Formula Formulas that clear malarial disorders

Qing Pi Tang

清脾汤

Also known as:

Clear the Spleen Decoction

Formula Composition

Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Cao Guo
Cao Guo
Qing Pi
Qing Pi
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Harmonizes and resolves
  2. Transforms Phlegm and dries Dampness
  3. Improves the Spleen's transportive function
  4. Clears Heat
  5. Moves Qi

Historical Origin

Formulas to Aid the Living (1253 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Qing Pi Tang

Main Actions

Harmonizes and resolves
Transforms Phlegm and dries Dampness
Improves the Spleen's transportive function
Clears Heat
Moves Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Qing Pi Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1253 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear malarial disorders. Its main actions are: 1) harmonizes and resolves and 2) transforms Phlegm and dries 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.

 

From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as malaria for instance.

Ingredients in Qing Pi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Qing Pi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Qing Pi Tang
Chai Hu , together with Baikal skullcap root, it resolves the Lesser Yang, venting pathogens and clearing Heat. It is the best herb for clearing the muscles and reducing fever. However, without Baikal skullcap root, it can neither cool the muscles nor release the Exterior.
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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 Qing Pi Tang
Huang Qin , together with Bupleurum root, it resolves the Lesser Yang, venting pathogens and clearing Heat. Bupleurum root is the best herb for clearing the muscles and reducing fever. However, without Baikal skullcap root, it can neither cool the muscles nor release the Exterior.
View herb details
Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Qing Pi Tang
Ban Xia dries the dampness and transforms the phlegm, and thus opens the Qi dynamic to facilitate the venting of the pathogen.
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Cao Guo
Cao Guo

Tsaoko fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Qing Pi Tang
Cao Guo dries the Dampness and transforms the Phlegm. It also circulation Qi to facilitate the venting of the pathogen.
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Qing Pi
Qing Pi

Green tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the young or immature fruits
Role in Qing Pi Tang
In general Qing Pi's main actions are as follows: "Smooths the flow of Liver Qi and releases Stagnation. Reduces Food Stagnation. Dries Damp and reduces Phlegm."

In the context of Qing Pi Tang, it is used because it circulates the Qi in order to expel the fullness, dry the Dampness and transform Phlegm. .
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Qing Pi Tang
In general Hou Pu's main actions are as follows: "Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung."

In the context of Qing Pi Tang, it is used because it circulates the Qi in order to expel the fullness, dry the Dampness and transform Phlegm.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Qing Pi Tang
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen, augments the Qi, and dispels Dampness. The combination of Atractylodes rhizome and Poria-cocos mushroom removes the cause of Dampness helps to eliminate any Excessive Body Fluid from the body.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Qing Pi Tang
Fu Ling strengthens the Spleen, augments the Qi, and dispels Dampness. The combination of Atractylodes rhizome and Poria-cocos mushroom removes the cause of Dampness helps to eliminate any Excessive Body Fluid from the body.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Qing Pi 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 Qing Pi Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the formula and moderates its harshness.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Qing Pi 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 contraindicated for malarial disorders without Damp-Phlegm.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Qing Pi 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.