Da Chai Hu Tang

(Major Bupleurum Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

• Simultaneous Yang-Ming and Shao-Yang Disorder

Actions:

• Harmonizes the Shao-Yang, clears heat, and purges accumulation

Indications:

• Alternating fever and chills, fullness or oppression in the chest and hypochondrium, bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, low appetite

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Yellow tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Wiry, rapid, and forceful pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Use cautiously in patients with a weak constitution.
• This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. In modern preparation, the dosage of Chai Hu and Ban Xia is often reduced to 12-15 Grams. Sheng Jiang is often reduced to 6-9 Grams, and Da Zao to 4 Pieces.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (8 Total):

	Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) Qty: 24 grams Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool Latin: Radix Bupleuri Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) Qty: 9 grams Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
	Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: LI, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) Qty: 6 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Cat: Purgatives
	Bai Shao (White Peony Root) Qty: 9 grams Chan: LIV, SP Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
	Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) Qty: 24 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
	Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) Qty: 15 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Warm Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Da Zao (Date, Jujube) Qty: 12 pieces Chan: SP, ST Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.