Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

(Minor Order the Qi Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

• Mild Heat in the Yang-Ming (Organ Syndrome)

Actions:

• Clear Stomach and Intestinal Heat
• Moderately purges heat accumulation and moves the Qi.

Indications:

• Afternoon tidal fever, abdominal and focal distension, abdominal pain that does not increase with pressure, constipation or diarrhea, sweating, irritability or delirium, tenesmus

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Dry, dirty, or old looking yellow tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Rapid and slippery pulse

Western Uses:

• Early Stage Dysenteric Disorders
• Acute Simple Intestinal Obstruction
• Acute Cholecystitis
• Acute Appendicitis
• Constipation

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use if external pathogens have not been released
• Use cautiously in patients with a weak constitution.
• Do not use during pregnancy.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Decoct with 4 cups of water. Boil down to 2 cups and divide into two doses.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

	Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) Qty: 12 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Cat: Purgatives
	Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) Qty: 6 grams Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
	Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) Qty: 3 pieces (6-9 grams) Chan: LI, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii Cat: Herbs that Regulate the 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.