Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng (半夏泻心汤, Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Harmonise category, with Bàn Xià as chief herb. It contains Bàn Xià, Huáng Qín, Huáng Lián, Gān Jiāng, Rén Shēn, Dà Zǎo and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Actions: harmonises Middle Jiao; disperses clumping; descends rebellious qi — treats Cold-Heat complex.
| Pinyin | Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng (Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 半夏泻心汤 |
| English | Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium |
| Category | Harmonise |
| Chief | Bàn Xià |
| Tongue | Yellow and white coat |
| Pulse | Wiry |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Bàn Xià | 9g |
| Huáng Qín | 9g |
| Huáng Lián | 3g |
| Gān Jiāng | 9g |
| Rén Shēn | 9g |
| Dà Zǎo | 12pc |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 9g |
Actions
Harmonises Middle Jiao; disperses clumping; descends rebellious qi — treats Cold-Heat complex
Indications
Stomach qi stagnation from Cold-Heat complex: epigastric focal distension (but soft, not hard), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, borborygmus
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Xiǎo Chái Hú Tāng shares Bàn Xià, Huáng Qín, Rén Shēn, Dà Zǎo and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Only Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng has Huáng Lián and Gān Jiāng; only Xiǎo Chái Hú Tāng has Chái Hú and Shēng Jiāng.
- Xuán Fù Dài Zhě Tāng shares Bàn Xià, Rén Shēn, Dà Zǎo and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Only Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng has Huáng Qín, Huáng Lián and Gān Jiāng; only Xuán Fù Dài Zhě Tāng has Xuán Fù Huā, Dài Zhě Shí and Shēng Jiāng.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng?
Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng contains Bàn Xià 9g, Huáng Qín 9g, Huáng Lián 3g, Gān Jiāng 9g, Rén Shēn 9g, Dà Zǎo 12pc and Zhì Gān Cǎo 9g.
What is Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng used for?
Stomach qi stagnation from Cold-Heat complex: epigastric focal distension (but soft, not hard), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, borborygmus.
What are the actions of Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng?
Harmonises Middle Jiao; disperses clumping; descends rebellious qi — treats Cold-Heat complex.
What tongue and pulse go with Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng?
Tongue: Yellow and white coat. Pulse: Wiry.
Use Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.