Formula Composition

Da Huang

Mang Xiao

Mu Dan Pi

Dong Gua Zi

Tao Ren

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King

Main ingredient

Deputies

Assists main

Assistants

Supports

Formula Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores

Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

大黄牡丹皮汤

Also known as:

Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines
Reduces swelling and disperses lumps

Patterns Treated

Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation with Heat

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

Main Actions

Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines

Reduces swelling and disperses lumps

Key TCM Concepts

Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Rhubarb (Da Huang) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores. Its main actions are: 1) clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines and 2) reduces swelling and disperses lumps.

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 Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation or Blood Stagnation with Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or iliac fossa abscess for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Blood Stagnation
Blood Stagnation with Heat

Common Applications

Appendicitis Pelvic inflammatory disease Iliac fossa abscess Subdermal abscess Renal abscess Hepatic abscess Pulmonary abscess Bacillary dysentery Pyelonephritis Mastitis Osteomyelitis Conjunctivitis Folliculitis

Ingredients in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Assistants

Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold

Taste Bitter

Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium

Parts Used Dried root and rhizome

Role in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, it is used because it drains Heat and breaks up Blood Stagnation.

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Mang Xiao

Mirabilites

Temperature Cold

Taste Bitter, Salty

Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine

Parts Used The rock crushed as a powder

Role in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

In general Mang Xiao's main actions are as follows: "Purges Stagnation in the Intestines caused by Heat and Dryness, Cools Heat and abates swelling"

In the context of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, it is used because it softens the stools and aids in draining Heat downward, thereby unclogging the Intestines.

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Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool

Taste Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver

Parts Used Root barks

Role in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

In general Mu Dan Pi's main actions are as follows: "Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis."

In the context of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, it is used because it cools the Blood and eliminates masses due to Blood Stagnation.

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Dong Gua Zi

Wax gourd seeds

Temperature Cold

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine

Parts Used The seeds, dried

Role in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

In general Dong Gua Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat, expels Phlegm, expels pus and moistens the Lungs. Clears Heat and drains Dampness."

In the context of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, it is used because it expels pus, eliminates Heat and reduces abscesses, especially in the Intestines.

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Tao Ren

Peach kernels

Temperature Neutral

Taste Bitter, Sweet

Organ Affinity Heart, Large Intestine, Liver

Parts Used Dried ripe seed

Role in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."

In the context of Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, it is used because it breaks up Blood Stagnation and has a mild moistening and laxative effect.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for necrotic appendicitis, appendicitis with peritonitis, appendicitis in infants, appendicitis during pregnancy, or appendicitis due to parasites. It should be used with extreme caution in the weak and elderly.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Da Huang Mu Dan Pi 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.