Formula

Xiao Chai Hu Tang

Minor Bupleurum Decoction | 小柴胡汤

Xiao Chai Hu Tang

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Actions

Harmonizes and releases Shao-Yang stage disorders (according to the 6 Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jing), Relieves the Liver, Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen

Category

Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Key Ingredients

Chai Hu

Formula Details

Learn more about Xiao Chai Hu Tang's TCM properties

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$55.00 ($0.55/g)
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Product Overview

Detailed information about this formula product

Product Type

Granules

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Treasure of the East

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Ingredients in Xiao Chai Hu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Chai Hu Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Chai Hu is the most important herb for solving Lesser Yang-Warp disorders in the Chinese materia medica. Combined with the deputy herb, Baikal skullcap root (Huang Qin), which drains Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder (the Interior aspect of the Lesser Yang-Warp), it vents the pathogenic influence and thereby releases Lesser Yang-Warp disorders. It also spreads the Liver Qi with an ascending, cooling action (contrary to most cooling herbs, which cause things to descend). This combination thereby clears the Heat without causing it to sink deeper into the body.
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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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Huang Qin assists Chai Hu in clearing the pathogenic Heat from the Shao Yang (Lesser Yang). Chai Hu ascends and disperses, and with Huang Qin descending and purging, it prevents the adverse effect of raising Yang and depleting Yin.
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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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Ban Xia warms and transforms Phlegm and turbidity in the Middle Burner. When combined with another assistant herb in this formula, Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang), it harmonizes the Middle Burner, directs Rebellious Qi downward, and stops nausea and vomiting.
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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 Xiao Chai Hu 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."

In the context of Xiao Chai Hu Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the Middle Burner, directs Rebellious Qi downward, and stops nausea and vomiting.
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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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Ren Shen works together with Liquorice (Gan Cao) and Jujube dates (Da Zao) to support the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior.
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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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Gan Cao , together with Da Zao, supports the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior. Gao Cao and Da Zao also moderates the acrid, dry properties of Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang.
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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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Da Zao supports the normal Qi and thereby prevent the pathogenic influence from penetrating to the Interior. The combination of Sheng Jiang and Da Zao mildly regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi, and assists Chai Hu in releasing the half-Exterior aspects of this condition.
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Usage & Safety

How to use this formula and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Modern Usage

This formula is commonly used for colds, influenza, malaria, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, acute and chronic cholecystitis, gallstones, acute pancreatitis, pleurisy, otitis media, puerperal fever, acute mastitis, orchitis, bile reflux gastritis, and gastric ulcers, that fall under the category of pathogenic factors residing in the Shao Yang channel and disharmony between the Gallbladder and Stomach.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with pattern of Yin or Blood Deficiency should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.

TCM Properties

Traditional Chinese Medicine characteristics and actions of this formula

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

This is just partial information on the formula's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the formula's dedicated page

Formula Category

Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Main Actions

  • Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
  • Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
  • Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold

Formula Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Formula Description

Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders. Its main actions are: 1) treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer) and 2) regulates the Liver and Spleen functions.

 

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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Lesser Yang stage or Half Exterior Half Interior. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hepatitis, chronic cholecystitis or chronic gastritis for instance.