Ru Xiang - Frankincense
TCM Materia Medica
Ru Xiang TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "ru xiang" which in english is 
"frankincense", is categorized within the "herbs that invigorate blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, liver and spleen channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) 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: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Invigorate blood, dispel blood stasis, alleviate pain - trauma, carbuncles and swellings, chest and/or abdominal pain.
- Relax the sinews, invigorates the channels, alleviates pain - bi syndromes, rigidity, spasms.
- Reduces swellings, generates flesh - topically for sores, carbuncles, traumatic injury.
Ru Xiang has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid During Pregnancy
Ru Xiang may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain and/or trauma
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, ru xiang is generally included in the following 7 formulas:
ViewDie Da Wan (Trauma Healing Pill)
Useful for many types of traumatic injuries, broken bones, sprains, fractures, etc. anywhere in the body. Also useful for fixed abdominal masses, ulcerations, sciatica, arthritis, pelvic inflammat…
ViewHuo Luo Xiao Ling Wan (Miraculously Effective Pill To Invigorate The Collaterals)
A range of pain related issues when they arise from qi and blood stagnation (both acute and chronic) - pain essentially anywhere in the body, bruises and swelling and other signs of stasis. May ofte…
ViewJin Gu Die Da Wan (Tendon and Bone Injury Healing)
Bruising, sprains, swelling from soft tissue injuries. Broken or bruised bones. For post surgery recovery. For any other type of acute trauma to the body.
ViewTe Xiao Jing Zhui Tong Wan (Patent Neck Pain Relief Pills)
Stiffness, pain, and/or tightness of the neck.
ViewXian Fang Huo Ming Yin Wan (Immortals Formula For Sustaining Life)
Generally for short-term use with early stage heat toxins - sores, carbuncles, boils, styes, acne. Swollen and painful skin lesions with other heat signs (chills/fever). Breast abscesses, mastitis…
ViewXiao Huo Luo Wan (Minor Invigorate Channels Pills)
Coming Soon...
ViewZuo Gu Shen Jing Tong Wan (Sciatica Pills)
Wind-cold-damp bi syndromes with particular issues in the lower back and legs - sciatic pain, heaviness in the lower body, hip and knee pain, arthritis in those areas (osteo or rheumatoid).
As noted above, ru xiang is within the herbs that invigorate blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for blood stasis - pain, abscesses and ulcers, abdominal masses. )".
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