Xiang Fu Xuan Fu Hua Tang
Star香附旋覆花汤 (Cyperus and Inula Decoction)
Source: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases (1798)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Xiang Fu Xuan Fu Hua Tang (Cyperus and Inula Decoction), from Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases (1798).
Actions: Strengthens the Spleen; Dispels dampness; Spreads the Liver qi; Unblocks the channels and collaterals
Indications: Hypochondriac pain with or without coughing, either afternoon fevers without chills or alternating chills and fever, a thickly-coated tongue with swollen edges, and a wiry pulse, especially in the middle position.
Pattern: Dampness and congested fluids stagnating in the Liver collaterals (propping thin mucus)
Modifications:
- Abdominal fullness: add Magnoliae officinalis Cortex (hou po)
- Severe pain: add Dalbergiae odoriferae Lignum (jiang xiang)
Commentary: Treats 'propping thin mucus' from exterior dampness obstructing the qi dynamic by unblocking qi rather than purging fluids; Wu Ju-Tong expected relief in 3-5 days, otherwise switch to Control Mucus Special Pill.
Category: Formulas that Dry Dampness and Transform Phlegm.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 789.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xiang Fu
as printed: Cyperi Rhizoma (xiang fu) 9g
|
9g | 12.5% | Jun (Chief) | unblocks the Liver collaterals to drive congested fluids from the hypochondria |
|
Xuan Fu Hua
wrap in cheesecloth; as printed: Inulae Flos (xuan fu hua) [wrap in cheesecloth] 9g
|
9g | 12.5% | Jun (Chief) | unblocks the Liver collaterals to drive congested fluids from the hypochondria |
|
Zi Su Zi
as printed: Perillae Fructus (zi su zi) 9g
|
9g | 12.5% | directs Lung qi downward and expels phlegm | |
|
Chen Pi
as printed: Citri reticulatae Pericarpium (chen pi) 6g
|
6g | 8.33% | dries dampness and revives the Spleen | |
|
Fu Ling
as printed: Poria (fu ling) 9g
|
9g | 12.5% | leaches out dampness | |
|
Yi Yi Ren
as printed: Coicis Semen (yi yi ren) 15g
|
15g | 20.83% | strengthens metal to control wood; leaches dampness | |
|
Ban Xia
as printed: Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum (zhi ban xia) 15g
|
15g | 20.83% | dries dampness and revives the Spleen |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.33)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 21%, neutral 25%, warm 54%.
Taste
- pungent 46%
- sweet 21%
- bitter 13%
- salty 4%
- bland 17%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 88%
- Spleen 88%
- Stomach 54%
- Large intestine 46%
- Kidney 33%
- Heart 13%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoction.
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Formula Network
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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