On this page
Key Facts
- Material
- Root
- Botanical source
- Aucklandia lappa
- Direct human evidence
- No verified study currently linked
What Is Mu Xiang?
Mu Xiang (Aucklandia lappa), known in Chinese as 木香 is the root of Aucklandia lappa (Asteraceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as warm in nature and pungent, bitter in flavor.
Promotes Qi circulation, alleviates pain, strengthens the Spleen, resolves Stagnation. Key herb for abdominal pain and bloating.[1]
Botanical description: Aucklandia lappa (syn. Saussurea costus) is a tall perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, reaching 1–2 m in height. The medicinal part is the dried root, harvested in autumn after 2–3 years of cultivation. The dried root is cylindrical to semi-cylindrical, greyish-brown to dark brown externally, with a strong, persistent, and distinctive aromatic fragrance and a slightly bitter, pungent taste.
Traditional TCM Context
Traditional functions: Promotes Qi circulation, alleviates pain, strengthens the Spleen, resolves Stagnation. Key herb for abdominal pain and bloating.[1]
Traditional uses: Used for Qi Stagnation with abdominal distension, pain, poor appetite, borborygmus. Often combined with Huang Lian for Damp-Heat dysentery.
Related TCM patterns
This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.
What Research Applies to Mu Xiang?
Sesquiterpene lactones demonstrate smooth muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer effects. Review confirms gastrointestinal prokinetic and analgesic properties.
No published research studies are currently linked to Mu Xiang in this library.
Research information will be added as verified studies become available.
Safety Information
Safety Summary
What is known
Avoid excessive use in Yin Deficiency with Heat. Generally well-tolerated at therapeutic doses.
What remains uncertain
- Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
- Drug-herb interaction data specific to Mu Xiang may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.
Who should seek professional guidance
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Mu Xiang or any herbal product.
Platform safety boundary
TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.
Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Mu Xiang as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Sources Used on This Page(3)
- 1.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020Bibliographic details
Supports: Botanical Identity, Traditional TCM Context, Traditional Functions
Reliability: High
Source type: Government Source
- 2.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang).
Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020Bibliographic details
Reliability: gold
Last checked: July 2026
Source type: pharmacopoeia
- 3.
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic), circa 200 CE. Original entry: Aucklandia lappa root. Translated and annotated in: Yang SZ. The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica: A Translation of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Boulder: Blue Poppy Press; 1998.
Shen Nong Ben Cao JingBibliographic details
Reliability: gold
Last checked: July 2026
Source type: classical_text
Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.