Da Cheng Qi Tang

(Major Order the Qi Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

• Yang Ming Organ Heat with Constipation or Diarrhea

Actions:

• Strongly purges accumulation and clears heat from the Stomach and the Intestines
• Activates Qi

Indications:

• Severe Constipation and flatulence
• Epigastric and abdominal focal distention and fullness.
• Firm abdomen with pain that is aggravated by pressure.
• Possible tidal fever, Profuse sweating from the hands and the feet, irritability, and delirious speech.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Red with prickles with a dark dry yellow or dry black coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Submerged, forceful, rapid, slippery, and excess

Western Uses:

• Constipation
• Acute (simple) intestinal obstruction
• Acute Cholecystitis
• Acute appendicitis
• Acute Pancreatitis
• Roundworm in the bile duct
• Early stage dysentery
• Pneumonia
• Syncope
• Seizures

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Due to the strong nature of this formula it may cause diarrhea and vomiting
• Do not use during pregnancy.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Da Huang is added towards the end of cooking and Mang Xiao is dissolved in the strained decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Lungs

Substances in this Formula (4 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
	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
	Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) Qty: 12-15 grams Chan: LI, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) Qty: 24 grams Chan: LI, LU, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Aromatic Latin: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis Cat: Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve 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.