Formula Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat

Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

犀角地黄汤

Also known as:

Rhinoceros and Rehmannia Decoction

Formula Composition

Shui Niu Jiao
Shui Niu Jiao
Di Huang
Di Huang
Chi Shao
Chi Shao
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
  2. Removes Blood Stagnation

Patterns Treated

Heat victorious agitating Blood, Loss of Blood, Heat in the Blood, Toxic-Heat, Excess-Heat

Historical Origin

Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces (650 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

Main Actions

Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
Removes Blood Stagnation

Key TCM Concepts

Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 650 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat. Its main actions are: 1) treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system and 2) removes 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 Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heat victorious agitating Blood, Loss of Blood or Heat in the Blood. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as lupus, acute leukemia or uremia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heat victorious agitating Blood
  • Loss of Blood
  • Heat in the Blood
  • Toxic-Heat
  • Excess-Heat

Common Applications

Lupus Acute leukemia Uremia Hepatic coma Septicemia Boils Hepatitis Allergic purpura Acute hemorrhages

Ingredients in Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shui Niu Jiao
Shui Niu Jiao

Water buffalo horns

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Salty
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver
Parts Used The horn, as a powder or as thin scrapes
Role in Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Shui Niu Jiao clears Heart Fire and resolves Heat/Fire toxicity. It is Cold but does not hinder the movement of Blood (Cold can often "congeal" Blood). This makes it a particularly suitable ingredient to treat Heat at the Blood level.
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Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Sheng Di Huang cools the Blood, stops bleeding, nourishes the Yin Fluids, and clears Heat. Nourishing the Yin Fluids is particularly important because they suffer greatly from severe Heat and Blood loss.
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Chi Shao
Chi Shao

Red peony roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Chi Shao cools and moves the Blood. It is important to prevent the Blood Stagnation that may be caused by Heat in the Blood or as a side effect of the other Cold ingredients in this formula.
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Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Root barks
Role in Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
In general Mu Dan Pi's main actions are as follows: "Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis."

In the context of Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, it is used because it drains Heat to cool the Blood and stops bleeding by dispersing stagnant Blood.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated in cases of bleeding due to Yang Deficiency or Spleen and Stomach Deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xi Jiao Di Huang 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.