Dǎo Chì Sǎn (导赤散, Guide Out the Red Powder) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Clear heat category, with Shēng Dì Huáng as chief herb. It contains Shēng Dì Huáng, Mù Tōng (Akebia), Zhú Yè and Gān Cǎo Shāo. Actions: clears Heart Fire; promotes urination; nourishes Yin.
| Pinyin | Dǎo Chì Sǎn (Dao Chi San) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 导赤散 |
| English | Guide Out the Red Powder |
| Category | Clear heat |
| Chief | Shēng Dì Huáng |
| Tongue | Red tip, thin yellow coat |
| Pulse | Rapid |
| Cautions | Use Akebia (Mù Tōng). Never substitute Guān Mù Tōng (Aristolochia), which contains nephrotoxic, carcinogenic aristolochic acid. Contraindicated in pregnancy. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Shēng Dì Huáng | 15g |
| Mù Tōng (Akebia) | 9g |
| Zhú Yè | 6g |
| Gān Cǎo Shāo | 6g |
Actions
Clears Heart Fire; promotes urination; nourishes Yin
Indications
Heart and Small Intestine Fire: oral and tongue ulcers, irritability, thirst, hot painful urination
Test yourself
What herbs are in Dǎo Chì Sǎn?
Dǎo Chì Sǎn contains Shēng Dì Huáng 15g, Mù Tōng (Akebia) 9g, Zhú Yè 6g and Gān Cǎo Shāo 6g.
What is Dǎo Chì Sǎn used for?
Heart and Small Intestine Fire: oral and tongue ulcers, irritability, thirst, hot painful urination.
What are the actions of Dǎo Chì Sǎn?
Clears Heart Fire; promotes urination; nourishes Yin.
What tongue and pulse go with Dǎo Chì Sǎn?
Tongue: Red tip, thin yellow coat. Pulse: Rapid.
Use Dǎo Chì Sǎn 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.