Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Purgative Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Cold in Nature

Xiao Chengqi Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Xiao Cheng Qi Tang 小承气汤
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Advertisement

Name

The Prescription of Xiao Chengqi Tang

Source

The book Shang Han Lun

Ingredients

Da Huang 12 g,Hou Po 6 g,Zhi Shi 9 g.

Explanation

Da Huang: Purging heat and relaxing the bowels.

Hou Po: Promoting the circulation of qi.

Zhi Shi: Breaking qi and relieving stagnation.

The Effect of Xiao Chengqi Tang

Effect

Eliminating mass, relieve constipation due to heat-accumulation.

Indications

Constipation, the early stage of dysentery, abdominal distension, smooth and rapid pulse, yellow coating on the tongue, tenesmus, delirium.

Administrations

Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.

Advertisement

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.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

Did this article help you?

Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.

Keep readingRelated entries

Something this article did not cover?

Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.

Ask a question →