Xiang Fu - Nut Grass Rhizome
TCM Materia Medica
Xiang Fu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "xiang fu" which in english is "nut grass rhizome", is categorized within the "herbs that regulate the qi" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver and triple heater channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku), neutral (ping) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4.5-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Spreads and regulates the Qi, soothes the liver - hypochondriac pain, epigastric distention, disharmony between the liver and the spleen.
- Regulates menses, alleviates pain (by resolving liver qi stagnation) - dysmenorrhea, irregular menses.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, xiang fu is generally included in the following 9 formulas:
ViewChai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver)
Liver qi stagnation signs - hypochondriac tension, abdominal pain, IBS symptoms Alternating chills and fever.
ViewChen Xiang Hua Qi Wan (Aquilaria Qi Transforming Pills)
For spleen qi deficiency with damp heat accumulation in the lower. The spleen system is effectively the western version of the digestive system. The spleen is responsible for extracting the energy …
ViewGe Xia Zhu Yu Wan (Drive Out Blood Stasis Below The Diaphragm Decoction)
For blood stasis below the diaphgram - abdominal masses, liver and spleen masses/swelling, colitis. A range of liver disorders are possibly applicable - cirrhosis, hepatic hemangioma, hepatitis, jau…
ViewNuan Gong Yun Zi Wan (Warm Uterus & Conception Pills)
Infertility, history of miscarriage due to blood deficiency and/or cold in the lower jiao from kidney yang deficiency. Irregular menstruation. Lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, uterine and/or …
ViewShao Fu Zhu Yu Wan (Abdominal Stasis Relief Pills)
Qi and blood stagnation in the lower jiao - lower abdominal masses, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis. Fertility issues in both men and women with the right underlying signs - amenorrhea, dysme…
ViewShen Tong Zhu Yu Wan (Remove Stagnant Blood from a Painful Body Pills)
Qi and Blood stagnation blocking the channels and collaterals - pain in the extremities, shoulder pain, elbow pain, leg pain. With the right underlying patterns - possibly useful for fibromyalgia, c…
ViewWu Ji Bai Feng Wan (Black Chicken White Phoenix Pills)
Coming Soon...
ViewXiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Aucklandia Amomi Nurture Stomach Pills)
Low appetite, apathy towards eating due to spleen qi deficiency. Acid reflux, indigestion, epigastric pain, tendency to feel full even with small quantities of food. Food stagnation due to overeati…
ViewYue Ju Wan (Escape Restraint Pill)
An important formula for plum pit qi and related issues arising from qi stagnation (from many factors) - an oppressive sensation in the chest and/or diaphgram, gerd, reflux, indigestion, nausea, belc…
As noted above, xiang fu is within the herbs that regulate the qi functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... used with qi disorders involving deficiency and stagnation. these herbs are primarily used for stagnation involving the spleen and stomach, constrained liver qi, and stagnant lung qi. )".
All Content 1999-2025
Chad J. Dupuis / Yin Yang House
Our Policies and Privacy Guidelines
Our Affiliated Clinics