Regulate Qi — herbs and formulas (理气剂)

Qi-regulating formulas address two opposite movements: stagnant Qi (needs to be moved) and rebellious Qi (needs to be descended). Almost every modern stress-pattern, IBS and acid-reflux presentation involves one or both.

Sub-categories

1. Move stagnant Qi — Yue Ju Wan, Chai Hu Shu Gan San, Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
2. Descend rebellious Qi — Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, Ding Chuan Tang, Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

Herbs in this category

The following individual herbs belong to this category in the Chinese Materia Medica:

• Chen Pi (Aged tangerine peel / Citrus peel)
• Chuan Lian Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit)
• Mu Xiang (Costus root / Aucklandia root)
• Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel)
• Wu Yao (Lindera root / Spicebush root)
• Xiang Fu (Nutgrass Rhizome (Cyperus))
• Zhi Ke (Bitter orange fruit / Mature aurantium fruit)
• Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange)

Formulas in this category

The following classical and modern formulas in this category are detailed individually in the formula directory:

1. Yue Ju Wan — six stagnations (qi-blood-phlegm-damp-food-fire)
2. Ban Xia Hou Po Tang — plum-stone throat / chest constraint
3. Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang — rebellious Lung-Kidney Qi (wheeze)
4. Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang — rebellious Stomach Qi (hiccup, eructation)
5. Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang — Stomach Heat with nausea/hiccup
6. Tian Tai Wu Yao San — Liver-channel cold pain (hernia)
7. Jin Ling Zi San — Liver Qi stagnation with pain

Browse the full formula directory for over 260 individual formula pages.

When this category is used

Formulas that Regulate Qi are typically prescribed for: IBS, acid reflux, globus sensation, premenstrual tension, stress headaches, chronic cough with rebellious Qi. The choice of specific formula within the category is determined by precise Eight Principles pattern differentiation in clinical consultation.

About prescribing

Chinese herbal formulas are dispensed by qualified practitioners following individual TCM diagnosis. The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

Return to the Chinese herbal medicine main page or browse individual herbs.