3Tu Mu Xiang – Costus Root – Radix Inula helenium

Tu Mu Xiang (Costus Root) is a warm, aromatic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its strong ability to move Qi, warm the middle burner, and relieve pain. It is derived from the root of Saussurea lappa and is especially valued for treating abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, and digestive sluggishness caused by Qi stagnation and cold. Tu Mu Xiang is also used to guide other herbs into the middle burner, making it a frequent addition to complex formulas for digestive and abdominal disorders. Its warm and fragrant nature stimulates the Spleen and Stomach, disperses cold, and restores the smooth flow of Qi, while also helping to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

Functions & Benefits

Promotes Qi Flow and Relieves Pain
Smooths stagnant Qi in the stomach and intestines, easing abdominal fullness, cramping, and discomfort.

Warms the Middle Burner and Disperses Cold
Addresses digestive weakness from cold in the Spleen and Stomach, improving appetite and nutrient absorption.

Harmonizes the Stomach and Relieves Nausea
Settles the stomach in cases of Qi stagnation with vomiting, belching, or hiccups.

Guides Other Herbs to the Middle Burner
Enhances the effectiveness of formulas targeting abdominal and digestive complaints.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with bloating, fullness, or pain from Qi stagnation and cold.
✔ People with poor appetite or sluggish digestion.
✔ Those with nausea, vomiting, or belching due to digestive Qi disruption.
✔ Patients with abdominal cramps from cold-related digestive weakness.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Pale with a thin white coating, indicating cold and Qi stagnation.
Pulse: Deep, tight, or wiry, reflecting constrained Qi with cold.

Related TCM Patterns
Qi Stagnation with Cold in the Middle Burner – Causes bloating, fullness, and pain.
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold – Leads to poor appetite, digestive weakness, and discomfort.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Abdominal Pain and Bloating – Moves Qi and relieves distension.
Indigestion from Cold – Warms and supports digestive function.
Nausea and Vomiting – Harmonizes the stomach and reduces discomfort.
Post-Meal Discomfort – Improves Qi flow and digestion.

Common Herbal Formulas with Tu Mu Xiang
Often combined with Chen Pi and Bai Dou Kou for Qi stagnation and bloating, or with Gan Jiang and Rou Gui for cold-type digestive weakness.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of heat or dryness in the Stomach.
Not suitable for Yin deficiency with heat signs.
Use with caution during pregnancy in large doses.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat warm, easily digestible foods such as rice congee, ginger, and cinnamon.
✔ Avoid cold, raw, or greasy foods that cause Qi stagnation and dampness.
✔ Maintain regular meal times and avoid overeating.
✔ Engage in light activity after meals to aid digestion.

Conclusion
Tu Mu Xiang (Costus Root) is a warm, aromatic herb in TCM that moves Qi, warms the middle burner, and relieves digestive discomfort. It is a key herb for bloating, abdominal pain, and poor appetite caused by Qi stagnation and cold.