Xiang Yuan香橼
Citri Fructus · Citron Fruit
Overview
The sliced dried fruit of the citron, aromatic and gently warming. It moves qi through the chest and middle burner without the harshness of the stronger qi-movers, easing the distension, belching and poor appetite of Liver–Stomach disharmony, and it dries damp and transforms phlegm for a full chest with copious sputum. Close to Fo Shou in use, and often the choice when the picture is mild.
Nature & Flavor
Acrid, slightly bitter, sour · WarmChannels
Liver · Spleen · Stomach · LungTypical Dosage
3–9 g in decoctionActions
2 core actions
- Spreads Liver qi, harmonizes the StomachFlank and epigastric distension, belching, nausea and poor appetite.
- Dries damp, transforms phlegmChest fullness with copious thin sputum and a heavy, weighed-down feeling.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Xiang Yuan
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Liver–Stomach disharmony with flank and epigastric distension, belching, poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting from stagnant qi in the middle burner
- Chest oppression with cough and copious sputum
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Aromatic, warm and drying — used sparingly where yin is deficient with heat signs, and combined with tonics rather than given alone where qi is markedly weak.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
3. 《中药学》 (national TCM curriculum materia medica).
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.