There are many Chinese medicines with main descending effects, and the matching medicines need to be chosen according to different types of symptoms. Chai Hu can be combined with Hovenia Citrus and Hovenia Lobata, which are main descending herbs.
Four Rebellious San is composed of four herbs: Chai Hu, Citrus aurantium, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Paeonia lactiflora. Its effects are to regulate the spleen and liver, relieve depression and penetrate evil spirits. In this formula, Chai Hu can relieve depression and dredge the liver, elevate Yang Qi, and penetrate the evil out.
Citrus aurantium can relieve depression and regulate qi, relieve heat and break up knots. Combined with Chai Hu, one rises and the other descends to increase the efficacy of relaxing qi, and both of them work together to elevate qi and descend turbid qi (so that qi rises and turbid qi descends).
Ginseng Defeating Toxin Dispersion is composed of Chai Hu, Qian Hu, Licorice, Poria and Citrus aurantium, its effect is to relieve the surface and benefit the qi, dispelling dampness and dispersing cold. In the formula, Chai Hu reduces heat and disperses Qi, stops coughing and lowers Qi; Citrus aurantium can regulate Qi and broaden the middle (regulating the Qi of the spleen and stomach), and eliminate stagnation and flatulence.
The use of Chinese herbs such as Chai Hu needs to be guided and judged by a professional physician and should not be used on one’s own.