"What Are the Advantages, Side Effects, and Contraindications of Using Patchouli?"

Patchouli's Properties and Health Benefits

Patchouli, with its pungent and subtly warming medicinal nature, nurtures the spleen and stomach while also benefiting the lungs. It harmonizes the central region, alleviates vomiting, and effectively improves epigastric cold pain, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore, it aids in oral ulcer treatment and mitigates halitosis. Patchouli finds common application in addressing acute gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal flu, heatstroke, and more. Let's delve into its efficacy, functions, contraindications, and potential side effects.

I. Patchouli's Efficacy, Functions, Contraindications, and Side Effects

Clinically, this herb addresses abdominal distention, anorexia, and vomiting stemming from dampness blocking the middle energizer. Additionally, it treats symptoms such as aversion to cold and fever, headaches, and epigastric fullness associated with summer dampness syndrome and early damp-warm syndrome.

II. Contraindications and Side Effects of Patchouli

1. Inappropriate for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive fire, smooth and red tongues, constipation due to pathogenic factors, weak stomachs, stomach heat, and vomiting.

2. The stem of patchouli may deplete qi, necessitating caution during use.

3. The leaves tend to disperse exterior evils, while the stems harmonize the central region.

4. Pregnant women should use it with prudence.

III. Main Therapeutic Effects of Patchouli

Patchouli, an aromatic and dampness-resolving medicine, treats a range of conditions including summer heatstroke with dampness, chest and epigastric fullness, vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, mixed food intake, cold with dampness, typhoid headache, aversion to cold and fever, cough and asthma, epigastric cold pain, nausea and vomiting, qi deficiency-induced diarrhea, hollow organ rumbling, generalized body edema, halitosis, oral ulcers, prenatal and postpartum qi stagnation with blood stasis, stabbing pain, childhood malnutrition. It also prevents and treats cholera and malaria. Its antibacterial properties enable external use for wounds and bleeding from knife injuries. Its pungent aroma unblocks the nine orifices, guards against external evils, strengthens vital qi, nourishes the lungs and stomach due to its light and warm nature. Widely employed in modern medicine for acute gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal flu, heatstroke, and various pathogenic fungal infections like Candida vaginitis, hand and foot fungus.