Rhizome of Nutgrass Galingale … Classic Formulas
Xiang Fu · Rhizoma Cyperi
Primary Actions
- Spreads Liver qi and relieves constraint ... Xiang Fu is a classic herb for chest, flank, epigastric, or emotional stagnation patterns marked by distension and discomfort.
- Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain ... it is widely used for dysmenorrhea, irregular cycles, breast distension, and qi-stagnation gynecologic patterns.
- Harmonizes the middle burner and reduces abdominal distension ... traditional use extends to nausea, poor appetite, and Stomach discomfort when Liver-Spleen disharmony is prominent.
Classic Formulas
- Liang Fu Wan ... classic pairing of Xiang Fu with Gao Liang Jiang for stomach-cold pain with qi stagnation.
- Liver-constraint menstrual formulas with Chai Hu, Bai Shao, or Dang Gui ... used when pain, mood, and cycle irregularity travel together.
- Qi-regulating combinations with Chen Pi or Fo Shou ... traditional strategy for distension, nausea, and poor appetite from constrained Liver-Spleen qi.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herbology describes Xiang Fu as a neutral qi-regulating herb that excels in Liver constraint and menstrual pain.
- It is sometimes called the holy medicine of gynecology in later literature, but its real strength is broad qi regulation rather than being limited to one body system.