Chinese: 膈下逐瘀汤
Pinyin: Gé Xià Zhú Yū Tāng
Other names: Drive Out Stagnation Below the Diaphragm Decoction
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Mother formula: Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: AmenorrheaMenstrual crampsScanty menstruation and three other conditions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Contraindications: Contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases that involve excessive menstrual... Contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases that involve excessive menstrual bleeding. Contraindicated for people with a weak constitution or who are debilitated. Contraindicated in cases with bleeding diathesis or any active hemorrhagic disorder. see more
Source date: 1830 AD
Source book: Correction of Errors Among Physicians
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), Safflowers (Hong Hua) and Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) as principal ingredients.
Invented in 1830 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation. Its main actions are: 1) invigorates Blood and 2) eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm.
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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as scanty menstruation, menstrual cramps or absence of menstruation for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the twelve ingredients in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang helps treat.
The twelve ingredients in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Chuan Xiong is a king ingredient in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong)
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: GallbladderLiverPericardium
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
Hong Hua is a king ingredient in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
2. Safflowers (Hong Hua)
In general Hong Hua's main actions are as follows: "Moves Stagnant Blood and regulates menses. Relieves pain caused by Blood Stasis."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
Tao Ren is a king ingredient in Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
3. Peach Kernels (Tao Ren)
Part used: Dried ripe seed
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: HeartLarge intestineLiver
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
4. Dong Quai (Dang Gui)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation. It also nourishes the Blood and moistens.
5. Red Peony Roots (Chi Shao)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Cool
Taste(s): Bitter
Meridian affinity: Liver
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
In general Chi Shao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood, relieves pain and reduces swelling. Cools the Blood and the Liver."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
6. Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu)
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: LiverSanjiaoSpleen
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
In general Xiang Fu's main actions are as follows: "Unblocks Stagnant Liver Qi and relieves pain. Regulates the Liver and Spleen. Assists the regulation of menses and relieves pain."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood below the diaphragm
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7. Bitter Oranges (Zhi Ke)
Part used: Dried ripe fruit
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomach
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
In general Zhi Ke's main actions are as follows: "To regulate the flow of Qi, remove its stagnation, and alleviate distension."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood below the diaphragm.
8. Lindera Roots (Wu Yao)
Part used: Dried root tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: BladderKidneyLungSpleen
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
In general Wu Yao's main actions are as follows: "Warms and stimulates the flow of Qi and relieves pain. Disperses Cold and Warms the Kidneys."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood below the diaphragm.
9. Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi)
Part used: Root barks
Nature: Cool
Meridian affinity: HeartKidneyLiver
Category: Herbs that cool the Blood
In general Mu Dan Pi's main actions are as follows: "Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stop pain.
10. Liquorice (Gan Cao)
Part used: Dried root and rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
11. Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi)
Part used: Dried faeces
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenLiver
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
In general Wu Ling Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Disperses congealed Blood in the lower abdomen and uterus and relieves pain. Promotes childhood nutrition with Cold Stagnation and focal abdominal swelling."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stop pain.
12. Corydalis Tubers (Yan Hu Suo)
Part used: Dried tuber
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenHeartLiverLung
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
In general Yan Hu Suo's main actions are as follows: "Moves the Blood, breaks Blood Stagnation and reduces associated pain. Regulates Stagnant Qi and reduces associated pain."
In the context of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stop pain.
Conditions and patterns for which Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang may be prescribed
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to treat four different patterns which we describe below.
But before we delve into these patterns here is an overview of the Western conditions they're commonly associated with:
Scanty menstruation Menstrual cramps Absence of menstruation Menopausal syndrome Amenorrhea Painful menstruations
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang treats scanty menstruation" for instance. Rather, Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is used to treat patterns that are sometimes the root cause behind scanty menstruation.
Now let's look at the four patterns commonly treated with Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang.
