Dà Chái Hú Tāng (大柴胡汤, Major Bupleurum Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Harmonise category, with Chái Hú as chief herb. It contains Chái Hú, Huáng Qín, Bái Sháo, Bàn Xià, Shēng Jiāng, Zhǐ Shí, Dà Zǎo and Dà Huáng. Actions: releases Shao Yang; purges interior excess — combined exterior-interior treatment.
| Pinyin | Dà Chái Hú Tāng (Da Chai Hu Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 大柴胡汤 |
| English | Major Bupleurum Decoction |
| Category | Harmonise |
| Chief | Chái Hú |
| Tongue | Yellow coat |
| Pulse | Wiry, forceful |
| Cautions | Contains a purgative (Dà Huáng): contraindicated in pregnancy; stop once bowels move. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Chái Hú | 24g |
| Huáng Qín | 9g |
| Bái Sháo | 9g |
| Bàn Xià | 9g |
| Shēng Jiāng | 15g |
| Zhǐ Shí | 9g |
| Dà Zǎo | 12pc |
| Dà Huáng | 6g |
Actions
Releases Shao Yang; purges interior excess — combined exterior-interior treatment
Indications
Shao Yang with Yang Ming interior: alternating chills/fever plus constipation, epigastric fullness, nausea, vomiting
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Xiǎo Chái Hú Tāng shares Chái Hú, Huáng Qín, Bàn Xià, Shēng Jiāng and Dà Zǎo. Only Dà Chái Hú Tāng has Bái Sháo, Zhǐ Shí and Dà Huáng; only Xiǎo Chái Hú Tāng has Rén Shēn and Zhì Gān Cǎo.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Dà Chái Hú Tāng?
Dà Chái Hú Tāng contains Chái Hú 24g, Huáng Qín 9g, Bái Sháo 9g, Bàn Xià 9g, Shēng Jiāng 15g, Zhǐ Shí 9g, Dà Zǎo 12pc and Dà Huáng 6g.
What is Dà Chái Hú Tāng used for?
Shao Yang with Yang Ming interior: alternating chills/fever plus constipation, epigastric fullness, nausea, vomiting.
What are the actions of Dà Chái Hú Tāng?
Releases Shao Yang; purges interior excess — combined exterior-interior treatment.
What tongue and pulse go with Dà Chái Hú Tāng?
Tongue: Yellow coat. Pulse: Wiry, forceful.
Use Dà Chái Hú 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.