Qián Hú (前胡), known in English as Peucedanum root (Peucedanum praeruptorum), is a cool, bitter and acrid Chinese herb from the Resolve phlegm category. It enters the Lung channel. Its main action: directs qi downward, transforms Phlegm.
| Pinyin | Qián Hú (Qian Hu) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 前胡 |
| English | Peucedanum root |
| Botanical name | Peucedanum praeruptorum |
| Category | Resolve phlegm |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter, Acrid |
| Channels | Lung |
| Dosage | 3–10g |
| Cautions | Cough from Yin deficiency; cough with thin, Cold Phlegm |
Actions
- Directs qi downward, transforms Phlegm
- Disperses Wind-Heat
Indications
- Phlegm-Heat wheezing and fullness with thick yellow sputum
- Wind-Heat cough with copious Phlegm
How to remember Qián Hú
Most Resolve phlegm herbs enter the Lung channel.
- You can work these out
- Lung channel: from its action “transforms Phlegm”
- Learn by heart
- Cool: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in nature
- Bitter: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in flavour
- Acrid: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in flavour
Formulas containing Qián Hú
Other Resolve phlegm herbs
- Bàn Xià
- Guā Lóu
- Tiān Nán Xīng
- Zào Jiǎo Cì
- Jié Gěng
- Chuān Bèi Mǔ
- Zhè Bèi Mǔ
- Zhú Rú
- Tiān Zhú Huáng
- Hǎi Zǎo
- Kūn Bù
- Pí Pá Yè
- Xìng Rén
- Zǐ Wǎn
- Bǎi Bù
- Kuǎn Dōng Huā
- Sāng Bái Pí
- Tíng Lì Zǐ
- Bái Jiè Zǐ
- Bái Qián
- Xuán Fù Huā
- Zǐ Sū Zǐ
- Bái Guǒ
- Qīng Méng Shí
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Qián Hú?
Qián Hú is cool and bitter and acrid.
Which channels does Qián Hú enter?
Qián Hú enters the Lung channel.
What are the actions of Qián Hú?
Directs qi downward, transforms Phlegm; Disperses Wind-Heat.
What is Qián Hú used for?
Phlegm-Heat wheezing and fullness with thick yellow sputum; Wind-Heat cough with copious Phlegm.
Which formulas contain Qián Hú?
Sū Zǐ Jiàng Qì Tāng.
Practise Qián Hú and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.