Herb Herbs that regulate Qi

Mo Li Hua

Jasmine flowers | 茉莉花

Jasminum sambac

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Spleen, Stomach, Liver

Parts Used

Dried flowers

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Mo Li Hua

Traditional Actions

Regulates Qi and calms the spirit.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Mo Li Hua belongs to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.

 

Furthermore Mo Li Hua is Warm in nature. This means that Mo Li Hua tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Mo Li Hua can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Mo Li Hua also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Mo Li Hua tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Mo Li Hua is thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Common Applications

Abdominal pain Dysentery Conjunctivitis Sores

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Mo Li Hua

Jasminum sambac has been shown to have antifungal activity and may in particular be used as an alternative treatment against Malassezia-associated skin infections.1

A study on rats showed that Jasminum sambac leaves had significant gastroprotective effects.2

Sources:

1. Santhanam, Jacinta; Ghani, Farhana Nadiah Abd; Basri, Dayang Fredalina (2014). "Antifungal Activity of Jasminum sambac against Malassezia sp. and Non-Malassezia sp. Isolated from Human Skin Samples". Journal of Mycology. 2014: 1–7. doi:10.1155/2014/359630.

2. Ahmed S. AlRashdi, Suzy M. Salama, Salim S. Alkiyumi, et al., “Mechanisms of Gastroprotective Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Jasminum sambac against HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, Article ID 786426, 15 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/786426.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Mo Li Hua

Traditional Preparation

Take flowers and dry them

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

3 - 10 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Mo Li Hua

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Mo Li Hua may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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