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Ru Xiang (乳香), frankincense resin, invigorates the blood and moves the qi to relieve pain, relaxes the sinews, and reduces swelling and promotes the healing of sores; a key trauma and painful-obstruction herb, paired with Mo Yao.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Boswellia carterii (Olibanum/Gummi Olibanum)
Common English Name
Frankincense
Taste
Acrid, bitter
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Invigorates the blood and moves qi; relieves pain
- Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels
- Reduces swelling and promotes the healing of sores
Indications
Traumatic injury, painful obstruction and blood-stasis pain (chest, abdominal, menstrual); and chronic non-healing sores (topical and internal).
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction (processed to reduce stomach upset).
Common Combinations
With Mo Yao for trauma and blood-stasis pain.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy; can irritate the Stomach. Use with caution where there is no stasis.