Qiang Huo – Notopterygium Root – Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii

Qiang Huo, also known as Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix or Notopterygium Root, is a pungent, bitter, and warm herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to release the exterior, dispel wind-cold, and alleviate pain. It is especially effective in treating wind-cold-damp bi syndrome affecting the upper body and acute wind-cold exterior conditions with headache and body aches. Qiang Huo is frequently used in formulas for colds, joint pain, and back pain caused by cold-damp invasion.
Functions & Benefits
Releases the Exterior & Dispels Wind-ColdQiang Huo is used for exterior wind-cold invasion with symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, and body aches, especially when the pain is located in the upper back, neck, or occipital region. It helps promote sweating and release the pathogen from the surface.
Disperses Wind-Dampness & Alleviates PainThis herb is highly effective for treating wind-damp bi syndrome, particularly in the upper body. It is commonly used for joint pain, muscle stiffness, and aching shoulders caused by wind-cold-damp obstruction. It helps restore movement and ease discomfort.
Guides Qi to the Taiyang & Du ChannelsQiang Huo has a specific affinity for the Taiyang channel (Bladder and Small Intestine meridians) and the Du (Governing) vessel. It helps guide herbs and therapeutic effects to the upper back and spine, making it valuable in treating upper body pain and stiffness.
Relieves Occipital HeadacheQiang Huo is especially known for treating wind-cold-type headaches that affect the occiput and neck. It is commonly combined with other herbs such as Gao Ben or Fang Feng for enhanced effect.
Indications
Acute wind-cold exterior conditions with chills, fever, and upper body achesOccipital headache or neck stiffness due to exterior cold invasionWind-damp bi syndrome with pain or stiffness in the shoulders, back, or limbsUpper body joint pain worsened by cold and damp weatherCold-induced back pain or joint obstruction in Taiyang channel distribution
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Pale or normal body with thin white coating, indicating cold or exterior invasionPulse: Floating and tight, or wiry in cases involving damp obstruction
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo treats exterior wind-cold, wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, Taiyang headache, and cold-damp obstruction in the upper body. These patterns involve chills, upper body pain, joint stiffness, or occipital discomfort.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for wind-heat exterior conditionsAvoid in cases of Yin Deficiency with internal heatUse with caution in weak or dry constitutionsNot appropriate for chronic arthritic conditions caused by internal deficiency
Conclusion
Qiang Huo is a warming, dispersing herb ideal for releasing the exterior and treating cold-damp-induced pain in the upper body. It is particularly effective in wind-cold-type headaches, joint stiffness, and musculoskeletal discomfort affecting the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Its ability to guide therapeutic action to the Taiyang channel makes it a key herb in treating surface-level cold with pain.