Chinese Nardostachys Root and Rhizome

Primarily produced in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan.

Often curved, thick at the top and thin at the bottom, 5~18cm long. Rhizome is short, has remnants of stem at the apex, externally covered with layers of remnants of withered leaves, membranous or fibrous; outer layer is brownish-black, inner layer is brown or yellow. Singular root, some are crossed over or parallel or branched, 6~16cm long, 0.3~1cm diameter. Externally wrinkled, brown, with thin roots and rootlets. Loose texture, easily broken; fractured surface is rough, cortex is dark brown and branched; xylem is yellowish-white. Distinctive odor; bitter and acrid taste, with a cooling sensation.

Superior medicinal material is long, thick, with a potent aroma.

Sweet, acrid; warm.

Regulates qi, relieves pain, relieves constraint, arouses the spleen. Apply to cold and qi stagnation of middle-jiao, disharmonized spleen and stomach, anorexia, vomiting, externally used to toothache.