Xiao Chaihu Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Name

Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)

Source

Shang Han Lun

Ingredients

• Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) 12 g
• Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 9 g
• Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 6 g
• Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) 9 g
• Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 5 g
• Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 9 g
• Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 4 dates

Explanation

• Chai Hu is the principal drug: bitter and acrid in flavor and slightly cold in nature, tending to disperse outward so as to drive pathogenic factors from the superficies of the body.
• Huang Qin is bitter in flavor and cold in nature, and is adept at clearing pathogenic heat from the Shaoyang channel.
• Ban Xia regulates the Stomach so that stomach qi descends, and dissipates focal distension and relieves fullness.
• Ren Shen, Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang and Da Zao invigorate stomach qi, promote the generation of body fluid, and coordinate ying and wei.

Nature and action

Mediates the Shaoyang channel.

Indications

A syndrome due to an exogenous pathogen attacking the Shaoyang channel and the resulting struggle between the pathogen and healthy qi, marked by a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat and dizziness; alternating attacks of chills and fever; fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium; languor and loss of appetite; restlessness with a strong desire to vomit; a thin whitish tongue coating; and a taut pulse.

Also indicated for diseases presenting these symptoms, such as chronic cholecystitis, chronic hepatitis, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, exudative pleurisy, and fever due to Cold during the menstrual period.

Dose

Decocted in water and taken by mouth in two divided doses.