Da Huang Mu Dan Tang

(Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

• Blood and Heat, Stagnating and Clumping in the Intestines

Actions:

• Drains heat through the bowels, breaks up blood stagnation, disperses clumping, lumps, and reduces swellings.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Thin, yellow, greasy tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Rapid slippery pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use this formula in cases with necrotic appendicitis, appendicitis in infants, appendicitis during pregnancy, appendicitis with peritonitis, or appendicitis with parasites.
• Use strict caution with elderly or weak patients.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Small Intestine

Substances in this Formula (5 Total):

	Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) Qty: 12-18 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Cat: Purgatives
	Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate, Mirabilite, Glauber's Salt) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: ST, LI. Prop: Salty, Bitter, Very Cold Latin: Natrii Sulfas Cat: Purgatives
	Mu Dan Pi (Cortex of the Peony Tree Root) Qty: 9 grams Chan: HT, LIV, KI Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Cool Latin: Cortex Radicis Moutan Cat: Herbs that Cool the Blood
	Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) Qty: 9-15 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Neutral Latin: Semen Pruni Persicae Cat: Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation
	Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon, Wax Gourd Seed, Benincasa) Qty: 15-30 grams Chan: LU, ST, LI, SI Prop: Sweet, Cold Latin: Semen Benincasae Hispidae Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

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.