✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Herbs Regulating the Flow of Qi
Introduction: Herbs Regulating the Flow of Qi—also known as Qi-regulating herbs—are agents that regulate Qi activity to treat Qi stagnation or rebellious (adverse) Qi flow; they are also termed Qi-moving herbs.
Qi-regulating herbs are predominantly warm in nature and pungent or bitter in flavor, with an aromatic odor. Their primary functions include regulating Qi flow, alleviating Qi stagnation, and calming rebellious Qi. They are indicated for: spleen- and stomach-Qi stagnation manifesting as abdominal fullness, distension, and pain; chest-Qi stagnation causing chest obstruction and pain; Liver-Qi stagnation resulting in hypochondriac distending pain, breast distension and pain, breast lumps or masses; colic; irregular menstruation; stomach-Qi rebellion leading to nausea, vomiting, and belching; etc. As most Qi-regulating herbs are warm and drying, they may deplete Qi and impair Yin if used in excessive dosage or for prolonged periods; thus, they should be used with caution—or avoided—in individuals with Qi deficiency or Yin deficiency.
Representative herbs in this category include Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chén Pí), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (Qīng Pí), Semen Citri Reticulatae (Jú Hé), and other herbs include Exocarpium Citri Rubrum(Jú Hóng), Fructus Aurantii (Zhǐ Ké), Caulis Perillae (Zǐ Sū Gěnɡ), Rhizoma Cyperi (Xiānɡ Fù), Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis (Fó Shǒu), Fructus Citri (Xiānɡ Yuán), Radix Linderae (Wū Yào), Semen Aesculi (Suō Luó Zǐ), Aspongopus(Stink-bug, Jiǔ Xiānɡ Chónɡ), Flos Mume (Méi Huā), Rose flower (Méi Gui Huā), Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhǐ Shí), Bulbus Allii Macrostemoni (Xiè Bái), Semen Litchi (Lì Zhī Hé), Calyx Kaki (Shì Dì), Fructus Toosendan (Chuān Liàn Zǐ). Among these, Rose flower (Méi Guī Huā) is introduced in Popular Herbs.
✵As of January 1, 2024, this category comprises [18] commonly used TCM herbs derived from [23] plant species and [1] insect species. Each herb is briefly introduced separately below:
Brief Introduction:Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae is the dried ripe pericarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, invigorate the spleen, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm—primarily for treating Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, and cough with profuse phlegm. The herb is commonly known as Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Dried Tangerine Peel, or Chén Pí.
Brief Introduction:Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride is the dried unripe exocarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, soothe the liver, and resolve stagnation—primarily for treating liver Qi stagnation and food retention. The herb is commonly known as Green Tangerine Peel, Qīng Pí.
Semen Citri Reticulatae (Tangerine Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Citri Reticulatae is the dried ripe seed of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, dissolve nodules, and alleviate pain—primarily for treating hernial pain, mammary nodules, and testicular swelling and pain. The herb is commonly known as Tangerine Seed, Jú Hé.
Exocarpium Citri Rubrum (Red Tangerine Peel)
Brief Introduction:Exocarpium Citri Rubrum is the dried exocarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). Its actions are similar to those of Dried Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), but with greater potency. The herb is commonly known as Red Tangerine Peel, Jú Hóng.
Brief Introduction:Fructus Aurantii Immaturus is the dried, small, immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties or Citrus sinensis Osbeck, with a diameter under 2.5 cm. It is used to treat dyspepsia, constipation, and abdominal distension due to food stagnation, and is administered in larger doses for visceroptosis. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Immature Orange Fruit, or Zhǐ Shí.
Fructus Aurantii (Orange Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Aurantii is the dried immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties, with a diameter of 3–5 cm (family Rutaceae). It is used similarly to Fructus Aurantii Immaturus but with a milder effect. It is commonly known as Fructus Aurantii, Orange Fruit, Bitter Orange, or Zhǐ Ké.
Caulis Perillae (Perilla Stem)
Brief Introduction: The herb Caulis Perillae is the dried stem of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, used to regulate the flow of Qi, relieve pain, and calm the fetus for the treatment of chest tightness, epigastric pain, eructation, vomiting, and threatened abortion. It is commonly known as Caulis Perillae, Perilla Stem, or Zǐ Sū Gěng.
Rhizoma Cyperi (Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome)
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Cyperi is the dried tuber of Cyperus rotundus L., used to soothe Liver-Qi, regulate menstruation, and alleviate pain in the treatment of chest and abdominal distension with pain, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Cyperi, Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome, or Xiāng Fù.
Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis (Finger Citron)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis is the dried fruit of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Noot.) Swingle. It is used to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, harmonize the middle burner, resolve dampness and phlegm, and treat liver Qi stagnation or spleen-stomach disharmony, as well as chronic cough with profuse sputum. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis, finger citron, or Fó Shǒu.
Fructus Citri (Citron Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Citri is the dried, ripe fruit of Citrus medica L. or Citrus wilsonii Tanaka. It is used to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and resolve phlegm, primarily for treating gastric distension with pain, chest fullness and oppression, and cough with copious phlegm. It is commonly known as Fructus Citri, Citron Fruit, or Xiānɡ Yuán.
Radix Linderae (Combined Spicebush Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Linderae is the dried tuberous root of Lindera aggregata (Sims.) Kosterm. It is used to regulate Qi, alleviate pain, warm the kidneys, and dispel cold—thereby relieving distension and pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, and enuresis. The herb is commonly known as Radix Linderae, Combined Spicebush Root, or Wū Yào.
Semen Aesculi (Buckeye Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Aesculi is the dried ripe seed of Aesculus chinensis Bunge, Aesculus chinensis var. chekiangensis (Hu et Fang) Fang, or Aesculus wilsonii Rehd. It is used to regulate Qi, harmonize the stomach, and alleviate pain—particularly for distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, and gastralgia. The herb is commonly known as Semen Aesculi, Buckeye Seed, Chinese Buckeye Seed, Wilson’s Buckeye Seed, or Suō Luó Zǐ.
Aspongopus (Stink-bug)
Brief Introduction: The herb Aspongopus (Stink-bug) consists of the dried whole body of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas (family Pentatomidae). It is used (1) to regulate Qi and alleviate pain—indicated for epigastric distension and pain—and (2) to tonify the kidney—indicated for impotence and lumbago. It is commonly known as Aspongopus, Stink-bug, or Jiǔ Xiānɡ Chónɡ.
Flos Mume (Plum Flower)
Brief Introduction: The herb Flos Mume consists of the dried flower buds of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. (family Rosaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, calm the mind, and resolve phlegm—indicated for depression, restlessness, hypochondriac and epigastric pain, and globus hystericus. It is commonly known as Flos Mume, Plum Flower, or Méi Huā.
Bulbus Allii Macrostemoni (Longstamen Onion)
Brief Introduction:Bulbus Allii Macrostemonis is the dried bulb of Allium macrostemon Bunge. It is used to unblock and regulate Yang-Qi and resolve Qi stagnation, primarily for angina pectoris accompanied by chest oppression, and also for tenesmus in dysentery. The herb is also known as Longstamen Onion, Longstamen Onion Bulb, or Xiè Bái.
Semen Litchi (Lychee Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Litchi is the dried ripe seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn., used to regulate Qi, dissipate nodulation, dispel cold, and alleviate pain. It is indicated for hernial pain, dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal distension and pain, and testicular swelling and pain. The herb is commonly known as Semen Litchi, Lychee Seed, or Lì Zhī Hé.
Calyx Kaki (Persimmon Calyx)
Brief Introduction:Calyx Kaki is the dried persistent calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb., used to direct Qi downward and arrest hiccup. The herb is commonly known as Calyx Kaki, Persimmon Calyx, or Shì Dì.
Fructus Toosendan (Szechwan Chinaberry)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Toosendan is the dried, ripe fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc., used (1) to regulate Qi and relieve pain in the hypochondriac, epigastric, and abdominal regions, and (2) to expel parasitic worms in cases of enterobiasis and scabies. It is commonly known as Fructus Toosendan, Szechwan Chinaberry, Szechwan Chinaberry Fruit, or Chuān Liàn Zǐ.
✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Introduction: Herbs Regulating the Flow of Qi—also known as Qi-regulating herbs—are agents that regulate Qi activity to treat Qi stagnation or rebellious (adverse) Qi flow; they are also termed Qi-moving herbs.
Brief Introduction: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae is the dried ripe pericarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, invigorate the spleen, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm—primarily for treating Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, and cough with profuse phlegm. The herb is commonly known as Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Dried Tangerine Peel, or Chén Pí.
Brief Introduction: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride is the dried unripe exocarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, soothe the liver, and resolve stagnation—primarily for treating liver Qi stagnation and food retention. The herb is commonly known as Green Tangerine Peel, Qīng Pí.
Brief Introduction: Semen Citri Reticulatae is the dried ripe seed of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, dissolve nodules, and alleviate pain—primarily for treating hernial pain, mammary nodules, and testicular swelling and pain. The herb is commonly known as Tangerine Seed, Jú Hé.
