Formula Formulas that purge Heat accumulation

Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

小承气汤

Also known as:

Minor Order the Qi Decoction

Formula Composition

Da Huang
Da Huang
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Moderately purges Heat accumulation
  2. Circulates Qi in the Middle

Patterns Treated

Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines

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 Cheng Qi Tang

Main Actions

Moderately purges Heat accumulation
Circulates Qi in the Middle

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Cheng Qi Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that purge Heat accumulation. Its main actions are: 1) moderately purges Heat accumulation and 2) circulates Qi in the Middle .

 

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 Cheng Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis or postoperative constipation and distention for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines

Common Applications

Acute cholecystitis Acute pancreatitis Postoperative constipation and distention Roundworms in the bile duct Early-stage dysentery Pneumonia Hypertension Beriberi Epilepsy Food poisoning Ephidrosis Dysentery Intestinal paralysis Chronic gastritis Viral hepatitis Hydrothorax Colitis Ulcerative colitis Diverticulitis Mesenteric lymphadenitis Trichomonas Profuse perspiration Stomach flu Measles Meningitis Tetanus Neurosis Obesity Hemorrhoids Mania Constipation Emotional disorder Food retention

Ingredients in Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Cheng Qi Tang and their roles

Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it drains Heat, purges accumulations, drains Fire, transforms Dampness by promoting urination.
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
In general Hou Pu's main actions are as follows: "Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung."

In the context of Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it dissipates clumps, reduces distention, breaks up and descends Stagnant Qi and unblocks bowels.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
In general Zhi Shi's main actions are as follows: "Regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. Moves Qi downward and helps constipation. Reduces Stagnant Phlegm and lessens distention and pain. For prolapse of organs when used with the appropriate herbs."

In the context of Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, it is used because it spreads and descends Qi, dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm and relieves fullness.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

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

Contraindications

Should not be used during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Cheng Qi 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.