Formula Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Xiao Chai Hu Tang

小柴胡汤

Also known as:

Minor Bupleurum Decoction

Formula Composition

Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Da Zao
Da Zao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
  2. Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
  3. Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Lesser Yang stage, Half Exterior Half Interior, Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiao Chai Hu Tang

Main Actions

Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders. Its main actions are: 1) treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer) and 2) regulates the Liver and Spleen functions.

 

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 Chai Hu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Lesser Yang stage or Half Exterior Half Interior. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hepatitis, chronic cholecystitis or chronic gastritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
  • Lesser Yang stage
  • Half Exterior Half Interior
  • Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation

Common Applications

Hepatitis Chronic cholecystitis Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Pancreatis Pneumonia Pleurisy Upper respiratory tract infections Tonsillitis Conjunctivitis Malaria Perimenstrual fevers Bronchial asthma Epilepsy Angina Allergic rhinitis Premenstrual syndrome Migraine Intercostal neuralgia Periaural eczema Parotiditis Mastitis

Ingredients in Xiao Chai Hu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Chai Hu Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Chai Hu is the most important herb for solving Lesser Yang-Warp disorders in the Chinese materia medica. Combined with the deputy herb, Baikal skullcap root (Huang Qin), which drains Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder (the Interior aspect of the Lesser Yang-Warp), it vents the pathogenic influence and thereby releases Lesser Yang-Warp disorders. It also spreads the Liver Qi with an ascending, cooling action (contrary to most cooling herbs, which cause things to descend). This combination thereby clears the Heat without causing it to sink deeper into the body.
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Huang Qin assists Chai Hu in clearing the pathogenic Heat from the Shao Yang (Lesser Yang). Chai Hu ascends and disperses, and with Huang Qin descending and purging, it prevents the adverse effect of raising Yang and depleting Yin.
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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 Chai Hu Tang
Ban Xia warms and transforms Phlegm and turbidity in the Middle Burner. When combined with another assistant herb in this formula, Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang), it harmonizes the Middle Burner, directs Rebellious Qi downward, and stops nausea and vomiting.
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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 Chai Hu 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 Chai Hu Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the Middle Burner, directs Rebellious Qi downward, and stops nausea and vomiting.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Ren Shen works together with Liquorice (Gan Cao) and Jujube dates (Da Zao) to support the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Gan Cao , together with Da Zao, supports the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior. Gao Cao and Da Zao also moderates the acrid, dry properties of Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Da Zao supports the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior. The combination of Sheng Jiang and Da Zao mildly regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi, and assists Chai Hu in releasing the half-Exterior aspects of this condition.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Chai Hu Tang

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

Contraindications

This formula promotes the spreading out of Yang Qi, which can cause headache, dizziness, and bleeding of the gums if taken long term. For the same reason, unless considerably modified, it is contraindicated in patients with Excess above and Deficiency below, Liver Fire, or bleeding of the gums. Use with caution in cases of ascendant Liver Yang, hypertension, or vomiting of blood due to Yin Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Chai Hu 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.