For centuries, these intricately designed fragrant pouches (Xiāng Náng 香囊) have been in fashion in ancient China.

Not only do they act as a fashion item and  produces wonderful aroma, it’s also a on-the-go first aid pouch that contain herbs to help treat illnesses when there’s no clinics near by (If you’ve watched the untamed you know what I mean).

In modern day China, they usually contain herbs that can repell insects and protect the body from being attacked by pathogenic cold and wind. 

This winter, I formulated a herbal perfume pouch of my own with a combination of aromatic herbs that have wind-cold-damp dispelling properties. They were created with the intention of warding off the pathogenic factors while emitting a beautiful minty aroma.

So what exactly is in there?

Mugwort (Aì Yè 艾叶)

Properties: Bitter, Acrid, Aromatic

Warms the channels, warms the womb, stops bleeding and calms the fetus, disperses Cold and alleviates pain, eliminates Dampness and stops itching

Fennel seed (Xiǎo Huí Xiāng 小茴香)

Properties: Acrid, Warm

Warms the Liver and Kidneys, expels Cold and alleviates pain

Perilla leaves (Zǐ Sū Yè 紫苏叶)

Properties: Acrid, Aromatic, Warm

Releases the Exterior and disperses Cold, Promotes the movement of Spleen and Stomach Qi, improves Lung function and expands the chest (relieves Cold induced wheezing)

Korean mint (Huò Xiāng 藿香)

Properties: Acrid, Warm, Aromatic

Aromatically transforms Dampness, releases the Exterior and dispels summerheat (transforms turbidity), harmonises the Middle Jiao and stops vomiting

COVID-19 has been studied thoroughly in TCM hospitals in China, and is considered a wind-damp-cold pathogen. With this type of pathogens, you’ll experience symptoms such fatigue, loss of appetite and taste, fluid retention. 

And of course, this pouch cannot treat or prevent COVID-19, but it can help boost your immune system and can be the first line of defence for pathogenic factors. 

* This herbal pouch is only used as an accessory and CANNOT be consumed as it contains Borneol which is for external uses only. It helps to act as an insect repellent, as well as protecting your body from the bad juju.

Feel free to contact me or ask during a consultation for one of these cuties. 

Sources:

Yang, Shou-zhong. The Divine Farmer’s Material Medica : a Translation of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing by Yang Shou-Zhong . First edition. Boulder, CO: Blue Poppy Press, Inc., 1998. Print.