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Ba Yue Zha八月札

Akebiae Fructus · Akebia Fruit

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药

Overview

The ripe fruit of akebia, gathered in autumn when it splits open — the origin of its Chinese name. Bitter and neutral, it loosens constrained Liver qi and at the same time moves blood, so it is used where distension and lumps appear together: breast tenderness before a period, flank and epigastric fullness, palpable soft masses. It is a qi-mover with a mild diuretic edge rather than a strong one, and is usually combined rather than used alone.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Neutral

Channels

Liver · Stomach · Bladder

Typical Dosage

6–12 g in decoction
八月札Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Soothes the Liver, regulates qiFlank and chest distension, irritability and epigastric fullness that shifts with mood.
  • Harmonizes the Stomach, relieves painStomach ache with belching and poor appetite where Liver qi is overrunning the Stomach.
  • Moves blood, disperses lumpsPremenstrual breast distension and tender nodules; hernial and lower abdominal dragging pain.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ba Yue Zha

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Liver qi constraint with flank, chest or breast distension
    - Epigastric pain and belching aggravated by stress
    - Premenstrual breast tenderness with palpable lumps
    - Dragging lower abdominal or hernial pain

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Functional dyspepsiaMastalgiaPremenstrual syndromeHernia pain

Contraindications

Cautions

Bitter and moving: use carefully in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold with loose stools, and in anyone who is markedly weak. Because it moves blood as well as qi, it is avoided during pregnancy unless a practitioner specifically prescribes it.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — it moves blood as well as qi.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中华本草》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.