Herbs to Balance Qi

Balance is a relative thing yet it is the keystone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When treating with herbs, the overarching principle is to choose a formula that is the opposite of the imbalance, for example, if a person is too warm, they should have a cooling formula. Using TCM theory, we pin down the cause of the heat. This narrows the choices and ensures a return to balance.

It would be so simple if there were herbs that just balanced Qi. Qi is the non-physical aspect of the living body. When the Qi is balanced, the tissues become balanced and healthy returns. As an herbal category adaptogens come close to doing this. An adaptogen is defined in herbal medicine as “a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.” Adaptogens minimize damage originating outside the body and maintain balance within. Adaptogens do not, however, address the return to balance. There is a category, Regulate Qi, the herbs of which are used to balance specific areas. These herbs are used in formulas which help re-balance the Qi ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

Let’s take a look at three Regulate Qi herbs

Chen Pi and Zhi Ke

The first two hail from the citrus family, yet each has a different impact as herbal medicine. Citrus fruit originated and was first cultivated in Asia. The practice of using dried citrus peels in herbal formulas originated in the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). Given the modern research on citrus peels, it is not surprising they are medicine. Peels contain high concentrations of flavonoids and antioxidants. These compounds help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. As a citrus example, let’s look at the orange. Orange peel contains 52% more Vitamin C than the flesh, plus calcium, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, folate, and other B vitamins⁽³⁾.

Chen Pi translates to “Aged Peel”. It is dried tangerine peel. If you want to get fancy in Latin you can say “Pericardium Citri Reticulatae”. This herb is warm and goes to the Lung and Spleen channels. These qualities correlate with their actions. Warmth promotes movement of the Qi in general and it dries out phlegm and dampness. These qualities plus Chen Pi’s connection to the Lungs make it good for any cough with phlegm. TCM relegates digestive duties to the Spleen. Because of the connection to the Spleen Chen Pi helps move qi in the intestines to dissipate bloating. For this reason, it is added to formulas that use tonic and sticky herbs. ⁽²⁾ An all-around helpful herb, Chen Pi is used in cooking in sweet and savory dishes.

Chen Pi is one of the star herbs in Er Chen Tang. Translated this formula is called “two Aged Herb Decoction”. This formula treats a variety of phlegm disorders. Chen Pi balances the hub of the phlegm production by restoring balance to within its connections, the Lung and Spleen. Symptoms for use are copious loose, white sputum, chest and epigastric congestion, nausea or vomiting, headache, shortness of breath worse with lying down, lassitude, and dizziness. Conditions treated are upper respiratory tract infection, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, goiter, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and morning sickness. Caution: not for use with excessive thirst, dry throat, or a dry cough.⁽¹⁾

Citrus family member Zhi Ke is dried ripe bitter orange. Scientifically called Fructus Citri Aurantii, Zhi Ke is similar to Chen Pi in that it goes to the Spleen and Stomach. It differs from Chen Pi in temperature which is cool. Additionally, Zki Ke goes to the Liver and Large Intestine. Cool Zhi Ke moves qi due to its connection with the captain of Qi movement, the Liver. Captain Liver guides the Qi of organs and their meridians in the correct direction. If, for example, the Stomach Qi does not descend there will be belching and vomiting. Should the Spleen Qi not ascend there will be organ prolapse. Each organ system has the correct direction for optimal function. Zhi Ke gently promotes movement of Qi through Chest, diaphragm, lungs stomach and large intestine. This herb is effective for Liver Qi Stagnation and especially for flank pain.⁽²⁾

Before we dive into a formula here is something for your label reading skillset. The first part of a formula is the name. The ending word is the form of the herbs. Pian is a tablet or modern-looking pill. Wan is at the old-style black tea pill. These used to be handmade. Tang is a water decoction of boiled whole herbs. San is powdered herbs. The herbs can be either milled or granulated.

Run Chang Wan is a formula that has evolved since its conception. If I didn’t know better I would think Run Chang Wan was pinyin for “Use This For Constipation”. A tour of 12 products which are labeled Run Chang Wan brings us back to the oft-repeated truism, read the label. A couple bore little resemblance to the original formula and some did not include our Qi Regulating herb, Zhi Ke. They may all do the job, but Run Chang Tang made by Sun Ten gets my vote for being a smart all-around formula. Run Chang Tang is granulated herbs, but they are dissolved in warm water before taking. This turns them into, as the label reads, a tang. It is a good choice for any type of constipation. Let’s take a flyover look at the components. All of them except one moistens and unblocks the intestines. That one herb is the Qi regulating herb Zhi Ke. Its gentle action to keeps movement in the digestive tract. This prevents the oily, seed-based herbs from getting stuck and compromising digestion. Additionally, Zhi Ke moves the formula through the upper intestines into the bowels where it needs to go. Finally, Zhi Ke releases constrained Liver Qi. This can have a good effect on peristalsis and remove the feelings of frustration that accompany constipation. The herb which is not like the others is a key player in this formula. Other herbs cover the spectrum of constipation that causes Qi, Blood and Yin deficiency and dryness. Included in this useful constipation formula is a trifecta of herbs for habitual constipation.⁽²⁾

