Formula Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

Xie Xin Tang

泻心汤

Also known as:

Draining the Heart Decoction , Drain the Epigastrium Decoction

Formula Composition

Da Huang
Da Huang
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Drains Fire
  2. Resolves Toxicity
  3. Dries Dampness

Patterns Treated

Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire

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 Xie Xin Tang

Main Actions

Drains Fire
Resolves Toxicity
Dries Dampness

Key TCM Concepts

Xie Xin Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Rhubarb (Da Huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Its main actions are: 1) drains Fire and 2) resolves Toxicity.

 

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 Xin Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as carbuncles, furuncles or tonsilitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Fire blazing
  • Pericardium Fire

Common Applications

Carbuncles Furuncles Tonsilitis Conjunctivitis Hypertension Atherosclerosis Hemorrhage Stroke

Ingredients in Xie Xin Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xie Xin Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
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 Xie Xin Tang
Da Huang drains excessive Fire. It also has the purging function that direct the Heat downwards and break up the clumping. Finally, it enters the Blood and stop bleeding, especially in the upper pat of the body.
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Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xie Xin Tang
Huang Lian ,together with the other deputy herb Baikal skullcap root, drains Heat from the Upper and Middle Burners.
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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 Xie Xin Tang
Huang Qin ,together with the other deputy herb Goldthread rhizome, drains Heat from the Upper and Middle Burners.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xie Xin Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated in those with Cold symptoms due to Spleen Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xie Xin 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.