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Cura x Cura

Fo Shou佛手

Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus · Finger Citron · Buddha's Hand

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药《滇南本草》

Overview

The fragrant, finger-lobed citron fruit — one of the gentlest of the qi-moving herbs, aromatic rather than forceful. Acrid, bitter, sour and warm, it courses constrained Liver qi, settles a Stomach that the Liver is overrunning, and transforms phlegm in the chest. Its mildness is what makes it useful: it can be given over long stretches and to frail patients where a stronger qi-mover would deplete them.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm

Channels

Liver · Spleen · Stomach · Lung

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
佛手Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Courses the Liver, regulates qiFlank and chest distension, frequent sighing, irritability and premenstrual breast tenderness from constrained Liver qi.
  • Harmonizes the Stomach, relieves fullnessEpigastric distension, belching, poor appetite and nausea where the Liver is overrunning the Stomach.
  • Transforms phlegm, opens the chestLingering cough with sputum and a stuffy, tight chest.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Fo Shou

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Flank and chest distension with sighing and irritability
    - Epigastric fullness, belching and poor appetite
    - Premenstrual breast distension and tenderness
    - Chronic cough with sputum and chest tightness

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Functional dyspepsiaGERDPMSChronic bronchitis

Contraindications

Cautions

Aromatic and warm-drying: use it sparingly where yin is deficient with heat signs, and it has little to offer someone with no qi constraint at all. Its action lives in the volatile oil, so add it in the last few minutes of the decoction rather than boiling it long.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction on record — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Dian Nan Ben Cao《滇南本草》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.