Formula Composition

Gua Lou

Huang Lian

Ban Xia

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King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Assistant

Supports

Formula Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm

Xiao Xian Xiong Tang

小陷胸汤

Also known as:

Minor Decoction [for Pathogens] Stuck in the Chest

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Clears Heat
Transforms Phlegm
Expands the chest
Dissipates clumps

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

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 Xian Xiong Tang

Main Actions

Clears Heat

Transforms Phlegm

Expands the chest

Dissipates clumps

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Xian Xiong Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and 2) transforms Phlegm.

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 Xian Xiong Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hepatitis, cholecystitis or pancreatis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

Common Applications

Hepatitis Cholecystitis Pancreatis Biliary reflux gastritis Peptic ulcers Biliary ascariasis Upper respiratory tract infections Pleurisy Pneumonia Bronchitis Asthma Cerebrovascular disease Psychosis Insomnia

Ingredients in Xiao Xian Xiong Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Xian Xiong Tang and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Assistants

Gua Lou

Snake gourds

Temperature Cold

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Stomach

Parts Used Dried fruit

Role in Xiao Xian Xiong Tang

Gua Lou cools and transforms Phlegm-Heat, moistens the Intestines, and directs the turbid Phlegm downward. It facilitates the elimination of Phlegm-Heat via the bowels without causing Stagnation or aggravating the Heat. As Records of Thoughtful Differentiation of Materia Medica, a key Chinese medicine treaty, states: "The most useful aspect of Gua Lou is that it guides Phlegm and turbidity downward; thus clumping in the chest and chest painful obstruction cannot be [successfully] treated without it."

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Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold

Taste Bitter

Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Dried rhizome

Role in Xiao Xian Xiong Tang

Huang Lian helps Snake gourd (Gua Lou) - the key herb of this formula -drain Heat and turbidity from the Upper and Middle Burners. As often in Chinese medicine it is a mutually beneficial relationship as the moistening nature of Snake Gourd in turn prevents the d of Goldthread rhizome from aggravating the Stagnation.

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Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm

Taste Pungent

Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber

Role in Xiao Xian Xiong Tang

Ban Xia is very effective in directing the Rebellious Qi downward, harmonizing the Stomach, transforming Phlegm, eliminating focal distention, and dissipating clumps. Together Snake gourd - the key herb in this formula - it is excellent for treating focal distention of the chest and diaphragm due to clumping of Phlegm and Heat, or for painful obstruction of the chest due to clumping of sticky and thick Phlegm. Together with Goldthread rhizome - the deputy herb in this formula - it treats the obstruction caused by Phlegm-Heat by utilizing their combination of bitter, downward-directing, and acrid opening natures.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Xian Xiong Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with significant Spleen and Stomach Deficiency, as this formula can cause loose stools.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Xian Xiong 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.