Brief Introduction: Exocarpium Citri Rubrum is the dried exocarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties (family Rutaceae). Its actions are similar to those of Dried Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), but with greater potency. The herb is commonly known as Red Tangerine Peel, Jú Hóng.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Aurantii Immaturus is the dried, small, immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties or Citrus sinensis Osbeck, with a diameter under 2.5 cm. It is used to treat dyspepsia, constipation, and abdominal distension due to food stagnation, and is administered in larger doses for visceroptosis. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Immature Orange Fruit, or Zhǐ Shí.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Aurantii is the dried immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties, with a diameter of 3–5 cm (family Rutaceae). It is used similarly to Fructus Aurantii Immaturus but with a milder effect. It is commonly known as Fructus Aurantii, Orange Fruit, Bitter Orange, or Zhǐ Ké.
Brief Introduction: The herb Caulis Perillae is the dried stem of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, used to regulate the flow of Qi, relieve pain, and calm the fetus for the treatment of chest tightness, epigastric pain, eructation, vomiting, and threatened abortion. It is commonly known as Caulis Perillae, Perilla Stem, or Zǐ Sū Gěng.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Cyperi is the dried tuber of Cyperus rotundus L., used to soothe Liver-Qi, regulate menstruation, and alleviate pain in the treatment of chest and abdominal distension with pain, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Cyperi, Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome, or Xiāng Fù.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis is the dried fruit of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Noot.) Swingle. It is used to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, harmonize the middle burner, resolve dampness and phlegm, and treat liver Qi stagnation or spleen-stomach disharmony, as well as chronic cough with profuse sputum. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis, finger citron, or Fó Shǒu.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Citri is the dried, ripe fruit of Citrus medica L. or Citrus wilsonii Tanaka. It is used to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and resolve phlegm, primarily for treating gastric distension with pain, chest fullness and oppression, and cough with copious phlegm. It is commonly known as Fructus Citri, Citron Fruit, or Xiānɡ Yuán.
Brief Introduction: Radix Linderae is the dried tuberous root of Lindera aggregata (Sims.) Kosterm. It is used to regulate Qi, alleviate pain, warm the kidneys, and dispel cold—thereby relieving distension and pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, and enuresis. The herb is commonly known as Radix Linderae, Combined Spicebush Root, or Wū Yào.
Brief Introduction: Semen Aesculi is the dried ripe seed of Aesculus chinensis Bunge, Aesculus chinensis var. chekiangensis (Hu et Fang) Fang, or Aesculus wilsonii Rehd. It is used to regulate Qi, harmonize the stomach, and alleviate pain—particularly for distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, and gastralgia. The herb is commonly known as Semen Aesculi, Buckeye Seed, Chinese Buckeye Seed, Wilson’s Buckeye Seed, or Suō Luó Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Aspongopus (Stink-bug) consists of the dried whole body of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas (family Pentatomidae). It is used (1) to regulate Qi and alleviate pain—indicated for epigastric distension and pain—and (2) to tonify the kidney—indicated for impotence and lumbago. It is commonly known as Aspongopus, Stink-bug, or Jiǔ Xiānɡ Chónɡ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Flos Mume consists of the dried flower buds of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. (family Rosaceae). It is used to regulate Qi, calm the mind, and resolve phlegm—indicated for depression, restlessness, hypochondriac and epigastric pain, and globus hystericus. It is commonly known as Flos Mume, Plum Flower, or Méi Huā.
Brief Introduction: Bulbus Allii Macrostemonis is the dried bulb of Allium macrostemon Bunge. It is used to unblock and regulate Yang-Qi and resolve Qi stagnation, primarily for angina pectoris accompanied by chest oppression, and also for tenesmus in dysentery. The herb is also known as Longstamen Onion, Longstamen Onion Bulb, or Xiè Bái.
Brief Introduction: Semen Litchi is the dried ripe seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn., used to regulate Qi, dissipate nodulation, dispel cold, and alleviate pain. It is indicated for hernial pain, dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal distension and pain, and testicular swelling and pain. The herb is commonly known as Semen Litchi, Lychee Seed, or Lì Zhī Hé.
Brief Introduction: Calyx Kaki is the dried persistent calyx of Diospyros kaki Thunb., used to direct Qi downward and arrest hiccup. The herb is commonly known as Calyx Kaki, Persimmon Calyx, or Shì Dì.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Toosendan is the dried, ripe fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc., used (1) to regulate Qi and relieve pain in the hypochondriac, epigastric, and abdominal regions, and (2) to expel parasitic worms in cases of enterobiasis and scabies. It is commonly known as Fructus Toosendan, Szechwan Chinaberry, Szechwan Chinaberry Fruit, or Chuān Liàn Zǐ.