Witnessed by: TCM
Hog fennel (Peucedanum praeruptorum), of the Apiaceae family. Branching perennial of mountain slopes with umbels of small dark flowers; native range: central and eastern China. Globally recognized as qian hu (前胡) in Chinese, and purple-flowered hog fennel in English. The part used is root. Twisted brown taproot, aromatic and faintly bitter, oozing a resinous sap when cut.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
HOG FENNEL
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- hog fennel
- Scientific name
- Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn
- Family
- Apiaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- cool (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- directs Lung qi downward and transforms phlegm-heat, disperses wind-heat from the exterior
Cautions
- Contraindications
- not for dry cough from Yin deficiency or cough from wind-cold without phlegm-heat
- Toxicity
- regarded as safe in normal dose
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