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Notopterygium (Notopterygium incisium)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Common Names: Notopterygium, Qiang Huo (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
  • Parts Used: Root, rhizome

Description

Notopterygium incisium is a perennial herb native to China, where it has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its ability to dispel wind, cold, and dampness. It is particularly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to relieve pain, especially in the muscles and joints, and to support respiratory health.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in TCM as Qiang Huo to dispel wind-dampness and relieve pain.
  • Employed for joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.
  • Traditionally used to treat cold-related headaches and respiratory congestion.
  • Often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas for external and internal use.

Constituents

  • Coumarins
  • Essential oils
  • Polyacetylenes
  • Phenolic compounds
  • Alkaloids

Actions

  • Analgesic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antirheumatic
  • Expectorant
  • Antiviral
  • Diaphoretic

Medicinal Uses

1. Musculoskeletal and Joint Support:
Notopterygium is commonly used to relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis, muscle aches, and rheumatism.

2. Headache and Sinus Relief:
Used to alleviate headaches caused by wind-cold conditions and sinus congestion.

3. Respiratory Health:
Acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator, helping to relieve coughs and congestion.

4. Circulatory and Immune Support:
Used in TCM to improve circulation and support immune function, particularly in cold-related illnesses.

5. External Use for Pain Relief:
Applied as a poultice or liniment for sore muscles and joint pain.

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction (Tea):

  • 5-10 grams of dried root simmered in water for 20-30 minutes. Drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to 3 times daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

  • Crushed root applied externally to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Herbal Formulas:

  • Often combined with other herbs such as Angelica (Dang Gui), Ligusticum (Chuan Xiong), and Atractylodes (Bai Zhu).

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended due to its strong stimulating properties.
  • Excess Heat Conditions: Avoid in cases of yin deficiency or heat-related inflammation.
  • Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: May cause mild stomach discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Dispels wind-cold-damp, alleviates pain, and clears lung congestion.
  • Ayurveda: Considered warming and drying; balances Vata and Kapha, but may aggravate Pitta.

Combinations

  • For Arthritis and Pain Relief: Combine with Eucommia and Cistanche.
  • For Cold and Flu Relief: Combine with ginger and cinnamon.
  • For Headache and Sinus Congestion: Combine with magnolia flower and mint.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Roots are collected in autumn and dried for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
  • Storage: Store dried roots in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Notopterygium incisium’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune-enhancing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Notopterygium remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for musculoskeletal support, pain relief, and respiratory health.