Key Characteristics: aromatic, warm, releases the exterior, opens the orifices (especially the nose), dries dampness; frequently used for wind-cold frontal headaches
Properties:
Acrid, warm
Meridian/Organs Affected:
Lung, Stomach, Spleen
Actions:
- Expel wind and alleviates pain, externally contracted wind cold, esp. those with headache; also for supraorbital pain, nasal congestion, and toothache
- Reduces swelling and expels pus, early stages of surface sores and carbuncles; if the sore, ulcer, carbuncle has not yet suppurated, it will reduce swelling; if pus had formed helps discharge the pus
- Expels dampness due to damp cold in lower burner with appropriate herbs can be used for damp heat, opens up the nasal passages for sinus congestion