Xiang Fu

The next Regulate Qi herb is not in the Citrus family, but rather in the Cyperus family. Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi, or Xiang Fu, translates to “Aromatic Appendage”. Its common name is nutgrass. This plant has a history. It is a staple of Aboriginal populations in Central Australia. 5.333 million to 2.58 million years ago it was probably eaten by Pliocene hominins. It was eaten in central Sudan from 6700 BC to the Meroitic pre-Islamic Kingdom of 300–400 AD. Nutgrass consumption may be responsible for the low frequency of dental cavities found in that population. It inhibits Streptococcus mutans that bacteria which causes cavities. Other Anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic compounds have been identified in this herb. Nutgrass was used in ancient Egypt, Mycenean Greece, and elsewhere to purify water. It was used as a medicine and perfume by ancient Greek physicians Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder, and Dioscorides.⁽⁴⁾ It is a respected member of the Ayurvedic Materia Medica, where it is called Mustais and is used for a variety of complaints from diarrhea to fever to menstrual cramps. Sadly, in the modern landscape nutgrass is relegated to being a ferocious invasive species, ruining lawns nationwide. It will sprout and spread from the tiniest of pieces and is one of the few weeds that cannot be stopped with plastic mulch. Herbicide application must be aggressive and serial.

TCM knows nutgrass as Xiang Fu. Neutral in temperature and associated with the Liver and Triple Burner channels, it easily treats upper and lower abdominal. It is prized and praised for its ability to regulate the menses. Through its association with Liver, which when stagnant can cause depression, Xiang Fu treats melancholy.⁽¹⁾

Yue Zu Wan

Yue Zu Wan, also called Escape Restraint Pill was first recorded 800 years ago. It was formulated to treat all the types of stagnation; Qi, fire, blood, phlegm, dampness, and food. According to the formula’s father, Zhu Dan Xi, these arise from an initial stagnation of Qi caused by irregular eating habits, exposure to excessive cold or heat and inordinate joy, anger, or anxiety. Yue Zu Wan is a good choice when the symptoms are primarily digestive such as belching vomiting, acid reflux, reduced appetite, and indigestion. Also listed under indications for use are a stifling feeling in the chest and abdomen, and mild coughing with copious sputum. Xiang Fu, our Regulate Qi spotlighted herb, addresses the root of the stagnations, that of the Qi, by releasing constrained Liver Qi. In biomedical terms, the Liver has over 500 functions. Similarly, in TCM terms the Liver has many functions. When the Liver Qi is released Qi blockages can be more easily resolved. This opens the way for the other herbs to take effect. ⁽²⁾

The gut and mind connection is a strong one. It’s not surprising that Yue Ju Wan, a mainly digestive formula has a strong effect on the mind. A study shows Yue Ju Wan to be a fast-onset antidepressant. Findings indicate Yue Ju Wan achieves this through up-regulation in the neural circuit responsible for antidepressant activity. ⁽⁵⁾

Serving size: For all the formulas mentioned consume according to label directions or instructions from your knowledgeable healthcare practitioner.

Disclaimer: Use herbs wisely. If you have questions or special considerations, work with your practitioner. If symptoms worsen or you have concerns, contact a knowledgeable practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Treat your balance like a relative and be well.

References
1 Bensky, Scheid, Ellis, Barolet Formulas and Strategies. Portable 2nd edition. Eastland Press Inc. 2015

2 Bensky, Gamble, Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Revised edition, Eastland Press, 1993

3 Liwen Wang, Jinhan Wang, Lianying Fang, Zuliang Zheng, Dexian Zhi, Suying Wang, Shiming Li, Chi-Tang Ho, Hui Zhao, Anticancer Activities of Citrus Peel Polymethoxyflavones Related to Angiogenesis and Others, BioMed Research International, Volume 2014

4 Stephen Buckley, Donatella Usai, Tina Jakob, Anita Radini, Dental Calculus Reveals Unique Insights into Food Items, Cooking and Plant Processing in Prehistoric Central Sudan, Plus One, July 16, 2014

5 Ren L., Chen G.; Rapid antidepressant effects of Yueju: A new look at the function and mechanism of an old herbal medicine.Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2017 May 5 203 226-232.