xiaoxianggou

Xiaoxianggou is a traditional herbal medicine originating from the She ethnic minority in China, typically identified as the plant *Uncaria hirsuta* Havil. It is primarily utilized in traditional She medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In clinical settings, it is frequently administered via fumigation therapy—a process where the patient is exposed to the steam of the boiling herb—to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as knee osteoarthritis. The treatment is believed to improve local blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate joint pain and stiffness by modulating inflammatory pathways, a characteristic effect of the alkaloids found in *Uncaria* species.

Other names

小香勾Uncaria hirsuta Havil.She medicine Xiaoxianggou