Regulate the qi (li qi)

Herbs that regulate the qi promote normal circulation of qi, reverse counterflow and eliminate qi stagnation. They tend to be acrid, bitter and warm to disperse and move, but can also be drying.

Some, like xie bai (Chinese garlic, Allium macrostemomum), regulate lung qi, treating cough, wheezing and stifling sensations in the chest. Others, like xiang fu (nutgrass, Cyperus rotundus), regulate Liver qi treating pain, emotional disturbances, hernias, premenstrual symptoms and irregular cycles.

Many regulate Spleen and Stomach qi, treating nausea, vomiting, hiccups, bloating, reflux and irregular bowel movements, including chen pi (tangerine peel, Citrus reticulata), zhi ke (bitter orange, Citrus aurantium) and mu xiang (costus root, Aucklandia lappa).