Formula Composition

Hua Shi

Gan Cao

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King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Formula Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness

Liu Yi San

六一散

Also known as:

Six-to-One Powder

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Clears Summer-Heat
Drains Dampness
Supplements Qi

Patterns Treated

Summer-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Bladder

Historical Origin

Formulas from the Discussion Illuminating the Yellow Emperor's Basic Questions (1172 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Liu Yi San

Main Actions

Clears Summer-Heat

Drains Dampness

Supplements Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Liu Yi San is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Talc (Hua Shi) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 1172 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness. Its main actions are: 1) clears Summer-Heat and 2) drains Dampness.

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 Liu Yi San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Summer-Heat or Damp-Heat in the Bladder. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as stomach flu, gastroenteritis or heatstroke for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Summer-Heat
Damp-Heat in the Bladder

Common Applications

Stomach flu Gastroenteritis Heatstroke Cystitis Urethritis Urinary stones

Ingredients in Liu Yi San

Detailed information about each herb in Liu Yi San and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Hua Shi

Talc

Temperature Cold

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach

Parts Used The mineral itself

Role in Liu Yi San

Hua Shi clears Summer-Heat and facilitates the resolution of Dampness. Its nature is heavy, and it therefore directs downward. It is also slippery and able to facilitate passage through the openings, be they the pores of the skin or the urinary orifices.

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Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Dried root and rhizome

Role in Liu Yi San

Gan Cao harmonizes the middle and has a mild ability to clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Its combination with Talc (Hua Shi) not only promotes urination, but also generates Fluids, thereby enabling the formula to perform its tasks without injuring the Qi or body Fluids.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Liu Yi San

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for the elderly or those with Yin Deficiency. It is also not for those without signs of Dampness.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Liu Yi San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.