Which herbs are in Xiang Su San?

• A. Xiang fu, Zi Su Ye, Chen Pi, Gan Cao
• B. Xiang fu, Zi Su Ye, Ren Shen, Gan Cao
• C. Xiang fu, Bai Zhu, Chen Pi, Gan Cao
• D. Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Xiang Fu, Zi Su Ye

Answer: (A)

Xiang Su San is about moving liver qi while harmonizing the stomach, using aromatic herbs that disperse stagnation and smooth the middle burner. The key pair are Xiang fu (fragrant cyperus) and Zi Su Ye (perilla leaf). They work together to promote the flow of qi and relieve constraint, especially in the chest and abdomen, which is a hallmark of liver qi stagnation.

Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel) rounds out the formula by regulating qi and transforming stagnation in the stomach, helping to prevent rebellious qi and support overall digestion. Gan Cao (licorice) acts as a harmonizer, reinforcing the other herbs’ actions while moderating any harsh effects.

So, this four-herb combination—Xiang fu, Zi Su Ye, Chen Pi, and Gan Cao—forms Xiang Su San, aimed at relieving emotional-induced stagnation and restoring harmony in the middle burner. The other herbs listed belong to different therapeutic roles (tonifying qi, drying dampness, or dispersing wind-dampness) and don’t belong in this formula.