Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang — Aquilaria Descend the Qi Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang — the “Aquilaria Descend the Qi Decoction” — is from Yang Shiying’s Song-dynasty Ren Zhai Zhi Zhi Fang Lun. Chen Xiang (aquilaria) is the strongest descending Qi herb in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, particularly for rebellious Lung-Stomach Qi rising from severe Liver Qi stagnation: stress-induced wheezing, plum-pit Qi sensation in the throat, chest oppression, sighing, belching, all worsened by emotional upset.

I prescribe Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang is prescribed for severe rebellious Qi from Liver-Qi stagnation:

• Stress-induced wheezing or breathlessness
• Chest oppression, sense of fullness
• Frequent sighing
• Plum-pit Qi sensation in the throat
• Belching, hiccups
• Symptoms worse with emotional upset
• Tongue — thin white coat
• Pulse — wiry, possibly forceful in guan position

Key herbs

1. Chen Xiang (Lignum Aquilariae, cultivated, 1.5–3g) — chief; powerfully descends Lung-Stomach Qi; calms breathlessness
2. Xiang Fu (Rz. Cyperi, 6–9g) — spreads Liver Qi; relieves emotional stagnation
3. Wu Yao (Rx. Linderae, 6–9g) — moves Qi; descends rebellious Qi
4. Sha Ren (Fr. Amomi, 3–6g) — aromatically warms; moves Qi
5. Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae, 3–6g) — harmonises; soothes

Formula actions

1. Strongly descends rebellious Lung-Stomach Qi
2. Spreads Liver Qi
3. Relieves chest oppression and breathlessness

Conditions treated

1. Stress-induced asthma exacerbation with chest tightness
2. Plum-pit Qi (globus sensation) with marked stress trigger
3. Functional dyspnoea in anxiety
4. Hyperventilation syndrome
5. Stress-related reflux and belching
6. Hiccups from stress-induced Qi rebellion

Cautions

Use Chen Xiang from sustainable cultivated agarwood sources only; wild aquilaria is endangered. Pharmaceutical-grade Sun Ten uses cultivated source.

Not appropriate for true Lung deficiency dyspnoea, Heat-pattern wheeze or pure Yin-deficient cough.

Severe acute asthma attack or new chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.