Xiang Ru (Elsholtzia)
Xiang Ru (Elsholtzia) (Square stem with distinct nodes, whole plant covered in white down, wrinkled lanceolate leaves with serrated edges, terminal spike inflorescence, persistent bell-shaped calyx)
【Name】
【Source】
Ming Yi Bie Lu, Middle Grade
【Common Use Level】
B
【Botanical Origin】
The dried whole plant of *Elsholtzia haichowensis* Sun (Hai Zhou Xiang Ru) and *Mosla chinensis* Maxim (Shi Xiang Ru) of the Lamiaceae family. The former is called Red Xiang Ru, and the latter is called Green Xiang Ru.
【Characteristics】
(1) Red Xiang Ru (*Elsholtzia haichowensis*): The whole plant is covered with white down. The stem is erect or slightly wavy, about 30-50 cm long and 1-3 mm in diameter. It is cylindrical near the root and square in the upper part, with distinct nodes. It is light purple or yellowish-green in color. It is brittle and easily broken. The leaves are opposite, wrinkled and broken or fallen off. When moistened and flattened, the complete leaves are lanceolate or long oval, 2.5-3.5 mm long, with sparse serrated edges, and are dark green or gray-green. The stem apex has a spike-like inflorescence, which is light yellow or light purple. The persistent calyx is bell-shaped, and the bracts are detached or residual. It has a strong fragrance, a pungent taste, and a slightly numbing sensation on the tongue.
The medicinal slices are very finely chopped stems, leaves, and fruit spikes. The stems are square and small, only 1 mm in diameter, and are brownish-red. The leaves are finely chopped and green. The shrunken calyx contains very fine brownish-brown fruits.
(2) Green Xiang Ru: The whole plant is hairy, about 20-30 cm long. The stem is thin, the upper part is square and slightly wavy, with branches; the base is purplish-red, the upper part is gray-green, the nodes are distinct, and the internodes are about 3 cm long; it is brittle and easily broken, the fracture is fibrous, the leaves are opposite, lanceolate, gray-green, wrinkled, easily broken, mostly without inflorescence, fragrant, with a pungent and cool taste and a slight burning sensation.
【Identification】
Compendium of Materia Medica: “Danxi Zhu only takes the large-leaved ones as good.” Compendium of Materia Medica: “The aged ones are better”, “All are superior if they are turned upside down like a basin mouth, and are aged for a long time”, “It is best to have those that are old and deep-rooted.” Compendium of Experienced Prescriptions: “Xiang Ru, the straight, long, and strongly fragrant ones are genuine.” Materia Medica Seeking Truth: “Aged ones are good.”
Red Xiang Ru is best if it is tender, has a light purple stem, green leaves, many flower spikes, and a strong aroma. Green Xiang Ru is best if it is short, green, has many leaves, and tender branches.
【Category】
Whole Herb