Xiao Hui Xiang - Fruit du fenouil - Fructus Foeniculi

Xiao Hui Xiang (fruit du fenouil) est une herbe chaude et âcre de la médecine traditionnelle chinoise (MTC), traditionnellement utilisée pour réchauffer le foie et les reins, dissiper le froid, réguler le Qi et soulager la douleur. Il s'agit du fruit mûr et séché de Foeniculum vulgare (venkel) et est particulièrement efficace pour traiter les problèmes digestifs et reproductifs liés au froid, tels que les douleurs abdominales, les hernies, les crampes menstruelles et le manque d'appétit dû à une déficience du Yang de la Rate.
Il est doux mais efficace, ce qui en fait un ingrédient courant dans les formules pour les douleurs de type froid et la stagnation du Qi dans le bas-ventre.
Fonctions et avantages
Warms the Liver and Kidneys and Dispels Cold• Treats cold in the lower abdomen, hernia pain, testicular swelling, and lower back weakness• Relieves pain from cold obstructing the Liver meridian• Used in infertility or menstrual irregularities due to cold in the uterus
Regulates Qi and Alleviates Pain• Harmonizes the Stomach and relieves epigastric or abdominal discomfort• Moves Qi in cases of bloating, nausea, and indigestion due to cold• Particularly helpful in morning sickness when due to cold and Qi stagnation
Warms the Middle and Strengthens the Spleen• Used in poor digestion with abdominal pain, vomiting, and cold sensations• Mildly tonifies digestive function by warming the Yang• Assists in treating cold diarrhea or chronic bloating
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with abdominal or lower abdominal pain worsened by cold✔ People with cold-type hernia, testicular pain, or inguinal discomfort✔ Women with menstrual pain or irregular cycles due to uterine cold✔ Patients with poor digestion, cold limbs, or nausea from cold✔ Those with mild Qi stagnation in the digestive or reproductive systems
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Pale with white coating (cold and Yang deficiency)Pulse: Deep, slow, or wiry (cold or constrained Liver Qi)
Related TCM PatternsCold in the Liver Channel – Hernia, testicular pain, menstrual crampsCold in the Uterus – Delayed menstruation, infertility, abdominal painSpleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency – Bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetiteQi Stagnation with Cold – Abdominal distention and pain relieved by warmth
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Cold-Type Hernia or Inguinal Pain – Warms Liver channel and moves QiMenstrual Pain – Relieves cramps and improves circulation in cold-type patternsNausea and Poor Appetite – Warms the middle and promotes digestionLower Back or Lower Abdominal Pain – Eases tension from cold or Qi stagnationPediatric Colic – Gently warms and calms the digestive system
Common Herbal Formulas with Xiao Hui Xiang• Tian Tai Wu Yao San – For hernia pain and testicular discomfort• Wen Jing Tang (modified) – For cold-related menstrual disorders• Li Zhong Wan (modified) – For Spleen Yang deficiency with vomiting and cold• Xiao Hui Xiang Tang – A classic warming decoction for abdominal pain due to cold• Shen Qi Wan – For Kidney Yang deficiency with cold limbs and urinary issues
Precautions & ContraindicationsNot suitable for heat conditions or Yin deficiency with heat signsAvoid in individuals with signs of internal heat, constipation, or red tongueShould not be used in excessive doses over long periods due to warming natureUse with caution during pregnancy, especially in high doses
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Use warming spices like fennel, ginger, and cinnamon in cooking✔ Avoid raw, cold, or greasy foods that weaken the Spleen and promote cold✔ Keep the lower abdomen and back warm, especially during winter or menstruation✔ Gentle abdominal massage or moxa can support warming and circulation
ConclusionXiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fruit) is a warm, harmonizing herb that dispels cold, regulates Qi, and relieves pain. It is highly effective in treating cold-related abdominal and reproductive issues, from menstrual cramps to hernia pain and digestive weakness. Its gentle warmth and Qi-moving action make it a trusted herb in formulas for both men and women with internal cold patterns.