Lai Fu Zi - Raphani Semen – Radish seed

Lai Fu Zi, the dried seed of the radish plant (Raphanus sativus), is a valuable herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for reducing food accumulation, transforming phlegm, and redirecting rebellious Qi downward. It is particularly useful for treating indigestion, belching, acid regurgitation, bloating, and cough with excessive sputum. Lai Fu Zi’s dual action on both the digestive and respiratory systems makes it a versatile herb for clearing stagnation and dispersing accumulation, especially when caused by improper diet or internal dampness.

Functions & Benefits

Reduces Food Stagnation and Improves Digestion
Lai Fu Zi helps break down accumulated food in the digestive tract, making it useful for bloating, distension, belching, and sour regurgitation. It is often used after overeating or for chronic indigestion with fullness.

Transforms Phlegm and Stops Cough
This herb dissolves phlegm and helps stop coughs due to phlegm accumulation, especially when symptoms are accompanied by chest fullness or difficulty breathing.

Redirects Rebellious Qi Downward
By descending Qi, Lai Fu Zi helps relieve hiccups, wheezing, and vomiting caused by Qi rising counter to its natural direction.

Indications
Lai Fu Zi is commonly used in individuals who suffer from digestive complaints after heavy meals, such as gas, bloating, or belching. It is also useful for productive coughs with thick sputum and chest congestion due to phlegm-dampness. Additionally, it supports downward movement of Qi in cases of nausea or hiccups caused by rebellious Stomach or Lung Qi.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
The typical tongue for Lai Fu Zi presentations is thick-coated, white or yellow, suggesting food stagnation or phlegm accumulation. The pulse is often slippery, indicating excess or accumulation, or wiry when there is rebellious Qi or stagnation.

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Lai Fu Zi
Lai Fu Zi is indicated for food stagnation patterns with symptoms such as bloating, belching, and indigestion. It is also used for phlegm obstructing the Lung, resulting in cough with thick sputum, wheezing, or chest fullness. When Qi rises abnormally—causing hiccup, vomiting, or breathlessness—it is used to guide the Qi downward.

Precautions & Contraindications
Lai Fu Zi should not be used in individuals with Qi deficiency unless combined with tonifying herbs, as it has dispersing properties that can weaken the digestion if overused. It is also contraindicated with ginseng (Ren Shen), as the two may counteract each other. Avoid use in dry coughs without phlegm or in cases of Yin deficiency with heat.

Conclusion
Lai Fu Zi is a practical and effective TCM herb for addressing food stagnation, phlegm accumulation, and rebellious Qi. Whether relieving digestive discomfort after overeating or transforming phlegm in respiratory conditions, this radish seed plays a vital role in dispersing accumulation and restoring proper Qi flow. Its ability to balance the middle and upper burners makes it a key herb in many digestive and respiratory formulas.