Formula Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

Shao Yao Tang

芍药汤

Also known as:

Peony Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Da Huang
Da Huang
Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang
Bing Lang
Bing Lang
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Regulates and harmonizes the Qi and Blood
  2. Clears Heat
  3. Dries dampness
  4. Resolves Toxicity

Patterns Treated

Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

Historical Origin

Collection of Writings on the Dynamics of Illness, Suitability of Qi, and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in Basic Question (1186 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shao Yao Tang

Main Actions

Regulates and harmonizes the Qi and Blood
Clears Heat
Dries dampness
Resolves Toxicity

Key TCM Concepts

Shao Yao Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1186 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from the Organs. Its main actions are: 1) regulates and harmonizes the Qi and Blood and 2) clears 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 Shao Yao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as acute enteritis, ulcerative colitis or amebic dysentery for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

Common Applications

Acute enteritis Ulcerative colitis Amebic dysentery

Ingredients in Shao Yao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shao Yao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
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 Shao Yao Tang
Huang Lian is bitter and very cooling. It resolves Heat toxicity in the Intestines by clearing Heat and drying Dampness.
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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 Shao Yao Tang
Huang Qin is bitter and very cooling. It resolves Heat toxicity in the Intestines by clearing Heat and drying Dampness.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shao Yao Tang
Bai Shao is used in a large dose to move the Blood, expel the pus, relax urgency, and stop the Pain. Together with Blood-moving herb Dong Quai, it regulates the nutritive Qi and Blood, following the principle that: When the Blood moves, pus in the stools is naturally healed. Together with Liquorice, it also moderates the spasms and relieves abdominal pain.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shao Yao Tang
Dang Gui tonifies, warms, and moves the Blood. Together with Blood-moving herb White peony root, it regulates the nutritive Qi and Blood, following the principle that: When the Blood moves, pus in the stools is naturally healed.
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Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Shao Yao Tang
Da Huang is bitter and cooling. It drains Toxic-Heat through the stool. When combined with other Qi-moving herbs in the formula, Rhubarb promotes Qi circulation in case of Stagnation. It also guides out stagnation.
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Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang

Costus roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shao Yao Tang
Mu Xiang promotes the movement of Qi and help eliminate Stagnation. Together with Areca nut, it complements the actions of White peony root and Dong quai, whose focus is to regulate the Blood.
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Bing Lang
Bing Lang

Areca nuts

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Shao Yao Tang
Bing Lang It promotes the movement of Qi and help eliminate Stagnation. Together with Costus root, it complements the actions of White peony root and Dong quai, whose focus is to regulate the Blood. It also guides out stagnation.
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Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Shao Yao Tang
Rou Gui enters the Blood level and assists the Blood-harmonizing herbs in moving the Blood. It acts as an opposing assistant, which means that it prevents the cold, bitter properties of the other herbs from either injuring the Yang or constraining the pathogenic influences in the Interior, and thereby transforming into smoldering Damp-Heat. The combination of Cinnamon bark with Rhubarb is particularly adroit. While these two herbs work synergistically to invigorate the Blood, the latter restrains the former from increasing the Fire in 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 Shao Yao Tang
Gan Cao is harmonizes the functions of the Stomach and protects its Qi from the harsh actions of the other herbs. It also moderates the spasms and relieves abdominal pain.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shao Yao Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during the early stages of patterns where there are also exterior symptoms, nor should it be used for chronic dysenteric disorders due to Cold from Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shao Yao 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.