Mu Xiang

Mu Xiang (guang) 木香 Aucklandiae Lappae, Radix, or, mu xiang (guang) 木香 Saussurae Lappae, Radix are the varieties used mostly, yet, these plants are on the endangered species list. My herbal supplier says 'we have got a licence to sell the endangered species', what does this mean, do only a few suppliers have the right to sell the endangered species? Also known as Yun Mu xiang (grown in Yunan).

MayWay herbs in the U.S. has decided to not supply the endangered species and has moved to a whole other Mu Xiang species known as Tu Mu Xiang (Inula helenium/racemosa, radix). It's actions are similar actions and is a good substitution. Benskey states that this species was used as Mu Xiang until the introduction of Aucklandiae/Saussurae in the 19th century. This species may also be referred to as Qi Mu Xiang.

The other commonly used species is from Sichuan province, Chuan Mu Xiang (Dolomiaeae/Vladimiria, radix). Is it closer to the original in function but just weaker like Benskey states? Why would this species be better/worse as a substitution than Tu Mu Xiang?

Qing Mu Xiang 青木香 another substitute, belongs to Aristolochia family, which is toxic to the kidneys and should obviously be avoided. this is actually the root of Ma Dou Ling.

These varieties are difficult to distinguish, as seen above. These pictures were taken at a hospital in China and we are not sure which variety they are, although it was said that they were either Aucklandiae or Saussurae. Anyone has a good eye and knows more please comment.

So, what are your opinions? where has your research lead you? what do you use, or have you just left Mu Xiang in your past because of identification issues and endangered species ethical dilemas? Please, share.