Formula Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

Tong Xie Yao Fang

痛泻要方

Also known as:

Important Formula for Painful Diarrhea

Formula Composition

Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Fang Feng
Fang Feng
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies the Spleen
  2. Softens the Liver
  3. Expels Dampness
  4. Stops diarrhea

Patterns Treated

Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen

Historical Origin

Essential Teachings of [Zhu] Dan-Xi (1481 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Tong Xie Yao Fang

Main Actions

Tonifies the Spleen
Softens the Liver
Expels Dampness
Stops diarrhea

Key TCM Concepts

Tong Xie Yao Fang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) and White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1481 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies the Spleen and 2) softens the Liver.

 

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 Xie Yao Fang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as colitis or ingestion in children for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen

Common Applications

Colitis Ingestion in children

Ingredients in Tong Xie Yao Fang

Detailed information about each herb in Tong Xie Yao Fang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Tong Xie Yao Fang
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness. In case a Deficient Spleen interacts with an overcontrolling Liver, this herb is used to nurture the Spleen (Earth), which will have the effect of controlling the Liver(Wood). The combination of Atractylodes rhizome and White peony root works very well in controlling Wood and nurture the Earth. This stops the pain and diarrhea linked with this condition.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Tong Xie Yao Fang
Bai Shao softens the overactive Liver and alleviates pain. The combination of Atractylodes rhizome and White peony root works very well in controlling Wood and nurture the Earth. This stops the pain and diarrhea linked with this condition.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Tong Xie Yao Fang
Chen Pi is aromatic. It helps in harmonizing the functions of the Middle Burner and transforms Dampness. It also helps Atractylodes rhizome strengthening the Spleen and eliminating Dampness.
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Fang Feng
Fang Feng

Saposhnikovia roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Tong Xie Yao Fang
Fang Feng It enters the Liver and Spleen channels and helps relieve the overcontrol of the Spleen by the Liver, while focusing the actions of all the herbs on these two Organs. It serves as both the assistant and the envoy.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Tong Xie Yao Fang

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

Contraindications

This formula is not recommended in situations of food poisoning diarrhea. While this can be accompanied by stomach pain, it normally goes away once the bowels have been emptied and the food stagnation has dispersed. Other distinguishing signs include the presence of undigested food in the stools and especially foul stools. Borborygmus, if present, is typically followed by the release of foul-smelling gas.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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