Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng
Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng (半夏泻心汤, “Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium”) comes from Shang Han Lun - Zhang Zhongjing (220 CE). Harmonizes the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi, eliminates bloating, adjusts heat and cold.
Main action
Harmonizes the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi, eliminates bloating, adjusts heat and cold
Perfect example of dialectical thinking in TCM: combine cold (Huang Lian, Huang Qin) and hot (Gan Jiang) herbs to resolve the 'hot-cold disharmony' of the Middle Jiao.
Indications
- Epigastric distension without pain on pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- intestinal borborism
- Diarrhea
- Feeling of fullness
- Tongue
- Pale or red, yellow or white coating depending on the pattern
- Pulse
- Moderate, slippery or rope
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bàn Xià 半夏 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 12g | Descends rebellious Qi, harmonizes Stomach, stops vomiting |
| Huáng Lián 黄连 | Minister (臣 chén) | 3g | Drains heat from the Heart and Stomach, reduces bloating |
| Huáng Qín 黄芩 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Drains heat from the Middle Jiao |
| Rén Shēn 人参 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach |
| Gān Jiāng 干姜 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Warms the Middle Jiao, disperses Cold |
| Dà Zǎo 大枣 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 12g | Nourishes Blood, harmonizes, tones Spleen |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 9g | Harmonizes, tonifies Spleen Qi |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction: boil 40 min, take 3 times/day on a half-empty stomach
Classical modifications
Add: Zhi Mu (知母) 9g
Current uses being studied
- H. pylori gastritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Mild ulcerative colitis
- Gastroparesis
Precautions
- Use dried ginger (Gan Jiang) not fresh to heat the Middle Jiao
- The combination of Huang Lian (cold) and Gan Jiang (hot) is key
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 半夏泻心汤
- English name
- Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium
- Source
- Shang Han Lun - Zhang Zhongjing (220 CE)
- Dynasty
- Han
- Category
- Other formulas
- Constitutions
- Damp-Heat Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
