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Cura x Cura

Xiang Fu香附

Cyperi Rhizoma · Nut-Grass Rhizome · Cyperus

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药《名医别录》

Overview

The rhizome of nut-grass and the first-line herb for Liver qi constraint, long treated as the principal remedy in gynecology: irregular cycles, cramping period pain, and the premenstrual breast tenderness and irritability that go with them. Vinegar-fried Xiang Fu 醋炒香附 is drawn further into the Liver blood and is chosen when pain leads; the unprocessed herb spreads constraint and moves qi more broadly.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, slightly bitter, slightly sweet · Neutral

Channels

Liver · Spleen · San Jiao

Typical Dosage

6–9 g in decoction
香附Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Spreads Liver qi, relieves constraintFlank and chest distension, frequent sighing and irritability from Liver qi stagnation.
  • Regulates menstruation, stops painIrregular cycles, premenstrual breast distension and cramping dysmenorrhea; the vinegar-fried form where pain dominates.
  • Moves qi in the middle burnerBloating, poor appetite and a stuck, full feeling after eating when constraint reaches digestion.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Xiang Fu

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Liver qi constraint with flank and chest distension, irritability, frequent sighing
    - Irregular menses, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual breast tenderness
    - Epigastric and abdominal bloating from qi stagnation

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

DysmenorrheaPMSFunctional dyspepsiaIBS

Contraindications

Cautions

Acrid and dispersing: sustained or high-dose use can consume qi and yin, so where qi is weak or yin depleted with heat signs it is given alongside tonics rather than on its own.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies; as a qi-moving herb, its dose and duration are set by the treating practitioner

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.