Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan - Minor Bupleurum Decoction
Herbal Formula Database
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan Herbal Formula Classifications and Usages
The herbal formula "xiao chai hu tang wan" , 小柴胡汤丸, which in english is "minor bupleurum decoction", is categorized within the "harmonize" functional grouping and within the "regulate and harmonize the liver and spleen" sub-category.
You may also see this formula referenced by: Xiao Chai Hu Wan, Hsiao Tsai Hu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Combination.
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Shao Yang Syndrome (or "lesser yang stage") - alternating fever and chills, hypochondriac pain, irritability, bitter taste in mouth, poor appetite, nausea. Often used for illnesses (chronic or short-term) such as the flu, etc. that have "cleared" but not completely. People will describe not feeling quite right or having a range of low level symptoms for months or longer after a particular illness. Instead of fever and chills alternating they may manifest with cold extremities and warm interior or other variations.
- A range of liver related conditions including malaria, jaundice, hepatitis, liver cancer, meniere's disease, general protection from medicines that may harm the liver, etc. among issues with other digestive organs - pancreatitis, stomatitis, gastritis.
- Liver/speen disharmonies resulting in broader issues such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual irregularities (PMS, cramping, etc.).
- Other general immune issues such as the common cold, flu, tonsillitis, general seasonal allergies with the right underlying factors.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Use with caution with yin and/or blood deficiencies.
- Avoid cold, raw, and spicy foods while taking xiao chai hu tang.
Our shop contains xiao chai hu tang wan from the following manufacturers:
($9.99) Add To Cart View Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan - HBW
($23.00) Add To Cart View Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan - Sun Ten
For many reasons such as availability, ecological choices, and/or price, each manufacturer or herbalist may well adjust the exact composition of a specific formula. Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan is generally comprised of the following herbs:
ViewBan Xia (Pinellia Rhizome)
Dries dampness, transforms cold-phlegm, descends rebellious qi - cough with copious sputum especially due to dampness of spleen. Harmonizes stomach, stops vomiting due to lingering phlegm-dampness i…
ViewChai Hu (Thorowax Root, Bupleurum)
Clears shao yang disorders and reduces fever - alternating chills and fever, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, vomiting, stifling sensation in the chest. Relieves liver qi stagnation (often u…
ViewDa Zao (Chinese Date, Jujube)
Tonifies spleen qi - weakness, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, loose stools. Nourishes the blood, calms the spirit - irritability, pale complexion, emotional disturbances, restlessness. Usef…
ViewHuang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root, Scutellaria)
Clears heat, drains fire, especially from the upper warmer - heat patterns with fever, irritability, thirst, cough, thick, yellow sputum, hot sores and swellings. Clears heat, dries dampness - damp-…
ViewRen Shen (Ginseng Root)
Strongly tonify yuan qi - extreme collapse of qi, shortness of breath, cold limbs, profuse sweating, weak pulse (often used alone for this condition after severe blood loss). Tonify lung qi - wheezi…
ViewSheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome)
Release the exterior, wind-cold, regulate ying and wei qi Warms the middle jiao - stomach cold/vomiting Alleviates coughing, warms lung Reduces toxicity of other herbs
ViewZhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root)
This preparation increases the qi tonifying aspects of the heart and spleen along with its general harmonizing function within formulas. See Gan Cao for complete information.
A single formula, alone, may not be sufficient to fully address a particular TCM diagnostic pattern. Formulas may be used alone, in combinations, and/or in stages. Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan is a candidate for consideration when needing to influence liver qi stagnation.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored overall approach, to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain, allergies, chronic illness, cirrhosis, colon cancer, common cold, depression, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps), fatigue, fever, fibromyalgia (cfs), flu, gastritis, hepatitis (b or c), irritability, liver cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc), lung cancer, meniere's disease, pancreatitis, premenstrual syndrome (pms) and/or tonsillitis
As noted above, xiao chai hu tang wan is within the harmonize functional group. And it appears within the sub-category "regulate and harmonize the liver and spleen", which contains the following formulas:
ViewChai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver)
Liver qi stagnation signs - hypochondriac tension, abdominal pain, IBS symptoms Alternating chills and fever.
ViewDa Bu Gan Wan (Major Liver Nutrition Pills)
Brittle nails, yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Abdominal cramping, distension or pain in the hypochrondia due to liver qi stangation Fatty liver, hepatitis and other liver diseases.
ViewJiang Ya Wan (Repress The Blood Pressure Pills)
Hypertension particularly with ascendent yang and heat signs - red face, red tongue, headaches, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
ViewJia Wei Gui Pi Wan (Augmented Restore The Spleen Decoction)
A combination of jia wei xiao yao wan and gui pi wan - similar effects but with more spleen qi and blood tonification. A range of stress related issues - essentially mixes of stagnation with underly…
ViewJia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pills)
Derived from the base formula, xiao yao wan, an important formula for liver qi stagnation with herbs added to clear heat. Liver qi stagnation - menstrual issues, painful cycles, irregular cycles, br…
ViewPian Tou Tong Wan (Migraine Pills)
Headaches and/or migraines caused by liver yang or liver fire rising.
ViewPing Gan Liu Qi Yin Wan (Dang Gui And Pinellia Combination)
Liver qi stagnation with blood deficiency heat - signs of heat, red eyes, possibly anxiety and/or irritability, etc. along with digestive issues such as gastritis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, hernia.…
ViewShao Yao Gan Cao Wan (Peony and Licorice Decoction)
Cramping and/or muscle spasms that are due to fluid deficiency. Frozen shoulder, trigger finger. General tightness or cramps especially along the tendons or ligaments. Restless leg syndrome for pa…
ViewShu Gan Wan (Liver Comfort Pills)
Abdominal and/or Hypochondriac pain, cramps or spasms resulting from liver qi stagnation. Alternating chills and fever. Nausea, bloating, acid reflux, alternating stools, or IBS like symptoms cause…
ViewSi Ni San Wan (Frigid Extremities Powder Pills)
Important formula for liver qi stagnation - manifesting as moodiness, depression, cold in the extremities (particularly hands and/or feet), possibly along with other stress signs - mild headaches, te…
ViewTong Xie Yao Fang Wan (Important Pills for Painful Diarrhea / Calm Wind Pills)
Diarrhea, particularly with abdominal cramping. Diarrhea with alternating constipation.
ViewXiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer)
Depression, anxiety, loss of motivation - resulting from liver qi stagnation. Fatigue, bloating, changes in appetite from the combination of spleen qi deficiency with liver qi stagnation. PMS, brea…
ViewYi Gan Wan (Restrain The Liver Powder)
Anxiety, palpitations, easily frightened, alternating fevers/chills; heat from deficiency in the liver.Originally designed for Children who had issues such as anger, fright, fevers, insomnia, digesti…
All formulas in the primary category of "harmonize" are listed below.
(truncated intro "...this group of formulas is for internal conditions involving the lesser yang stage of disease (alternating fever and chills). generally thes…)".
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