Xiāng Fù (香附) — Nutgrass Rhizome (Cyperus)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Xiāng Fù (香附) — Cyperus rotundus — is known in English as Nutgrass rhizome / Cyperus. It belongs to the category of Herbs that regulate Qi in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Xiāng Fù as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Spreads Liver Qi and resolves depression and constraint
2. Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain
3. Harmonises the Middle Jiao
4. The primary herb for Liver Qi stagnation in gynaecology — ‘the foremost herb for women’

Indications

1. Liver Qi stagnation with flank pain, chest tightness, irritability and depression
2. Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and PMS from Liver Qi constraint
3. Breast distension and tenderness premenstrually
4. Epigastric and abdominal pain from Liver invading the Stomach
5. Emotional disturbance affecting the menstrual cycle
6. PCOS — addresses the Liver Qi stagnation component

4. Key formulas containing Xiāng Fù

Xiāng Fù is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Xiao Yao San
• Chai Hu Shu Gan San
• Yue Ju Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Cyperus rotundus (Xiang Fu) is one of the most important Qi-regulating herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica and has been subject to growing pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include sesquiterpenes (cyperene, cyperenone, alpha-cyperone), flavonoids and alkaloids. Research confirms analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (blocking prostaglandin synthesis — directly relevant to dysmenorrhoea), antiemetic properties, CNS inhibitory effects, and oestrogen-modulating activity. Clinical and preclinical research supports its use in dysmenorrhoea, PMS and PCOS. The compound alpha-cyperone has specific anti-oestrogenic activity that may be beneficial in conditions of oestrogen excess.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in Qi deficiency without stagnation, and in patients with Yin deficiency and Empty Heat, as the acrid dispersing nature can consume Yin. Avoid overuse in pregnancy.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Xiāng Fù as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including PCOS, Irregular menstrual cycle, Endometriosis, Stress. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.