Formula Composition

Chi Shi Zhi

Gan Jiang

Jing Mi

View detailed herb information

King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Assistant

Supports

Formula Formulas that bind up Intestines and secure abandoned conditions

Tao Hua Tang

桃花汤

Also known as:

Peach Blossom Decoction

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Warms the Middle
Dispels Cold
Binds up the bowels and stops dysenteric disorders

Patterns Treated

Large Intestine Cold, Cold invading the Large Intestine, Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold

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 Hua Tang

Main Actions

Warms the Middle

Dispels Cold

Binds up the bowels and stops dysenteric disorders

Key TCM Concepts

Tao Hua Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that bind up Intestines and secure abandoned conditions. Its main actions are: 1) warms the Middle and 2) dispels Cold.

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 Hua Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Large Intestine Cold, Cold invading the Large Intestine or Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease or peptic ulcers for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Large Intestine Cold
Cold invading the Large Intestine
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold

Common Applications

Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease Peptic ulcers Chronic dysentery Hemorrhoids Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Ingredients in Tao Hua Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Tao Hua Tang and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Assistants

Chi Shi Zhi

Red Halloysite

Temperature Warm

Taste Pungent, Sour, Sweet

Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine

Parts Used The mineral

Role in Tao Hua Tang

Chi Shi Zhi warming and astringent. It binds up the Intestines and stabilizes the disorder. Due to its warming nature, it isespecially useful for treating blood and pus in the stool due to Cold from Yang Deficiency. Half of the formula is taken as a powder so that the substance itself reaches the Intestines and this will increase its absorptive action.

View herb details

Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot

Taste Pungent

Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach

Parts Used Dried rhizome

Role in Tao Hua Tang

Gan Jiang calms the Middle Burner and expels Cold. It also assists the original Yang and strengthens theSpleen's transportive and transformative functions so that it is able to contain Essence. Experts also emphasizes that its warmth nature can dispels Cold from the Blood and its acridity nature can clear Stagnation. Therefore this herb is effective in solving the root and branch causes of pus, such as these blood and pus in the stools.

View herb details

Jing Mi

Rice sprouts

Temperature Neutral

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Seed kernels

Role in Tao Hua Tang

Jing Mi nourishes the Stomach and harmonizes the Middle Burner. It helps the other ingredients improve the function of the Stomach and Intestines.

View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Tao Hua 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 astringent and warming in nature and therefore contraindicated for dysenteric disorders due to Damp-Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Tao Hua 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.