Formula Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp

Xuan Bi Tang

宣痹汤

Also known as:

Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction

Formula Composition

Fang Ji
Fang Ji
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren
Can Sha
Can Sha
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Lian Qiao
Lian Qiao
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Hua Shi
Hua Shi
Chi Xiao Dou
Chi Xiao Dou
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears and resolves Damp-Heat
  2. Unblocks the meridians
  3. Disbands painful obstruction

Patterns Treated

Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels

Historical Origin

Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases (1798 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xuan Bi Tang

Main Actions

Clears and resolves Damp-Heat
Unblocks the meridians
Disbands painful obstruction

Key TCM Concepts

Xuan Bi Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Stephania Roots (Fang Ji) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1798 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Wind-Damp. Its main actions are: 1) clears and resolves Damp-Heat and 2) unblocks the meridians.

 

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 Xuan Bi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles or Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis or gouty arthritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles
  • Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels

Common Applications

Rheumatic fever Rheumatoid arthritis Gouty arthritis Connective tissue disorders

Ingredients in Xuan Bi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xuan Bi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Fang Ji
Fang Ji

Stephania roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
Fang Ji dispels Damp-Heat in the Upper Burner by venting the Heat externally. At the same time, it disperses superficial swelling and drains Damp-Heat through the urine. It also has some ability to dry Dampness and strengthen the Spleen, which helps resolve the underlying cause of this condition.
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
In general Xing Ren's main actions are as follows: "Stops cough and wheezing caused by either Heat or Cold. Lubricates the Intestines and relieves constipation."

In the context of Xuan Bi Tang, it is used because it regulates the Lungs' function in water metabolism.
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Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren

Job's tears

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe kernel
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
Yi Yi Ren works together with Silkworm feces (Can Sha) to strengthen the Spleen, resolve Dampness, and treat painful obstruction.
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Can Sha
Can Sha

Silkworm feces

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used The feces of the worm, dried
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
In general Can Sha's main actions are as follows: "Dispels Wind and eliminates Dampness. Harmonizes the Stomach and transforms turbid Dampness."
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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 Xuan Bi Tang
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Xuan Bi Tang, it is used because it dries Dampness and transforms turbidity.
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Lian Qiao
Lian Qiao

Forsythia fruits

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried fruit
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
In general Lian Qiao's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and toxicity from the Blood. Dispels External Wind-Heat. Reduces lumps, swollen lymph nodes and sores of a Heated nature."

In the context of Xuan Bi Tang, it is used because it is very effective in clearing relatively superficial Heat.
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Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
Zhi Zi works together with Talc (Hua Shi) and Adzuki beans (Chi Xiao Dou), other assistants in this formula, to assist the key herb (Stephania root, Han Fang Ji) in clearing Heat and draining Dampness through the urine.
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Hua Shi
Hua Shi

Talc

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
In general Hua Shi's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination. Expels Damp-Heat from the Urinary Bladder. Dispels Summer Heat. Dries Dampness when applied topically."
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Chi Xiao Dou
Chi Xiao Dou

Adzuki beans

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Small Intestine
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Xuan Bi Tang
In general Chi Xiao Dou's main actions are as follows: "Expels dampness by facilitating urination. Activates Blood circulation and detoxifies. Reduces swelling and expels pus."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xuan Bi 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, Xuan Bi 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.