The source is from the rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L., family Cyperaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Guangdong, Henan, and Sichuan, etc. It is collected during the period of December and October, dried in the sun, and the hair being removed by burning. The crude or the one stir-baked with vinegar can be used.

Medicinal Properties: Pungent, slightly bitter and sweet in flavor, mild in nature and attributive to the liver and triple energizer meridians.

Actions: Soothe the liver to regulate qi and regulate menstruation to relieve pain.

Application
1. It is used for the syndromes of stagnation of liver-qi with pain in the hypochondrium, distention and pain in epigastric abdomen and pain due to hernia, etc.. For pain in the hypochondrium, it can be combined with Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri ), Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba ) , Zhike (Fructus Aurantii), etc., such as Chaihu Shugan San (Powder) ; for liver-qi invading the stomach and accumulation of cold and qi stagnation with cold and pain in epigastrium,  combined  with  Gaoliangjiang  (Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum ) like Liang Fu Wan (Pill); for hernia of cold type with abdominal pain, combined with Xiaohuixiang (Fructus Foeniculi), Wuyao ( Radix Linderae ) , etc..
2. For irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea and distension and pain of the breast, especially for those caused by stagnation of liver-qi, it is usually combined with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), Chuanxiong ( Rhizoma Chuanxiong) , Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba ) , and Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), etc., to soothe the liver to remove stagnation and regulate qi and blood.

Usage and Dosage: 5 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use.