Natural Herb Library

Rosewood Heartwood

Chinese
降香
Pinyin
Jiang Xiang
Latin
Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae
Botanical illustration of Odoriferous Rosewood, Dalbergia odorifera, showing source foliage, fragrant heartwood, and diagnostic wood details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Jiang Xiang (降香), this acrid, warm herb enters the Liver, Spleen, and Heart. Traditionally, it invigorates Blood and dispels Blood stasis while also stopping bleeding, useful when Blood stasis and bleeding occur together, most often applied for chest pain, blood stasis, and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Flavonoids among its active constituents.

Part used: Heartwood

Also Known As

Dalbergia odorifera Fragrant Rosewood

Latin: Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae | Pinyin: Jiang Xiang | Chinese: 降香

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid
Temperature
warm
Channels
Liver, Spleen, Heart

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood stasis while also stopping bleeding, useful when Blood stasis and bleeding occur together
  • Descends rebellious Qi and relieves pain, particularly for chest pain and injuries where Blood circulation is obstructed

Secondary Actions

  • Key ingredient in several modern Chinese heart-health formulas for ischemic chest pain

Classical References

  • Documented in later Chinese materia medica as an aromatic heartwood valued for combining Blood-invigorating and hemostatic actions

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Flavonoids
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Volatile aromatic oils

Studied Effects

  • Antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and vasorelaxant activity documented across in vitro and animal studies
  • Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity reported
  • Used in modern research and clinical formulations targeting cardiovascular ischemia

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy, due to Blood-invigorating action

Cautions

  • May potentiate antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications given documented antiplatelet activity

Drug Interactions

  • Theoretical additive bleeding risk with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rosewood Heartwood used for?

Rosewood Heartwood is traditionally used to Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood stasis while also stopping bleeding, useful when Blood stasis and bleeding occur together, Descends rebellious Qi and relieves pain, particularly for chest pain and injuries where Blood circulation is obstructed. Research has investigated its effects on: Antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and vasorelaxant activity documented across in vitro and animal studies; Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity reported.

What are other names for Rosewood Heartwood?

Rosewood Heartwood is also known as Dalbergia odorifera, Fragrant Rosewood. In TCM: 降香 (Jiang Xiang); Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae.

Is Rosewood Heartwood safe during pregnancy?

Rosewood Heartwood is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Rosewood Heartwood?

Rosewood Heartwood should not be used in: Pregnancy, due to Blood-invigorating action. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Rosewood Heartwood interact with any medications?

Rosewood Heartwood may interact with: Theoretical additive bleeding risk with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.