Formula Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

膈下逐瘀汤

Also known as:

Drive Out Stagnation Below the Diaphragm Decoction

Formula Composition

Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Hong Hua
Hong Hua
Tao Ren
Tao Ren
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chi Shao
Chi Shao
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke
Wu Yao
Wu Yao
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi
Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Invigorates Blood
  2. Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
  3. Stops pain
  4. Promotes Qi movement

Patterns Treated

Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Stomach Blood Stagnation

Historical Origin

Correction of Errors Among Physicians (1830 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

Main Actions

Invigorates Blood
Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
Stops pain
Promotes Qi movement

Key TCM Concepts

Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), Safflowers (Hong Hua) and Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1830 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation. Its main actions are: 1) invigorates Blood and 2) eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm.

 

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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as scanty menstruation, menstrual cramps or absence of menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Stagnation
  • Liver Blood Stagnation
  • Qi And Blood Stagnation
  • Stomach Blood Stagnation

Common Applications

Scanty menstruation Menstrual cramps Absence of menstruation Menopausal syndrome Amenorrhea Painful menstruations Chronic active hepatitis Porphyria Diabetes Ectopic pregnancy Infertility

Ingredients in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang and their roles

Kings
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Chuan Xiong's main actions are as follows: "Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Hong Hua
Hong Hua

Safflowers

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried flower
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Hong Hua's main actions are as follows: "Moves Stagnant Blood and regulates menses. Relieves pain caused by Blood Stasis."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Tao Ren
Tao Ren

Peach kernels

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Large Intestine, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu 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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation. It also nourishes the Blood and moistens.
View herb details
Chi Shao
Chi Shao

Red peony roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Chi Shao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood, relieves pain and reduces swelling. Cools the Blood and the Liver."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Xiang Fu's main actions are as follows: "Unblocks Stagnant Liver Qi and relieves pain. Regulates the Liver and Spleen. Assists the regulation of menses and relieves pain."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood below the diaphragm.
View herb details
Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke

Bitter oranges

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Zhi Ke's main actions are as follows: "To regulate the flow of Qi, remove its stagnation, and alleviate distension."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood below the diaphragm.
View herb details
Wu Yao
Wu Yao

Lindera roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Wu Yao's main actions are as follows: "Warms and stimulates the flow of Qi and relieves pain. Disperses Cold and Warms the Kidneys."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood below the diaphragm.
View herb details
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Root barks
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu 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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stop pain.
View herb details
Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu 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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
View herb details
Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi

Flying squirrel faeces

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Dried faeces
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Wu Ling Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Disperses congealed Blood in the lower abdomen and uterus and relieves pain. Promotes childhood nutrition with Cold Stagnation and focal abdominal swelling."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stop pain.
View herb details
Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo

Corydalis tubers

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried tuber
Role in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
In general Yan Hu Suo's main actions are as follows: "Moves the Blood, breaks Blood Stagnation and reduces associated pain. Regulates Stagnant Qi and reduces associated pain."

In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stop pain.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases that involve excessive menstrual bleeding. Contraindicated for people with a weak constitution or who are debilitated. Contraindicated in cases with bleeding diathesis or any active hemorrhagic disorder.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ge Xia Zhu Yu 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.