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Photo of Murraya

Murraya

九里香 · Jiǔ Lǐ Xiāng

Warms achy joints and post-trauma swelling

Properties

WarmingWarming botanicalPungent, Bitter

What it does

Murraya leaves and twigs ease wind-damp joint pain, traumatic swellings, and cold-pattern stomach pain. In TCM, it moves stuck qi and blood and settles pain. The Chinese name Jiǔ Lǐ Xiāng means 'fragrant nine miles,' referring to the jasmine-like scent. Slightly toxic. Folk use includes mild local anesthesia for snake bites.

How to take it

Drink

Decoct 6–12g of dried murraya in water for 25 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 1–2x daily during acute pain or trauma. Or apply fresh-leaf paste topically.

Try a topical murraya leaf poultice for sprains and bruises

Safety

  • Slightly toxic. Stay within practitioner-prescribed doses
  • Skip during pregnancy
  • Stop if you develop dizziness or nausea
  • Topical poultice safer than internal for most uses
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Murraya paniculata is a small evergreen shrub with white jasmine-scented flowers, native to South and Southeast Asia. The Chinese name Jiǔ Lǐ Xiāng captures the legend that the scent travels nine miles. The plant is widely planted as an ornamental hedge across tropical Asia. In TCM, the leaves and twigs are used for joint pain and traumatic injuries. Its essential oil has documented mild anesthetic effects.