Formula Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

桃核承气汤

Also known as:

Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi , Persica and Rhubarb Combination

Formula Composition

Tao Ren
Tao Ren
Da Huang
Da Huang
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Dispels Heat and
  2. Eliminates Blood Stagnation

Patterns Treated

Blood Stagnation, Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood, Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner

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 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

Main Actions

Dispels Heat and
Eliminates Blood Stagnation

Key TCM Concepts

Tao He Cheng Qi Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) and Rhubarb (Da Huang) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation. Its main actions are: 1) dispels Heat and and 2) eliminates Blood Stagnation.

 

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 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation, Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood or Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as leiomyoma, retained placenta or prolonged lochia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Stagnation
  • Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood
  • Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner

Common Applications

Leiomyoma Retained placenta Prolonged lochia Perimenopausal syndrome Cystitis Prostatitis Gonorrhea urethritis Ulcerative colitis Traumatic headache Cerebral contusion Migraine Trigeminal neuralgia Schizophrenia Histerical psychosis Epilepsy Conjunctivitis Hordeolum Blepharitis Pterygium Gingivitis Cerebrovascular disease Atherosclerosis Hypertension Myocardial infarction Varicose veins Urticaria Seborrheic dermatitis Erysipelas Scarlet fever Allergic purpura Eczema Pelvic inflammatory disease

Ingredients in Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Tao He Cheng Qi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Tao Ren
Tao Ren

Peach kernels

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Large Intestine, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."

In the context of Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it breaks up and eliminates Blood Stagnation.
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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 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it clears pathogenic Heat and purges accumulations.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Gui Zhi warms the sinews, unblocks the vessels, and dispels retained Blood from the Lower Burner. In doing so it helps the Peach kernels eliminate Blood Stagnation.
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Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao

Mirabilites

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Salty
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used The rock crushed as a powder
Role in Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Mang Xiao softens areas of hardness and dispels Stagnation, thereby helping Rhubarb move stools, drain Heat and eliminate Blood Stagnation.
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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 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Gan Cao protects the Stomach and the Middle Burner by moderating the detrimental effects of the other ingredients in this formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Tao He Cheng Qi Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Tao He Cheng Qi 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.