Formula Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San

藿香正气散

Also known as:

Agastache Upright Qi Powder , Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi , Agastache Formula

Formula Composition

Huo Xiang
Huo Xiang
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Ye
Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Da Fu Pi
Da Fu Pi
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Jie Geng
Jie Geng
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases the Exterior
  2. Transforms Dampness
  3. Regulates Qi
  4. Harmonizes the Middle Burner

Patterns Treated

Cold invading the Stomach, Rebellious Stomach Qi, Damp-Heat, Summer Heat with Dampness

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1107 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San

Main Actions

Releases the Exterior
Transforms Dampness
Regulates Qi
Harmonizes the Middle Burner

Key TCM Concepts

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is a 11-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Korean Mint (Huo Xiang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach. Its main actions are: 1) releases the Exterior and 2) transforms Dampness.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Cold invading the Stomach, Rebellious Stomach Qi or Damp-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as gastroenteritis, stomach flu or common cold for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Cold invading the Stomach
  • Rebellious Stomach Qi
  • Damp-Heat
  • Summer Heat with Dampness

Common Applications

Gastroenteritis Stomach flu Common cold Urticaria Acute gastroenteritis

Ingredients in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San

Detailed information about each herb in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Huo Xiang
Huo Xiang

Korean mint

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried aerial parts
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Huo Xiang addresses all the major aspects of patterns characterized by the contraction of external Wind-Cold in the context of internal Dampness. It disperses Wind-Cold, transforms Dampness, revives the Spleen, and stops vomiting.
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Hou Pu moves the Qi and promotes proper Fluids metabolism to expand the chest and reduce the sensation of fullness and stifling oppression in the chest.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it regulates the Qi, transforms Dampness, and harmonizes the functions of the Middle Burner.
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Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Ye

Perilla leaves

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried leaf (or bearing young branches)
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Zi Su Ye's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Promotes the circulation of Spleen and Stomach Qi. Calms a restless fetus. Detoxifies seafood poisoning"

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it is a strong, Exterior-releasing herb that also harmonizes the Middle Burner.
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Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi

Angelica roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Bai Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind. Disperses Wind and Cold from the Yang Brightness channels. Relieves Wind-Damp Cold painful obstruction. Dries Dampness and pus and reduces swelling. Opens the nasal passages."

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it is very effective in treating headaches.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it harmonizes the Stomach and stops the vomiting.
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Da Fu Pi
Da Fu Pi

Areca peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried pericarp
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Da Fu Pi acts upon the Qi mechanism in the Lower Burner and reinforces the actions of the key herb, which focuses on the Upper Burner.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Bai Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi."

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and transforms Dampness.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and transforms Dampness.
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Jie Geng
Jie Geng

Platycodon roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Jie Geng promotes the proper functioning of the Lungs and the diaphragm, which strengthens the actions of the key herb
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, it is used because it harmonizes the actions of the other herbs and regulate the Spleen and Stomach.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Because this formula contains warm and drying herbs, it should not be used for conditions of Wind-Heat or Fire due to Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.