Pinyin: xiang fu (cu)

Properties: acrid, slightly bitter, slightly sweet, neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, San Jiao

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
1. Spreads the Liver. Regulates Qi

2. Regulates Menstruation. Relieves Pain

DOSAGE
6 to 12 grams. Xiang Fu can be used as herbal decoction, powder, or pills. Frying the herb with vinegar enhances its function to reduce accumulations and relieve pain. Frying the herb with grain-based liquor increases its function to open channels and collaterals. Frying the herb with ginger potentiates its action to dissolve phlegm stagnation and unblock Liver qi stagnation.

CAUTIONS I CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Use Xiang Fu with caution for patients experiencing qi deficiency in the absence of stagnation, or yin deficiency
with heat in the blood.