Formula Formulas that drive out excess water

Shi Zao Tang

十枣汤

Also known as:

Ten-Jujube Decoction

Formula Composition

Gan Sui
Gan Sui
Yuan Hua
Yuan Hua
Jing Da Ji
Jing Da Ji
Da Zao
Da Zao
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Kings
Main ingredient
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium, Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shi Zao Tang

Main Actions

Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids

Key TCM Concepts

Shi Zao Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Kansui Roots (Gan Sui), Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) and Peking Spurge Roots (Jing Da Ji) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that drive out excess water. Its main action is that it purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids.

 

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 Zao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium or Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as pericardial and pleural effusions, pneumonia or cirrhosis with ascites for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
  • Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium

Common Applications

Pericardial and pleural effusions Pneumonia Cirrhosis with ascites Nephritis

Ingredients in Shi Zao Tang

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

Kings
Assistants
Gan Sui
Gan Sui

Kansui roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used The dried root
Role in Shi Zao Tang
In general Gan Sui's main actions are as follows: "Relieves water retention and congestion of Fluids. Cools swellings and reduces inflammation when applied topically. Strong purgative, driving water and Food Stagnation out though the stool."

In the context of Shi Zao Tang, it is used because it expels Fluids and Dampness from the Channels and collaterals.
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Yuan Hua
Yuan Hua

Genkwa flowers

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried flower bud
Role in Shi Zao Tang
In general Yuan Hua's main actions are as follows: "Relieves chronic congestion of Fluids in the chest and stops cough. Drains congested Fluids through the urine and the stool. Expels parasites."

In the context of Shi Zao Tang, it is used because it reduces and eliminates Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondria.
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Jing Da Ji
Jing Da Ji

Peking spurge roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried roots
Role in Shi Zao Tang
In general Jing Da Ji's main actions are as follows: "Drains water downward and drives out Phlegm-Fluids. Reduces swellings and dispels lumps."

In the context of Shi Zao Tang, it is used because it drains Fluids and Dampness from the Organs.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Shi Zao Tang
Da Zao augment the Qi, protect the Stomach, and moderate the harshness and toxicity of the three other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shi Zao Tang

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

Contraindications

This formula should be used with extreme caution in weak or pregnant patients.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shi Zao 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.