Aromatherapy Functions in Chinese Medicine Increases the Guardian Qi; Fights Infection: throat and mouth infections, colds and flu, fever. Tonifies Qi: nervous exhaustion. Rectifies the Joints (anti-inflammatory): arthritis, muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, injuries and sprains, best for painful joints and muscles; headaches, neuralgia, sciatica. Rids Damp and Phlegm: catarrh, cough, bronchitis, asthma.