Da Chai Hu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction)
Sub-Category: Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders
Pattern: Simultaneous Yang-Ming and Shao-Yang Disorder
Actions: Harmonizes the Shao-Yang, clears heat, and purges accumulation
Indications:
Alternating fever and chills, fullness or oppression in the chest and hypochondrium, bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, low appetite
Possible Tongue Appearance: Yellow tongue coat
Possible Pulse Patterns: Wiry, rapid, and forceful pulse
Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:
Use cautiously in patients with a weak constitution.
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. In modern preparation, the dosage of Chai Hu and Ban Xia is often reduced to 12-15 Grams. Sheng Jiang is often reduced to 6-9 Grams, and Da Zao to 4 Pieces.
Originally Appeared In: On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)
Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:
Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart
Substances in this Formula (8 Total):
/ Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum)Qty: / 24 grams
Chan: / GB, LIV, PER, TB
Prop: / Bitter, Spicy, Cool
Latin: / Radix Bupleuri
Cat: / Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
/ Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root)
Qty: / 9 grams
Chan: / GB, LI, LU, ST
Prop: / Bitter, Cold
Latin: / Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
Cat: / Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
/ Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange)
Qty: / 6-9 grams
Chan: / LI, SP, ST
Prop: / Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold
Latin: / Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii
Cat: / Herbs that Regulate the Qi
/ Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome)
Qty: / 6 grams
Chan: / HT, LI, LIV, ST
Prop: / Bitter, Cold
Latin: / Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei
Cat: / Purgatives
/ Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
Qty: / 9 grams
Chan: / LIV, SP
Prop: / Bitter, Sour, Cool
Latin: / Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae
Cat: / Herbs that Tonify Blood
/ Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome)
Qty: / 24 grams
Chan: / LU, SP, ST
Prop: / Spicy, Warm, Toxic
Latin: / Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae
Cat: / Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
/ Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome)
Qty: / 15 grams
Chan: / LU, SP, ST
Prop: / Spicy, Warm
Latin: / uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis
Cat: / Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
/ Da Zao (Date, Jujube)
Qty: / 12 pieces
Chan: / SP, ST
Prop: / Sweet, Warm
Latin: / Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae
Cat: / Herbs that Tonify Qi