Sì Nì Tāng (四逆汤, Frigid Extremities Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Warm interior category, with Fu Zi as chief herb. It contains Zhì Fù Zǐ, Gān Jiāng and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Actions: rescues devastated Yang; warms channels; stops diarrhoea.
| Pinyin | Sì Nì Tāng (Si Ni Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 四逆汤 |
| English | Frigid Extremities Decoction |
| Category | Warm interior |
| Chief | Fu Zi |
| Tongue | Pale or dark purple, wet white coat |
| Pulse | Deep, faint, on verge of expiry |
| Cautions | Contains prepared aconite (Fù Zǐ or Chuān Wū): toxic if raw or under-cooked. Use only processed root, decoct first for 30 to 60 minutes, stay within standard doses; contraindicated in pregnancy. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Zhì Fù Zǐ | 15g |
| Gān Jiāng | 6g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 6g |
Actions
Rescues devastated Yang; warms channels; stops diarrhoea
Indications
Yang collapse: icy cold extremities, extremely weak pulse, diarrhoea with undigested food, aversion to cold
Test yourself
What herbs are in Sì Nì Tāng?
Sì Nì Tāng contains Zhì Fù Zǐ 15g, Gān Jiāng 6g and Zhì Gān Cǎo 6g.
What is Sì Nì Tāng used for?
Yang collapse: icy cold extremities, extremely weak pulse, diarrhoea with undigested food, aversion to cold.
What are the actions of Sì Nì Tāng?
Rescues devastated Yang; warms channels; stops diarrhoea.
What tongue and pulse go with Sì Nì Tāng?
Tongue: Pale or dark purple, wet white coat. Pulse: Deep, faint, on verge of expiry.
Use Sì Nì 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.