Formula Formulas that rescue devastated Yang

Si Ni Tang

四逆汤

Also known as:

Four Rebellious Decoction , Frigid Extremities Decoction

Formula Composition

Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Rescues devastated Yang
  2. Warms the Middle Burner
  3. Stops diarrhea

Patterns Treated

Lesser Yin Cold Transformation

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Si Ni Tang

Main Actions

Rescues devastated Yang
Warms the Middle Burner
Stops diarrhea

Key TCM Concepts

Si Ni Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that rescue devastated Yang. Its main actions are: 1) rescues devastated Yang and 2) warms the Middle Burner.

 

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 Si Ni Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lesser Yin Cold Transformation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as acute cardiac insufficiency, cerebrovascular insufficiency or gastroenteritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lesser Yin Cold Transformation

Common Applications

Acute cardiac insufficiency Cerebrovascular insufficiency Gastroenteritis Chronic colitis Cirrhosis

Ingredients in Si Ni Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Si Ni Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi

Prepared aconite

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Spleen
Parts Used Processed daughter root
Role in Si Ni Tang
Zhi Fu Zi breaks through the Yin and revives the Yang. It is especially effective in warming and stimulating the Fire at the Gate of Vitality so that it disseminates throughout the body and reaches the extremities.
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Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Si Ni Tang
Gan Jiang warms the Middle Burner and eliminates Cold, which strengthens the Spleen's functions of transforming and transporting food and fluids.
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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 Si Ni Tang
Gan Cao augments the Qi, strengthens the Spleen, reduces the toxicity and moderates the drying properties of the other herbs.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Si Ni 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 in cases with true Heat and false Cold characterized by cold extremities, thirst with a desire to drink cool beverages, dark urine, and a red tongue with a yellow coating.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Si Ni 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.