Xiang Fu, also known as Cyperi Rhizoma or Nutgrass Rhizome, is a slightly bitter, sweet, and neutral herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to regulate Qi, soothe the Liver, and alleviate pain. It is one of the most important Qi-regulating herbs, particularly in treating gynecological and emotional disorders caused by Liver Qi Stagnation. Xiang Fu is commonly used in conditions involving stress, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, and digestive upset.
Functions & Benefits
Spreads Liver Qi & Relieves Constraint
Xiang Fu is a key herb for treating Liver Qi Stagnation, particularly when it affects the chest, flanks, or abdomen. It is widely used to address emotional symptoms such as irritability, depression, and tension caused by constrained Liver Qi.
Regulates Menstruation & Alleviates Pain
This herb is especially effective in gynecology, where it is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve dysmenorrhea, and treat irregular periods due to Qi stagnation. It is often used for PMS, breast tenderness, and emotional volatility before menstruation.
Harmonizes the Interior & Relieves Digestive Discomfort
By moving Qi in the middle burner, Xiang Fu helps relieve epigastric fullness, bloating, and poor appetite. It is used in formulas for stress-induced digestive disorders, especially when emotional tension affects the Spleen and Stomach.
Supports Qi Movement in Various Systems
Xiang Fu helps Qi move throughout the body and is often combined with other herbs to guide their effects to specific organs or regions, such as the Liver, abdomen, or uterus. It gently disperses stagnation without being overly drying or draining.
Indications
Irritability, mood swings, or emotional tension from Liver Qi Stagnation
Irregular menstruation, painful periods, or PMS with breast distension
Epigastric or abdominal pain and bloating linked to emotional stress
Poor appetite or digestive upset due to constrained middle burner Qi
Qi stagnation-related disorders in the chest, flanks, or lower abdomen
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Normal or slightly red with thin white or yellow coating
Pulse: Wiry, especially in the left guan (Liver) position or overall tight
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu treats Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver-Spleen Disharmony, Qi Stagnation with Menstrual Irregularities, and Stress-Induced Digestive Disorders. These patterns often involve tension, pain, irregular menses, and emotional symptoms.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable in cases of Qi Deficiency without stagnation
Avoid in patients with Yin Deficiency and heat signs if not properly balanced
Use cautiously in dry constitutions or those prone to dryness
May interfere with tonics if stagnation is not a predominant factor
Conclusion
Xiang Fu is an essential Qi-regulating herb in TCM, known for its ability to move Liver Qi, ease emotional constraint, and treat gynecological and digestive disorders. It is particularly useful for stress-related symptoms and menstrual irregularities caused by Qi stagnation. It
Xiang Fu, also known as Cyperi Rhizoma or Nutgrass Rhizome, is a slightly bitter, sweet, and neutral herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to regulate Qi, soothe the Liver, and alleviate pain. It is one of the most important Qi-regulating herbs, particularly in treating gynecological and emotional disorders caused by Liver Qi Stagnation. Xiang Fu is commonly used in conditions involving stress, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, and digestive upset.
Functions & Benefits
Spreads Liver Qi & Relieves Constraint
Xiang Fu is a key herb for treating Liver Qi Stagnation, particularly when it affects the chest, flanks, or abdomen. It is widely used to address emotional symptoms such as irritability, depression, and tension caused by constrained Liver Qi.
Regulates Menstruation & Alleviates Pain
This herb is especially effective in gynecology, where it is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve dysmenorrhea, and treat irregular periods due to Qi stagnation. It is often used for PMS, breast tenderness, and emotional volatility before menstruation.
Harmonizes the Interior & Relieves Digestive Discomfort
By moving Qi in the middle burner, Xiang Fu helps relieve epigastric fullness, bloating, and poor appetite. It is used in formulas for stress-induced digestive disorders, especially when emotional tension affects the Spleen and Stomach.
Supports Qi Movement in Various Systems
Xiang Fu helps Qi move throughout the body and is often combined with other herbs to guide their effects to specific organs or regions, such as the Liver, abdomen, or uterus. It gently disperses stagnation without being overly drying or draining.
Indications
Irritability, mood swings, or emotional tension from Liver Qi Stagnation
Irregular menstruation, painful periods, or PMS with breast distension
Epigastric or abdominal pain and bloating linked to emotional stress
Poor appetite or digestive upset due to constrained middle burner Qi
Qi stagnation-related disorders in the chest, flanks, or lower abdomen
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Normal or slightly red with thin white or yellow coating
Pulse: Wiry, especially in the left guan (Liver) position or overall tight
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu treats Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver-Spleen Disharmony, Qi Stagnation with Menstrual Irregularities, and Stress-Induced Digestive Disorders. These patterns often involve tension, pain, irregular menses, and emotional symptoms.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable in cases of Qi Deficiency without stagnation
Avoid in patients with Yin Deficiency and heat signs if not properly balanced
Use cautiously in dry constitutions or those prone to dryness
May interfere with tonics if stagnation is not a predominant factor
Conclusion
Xiang Fu is an essential Qi-regulating herb in TCM, known for its ability to move Liver Qi, ease emotional constraint, and treat gynecological and digestive disorders. It is particularly useful for stress-related symptoms and menstrual irregularities caused by Qi stagnation. It
