Term | Definition |
Chen Pi ***
"old skin"
(aged tangerine peel) | Promotes flow of Qi: Regulates Qi, adjusts the middle, relieves the diaphragm; Dries dampness and transforms phlegm; Helps prevent stagnation
NOT for dry cough with qi/yin xu, caution with excess heat and longterm use (injure yuan qi) |
Qing Pi ***
(unripe tangerine peel) | Spreads LV Qi, breaks up stagnant Qi, directs Qi downward; Dissipates clumps and reduces stagnation, harmonizes ST
CAUTION with Qi xu (dispersing), taken before bed may interfere w/sleeping |
Zhi Shi ***
"orange fruit"
(unripe bitter orange) | Breaks up stagnant Qi and reduces accumulation; Transforms phlegm and expels focal distention, unblocks plugs; Used w/qi-tonifying herbs for gastriectasis, gastroptosis, rectal or uterine prolapse, also to raise blood pressure |
Zhi Ke (Qiao) ***
(bitter orange) | Promotes the flow of Qi, unblocks plugs
CAUTION during pregnancy |
Xiang Fu ***
"aromatic attachment/affection"
(cyperus, nut-grass rhizome) | Spreads and regulates LV Qi, promotes flow in ST channel; Regulates menstruation, alleviates pain
NOT with qi xu w/out stagnation, or with yin xu empty heat, or heat in the blood |
Mu Xiang ***
"wood aromatic"
(aucklandia, costus root) | Promotes the movement of Q, stops pain; Adjusts and regulates stagnant qi in the intestines; Strengthens the SP, prevents stagnation
CAUTION with depleted fluids, yin xu, or blazing fire |
Wu Yao ***
"black medicine"
(Lindera root) | Promotes smooth flow of Qi, alleviates pain (bulging d/o and dysmenorrhea), disperse cold; Warms KD (for KD yang)
NOT for Qi or blood xu or internal heat |
Chuan Lian Zi ***
"Mountain connection seed"
(toosendan fruit, Sichuan pagoda tree berry) | Dregdes LV Qi, releases constraint, STOPS PAIN (from LV stag or LV-ST disharmony), and conducts heat out from below; Kills parasites and stops pain
NOT for SP/ST xu cold, or longterm use |
Da Fu Pi **
"Big Belly Skin"
(areca husk/peel) | Drives Qi downward and eases the middle (for difficult BM with Qi stag + damp), disperses formless Qi obstruction; promotes urination, REDUCES EDEMA
CAUTION during pregnancy |
Chen Xiang **
"sinking aroma"
(aquaria wood, aloes wood) | Promotes movement of Qi and alleviates pain; Directs rebellious Qi downward and regulates the middle (for belching, hiccough, vomiting, morning sickness); AIDS THE KD in grasping the Qi (for cough and wheezing from KD xu) |
Tan Xiang **
(sandalwood)
2-5g | unblocks qi stagnation in the chest, promotes movement of Qi, alleviates pain; settles belching and nausea
NOT when there is fire or significant yin xu |
Xie Bai **
"white garlic"
(Chinese garlic/chives) | Unblocks the yang Qi and disperses turbid phlegm (unbinds congealed constraint); Directs Qi downward and reduces stagnation; warms, drains, and benefits the orifices
NOT for Qi xu, weak ST, and intolerance of garlic & onions |
Fo Shou **
"Buddha's Hand"
(finger citron fruit) | (MILD) Spreads and regulates the LV Qi; Harmonizes the ST and strengthens the SP (HARMONIZES MIDDLE); Transforms phlegm and stops cough
CAUTION with yin xu fire |
Xiang Yuan **
(Citron) | (Mild) Promotes the movement of Qi, awakens the SP, eases the middle; Dredges and regulates LV Qi and stops pain (stops nausea, restores appetite); Directs downward and drains as a means of reducing phlegm and stopping cough |
Mei Gui Hua **
(rosebud)
1.5-6g | (MILD) Promotes the movement of Qi and relieves constraint; Promotes movement of Qi, harmonizes the blood, and disperses stasis (for irregular menses) |
Zi Su Geng **
"purple (family name) stem"
(Perilla stem) | Promotes flow of Qi, expands the chest, benefits the diaphragm; Calms the fetus and stops vomiting, harmonizes the middle |
Li Zhi He **
"leechee nut" | Disperses cold and stagnation and stops pain (in groin/testicles due to cold in LV channel); Regulates Qi and stops pain (obstruction in LV channel) |