Formula Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

半夏泻心汤

Also known as:

Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi
  2. Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

Main Actions

Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi
Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract

Key TCM Concepts

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines. Its main actions are: 1) reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi and 2) relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine or Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
  • Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner

Common Applications

Peptic ulcers Gastroesophageal reflux disease Gastritis Chronic cholecystitis Colitis Hepatitis Chronic gastroenteritis Acute gastroenteritis Chronic colitis Chronic hepatitis Early-stage cirrhosis

Ingredients in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Huang Lian is specific for draining "Stagnation stemming from Dampness and Heat", a key issue this formula aims to treat. It also focuses on the epigastrium, making it an even more specific choice as the key ingredient.
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
In general Huang Qin's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome."

In the context of Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, it is used because it drains clumping from the epigastrium by drying and directing downward.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, it is used because it enters the Stomach Channel and disperses clumping, stops vomiting, and eliminates focal distention.
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Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Gan Jiang enters the Spleen and Stomach to assist in the transformation of thin mucus while restoring Yang Qi to the Middle Burner.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Ren Shen works together with Jujube dates (Da Zao), another assistant herb of this formula, to prevent the dispersing actions of the chief and deputy herbs from injuring the Normal Qi. In this manner, they work with the key herb (Goldthread rhizome) to stop the vomiting.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, it is used because it helps the assistant herbs tonify the middle Qi and harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula is indicated for focal distention caused by Stagnant Heat and Body Fluids in the epigastrium. Where such distention is due to Qi Stagnation or harbored food, this formula will not be effective.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.