Formula Formulas that purge Heat accumulation

Da Cheng Qi Tang

大承气汤

Also known as:

Major Order the Qi Decoction , Major Rhubarb Combination

Formula Composition

Da Huang
Da Huang
Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
  2. Relieves constipation

Patterns Treated

Yang Excess or Full Yang, Heat in Yang brightness Organs, Yang Excess

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 Da Cheng Qi Tang

Main Actions

Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
Relieves constipation

Key TCM Concepts

Da Cheng Qi Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Rhubarb (Da Huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that purge Heat accumulation. Its main actions are: 1) purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines and 2) relieves constipation.

 

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 Da Cheng Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Yang Excess or Full Yang, Heat in Yang brightness Organs or Yang Excess. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as pancreatis, appendicitis or cholecystitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Yang Excess or Full Yang
  • Heat in Yang brightness Organs
  • Yang Excess

Common Applications

Pancreatis Appendicitis Cholecystitis Bacterial dysentery Icteric hepatitis Encephalitis Influenza Lobar pneumonia Purulent tonsillitis Cardiopulmonary disease Asthma Enuresis Urinary stones Hemorrhoids Stroke Hypertension Schizophrenia

Ingredients in Da Cheng Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Da Cheng Qi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Da Cheng Qi Tang
Da Huang , as best described in the classic Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, "breaks up abdominal masses, accumulations, lingering Fluids, and harbored food by flushing them from the Stomach and Intestines, pushing out the old so that the new [can enter], unblocking [the passages for] food and drink, regulating the Middle [Burner so that it can again] transform food and the five Yin Organs are calmed."
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Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao

Mirabilites

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Salty
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used The rock crushed as a powder
Role in Da Cheng Qi Tang
Mang Xiao has stool-softening properties that helps the key herb (Rhubarb) in its purgative action. Together they moisten Dryness as they drain downward.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Da Cheng Qi Tang
In general Zhi Shi's main actions are as follows: "Regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. Moves Qi downward and helps constipation. Reduces Stagnant Phlegm and lessens distention and pain. For prolapse of organs when used with the appropriate herbs."

In the context of Da Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it dissipates clumps and reduces focal distention.
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Da Cheng Qi Tang
Hou Pu disseminates the Qi and relieves the sensation of fullness. Together with Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi), the other assistant, they assists in the expulsion of stool by moving the Qi. Even though the root of the condition is Heat, the resultant clumping leads to severe Qi Stagnation. Moving the Qi is thus an important aspect of the formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Da Cheng Qi Tang

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

Contraindications

Contradicted for conditions where a Pathogen remains in the protective level and Exterior. This is indicated by aversion to Cold and by urine that remains normal in both color and amount. Contradicted for treating hardness in the epigastric area, indicating that the Pathogen remains above the diaphragm and has not yet penetrated into the Intestines. Contradicted if the is a flushed face. It indicates that Heat is not yet bound in the Interior but still floats in the Exterior. Contradicted for patients who habitually eat only small amounts, indicating Deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi. In such cases, constipation requires tonification. Contradicted for patients who stop eating as the disorder develops. This means there is nothing to produce stools with which the Heat may bind. Contradicted for the case of frequent vomiting. It indicates that the disorder remains at the lesser Yang warp. Contradicted for the case of a slow pulse, which indicates Cold in the Interior. Contradicted in case of spontaneous sweating and normal urination, indicating that the Fluids in the interior are expended. Contradicted during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Da Cheng Qi 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.