Finger citron (Foshou)
Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Citri sarcodactylis
Botanical Name: Citrus medica L. var. Sarcodactylis Swingle
Common Name: Finger citron fruit
Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Tujing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The ripe fruit is gathered from October to December, then cut into slices and dried in the sun.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and warm.
Meridians: Liver, spleen, stomach and lung
Functions: 1. To pacify liver and regulate qi; 2. To harmonize the spleen and stomach and resolve phlegm.
Indications & Combinations:
1. Qi stagnation in the liver manifested as costal pain and stifling sensation in the chest. Finger citron (Foshou) is used with Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu), Citron (Xiangyuan) and Curcuma root (Yujin).
2. Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, stomach pain,
poor appetite, belching, nausea and vomiting. Finger citron (Foshou) is used with Costus root (Muxiang) and Bitter orange (Zhiqiao).
3. Chest pain and cough with profuse sputum. Finger citron (Foshou) is used with Loquat leaf (Pipaye), Vegetable sponge (Sigualuo) and Apricot seed (Xingren).
Dosage: 3-10 g.