Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang (沉香降气汤) — Aquilaria Descend the Qi Decoction
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Overview
Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang — the “Aquilaria Descend the Qi Decoction” — is from Yang Shiying’s Song-dynasty Ren Zhai Zhi Zhi Fang Lun. Chen Xiang (aquilaria) is the strongest descending Qi herb in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, particularly for rebellious Lung-Stomach Qi rising from severe Liver Qi stagnation: stress-induced wheezing, plum-pit Qi sensation in the throat, chest oppression, sighing, belching, all worsened by emotional upset.
I prescribe Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
TCM pattern
Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang is prescribed for severe rebellious Qi from Liver-Qi stagnation:
- Stress-induced wheezing or breathlessness
- Chest oppression, sense of fullness
- Frequent sighing
- Plum-pit Qi sensation in the throat
- Belching, hiccups
- Symptoms worse with emotional upset
- Tongue — thin white coat
- Pulse — wiry, possibly forceful in guan position
Key herbs
- Chen Xiang (Lignum Aquilariae, cultivated, 1.5–3g) — chief; powerfully descends Lung-Stomach Qi; calms breathlessness
- Xiang Fu (Rz. Cyperi, 6–9g) — spreads Liver Qi; relieves emotional stagnation
- Wu Yao (Rx. Linderae, 6–9g) — moves Qi; descends rebellious Qi
- Sha Ren (Fr. Amomi, 3–6g) — aromatically warms; moves Qi
- Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae, 3–6g) — harmonises; soothes
Formula actions
- Strongly descends rebellious Lung-Stomach Qi
- Spreads Liver Qi
- Relieves chest oppression and breathlessness
Conditions treated
- Stress-induced asthma[13] exacerbation with chest tightness
- Plum-pit Qi (globus sensation) with marked stress trigger
- Functional dyspnoea in anxiety[4]
- Hyperventilation syndrome
- Stress-related reflux and belching
- Hiccups from stress-induced Qi rebellion
Cautions
Use Chen Xiang from sustainable cultivated agarwood sources only; wild aquilaria is endangered. Pharmaceutical-grade Sun Ten uses cultivated source.
Not appropriate for true Lung deficiency dyspnoea, Heat-pattern wheeze or pure Yin-deficient cough[10].
Severe acute asthma attack or new chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
References
[4] Lin Y, Cai S, Wang T, Zhuang T, Huang T, Yu X, et al. Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Xiao Yao San as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:1319592. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1319592. PMID: 35432568.
[10] Lee B, Kwon CY, Suh HW, Kim YJ, Kim KI, Lee BJ, Lee JH. Herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic cough: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Oct 17;14:1230604. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1230604. PMID: 37920213.
[13] Shergis JL, Wu L, Zhang AL, Guo X, Lu C, Xue CC. Herbal medicine for adults with asthma: A systematic review. J Asthma. 2016 Aug;53(6):650-9. https://doi.org/10.3109/02770903.2015.1101132. PMID: 27172294.
