Fo Shou (佛手) — Buddha's Hand Citron
Fo Shou — Buddha’s hand citron — is a gentle, aromatic Qi-regulating Chinese herb ideal for Liver-Stomach disharmony and chronic mild functional dyspepsia. Fragrant and mildly warming, it is well-tolerated across weak constitutions and can be used long-term.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Fo Shou (佛手) — Buddha's Hand Citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Buddha's hand)) — is a Chinese herb in the Regulate Qi category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Fo Shou |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 佛手 |
| Latin name | Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Buddha's hand) |
| English name | Buddha's Hand Citron |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter, sour |
| Channels entered | Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung |
| Category | Regulate Qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Soothes the Liver and regulates Qi
- Harmonises the Stomach and relieves pain
- Transforms Phlegm and stops cough
Indications
- Liver-Stomach disharmony with belching and epigastric pain
- Functional dyspepsia with mood-related flare
- Chronic cough with white sticky phlegm
- Mild PMS with breast tenderness
4. Dosage
3–9g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin-deficient dry conditions
- No major contraindications
6. Key formulas
Fo Shou is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Fo Shou where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
