Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Purgative Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Cold in Nature

Hou Pu Da Huang Tang (厚朴大黄汤)

厚朴大黄汤 Houpo Dahuang Tang
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

The Prescription of 厚朴大黄汤

Source

The book Jin Kui Yao Lue

Ingredients

Hou Po 15 g,Da Huang 18 g,Zhi Shi 9 g.

Explanation

Hou Po: The principal drug, promoting the flow of Qi to subdue distention, drying dampness and removing fullness.

Da Huang: Removing accumulated heat from the intestines, clearing away heat and toxic material.

Zhi Zi: Being bitter in flavor and cold in nature, purging pathogenic heat.

The Effect of 厚朴大黄汤

Effect

Eliminate retained water and promote the flow of qi, purge heat.

Administrations

Decoct in water for oral dose to be taken twice.

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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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