3Su He Xiang – Styrax Resin – Styrax

Su He Xiang (Styrax Resin) is a warm, aromatic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for opening the orifices, reviving consciousness, and dispelling turbid pathogens. It is obtained from the resin of Styrax tonkinensis and related species, and is highly valued for its fast-acting effects in emergencies such as fainting, coma, or sudden collapse due to cold-type obstruction of the Heart orifices. Su He Xiang is also used to transform dampness, resolve cold-phlegm, and ease chest tightness, making it useful in treating respiratory and digestive disorders involving phlegm and stagnation.

Functions & Benefits

Opens the Orifices and Revives Consciousness
Restores awareness in cases of fainting, stroke, or collapse caused by cold-type or phlegm obstruction of the Heart.

Transforms Dampness and Resolves Cold-Phlegm
Clears phlegm accumulation in the chest and diaphragm, improving breathing and relieving oppression.

Dispels Turbid Pathogens
Used to treat foul-smelling or turbid conditions caused by dampness, including certain gastrointestinal disorders.

Relieves Pain and Eases Chest Discomfort
Alleviates chest tightness, epigastric fullness, and cold-related abdominal discomfort.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with fainting or collapse from cold-phlegm obstruction.
✔ People with chest oppression and breathing difficulty from phlegm-dampness.
✔ Those with digestive discomfort and fullness from cold-type stagnation.
✔ Patients with certain emergency conditions needing quick revival (under professional care).

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Pale or purplish with a greasy white coating, indicating cold-phlegm obstruction.
Pulse: Slow, slippery, or faint, reflecting cold and damp accumulation.

Related TCM Patterns
Cold-Phlegm Obstructing the Heart Orifices – Causes sudden loss of consciousness, chest oppression, and cold extremities.
Phlegm-Dampness Blocking the Middle Burner – Leads to digestive fullness and stagnation.
Cold-Damp Accumulation – Produces heaviness, sluggishness, and turbidity.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Sudden Collapse or Coma – Revives consciousness in cold-type obstruction patterns.
Chest Oppression from Phlegm-Dampness – Improves breathing and circulation.
Digestive Sluggishness – Reduces fullness and nausea from cold-type stagnation.
Cold-Type Pain – Alleviates discomfort in the chest or abdomen.

Common Herbal Formulas with Su He Xiang
A key ingredient in Su He Xiang Wan, used for emergency revival and cold-phlegm obstruction. Often combined with Bing Pian and She Xiang for opening the orifices.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid use in pregnancy.
Not suitable for heat-type loss of consciousness or high fever.
Use only in appropriate TCM patterns and preferably under professional supervision, especially in emergencies.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Avoid cold, greasy foods that increase phlegm and dampness.
✔ Keep the body warm in cold seasons to protect Yang energy.
✔ Support healthy digestion to prevent damp-phlegm accumulation.
✔ Maintain gentle movement and deep breathing to improve circulation and lung function.

Conclusion
Su He Xiang (Styrax Resin) is a warm, aromatic herb in TCM that opens the orifices, revives consciousness, and transforms cold-phlegm. It is best known for its rapid action in emergencies involving cold-type obstruction, while also supporting chest and digestive health in appropriate conditions.