Qián Hú (前胡) — Peucedanum Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
- Frequently asked questions
1. Overview
Qián Hú (前胡) is the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum. It belongs to the category of Cool-transforming Phlegm-Heat herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine to descend Lung Qi, dispel Wind-Heat and clear Phlegm-Heat from the chest.
I prescribe Qián Hú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Qián Hú |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 前胡 |
| Latin name | Peucedanum praeruptorum |
| English name | Peucedanum root / Hogfennel |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Lung |
| Category | Cool herbs that transform Phlegm-Heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Descends Lung Qi and transforms Phlegm-Heat
- Releases the exterior and dispels Wind-Heat
Indications
- Cough with thick yellow phlegm and chest oppression from Phlegm-Heat
- Wind-Heat invasion with cough, fever, headache and thick sputum
- Asthma and wheeze with rebellious Lung Qi and Phlegm-Heat
4. Modern research
Peucedanum contains coumarins (praeruptorin A, B, C, D), essential oil and flavonoids. Studies report calcium-channel blocking activity, antispasmodic effects on bronchial smooth muscle, mild antitussive and expectorant action, and antiplatelet activity. Praeruptorin A is under investigation for cardiovascular indications.
5. Incompatibilities
Qián Hú (前胡) Peucedanum Root is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in cough from Yin deficiency without Phlegm and in patients with persistent loose stools from Spleen-Yang deficiency.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Cold patterns and Spleen Yang deficiency. Some (e.g. Gua Lou family) have mild laxative effect — caution in chronic diarrhoea.
Modern drug interactions
Generally well tolerated. Tell your doctor if on regular medication.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Qián Hú as part of tailored herbal formulas for productive cough with chest tightness, wheezing during Wind-Heat colds, and acute bronchitis with stuck Phlegm-Heat. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
8. Frequently asked questions
What is Qian Hu used for?
Qian Hu is traditionally used to direct Lung Qi downward and transform phlegm — for a cough with thick, difficult phlegm, a stifling sensation in the chest, and wind-heat coughs. It both clears heat-phlegm and helps disperse an early wind-heat cold.
What are the benefits of Qian Hu?
It is one of the more balanced cough herbs, useful where a cough combines phlegm with a sense of Qi rising. It helps ease chest fullness and settle the cough within a matched formula.
How is Qian Hu taken?
Typically 6–9g in decoction, combined with other herbs suited to the specific cough pattern by a qualified herbalist.
Are there any cautions with Qian Hu?
It is less suitable for a dry cough from Yin deficiency, where moistening herbs are needed instead. As always, it should be prescribed to match the pattern rather than used alone.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
