Xiang Yuan香櫞
Fructus CitriAromatic Citron
Also known asCitron · Citron Fruit · Citrus Fruit
- Category
- Herbs that regulate Qi
- Nature
- warm
- Taste
- pungent, slightly bitter, sour
- Channels entered
- Liver, Spleen, Lung
- Dosage
- 3–10 g
Actions & indications
- Transforms Phlegm to stop cough
- Cough with profuse sputum
- Promotes the movement of Qi, awakens the Spleen and eases the Middle
- Qi Stagnation in the Liver, Spleen and Stomach leading to epigastric distention and pain
- Dredges and regulates Liver Qi and stops pain
- Chest and flank distention and pain from Liver Qi Stagnation
- Descends and drains to reduce Phlegm and stop cough
- Cough with profuse sputum and a stifling sensation in the chest
Contraindications
- Use cautiously during pregnancy.
- Use with care in Yin Deficiency.
- Use with care in Blood Dryness.
Combinations
Epigastric and abdominal pain accompanied by belching, acid reflux, nausea and poor appetite.
Chest and flank distention and pain caused by Liver Qi Stagnation.
Cough with copious sputum and a feeling of chest oppression.
Chest congestion with hypochondriac pain.
Epigastric pain with abdominal distention.
A bitter taste in the mouth with acid reflux.
Notes
- This herb addresses what is termed "waist and leg Qi."
- It has a fairly mild action and works best when combined with other herbs.
- Xiang Yuan and Fr. Citri Sarcodactylis Fo Shou share a similar warm nature. Xiang Yuan specifically regulates Lung and Spleen Qi and disperses Phlegm and pathogenic water, treating cough from obstructed Qi; the pith and kernels are best removed since their sour taste causes excess astringency. Fo Shou, by contrast, acts on the Stomach to break up Qi Stagnation, addressing nausea, vomiting and dysenteric disorders with tenesmus.
- Dry-fried Citron (Chao Xiang Yuan or Zhi Xiang Yuan) has a milder acrid, dispersing effect and is less drying.
- Pericarpium Citri Xiang Yuan Pi circulates Qi more strongly.