Qīng Mù Xiāng (青木香) — Aristolochia root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Qīng Mù Xiāng (青木香) — Aristolochia debilis — is known in English as Aristolochia root. It belongs to the category of restricted herbs formerly used to regulate Qi in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Qīng Mù Xiāng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they 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
| Pinyin name | Qīng Mù Xiāng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 青木香 |
| Latin name | Aristolochia debilis |
| English name | Aristolochia root |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid; toxic |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach |
| Category | Regulate qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Historically used to move Qi and relieve pain
- Historically used to reduce swelling and lower blood pressure
Indications
- Formerly used for abdominal pain and distension
- Formerly used for snake bite and inflamed swellings
4. Key formulas containing Qīng Mù Xiāng
Qīng Mù Xiāng is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Qing Mu Xiang is an Aristolochia species and therefore contains aristolochic acid, a proven nephrotoxin and human carcinogen linked to irreversible kidney failure and urothelial cancer.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
The drastic water-draining herbs Gan Sui, Yuan Hua and Da Ji are classically incompatible with Gan Cao under the Shi Ba Fan, and Ba Dou with Qian Niu Zi. Since Qīng Mù Xiāng is not used in practice, the question does not arise clinically.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Prohibited. Qing Mu Xiang must never be used. It should not be confused with Mu Xiang (Saussurea), an entirely different and safe herb with a similar-sounding name.
Pattern contraindications
There is no acceptable clinical use.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Qīng Mù Xiāng at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
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 or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Availability at my clinic
I do not prescribe Qīng Mù Xiāng. This page exists solely to document the risk and to distinguish it from the safe herb Mu Xiang.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
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.