Blood (Xue) is one of Chinese Medicine's vital subtances. Learn more about Blood in Chinese Medicine
Blood Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Reddish-Purple
Symptoms: Lumps Tremor Numbness Dark face Dizziness Purple lips Purple nails Blotchy skin Restlessness Itching scalp Painful period Abdominal mass Scanty periods Abdominal pain Abdominal masses Skin capillaries Hesitant periods Tendency to bleed Premenstrual pain Dark colored blood Traumatic swelling Shoulder stiffness Absence of menstruation Boring fixed stabbing pain Frequent bleeding episodes Dark clots in menstrual blood Abdominal distention and fullness
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Blood Stagnation. This pattern leads to symptoms such as dark face, purple lips, boring fixed stabbing pain and abdominal masses. Patients with Blood Stagnation typically exhibit choppy (Se), firm (Lao) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as Purple tongue .
Blood Stagnation - also often referred to as "Blood Stasis" - is where the Blood flow is heavily restricted in all or parts of the body. It is one of the most important diagnostic conditions in Chinese Medicine because it is frequently the cause of intractable pain syndromes anywhere in the... read more about Blood Stagnation
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Blood Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Bluish-Purple sides
Symptoms: Dry skin Epistaxis Infertility Purple lips Purple face Purple nails Abdominal pain Painful period Abdominal masses Purple petechiae Vomiting of blood Hypochondrial pain Dark colored blood Irregular menstruation Dark clots in menstrual blood
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Liver Blood Stagnation. This pattern leads to symptoms such as hypochondrial pain, abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and epistaxis. Patients with Liver Blood Stagnation typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as Purple tongue or purple spots on sides. .
Liver Blood Stagnation usually develops from other patterns and Liver Qi Stagnation, Cold and Heat are the three most common ones. Sometimes Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency and Phlegm can also be the precursors.
Liver Qi Stagnation is the most common cause. If left unchecked for a while without... read more about Liver Blood Stagnation
Qi is one of Chinese Medicine's vital subtances. Learn more about Qi in Chinese Medicine
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Deep (Chen), Fine (Xi)
Symptoms: Insomnia Dark face Moodiness Dizziness Chest pain Depression Amenorrhea Purple lips Mood swings Breast pain Hot flushes Purple nails Irritability Blotchy skin Restlessness Breast lumps Restlnessness Chest fullness Painful period Scanty periods Clots in blood Abdominal pain Abdominal masses Lochia retention Breast distention Dark colored blood Abdominal fullness Intense period pain High blood pressure Swelling of the feet Lower abdominal pain Dark menstrual blood Flooding and leaking Abdominal distension Pre-menstrual tension Black and tarry stools Irregular menstruation Boring fixed stabbing pain Pre-menstrual irritability Dark clots in menstrual blood Menstruation decreases gratually Feeling of fullness in the chest Abdominal distention and fullness Pain relief after clots discharge
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Qi And Blood Stagnation. This pattern leads to symptoms such as chest fullness, chest pain, boring fixed stabbing pain and dark face. Patients with Qi And Blood Stagnation typically exhibit choppy (Se), deep (Chen) or fine (Xi) pulses.
The typical symptoms of Qi stagnation are distension, oppression and swelling. There are also emotional issues like mood swing, depression or irritability. However, the Blood Stagnation is more on pains and purple color manifestation on skin, face, lips and nails.
Qi Stagnation can cause the... read more about Qi And Blood Stagnation
The Stomach is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Stomach in Chinese Medicine
Stomach Blood Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Bluish-Purple
Symptoms: Nausea Vomiting Bloody stools Epigastric pain Vomiting of blood Nausea or vomiting Possible vomiting of blood Dislike of pressure on epigastric area Severe epigastric pain that may worsen at night
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Stomach Blood Stagnation. This pattern leads to symptoms such as severe epigastric pain that may worsen at night, dislike of pressure on epigastric area, nausea or vomiting and possible vomiting of blood. Patients with Stomach Blood Stagnation typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as Purple.
Blood Stagnation often causes a pain of a stabbing or boring nature, hence the stabbing epigastric pain. This pain is much more intense than in any of the other Stomach patterns.
Stasis of Blood always manifests with dark-colored blood, hence the vomiting of dark blood in some cases.
Since the... read more about Stomach Blood Stagnation
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