Formula Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang

芎归二陈汤

Also known as:

Ligusticum and Dang Quai Two Aged Decoction

Formula Composition

Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Resolves Damp-Phlegm
  2. Nourishes Blood

Patterns Treated

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

Historical Origin

Introduction to Medicine (1575 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang

Main Actions

Resolves Damp-Phlegm
Nourishes Blood

Key TCM Concepts

Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Dong Quai (Dang Gui) and Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1575 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) resolves Damp-Phlegm and 2) nourishes Blood.

 

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 Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as late menstruation or scanty menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

Common Applications

Late menstruation Scanty menstruation

Ingredients in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang, it is used because it nourishes and invigorates the Blood.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
In general Chuan Xiong's main actions are as follows: "Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches."

In the context of Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang, it is used because it nourishes and invigorates the Blood.
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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 Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Ban Xia dries Dampness, expels phlegm, and causes rebellious Stomach Qi to descend. This latest action makes it also useful in controlling nausea and vomiting. Its main purpose is to open the Qi dynamic. As noted by Zhang Shan-Lei the best aspects of Ban Xia can be summed up in four characters: opening (开 kai), disseminating(宣 xuan), slippery (滑 hua), and downward-directing (降 jiang). The reason that it can eliminate turbidity and Phlegm is simply its actions in opening, draining, and slipping downward. The transformation of Phlegm by Ban Xia facilitates the smooth flow of Qi. Once this occurs, the transporting and transforming functions of the Spleen and Stomach will be restored. Then the Middle Burner will no longer produce Phlegm.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Chen Pi revives the Spleen and facilitates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner. Its acrid flavor disperses Stagnated Qi while its bitter warmth disperses Cold and dries Dampness. By removing the obstruction to the flow of Qi, the functions of the Spleen and Stomach are assisted. By dispelling Cold Dampness, Phlegm is eliminated. The restored movement of Qi induced by Chen Pi promotes the spontaneous resolution of phlegm.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Fu Ling supports the actions of the chief ingredients by leaching out Dampness from the Middle Burner and strengthening the Spleen. It also resolves the palpitations and dizziness caused by the upward-rising Phlegm and Dampness. In this manner, it treats the root of the disorder.
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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 Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
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 Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang, it is used because it tonifies the Spleen.
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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 Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Sheng Jiang is added as an envoy to reinforce the actions of the chief herbs in Qi movement and eliminate the Phlegm. It also harmonizes the Stomach and controls the nausea.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiong Gui Er Chen 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.