Dìng Chuǎn Tāng (定喘汤, Arrest Wheezing Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Phlegm & damp category, with Má Huáng and Bái Guǒ as chief herbs. It contains Má Huáng, Bái Guǒ, Kuǎn Dōng Huā, Bàn Xià, Sāng Bái Pí, Sū Zǐ, Xìng Rén, Huáng Qín and Gān Cǎo. Actions: diffuses Lung; descends qi; calms wheezing; clears Heat; transforms Phlegm-Heat.
| Pinyin | Dìng Chuǎn Tāng (Ding Chuan Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 定喘汤 |
| English | Arrest Wheezing Decoction |
| Category | Phlegm & damp |
| Chief | Má Huáng, Bái Guǒ |
| Tongue | Yellow greasy coat |
| Pulse | Slippery, rapid |
| Cautions | Contains Má Huáng (ephedra): avoid with hypertension, heart disease, insomnia, anxiety or exterior deficiency with sweating; regulated in some countries. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Má Huáng | 9g |
| Bái Guǒ | 9g |
| Kuǎn Dōng Huā | 9g |
| Bàn Xià | 9g |
| Sāng Bái Pí | 9g |
| Sū Zǐ | 6g |
| Xìng Rén | 4.5g |
| Huáng Qín | 4.5g |
| Gān Cǎo | 3g |
Actions
Diffuses Lung; descends qi; calms wheezing; clears Heat; transforms Phlegm-Heat
Indications
Wind-Cold exterior with interior Phlegm-Heat: wheezing, dyspnoea, cough with yellow sticky phlegm, fever
Test yourself
What herbs are in Dìng Chuǎn Tāng?
Dìng Chuǎn Tāng contains Má Huáng 9g, Bái Guǒ 9g, Kuǎn Dōng Huā 9g, Bàn Xià 9g, Sāng Bái Pí 9g, Sū Zǐ 6g, Xìng Rén 4.5g, Huáng Qín 4.5g and Gān Cǎo 3g.
What is Dìng Chuǎn Tāng used for?
Wind-Cold exterior with interior Phlegm-Heat: wheezing, dyspnoea, cough with yellow sticky phlegm, fever.
What are the actions of Dìng Chuǎn Tāng?
Diffuses Lung; descends qi; calms wheezing; clears Heat; transforms Phlegm-Heat.
What tongue and pulse go with Dìng Chuǎn Tāng?
Tongue: Yellow greasy coat. Pulse: Slippery, rapid.
Use Dìng Chuǎn 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.