Qiang Huo
Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang
☯ TCM Properties
Releases the Exterior and Disperses Wind-Cold; Dispels Wind-Dampness; Relieves Painful Obstruction; Reaches the Vertex of the Head
Botanical Description
Notopterygium incisum is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Apiaceae, endemic to the alpine and subalpine meadows and forest understories of the eastern Tibetan Plateau and adjacent provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, and Gansu in western China, where it grows at elevations of 1700-4500 m. The plant reaches 60-150 cm in height from a stout, knotty, aromatic rhizome with brown ringed scars. The basal leaves are large, twice or thrice pinnately compound, with ovate to lanceolate leaflets having incised, serrate margins. Compound umbels of small white to greenish-white flowers appear in summer, followed by dorsally flattened, winged schizocarp fruits. The species is harvested for its rhizome and is considered vulnerable due to overcollection, with most commercial supply now coming from cultivated stands.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Qiang Huo (notopterygium rhizome) is a warm, powerfully dispersing herb that releases Wind-Cold from the Exterior and expels Wind-Cold-Damp from the channels. It is particularly effective for pain and stiffness of the occiput, upper back, neck, and shoulders — a distribution corresponding to its affinity for the Taiyang channel. It is a preferred herb for Wind-Cold headache with pronounced upper body pain and stiffness.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.