Formula Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

Xie Bai San

泻白散

Also known as:

Drain the White Powder

Formula Composition

Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi
Di Gu Pi
Di Gu Pi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Jing Mi
Jing Mi
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Drains Heat from the Lungs
  2. Calms wheezing

Patterns Treated

Lung Heat

Historical Origin

Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease Patterns (1119 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xie Bai San

Main Actions

Drains Heat from the Lungs
Calms wheezing

Key TCM Concepts

Xie Bai San is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1119 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from the Organs. Its main actions are: 1) drains Heat from the Lungs and 2) calms wheezing.

 

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 Xie Bai San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as early stage measles, pneumonia or bronchitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Heat

Common Applications

Early stage measles Pneumonia Bronchitis Pertussis Conjunctivitis Herpes simplex Urticaria

Ingredients in Xie Bai San

Detailed information about each herb in Xie Bai San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi

Mulberry bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root bark
Role in Xie Bai San
Sang Bai Pi drains stagnant Heat from the Lungs and thereby stops the coughing and wheezing. It combines a moistening nature with an acrid flavor, allowing it to drain Heat without damaging the Lungs, which is regarded as the 'tender organ.' This is particularly suitable in a formula directed specifically at children.
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Di Gu Pi
Di Gu Pi

Goji tree root bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root bark
Role in Xie Bai San
Di Gu Pi sweet, bland and bitter. It enters the Kidneys to clear Heat from Deficiency and into the Lungs to drain accumulated Fire.
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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 Xie Bai San
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Xie Bai San, it is used because it protects the Stomach from the cold properties of the other herbs.
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Jing Mi
Jing Mi

Rice sprouts

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Seed kernels
Role in Xie Bai San
In general Jing Mi's main actions are as follows: "Replenishes Qi and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Eliminates thirst. Stops diarrhea."

In the context of Xie Bai San, it is used because it protects the Stomach from the cold properties of the other herbs.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xie Bai San

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

Contraindications

It is contraindicated for coughing and wheezing due to Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Damp-Phlegm. It is often modified to protect the Spleen from injury by the cold-natured herbs in the formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xie Bai San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.