Can Agastache (Huo Xiang) be used as a substitute for ginger to relieve vomiting?

Aug 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
If vomiting is caused by an attack of summerheat-dampness or internal obstruction due to damp-turbidity, accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension and thick greasy tongue coating, Agastache (Huoxiang) can resolve dampness, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. In this case, replacing ginger with Agastache can achieve similar effectiveness in relieving stomach discomfort caused by damp pathogens. However, if vomiting results from exposure to cold or internal cold in the stomach, characterized by vomiting of clear fluids, cold intolerance, and preference for warmth, ginger's action of warming the stomach, dispersing cold, and stopping vomiting would be more appropriate.

Generally, in cases of vomiting caused by dampness and turbidity, Agastache (Huoxiang) can be used to relieve vomiting in place of ginger; however, for vomiting caused by cold pathogens or cold stomach, Agastache is not suitable to substitute ginger. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If vomiting is triggered by summerheat-damp invasion or obstruction due to dampness, accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension and thick, greasy tongue coating, Agastache can resolve dampness, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. In such cases, substituting ginger with Agastache can achieve similar effects in relieving stomach discomfort caused by dampness.

If vomiting is due to exposure to cold, or caused by a cold stomach, presenting symptoms such as vomiting of clear fluids, cold intolerance, and preference for warmth, ginger is more appropriate as it warms the stomach, dispels cold, and alleviates vomiting. Agastache has a weaker warming effect and primarily targets dampness resolution; therefore, it is not an effective substitute in such situations and may fail to adequately relieve symptoms.

When using either Agastache or ginger to relieve vomiting, the appropriate choice should be based on symptom presentation. If vomiting is frequent or accompanied by other severe symptoms, prompt medical consultation is advised to avoid delays in treatment.

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