Chinese: 藿香正气散
Pinyin: Huò Xiāng Zhèng Qì Sàn
Other names: Agastache Upright Qi Powder, Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi, Agastache Formula,
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: UrticariaStomach fluCommon cold and one other condition
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Contraindications: Because this formula contains warm and drying herbs, it should not be used for... Because this formula contains warm and drying herbs, it should not be used for conditions of Wind-Heat or Fire due to Deficiency. see more
Source date: 1107 AD
Source book: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
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.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the eleven ingredients in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, we review the patterns and conditions that Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San helps treat.
The eleven ingredients in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Huo Xiang is a king ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Korean Mint (Huo Xiang)
Part used: Dried aerial parts
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: LungSpleenStomach
Category: Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
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.
Hou Pu is a deputy ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
2. Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu)
Part used: Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: LungSpleenStomach
Category: Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
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.
Chen Pi is a deputy ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
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.
Zi Su Ye is a deputy ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
4. Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye)
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.
Bai Zhi is a deputy ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
5. Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi)
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.
Ban Xia is an assistant ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
6. Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Part used: Dried rhizome and tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
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.
Da Fu Pi is an assistant ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
7. Areca Peel (Da Fu Pi)
Part used: Dried pericarp
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomachLarge intestineSmall intestine
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
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.
Bai Zhu is an assistant ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
8. Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu)
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
Fu Ling is an assistant ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
9. Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling)
Part used: Dried sclerotium
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLungSpleen
Category: Herbs that drain Dampness
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.
Jie Geng is an assistant ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
10. Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng)
Jie Geng promotes the proper functioning of the Lungs and the diaphragm, which strengthens the actions of the key herb
Gan Cao is an envoy ingredient in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
11. Liquorice (Gan Cao)
Part used: Dried root and rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
Conditions and patterns for which Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San may be prescribed
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is used by TCM practitioners to treat four different patterns which we describe below.
But before we delve into these patterns here is an overview of the Western conditions they're commonly associated with:
Gastroenteritis Stomach flu Common cold Urticaria
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San treats gastroenteritis" for instance. Rather, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is used to treat patterns that are sometimes the root cause behind gastroenteritis.
Now let's look at the four patterns commonly treated with Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San.
The Stomach is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Stomach in Chinese Medicine
Cold invading the Stomach
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Tight (Jin)
Symptoms: Nausea Cold limbs Feeling of cold Severe epigastric pain Vomiting of clear fluids Preference for warm drinks and foods Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Cold invading the Stomach. This pattern leads to symptoms such as severe epigastric pain, feeling of cold, cold limbs and preference for warm drinks and foods. Patients with Cold invading the Stomach typically exhibit deep (Chen), slow (Chi) or tight (Jin) pulses.
Pathogenic Cold blocks the Stomach and prevents Stomach-Qi from descending, hence the vomiting and the pain.
Cold impairs the Yang of the Stomach and Spleen and prevents the food essences from reaching the body, hence the feeling of cold, the Slow pulse, the preference for warm liquids and... read more about Cold invading the Stomach
The Stomach is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Stomach in Chinese Medicine
Rebellious Stomach Qi
Pulse type(s): Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Symptoms: Nausea Belching Vomiting Hiccuping Difficulty swallowing
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Rebellious Stomach Qi. This pattern leads to symptoms such as nausea, difficulty swallowing, belching and vomiting. Patients with Rebellious Stomach Qi typically exhibit tight (Jin) or wiry (Xian) pulses.
When the Qi of the Stomach is obstructed or interfered with it "rebels", meaning it ascends rather than descends.
It results in symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, belching and hiccups.
This frequently appears with other patterns, such as Stomach Fire, Stomach Qi Stagnation or Cold invading the... read more about Rebellious Stomach Qi
'Heat' as a body pattern in Chinese Medicine is one of the so-called "Eight Principles". Learn more about Heat pattern in Chinese Medicine
Damp-Heat
Pulse type(s): Soggy (Ru)
Symptoms: Acne Fever Thirst Fatigue Hot body Headaches No thirst Dry mouth Dizziness Red urine Joint pain Heavy head Late period Restlessness Loose stools Heavy periods Poor appetite Chest pressure Feeling of heat Sore lower back Vaginal itching Aversion to cold Frequent sighing Vaginal discharge Abdominal fullness Frequent urination Swollen neck glands Abdominal tightness Sore and weak limbs Feeling of heaviness Lower abdominal pain Scanty dark urination Thick menstrual blood Scanty and dark urine Trichomonas infection Irregular menstruation Thermophilus infection Feeling of bearing down Purplish menstrual blood Smelly Vaginal discharge Sticky vaginal discharge Sticky taste in the mouth Bitter taste in the mouth Small clots in menstrual blood Yellow or brown vaginal discharge Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Damp-Heat. This pattern leads to symptoms such as fever, swollen neck glands, headaches and stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium. Patients with Damp-Heat typically exhibit soggy (Ru) pulses.
Within the Four-Levels theory, Damp-Heat is the first level of invasion of External Pathogens, when it still resides in the body's Exterior.
The general symptoms of Damp-Heat are the heaviness of the body and head as well as low temperature fever rising in the afternoon. The patients are not hot on... read more about Damp-Heat
'Heat' as a body pattern in Chinese Medicine is one of the so-called "Eight Principles". Learn more about Heat pattern in Chinese Medicine
Summer Heat with Dampness
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Soggy (Ru)
Symptoms: Fever Thirst Anxiety Sweating Headaches Lassitude Loose stools Poor appetite Sticky stools Chest fullness Aversion to cold Scanty urination Nausea or vomiting Shortness of breath Feeling of heaviness Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Summer Heat with Dampness. This pattern leads to symptoms such as fever, aversion to cold, sweating and headaches. Patients with Summer Heat with Dampness typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or soggy (Ru) pulses.
This pattern often happens during hot summer and in very humid environment. Therefore, the condition is mostly acute.
The combination of Summer Heat and Dampness can att
read more about Summer Heat with DampnessFormulas similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Xing Su San is 55% similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan is 54% similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Wu Ji San is 47% similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Liu Jun Zi Tang is 45% similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang is 45% similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Tuo Li Xiao Du San is 45% similar to Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San