will aggravate Heat conditions. In raw herb decoctions, add near the end of cooking to preserve volatile oil content.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Mù Xiāng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Irritable bowel syndrome, Digestive disorders, Crohn's disease. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.