Formula Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior

Shi Gao Tang

石膏汤

Also known as:

Gypsum Decoction

Formula Composition

Shi Gao
Shi Gao
Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
  2. Releases the Exterior

Patterns Treated

Exterior-Heat, Wind Cold with Internal Heat

Historical Origin

Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library (752 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shi Gao Tang

Main Actions

Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Releases the Exterior

Key TCM Concepts

Shi Gao Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Gypsum (Shi Gao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 752 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and resolves Toxicity and 2) releases the Exterior.

 

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 Shi Gao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Exterior-Heat or Wind Cold with Internal Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as tonsilitis, pertussis or measles for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Exterior-Heat
  • Wind Cold with Internal Heat

Common Applications

Tonsilitis Pertussis Measles Pneumonia

Ingredients in Shi Gao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shi Gao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shi Gao
Shi Gao

Gypsum

Temperature Cold
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Shi Gao Tang
In general Shi Gao's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and drains Fire. Clears Lung Heat. Relieves thirst and restlessness. Clears Stomach Heat."

In the context of Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it is cold. It clears Heat and eliminates irritability.
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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 Shi Gao Tang
In general Ma Huang's main actions are as follows: "Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination."

In the context of Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it is strong and warm. It releases the Exterior by inducing 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 Shi Gao Tang
In general Dan Dou Chi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and scatters Wind, Cold and Heat, especially when there is Yin Deficiency. Relieves stuffy sensation in the chest and irritability."

In the context of Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it releases the Exterior and relieves irritability.
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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 Shi Gao Tang
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 Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it is bitter and very cold and it excels at draining Heat and resolving Toxicity in the Interior.
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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 Shi Gao Tang
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 Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it is bitter and very cold and it excels at draining Heat and resolving Toxicity in the Interior.
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Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Shi Gao Tang
In general Huang Bo's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Clears Kidney Yin Deficient Heat. Applied externally or toxic Fire, especially associated with Dampness."

In the context of Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it is bitter and very cold and it excels at draining Heat and resolving Toxicity in the Interior.
View herb details
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Shi Gao Tang
In general Zhi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory."

In the context of Shi Gao Tang, it is used because it is bitter and very cold and it excels at draining Heat and resolving Toxicity in the Interior.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shi Gao Tang

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

Contraindications

The effect of this formula is very drying. It must not be used where the absence of sweating is due to Body Fluids Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shi Gao 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.