Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature

Da Qianghuo Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Da Qiang Huo Tang 大羌活汤
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

The Prescription of Da Qianghuo Tang

Source

The book of Wei Sheng Bao Jian

Ingredients

Qiang Huo 3 g,Sheng Ma 3 g,Du Huo 2.1 g,Cang Zhu 1.5 g,Fang Feng 1.5 g,Wei Ling Xian 1.5 g,Bai Zhu 1.5 g,Dang Gui 1.5 g,Fu Ling 1.5 g,Ze Xie 1.5 g.

Explanation

Qiang Huo: The principal drug, being pungent and bitter in flavor and warm in nature, going up to disperse wind-cold-dampness pathogens in the exterior.

Du Huo: Removing wind-dampness in the lower of the body, working together with Qiang Huo to expel wind-dampness throughout the body and the joints so as to treat arthralgia.

Sheng Ma: Expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, promoting eruption, removing toxic substances.

Fang Feng and Cang Zhu: Inducing diaphoresis to remove dampness and assisting Qiang Huo in relieving exterior syndrome.

Bai Zhu, Fu Ling: Promoting water metabolism and strengthening the spleen.

Dang Gui: Nourishing Yin and blood.

Ze Xie: Induce diuresis and drain dampness.

The Effect of Da Qianghuo Tang

Indications

Pain of the limbs, inhibited bending and stretching, poor appetite, immediate vomiting of ingested food, distention and fullness, sallow complexion, collapsing and slow pulse.

Administrations

Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.

Contraindication

Avoid wine, hard food, raw or cold food during treatment.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

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