[Source]

Shen Shi Zun Sheng Shu (沈氏尊生書)

 [Composition]

Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber), Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome), Da Zao (Jujube Fruit)
(8)

 [Categorization]

Tonify Spleen and Middle Qi: Da Zao (Jujube Fruit)

Aromatically Cool the Exterior: Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root)

Clear Heat and Dry Dampness: Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root)

Tonify Qi: Ren Shen (Ginseng Root)

Aromatically Warm the Exterior: Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome)

Transform Phlegm: Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber)

[Analysis of Formula]

According to Fang Ji Xue Wang: Chai Xian Tang is an altered formula derived from Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) and Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Chest Plumbing Decoction). Xiao Chai Hu Tang is modified by removing tonifying herbs such as Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Da Zao (Jujube Fruit), and adding herbs that clear heat, transform phlegm, and relieve chest oppression, such as Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), and Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange). The combined effect is to harmonize the Shao Yang, clear and transform hot phlegm, and resolve stagnation and nodules. This formula is most suitable for conditions where evil Qi has sunk into the Shao Yang, characterized by internal obstruction of phlegm and heat, with symptoms such as alternating chills and fever, chest fullness, oppression, pain, nausea, poor appetite, or cough with thick phlegm, bitter taste, yellow tongue coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse.

 [Functions]

Clear heat, purge phlegm, open the chest, and resolve stagnation.

 [Indications]

Initial stage of binding chest oppression due to Qi stagnation with superficial symptoms, or accumulation of water, phlegm, or heat.

 [Mnemonic]

Xiao Chai Hu Tang + Xiao Xian Xiong Tang – Gan Cao. Xiao Chai Hu carefully plumbs the chest and removes Gan Cao.