Da Xian Xiong Tang

(Major Sinking Into the Chest Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation

Pattern:

• Heat and fluids accumulating and clumping in the chest

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Very dry tongue coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Submerged, forceful, and tight pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Due to the toxicity and strong downward movement of this formula, it should only be taken in acute cases. Stop administration of this formula as soon as results are obtained, and use no more than a few doses
• Do not use during pregnancy
• Do not use, or use cautiously in weak patients
• 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. Da Huang is cooked separately, and Mang Xiao is dissolved in the strained decoction. Ingest warm with powdered Gan Sui.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Large Intestine, Stomach

Substances in this Formula (3 Total):

	Gan Sui (Kansui Root) Qty: 1-1.5 grams Chan: KI, LI, LU Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Cold, Toxic Latin: Radix Euphorbiae Kansui Cat: Harsh Expellants
	Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) Qty: 9-12 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

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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.