Formula Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin

普济消毒饮

Also known as:

Universal Benefit Drink to Eliminate Toxin

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Toxic-Heat
  2. Clears Wind-Heat

Patterns Treated

Wind-Heat, Toxic-Heat

Historical Origin

Dong-Yuan's Tried and Tested Formulas (1202 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin

Main Actions

Clears Toxic-Heat
Clears Wind-Heat

Key TCM Concepts

Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin is a 14-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) and Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1202 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Its main actions are: 1) clears Toxic-Heat and 2) clears Wind-Heat .

 

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 Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Heat or Toxic-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as furuncles, carbuncles or parotiditis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Heat
  • Toxic-Heat

Common Applications

Furuncles Carbuncles Parotiditis Tonsillitis Lymphadenditis Upper respiratory tract infections in children Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis Acute icteric hepatitis Infectious mononucleosis Hepatomegaly Viral myocarditis Erysipelas Mumps Acute tonsillitis Lymphadenitis

Ingredients in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin

Detailed information about each herb in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Huang Qin's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome."

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear and drain the Toxic-Heat from the Upper Burner.
Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Huang Lian's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat especially in the Lower Burner. Eliminates Fire toxicity especially when there is associated Dampness. Acts as a sedative by eliminating Heart Fire. Eliminates Stomach Fire. Expel parasites"

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear and drain the Toxic-Heat from the Upper Burner.
Niu Bang Zi
Niu Bang Zi

Greater burdock fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Niu Bang Zi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Heat. Allows the release of toxicity from the surface and clears Heat. Reduces swelling and clears pathogenic Heat. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieves sore throat."

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it disperse Wind-Heat from the Upper Burner, head, and face.
Lian Qiao
Lian Qiao

Forsythia fruits

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried fruit
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Lian Qiao's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and toxicity from the Blood. Dispels External Wind-Heat. Reduces lumps, swollen lymph nodes and sores of a Heated nature."

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it disperse Wind-Heat from the Upper Burner, head, and face.
Bo He
Bo He

Wild mint

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried aerial parts
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Bo He's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind-Heat. Clears Wind-Heat from the head, eyes and throat. Allows the release of toxins from the skin. Moves Stagnant Liver Qi"

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it disperse Wind-Heat from the Upper Burner, head, and face.
Jiang Can
Jiang Can

Silkworms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Pungent, Salty
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used the whole worm
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Jiang Can's main actions are as follows: "Antispasmodic, subdues Internal Wind. Expels Wind and stops pain. Clears Toxins and dissipates nodules. "

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it is acrid and neutral. It disperse Wind-Heat from the Upper Burner, head, and face.
Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen

Ningpo figwort roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Xuan Shen's main actions are as follows: "Expels true or Internal Heat and cools the Blood. Tonifies the Yin. Reduces inflammations and drains Fire toxicity. Reduces hard nodules, especially associated with the lymph."

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear Heat from the throat and relieve the Toxic-Fire there.
Ma Bo
Ma Bo

Puffball

Temperature Neutral
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used The whole plant
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Ma Bo's main actions are as follows: "Clears Lung Fire and benefits the throat. Stops bleeding when applied externally. "

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear Heat from the throat and relieve the Toxic-Fire there.
Ban Lan Gen
Ban Lan Gen

Woad roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Ban Lan Gen's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Fire toxicity. Cools the Blood. Dispels Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner."

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear Heat from the throat and relieve the Toxic-Fire there.
Jie Geng
Jie Geng

Platycodon roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
In general Jie Geng's main actions are as follows: "Opens the Lungs and smoothes the flow of Lung Qi. Expels Phlegm and pus from the Lungs and throat, can be used for either Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat according to the other herbs in the formula. Directs the actions of other herbs to the Upper Burner. "

In the context of Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear Heat from the throat and relieve the Toxic-Fire there.
Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
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 Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, it is used because it clear Heat from the throat and relieve the Toxic-Fire there.
Ju Hong
Ju Hong

Red Tangerine Peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Lungs
Parts Used Dried exocarp
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Ju Hong regulates the Qi to ensure the free flow of Blood and Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influences from Stagnation. This helps to reduce toxic swelling.
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Chai Hu raises the Yang, disperses Wind-Heat, and conducts the other ingredients to the head. It is also effective in dispersing Fire stagnation.
Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma

Bugbane rhizomes

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Sheng Ma raises the Yang, disperses Wind-Heat, and conducts the other ingredients to the head. It is also effective in dispersing Fire stagnation.

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin

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

Contraindications

The formula should be used with caution in treating those with Yin Deficiency, as herbs in this formula are bitter or acrid and have dispersing properties,

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.