Cyperus rotundus (Xiangfuzi)

Distribution:
All parts of the warm areas of the world, mainly in shandong, Zhejiang, Hunan, Henan provinces of China. Those produced in Shandong is called dong xiang fu and those produced Zhejiang is called nan xiang fu (south xiang fu), which is deemed to be better quality.

Properties (characteristics):
Acrid, mildly bitter, neutral

Medical functions:
Medical functions:
antibiotic
anti-inflammation
anti-pyretic
lowers blood pressure
anesthetic
inhibits contraction of uterus
the oily part possesses estrogen effect
inhibits HBV
 
Channels (meridians) entered:
Liver, triple burners (san jiao)
 
Actions & Indications:
Improves mood and rid of depression, regulates menses and rid of pain, for ulcers, Peptic Ulcer, weak digestion, flatulence with pain, Irregular Menstruation.

Chemical ingredients:
Glucose  8.3%-9.1%
Fructose 1.0%-1.7%
Starch 40%-41.1%
Cyperene
β-Scliene
α-Cyperone
β- Cyperene
Etc...
 
Samples of formulae
1. For pain during menses: Rhizoma Cyperi (Xiangfu) 12 g, Herba Leonuri (Yimucao) 12 g, Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) 15 g, Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishaoyao) 10 g. Make into decoction with water. One prescription a day. Make into 2 servings. Start using 3 ~ 5 days before menses.
2. For flatulence, pain in rib cage area, fever and chill, chronic hepatitis, gall bladder diseases, chronic entertitis, ulcer, or cystic mastitis: chai hu shu gan tang

Cautions:
Not to use by itself in cases of xue xu (blood deficient)  or qixu (qi deficient). Use care in cases of  yinxu (yin deficient) and/or  xue re (heat in blood) condition. Those with menses that come early can be heat in blood. do not use this herb.