Nature: bitter, acrid, warm

Enters: Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach

Actions: Frees the flow of liver Qi (particularly in the lower Jiao); strongly regulates Qi, breaks up stagnant Qi, dissipates clumps; disperses accumulation of pathogens; eliminates food retention; dries dampness, transforms phlegm.

Indications:
• Liver Qi stagnation: pain – costal, hypochondriac, breast, lower abdomen, genital, hernial, flank.
• Food retention: distention, pain, or a stifling sensation in the epigastrium. Can be used for severe cases.
• Stagnant Qi/blood: masses, lumps, liver Qi stagnation surrounding food retention.
• Phlegm-dampness with malarial disorders. Especially useful for breast abscesses with this etiology.
• Raises blood pressure.
• Much stronger than Chen pi.
• Compared to Chen pi, Qing pi has scattering and unblocking properties that are relatively harsh; it is accordingly prescribed for breaking up Qi stagnation. Its actions are more horizontal and it is therefore used primarily for pain. Chen pi, on the other hand, has a more harmonious nature and tends to enter the Qi level of the spleen and Lungs. Its actions are primarily vertical and it is therefore used for both coughing and vomiting.
• Guohui Liu: Compared to Chai hu, which mainly addresses liver Qi stagnation in the upper Jiao and costal region, Qing pi mainly addresses liver Qi stagnation in the lower Jiao (though neither herb’s action is entirely limited to that area).
DY: Sinking, drastic; drains the liver and gallbladder Qi; disperses lump glomus; moves the Qi on the left side of the body.
• Its drastic action of breaking Qi contraindicates its long term use.
• 3g rectifies the Qi, 6g moves the Qi, 9g breaks the Qi.
• Zhang Zi-he of the (12^th century) Southern Song dynasty, said: “Qing pi is downbearing and sinking, goes to the liver and gallbladder, influences the lower (body) and drains.”
• In combination with Chen pi to soothe the liver, regulate the stomach, harmonize the liver and spleen, harmonize the liver and stomach, rectify the Qi, and stop pain. See Chen pi in this category for specific indications and notes.
• When Qing pi is small, the whole fruit is used. It is then called Xiao qing pi or Xin qing pi.

Dose: 3-9g