Formula Composition

Zhu Ya Zao

Xi Xin

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King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Formula Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices

Tong Guan San

通关散

Also known as:

Open the Gate Powder

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Unblocks the jaw
Opens the sensory orifices

Patterns Treated

Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices

Historical Origin

Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces (650 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Tong Guan San

Main Actions

Unblocks the jaw

Opens the sensory orifices

Key TCM Concepts

Tong Guan San is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 650 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm and open sensory orifices. Its main actions are: 1) unblocks the jaw and 2) opens the sensory orifices.

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 Tong Guan San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hysteria, psychosis or anaphylactic shock for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices

Common Applications

Hysteria Psychosis Anaphylactic shock Chronic rhinitis Sinusitis

Ingredients in Tong Guan San

Detailed information about each herb in Tong Guan San and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Zhu Ya Zao

Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits

Temperature Warm

Taste Pungent, Salty

Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs

Parts Used The abnormal fruits

Role in Tong Guan San

Zhu Ya Zao is warm, acrid, and scurrying. It scours out Phlegm, opens the sensory orifices, and revives the spirit such as restores consciousness. It unblocks the gates of the orifices above and below and is able to cause Phlegm and spittle vomiting. For example, once it stimulates the nose, there will immediately be a sneeze.

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Xi Xin

Wild ginger

Temperature Warm

Taste Pungent

Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs

Parts Used Dried root and rhizome

Role in Tong Guan San

Xi Xin is warm, acrid, and dispersing. It unblocks the Channels and is particularly effective in unblocking the nose. The desired effect of the formula here is to induce sneezing. As such, any other functions that the ingredients might serve, such as transforming Phlegm, are not relevant, particularly given the small dosages.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Tong Guan San

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy and for loss of consciousness due to abandoned-type disorders. It is also contraindicated for loss of consciousness due to hypertensive crisis, cerebral hemorrhage, or traumatic cranial injuries, as it stimulates blood circulation in the head. Remember that this formula is intended only for temporary, emergency use in treating acute collapse. Once consciousness has been restored, or indeed once sneezing has been induced, use of this formula should be discontinued.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Tong Guan San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.