Channels: Spleen Stomach Lung

Functions: Releases Exterior, expels damp for Wind-cold damp during humid summer weather exacerbated by eating cold foods
aromatically transforms damp and harmonizes digestion for poor appetite, morning sickness, cold food stagnation
opens the nose for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. breath fumes from cooking patchouli in water.

Dosage for decoction: 5-10g, double the dosage when it is fresh

Note: Huo Xiang is also Agastache rugosa, pictured to the left. Agastache rugosa and Patchouli are used interchangeably in Chinese medicine.
When on a tour of a medicinal herb garden with experienced Chinese Medicine Dr. Jian-Feng Yang, we came across some Lemon-Balm/Melissa officinalis . Dr. Yang smelled and tasted this plant commenting on how is was 'a huo xiang.' Chinese fairly often use many herbal species interchangeably and giving them the same common Chinese name. Since Lemon balm is easy to grow in Europe and N. America this may be a good alternative to Patchouli. Lemon-Balm, like huo xiang/ Patchouli, is useful for for treating indigestion, colic, gas, i.e. symptoms associated with dampness in the Middle burner. In addition Lemon Balm is used for insomnia, and post partum depression.