She Xiang - Navel Gland Secretions of Musk Deer

TCM Materia Medica

She Xiang TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "she xiang" which in english is "navel gland secretions of musk deer", is categorized within the "herbs that open orifices" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, liver and spleen channels and exhibits acrid, aromatic and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 0.06-0.15g in pills, powders

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Opens the orifices, revives the spirit, unblocks closed disorders (a wide variety of problems that impair consciousness) - heat entering the pericardium, convulsions, delirium, stupor fainting, closed disorders, tetanic collapse, phlegm collapse, seizures.
  • Invigorates the blood, dissipates clumps, reduces swelling, alleviates pain - toxic sores, carbuncles, fixed masses, channel obstructions due to trauma.

She Xiang has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

  • Do not use during pregnancy.

A single herb is not often thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. She Xiang, however, is a strong candidate to be considered when needing to influence blood stagnation and/or phlegm misting the heart.

She Xiang may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: convulsions, delirium and/or fainting (loss of consciousness)

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, she xiang is generally included in the following 3 formulas:

ViewAn Gong Niu Huang Wan (Calm The Palace Pill With Cattle Gallstone)

Resuscitates, clears heat, calms shen, and expels phelgm - coma arising from stroke, convulsions, loss of consciousness.

ViewHui Chun Wan (Recovery Special Pill)

Most often used for childhood convulsions (possibly with wheezing, nausea, nighttime crying, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive mucus/saliva) or other conditions that involve fever, impaired or loss of …

ViewMa Ying Long (Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment)

Hemorrhoids and/or constipation from an accumulation of damp-heat and toxins in the lower jiao - possibly bleeding hemorrhoids, pain, rectal prolapse, anal itching.  Shrinks swollen tissue, helps to …

As noted above, she xiang is within the herbs that open orifices functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... opens up sensory orifices and awakens the spirit - delirium, coma, locked jaw, clenched fists, rigid limbs, seizures. there herbs are scattering by nature and can drain yuan qi; treats symptoms, not the root. )".

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