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Qian Hu前胡

Peucedani Radix · Hogfennel Root · Peucedanum Root

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药《雷公炮炙论》

Overview

Bitter, acrid and slightly cold, entering the Lung. Qian Hu does two jobs that fit naturally together: it pushes rebellious Lung qi back down and thins the thick phlegm that is holding the chest tight, and it disperses lingering wind-heat at the surface. The old teaching pairs it against Chai Hu 柴胡 by direction — Chai Hu lifts, Qian Hu descends.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, acrid · Slightly cold

Channels

Lung

Typical Dosage

6–10 g in decoction
前胡Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Directs qi downward, transforms phlegm-heatCough with thick yellow sputum, a full oppressed chest and wheezing where Lung qi will not descend.
  • Disperses wind-heatThe early stage of a wind-heat pattern with cough, headache and a stuffy head — often with Jie Geng 桔梗 and Sang Ye 桑叶.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Qian Hu

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Cough with thick, hard-to-expectorate sputum
    - Chest fullness and wheezing from qi failing to descend
    - Wind-heat cough with headache in the early stage

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

CoughBronchitisUpper respiratory infection

Contraindications

Cautions

Not for a dry cough arising from yin deficiency, nor for cold-phlegm patterns with copious clear watery sputum; in a purely deficient cough it can weaken further. Not toxic.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Ming Yi Bie Lu《名医别录》(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.