Formula Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge

Gu Chong Tang

固冲汤

Also known as:

Stabilize Gushing Decoction

Formula Composition

Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Long Gu
Long Gu
Mu Li ke
Mu Li ke
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Hai Piao Shao
Hai Piao Shao
Zong Lu
Zong Lu
Wu Bei Zi
Wu Bei Zi
Qian Cao
Qian Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Available in our store
View in Store
From $43.00

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Augments Qi
  2. Strengthens the Spleen
  3. Stabilizes the Penetrating Vessel
  4. Stops bleeding

Patterns Treated

Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western (1918-1934 )

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gu Chong Tang

Main Actions

Augments Qi
Strengthens the Spleen
Stabilizes the Penetrating Vessel
Stops bleeding

Key TCM Concepts

Gu Chong Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Cornelian Cherries (Shan Zhu Yu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1918-1934, it belongs to the category of formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge. Its main actions are: 1) augments Qi and 2) strengthens the Spleen.

 

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 Gu Chong Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, postpartum bleeding or peptic ulcer bleeding for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding Postpartum bleeding Peptic ulcer bleeding

Ingredients in Gu Chong Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Gu Chong Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shan Zhu Yu
Shan Zhu Yu

Cornelian cherries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe sarcocarp
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Shan Zhu Yu tonifies the Kidneys and benefits the Liver but also has a binding action on the Penetrating and Directing vessels. Experts claims that this herb strongly holds the Original Qi, lifts the Mind and stop Body Fluids leaking.
View herb details
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen Qi. The combination of Atractylodes rhizome and Milkvetch root is particularly effective in helping the Spleen govern the Blood and stabilize the Penetrating Vessel, especially with the rather large dosage used in this formula.
View herb details
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Huang Qi strengthens the Spleen Qi. The combination of Atractylodes rhizome and Milkvetch root is particularly effective in helping the Spleen govern the Blood and stabilize the Penetrating Vessel, especially with the rather large dosage used in this formula.
View herb details
Long Gu
Long Gu

Dragon bones

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used The fossilized bone or vertebrae
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Long Gu is frequently used to stop Body Fluid leakage (secure leakage) The combination of Dragon bones and Oyster shells focuses on stabilizing the Penetrating Vessel. It also works with the key herb to strenghten the Original Qi of the Lower Burner. Both ingredients should be calcined as this process enhances their astringent, binding properties further.
View herb details
Mu Li ke
Mu Li ke

Oyster shells

Temperature Cold
Taste Salty
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used The shell
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Mu Li ke is frequently used to stop Body Fluid leakage (secure leakage) The combination of Dragon bones and Oyster shells focuses on stabilizing the Penetrating Vessel. It also works with the key herb to strenghten the Original Qi of the Lower Burner. Both ingredients should be calcined as this process enhances their astringent, binding properties further.
View herb details
Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Bai Shao treats the instability of the Penetrating Vessel and the injury to the Yin and Blood from chronic blood loss. It nourishes the Yin and Blood of the Liver and Kidneys and exerts an astringent, binding effect on the Blood.
View herb details
Hai Piao Shao
Hai Piao Shao

Cuttlebones

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Salty
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys
Parts Used The bones
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Hai Piao Shao restrain Body Fluids leakage and stop bleeding. Because of the importance of quickly stopping the bleeding, the dosage of this ingredients is rather large. However, there is an potential risk that it may cause Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Zong Lu
Zong Lu

Windmill palm bark

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried petiole
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Zong Lu restrain Body Fluids leakage and stop bleeding. Because of the importance of quickly stopping the bleeding, the dosage of this ingredients is rather large. However, there is an potential risk that it may cause Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Wu Bei Zi
Wu Bei Zi

Chinese Gall

Temperature Cold
Taste Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used The dried parasite gall
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Wu Bei Zi restrain Body Fluids leakage and stop bleeding. Because of the importance of quickly stopping the bleeding, the dosage of this ingredients is rather large. However, there is an potential risk that it may cause Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Qian Cao
Qian Cao

Indian madder roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried roots and rhizomes
Role in Gu Chong Tang
Qian Cao stops bleeding and invigorates the Blood. It is therefore able to prevent the formation of Blood Stagnation.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gu Chong 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 inappropriate for cases in which the bleeding is so severe that it leads to an disorder characterized by profuse sweating, cold limbs, and a pulse that is faint to the point of being imperceptible. In such cases, either modify the formula or prescribe Unaccompanied Ginseng Decoction (Du Shen Tang) until the condition has stabilized.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Gu Chong 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.