Formula Formulas for a rebellious Qi

Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

旋覆代赭汤

Also known as:

Inula and Hematite Decoction

Formula Composition

Xuan Fu Hua
Xuan Fu Hua
Dai Zhe Shi
Dai Zhe Shi
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Da Zao
Da Zao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
  2. Expectorant, treats hiccups

Patterns Treated

Rebellious Qi, Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, Stomach Qi Deficiency with Phelgm

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 Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

Main Actions

Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
Expectorant, treats hiccups

Key TCM Concepts

Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas for a rebellious Qi. Its main actions are: 1) regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi and 2) expectorant, treats hiccups.

 

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 Fu Dai Zhe Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Rebellious Qi, Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine or Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hiccups, chronic gastritis or gastroptosis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Rebellious Qi
  • Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
  • Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
  • Stomach Qi Deficiency with Phelgm

Common Applications

Hiccups Chronic gastritis Gastroptosis Gastrectasis Peptic ulcers Chronic hepatitis Incomplete pyloric obstruction Esophageal spasms Esophageal cancer Gastric cancer Meniere's disease

Ingredients in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Xuan Fu Hua
Xuan Fu Hua

Inula flowers

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried capitulum
Role in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
In general Xuan Fu Hua's main actions are as follows: "Moves Stagnant Phlegm in the Lungs. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi of the Lungs and Stomach."

In the context of Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang, it is used because it is able to drive Rebellious Qi downward as well as dissolve Phlegm.
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Dai Zhe Shi
Dai Zhe Shi

Hematite

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used The mineral
Role in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Dai Zhe Shi has a sinking nature and strongly suppresses Rebellious Qi. Strengthening the downward-directing rather than the Phlegm-transforming action of Inula flower (Xuan Fu Hua) is a reflection of the fact that the primary focus of this formula is on subduing Rebellious Qi in order to control the symptoms of belching, hiccup, and vomiting.
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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 Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Ban Xia works together with Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang), another assistant herb here, to warm and harmonize the Stomach and direct Qi downward, thereby dispelling the Phlegm and dispersing the focal distention.
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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 Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Ren Shen works together with Liquorice (Gan Cao) and Jujube dates (Da Zao) to tonify the Deficient Qi and strengthenthe Spleen and Stomach. By supporting the middle Qi, they assist in its recovery and help protect it against further harm from the dispersing properties of the other ingredients in the formula.
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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 Xuan Fu Dai Zhe 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."
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for morning sickness

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xuan Fu Dai Zhe 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.