Tong Xie Yao Fang

(Important Formula for Painful Diarrhea)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern:

• Liver (Qi Stagnation) attacking the Spleen

Actions:

• Soothes and spreads Liver Qi, strengthens the Spleen, and stops diarrhea

Indications:

• Abdominal pain with diarrhea, emotional stress or overwork, flatulence

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Thin white tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Wiry pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use in cases where diarrhea is due to Damp-Heat

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• Collected Treatises of Jing Yue (Jing Yue Quan Shu)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Stomach, Spleen, Liver, Lungs, Bladder

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) Qty: 9-12 grams (Dry-Fried) Chan: SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Bai Shao (White Peony Root) Qty: 6-24 grams (Dry-Fried) Chan: LIV, SP Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood
	Chen Pi (Orange Peel, Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel) Qty: 4.5-9 grams (Dry-Fried) Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic Latin: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root) Qty: 3-6 grams Chan: BL, LIV, SP Prop: Spicy, Sweet, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

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 Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.