Formula Formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders

Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang

活人葱豉汤

Also known as:

Scallion and Prepared Soybean Decoction from Book to Safeguard Life

Formula Composition

Cong Bai
Cong Bai
Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi
Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Ge Gen
Ge Gen
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
  2. Induces sweating

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat

Historical Origin

Book to Safeguard Life Arranged According to Pattern (1108 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang

Main Actions

Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
Induces sweating

Key TCM Concepts

Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Scallions (Cong Bai) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1108 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders. Its main actions are: 1) unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior and 2) induces sweating .

 

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 Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, common cold or influenza for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold
  • Wind-Heat

Common Applications

Upper respiratory tract infections Common cold Influenza

Ingredients in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Cong Bai
Cong Bai

Scallions

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Bulb
Role in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Cong Bai Relieves the Exterior through sweating. It is a warm and acrid herb which unblocks the Yang Qi (Protective Qi) flow in the Exterior and induces sweating.
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Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi

Fermented soybeans

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Fermented preparation obtain from the ripe bean
Role in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Dan Dou Chi releases externally-contracted pernicious influences from the Exterior and keeps Yang Qi in the Interior.
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Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Ma Huang induces sweating and clears the Lungs. It is added to the original formula of Cong Shi Tang for the patients that have no chills or sweating, but have headache, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, and a tight pulse. Comparing with the original one, this daughter formula is for more severe penetration of Wind-Cold into the Exterior, especially if the disease has lasted for one or two days.
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Ge Gen
Ge Gen

Kudzu roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Ge Gen induces sweating and relax muscles. It is added to the original formula of Cong Shi Tang for the patients that have no chills or sweating, but have headache, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, and a tight pulse.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Huo Ren Cong Shi 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.