Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
川芎茶调散 · Chuān Xiōng Chá Tiáo Sàn
A classical formula for exterior wind causing headache, often taken with tea. It addresses wind-cold or wind-heat headache with nasal congestion and a floating pulse.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Disperse wind, stop headache
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Disperse exterior wind and relieve headache
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for exterior wind causing headache, often taken with tea. It addresses wind-cold or wind-heat headache with nasal congestion and a floating pulse.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for exterior wind headache — a dispersing formula rather than damp-dispelling, orifice-opening or Liver-calming approaches.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San | Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang | Cang Er San | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Disperse wind, stop headache | Dispel wind-damp, release exterior, stop pain | Disperse wind, unblock the nose | Calm Liver Yang, extinguish internal wind, clear heat |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Liver-Wind Extinguishing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Dampness | Wind-Cold | Liver Fire |
| Main Conditions | Headache ·Nasal Congestion ·Fever ·Cold Limbs | Headache ·Neck Pain ·Joint Discomfort ·Edema | Nasal Congestion ·Headache ·Allergic Rhinitis | Headache ·Dizziness & Vertigo ·Tinnitus ·Anxiety Restlessness |
| Main Herbs | Chuanxiong Rhizome ·Angelica Dahurica Root ·Notopterygium Root ·Asarum / Wild Ginger ·Saposhnikovia Root | Notopterygium Root ·Pubescent Angelica Root ·Ligusticum Root ·Saposhnikovia Root ·Vitex Fruit | Xanthium Fruit ·Magnolia Flower ·Angelica Dahurica Root ·Mentha / Peppermint | Gastrodia Rhizome ·Uncaria Stem with Hooks ·Abalone Shell ·Gardenia Fruit ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap |
| Classical Source | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Li Dongyuan school / classical | Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty) | Zhong Yi Nei Ke Za Bing Zheng Zhi Xin Yi (Hu Guangci, 1958) |
Clinical Perspective
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San disperses wind for exterior-type headache. Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang dispels wind-damp for heavier body pain. Cang Er San focuses on nasal orifices. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin calms Liver Yang for interior wind headache.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San: Classic TCM Formula for Headache due to Exterior Wind
Related Products
Hoi Tin Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San (Chuanxiong Powder to Take with Tea) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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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.