Formula Formulas for a rebellious Qi

Xiao Ban Xia Tang

小半夏汤

Also known as:

Minor Pinellia Decoction , Little Crow-dipper Decoction

Formula Composition

Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Alleviates and removes thin mucus
  2. Directs rebellious Qi downward
  3. Stops vomiting
  4. Harmonizes the Stomach

Patterns Treated

Phlegm

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiao Ban Xia Tang

Main Actions

Alleviates and removes thin mucus
Directs rebellious Qi downward
Stops vomiting
Harmonizes the Stomach

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Ban Xia Tang is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas for a rebellious Qi. Its main actions are: 1) alleviates and removes thin mucus and 2) directs rebellious Qi downward.

 

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 Xiao Ban Xia Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as morning sickness or travel sickness for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm

Common Applications

Morning sickness Travel sickness

Ingredients in Xiao Ban Xia Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Ban Xia Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Xiao Ban Xia Tang
Ban Xia is acrid, drying, and downward-directing. It drains water and Dampness by drying and dispersing them. Through its ability to direct the Qi downward, it harmonizes the Stomach and stops nausea, hiccup, and a sensation of fullness in the epigastrium.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Xiao Ban Xia Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."

In the context of Xiao Ban Xia Tang, it is used because it disperses the accumulation of thin mucus in the epigastrium that causes the Qi to rebel upward.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Ban Xia Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Ban Xia 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.