Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
萆薢滲濕湯 · Bì Xiè Shèn Shī Tāng
A classical formula for damp-heat pouring downward with eczema, itching and turbid urine.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Damp-Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear heat, drain damp, resolve turbidity
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Drain damp-heat from the lower jiao and skin
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for damp-heat pouring downward with eczema, itching and turbid urine.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for damp-heat pouring downward with skin eczema and turbid urine, rather than lower-limb bi alone, Liver damp-heat, or wind-type skin itch.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
赤茯苓Chi Fu Ling12g
Red Poria- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
牡丹皮Mu Dan Pi9g
Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark- clears heat
- cools blood and gently invigorates blood
澤瀉Ze Xie9g
Alisma Rhizome- leaches dampness and drains ministerial fire via the urine
滑石Hua Shi12g
Talcum- clears summerheat-damp
通草Tong Cao6g
Tetrapanax Pith- promotes urination and benefits lactation
Classical Composition
- Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma (Bi Xie) 12g
- Semen Coicis (Yi Yi Ren) 15g
- Cortex Phellodendri (Huang Bai) 9g
- Poria Rubra (Chi Fu Ling) 12g
- Cortex Moutan (Mu Dan Pi) 9g
- Rhizoma Alismatis (Ze Xie) 9g
- Talcum (Hua Shi) 12g
- Medulla Tetrapanacis (Tong Cao) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears damp-heat from the lower jiao and separates the clear from the turbid.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for damp-heat pouring downward.
- Signs and symptoms include cloudy urine, lin-like discomfort, or damp sores of the lower body.
- The coating is yellow and greasy.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by damp-heat brewing in the middle or lower jiao, or streaming into the channels.
- Damp-heat pouring downward produces cloudy urine, lin-like discomfort or damp sores in the lower body.
Clinical presentation
- Heat and dampness together produce a heavy, burning or greasy presentation with yellow coating and a slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear heat, drain dampness, and resolve the brewing pathogen.
- In this formula the emphasis is to drain damp-heat from the lower jiao and skin.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang, Si Miao San, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang and Xiao Feng San address damp-heat in the lower jiao or skin. Si Miao San is compact lower-limb damp-heat bi; Long Dan Xie Gan clears Liver damp-heat; Xiao Feng San dispels wind for skin itch. Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang drains damp-heat for eczema, itching and turbid urine from damp-heat pouring downward.
Clinical Differentiation
- Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang is used for damp-heat pouring downward with cloudy urine or damp sores of the lower body.
- It is distinguished from Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin (cold-turbid, no heat) and from Si Miao San (damp-heat in the sinews and joints).
Safety notes: This formula drains damp-heat. It is not appropriate for cold-turbid cloudy urine from kidney yang failure.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang?
Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang has the actions of clearing Heat, leaching Dampness, separating the clear from the turbid, and cooling the Blood. From Yang Ke Xin De Ji, it guides Lower Jiao Damp-Heat out through the urine and is often used for weeping lower-body skin as well as turbid discharge.
Which modern conditions is Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Damp-Heat pouring downward, including lower-leg eczema or ulcers of Damp-Heat type, yellow foul leukorrhea, cloudy or burning urine of this pattern, and some erysipelas or gouty swelling of the lower limbs after medical causes have been assessed.
Is Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang suitable for weeping, itchy lower-leg skin and yellow discharge?
For presentations of oozing or itchy eczema on the lower legs, heavy aching feet, yellow leukorrhea or cloudy urine, a yellow greasy coating, and a slippery rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Lower Jiao Damp-Heat — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. Spreading redness with fever needs medical evaluation of infection.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang (Tokoro Damp-Draining Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Cloudy Urine & Skin Dampness
Xiao Feng San: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Heat or Damp-Heat Skin Rash, Itching & Eczema
Si Miao San: Classic TCM Formula for Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Leg Pain & Beriberi
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Irritability & Hypochondriac Pain
Browse all classical formulas →
Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.