Individual Herbs Notebook

Fo Shou

Pharmaceutical: Fructus Sarcodactylis

Other names: Buddha's Hand

Category: Herbs that Regulate Qi



Properties: Pungent, bitter, warm

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Spleen, Stomach and Lung


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Spreads and regulates Liver Qi
    Liver Qi Stagnation with chest or hypochondriac pain or a stifling sensation in the chest
    Liver Yin Deficiency with emotional problems
  2. Harmonizes the Stomach, dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
    Spleen and Stomach Qi Stagnation with epigastric pain, fullness and distention, lack of appetite, belching and/or vomiting
    Liver Qi Stagnation Attacking the Stomach
    Yin Deficiency with Stomach Qi Stagnation
  3. Regulates Lung Qi and transforms Phlegm
    Sub-acute or chronic coughs due to Phlegm-Damp in the chest with copious Phlegm
    Especially useful for unrelenting cough with chest pain

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.


Notable Constituents:
  1. Ascorbic Acic
    Vitamin C is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent with functions in fighting bacterial infections, detoxifying reactions, iron absorption and the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. It cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet.

Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)