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.