The herb Notopterygium Root (“Qiang Huo†in Chinese) can help expel pathogenic factors of cold and wind, and remove dampness. It is useful for stopping pain. It can be used to heal common cold of the wind-cold type, characterized by chills, fever, headaches and general body pain. It can be applied for the treatment of arthritis of the wind-cold-dampness type, which is also called the “Bi syndrome,†shown as pain in the joints, shoulders and upper back.
To treat common cold of the wind-cold type, Notopterygium Root (Qianghuo) is often used with Ledebouriella Root (Fangfeng) and Dahurian Angelica Root (Baizhi). For the treatment of arthritis of the wind-cold-dampness type, this herb can be used with other herbs such as Ledebouriella Root (Fangfeng) and Turmeric (Jianghuang).
From the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the herb Notopterygium Root (Qianghuo) has pungent and bitter tastes, with a warm property. It can work on meridians or channels of the Kidney and Urinary Bladder.
The pharmaceutical name of the herb Notopterygium Root (Qianghuo) is Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii. Its botanical name is Notopterygium incisium Ting ex H. T. Chang, or Notopterygium forbesii Boiss. It belongs to the Umbelliferae family.
To prepare for its therapeutic usages, the herb is gathered in spring or autumn, dried, and cut into slices. It can be used in herbal decoctions with a dosage range of 3-10 grams. Because of its warm and dry properties, this herb should not be used by those with blood-deficiency or Yin-deficiency, including symptoms such as dryness of the throat.
Resources:
How to Use Herbs in Chinese Medicine: The Basics and Practical Guides
