Xiāng Fù · Cyperus Rhizome
Xiāng Fù (香附, Cyperus Rhizome) is a herb of Neutral nature and Pungent, Bitter, Sweet flavor, in the “Qi-regulating herbs” category. Tradition uses it to spread Liver Qi, Regulate Menstruation, Relieve Pain.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Xiāng Fù
- Characters
- 香附
- Botanical name
- Cyperus rotundus L.
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Part used
- Rhizome
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Pungent, Bitter, Sweet
- Meridians
- Gallbladder, Liver, Spleen, Triple Burner
- Category
- Qi-regulating herbs
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China, Southeast Asia
Actions according to tradition
- Spread Liver Qi
- Regulate Menstruation
- Relieve Pain
- Harmonize Middle Jiao
Traditional uses
- Liver qi stagnation with emotional depression
- Irregular menstruation and premenstrual tension
- Epigastric, flank, and breast distension
- Hernial pain from cold invading liver channel
- Stagnation of qi and blood in all three burners
Studied effects and current applications
- Strongly spreads liver qi to relieve stagnation
- Regulates menstruation and relieves period pain
- Eases emotional tension, depression, and irritability
- Relieves pain from qi stagnation throughout the body
- Harmonizes liver and stomach disharmony
Applications under investigation
- PMS and menstrual disorders
- Depression and stress-related disorders
- Functional dyspepsia
- Endometriosis
- Menopausal symptoms
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Qi deficiency without stagnation
- Yin deficiency with heat signs
Relative contraindications
- Blood deficiency
- Excessive sweating
- Pregnancy
- Use with caution. Strong qi-moving action. Commonly used in formulas during pregnancy for abdominal pain.
- Breastfeeding
- Generally safe during nursing.
- Children
- Use cautiously in children.
- Older adults
- Use cautiously in elderly with qi deficiency.
Possible adverse effects
- Possible dryness with prolonged use
- Mild digestive upset
When to stop
- Yin deficiency symptoms appear
- Weakness increases
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estrogen medications | Oral contraceptives, HRT | Mild | May have complementary effects on hormonal regulation Monitor hormonal balance |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-12 grams daily
- Powder
- 1.5-3 grams daily
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-3 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-2 months
- Maximum
- Avoid prolonged use without deficiency support
- Children
- Use with caution in children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-12g in 3 cups water 30 min. Take twice daily.
Liver qi stagnation, menstrual regulation
Use vinegar-processed Xiang Fu (cu xiang fu) for stronger menstrual regulation.
Dysmenorrhea and menstrual stagnation
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Sesquiterpenes (alpha-cyperone, cyperotundone) and essential oils
Ketone sesquiterpene · Emmenagophos, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic
Uterine smooth muscle relaxation, COX-2 inhibition, dopamine/serotonin modulation · Major compound of essential oil (10-40%)
Sesquiterpenes · Antibacterial, antispasmodic
Bacterial growth inhibition (S. aureus), smooth muscle relaxation · 5-15% of essential oil
Sesquiterpenes · Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
COX-2 inhibition, bacterial membrane disruption · 5-20% of essential oil
Flavonols · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Free radical scavenging, lipoxygenase inhibition · 0.1-0.3%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (September-October)
Underground rhizomes harvested in autumn when the aerial parts begin to dry. The rootlets are removed, toasted briefly to remove the epidermis and outer fluff, and dried.
Rhizome cleaned, toasted in straw or directly on the fire to burn the epidermis and fluff, then crushed or cut and dried.
Chopped rhizome mixed with rice vinegar (20 ml per 100 g) and fried. Vinegar improves penetration into the Liver and analgesic action.
Mixed with salt water (2 g salt per 100 g grass) and fried. Salt directs the action towards the Kidney.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
