Da Chai Hu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
大柴胡湯 · Dà Chái Hú Tāng
A classical formula for Shaoyang-Yangming concurrent disease with alternating fever/chills, constipation and epigastric fullness.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Harmonising Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Shaoyang Syndrome
- Primary Function
- Harmonize Shaoyang, drain interior heat, move stool
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Harmonize Shaoyang and simultaneously drain Yangming heat accumulation
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Shaoyang-Yangming concurrent disease with alternating fever/chills, constipation and epigastric fullness.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Shaoyang and Yangming present together — alternating chills/fever with constipation and epigastric urgency — rather than pure Shaoyang or pure Yangming excess.
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
黃芩Huang Qin9g
Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap- drain and move qi drain the heat bind from the yangming
大黃Da Huang9g
Rhubarb Root and Rhizome- drain and move qi drain the heat bind from the yangming
枳實Zhi Shi9g
Immature Bitter Orange- breaks stagnant qi and reduces accumulation
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
半夏Ban Xia12g
Pinellia Rhizome- direct counterflow downward and stop vomiting vent pathogens with acridity
白芍Bai Shao9g
White Peony Root- softens the liver relaxes spams and relieves pain
生薑Sheng Jiang9g
Fresh Ginger- releases the exterior
- warms the middle and settles nausea
Classical Composition
- Bupleuri Radix (Chai Hu) 0.5 jin (15g)
- Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin) 3 liang (9g)
- Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shao Yao) 3 liang (9g)
- Pinelliae Rhizoma (Ban Xia) 0.5 sheng (9g)
- Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 5 liang (15g)
- Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhi Shi) 4 pieces (9g)
- Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 12 pcs (3g)
- Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Da Huang) 2 liang (6g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Harmonizes shaoyang and drains interior heat bind.
Indications
- This formula treats a combined shaoyang-yangming pattern characterized by alternating chills and fever, fullness and discomfort in the chest and rib-side, frequent vomiting, constant vexation, epigastric pi and hardness or epigastric fullness and pain, constipation or diarrhea with fever, a yellow tongue coating, and a powerful wiry, rapid pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Although this formula treats a combination of shaoyang and yangming patterns, it has its primary focus on addressing the shaoyang.
- The alternating chills and fever and fullness and discomfort in the chest are symptoms that stem from the pathogen that is remaining in the shaoyang.
- The frequent vomiting and continuous vexation are worse than those found in the Xiao Chai Hu Tang pattern.
- The purgative method is prohibited in a shaoyang pattern.
- However, because it is combined with the yangming bowel pattern, the exterior and interior needs to be treated simultaneously.
Clinical presentation
- These symptoms in combination with epigastric pi and hardness or epigastric fullness and pain, constipation or diarrhea with fever, the yellow tongue coating, and the powerful wiry, rapid pulse allow us to conclude that the pathogen has entered the yangming and transformed into excess.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment is to harmonize shaoyang and drain the heat bind from the interior.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Da Chai Hu Tang, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Da Cheng Qi Tang and Fang Feng Tong Sheng San address Shaoyang and/or Yangming. Xiao Chai Hu Tang harmonizes Shaoyang alone; Da Cheng Qi Tang strongly drains Yangming heat accumulation; Fang Feng Tong Sheng San releases exterior and drains interior more broadly. Da Chai Hu Tang simultaneously harmonizes Shaoyang and drains Yangming for alternating fever/chills with constipation and epigastric fullness.
Clinical Differentiation
- Da Chai Hu Tang serves as the most common formula used to treat a combined shaoyang-yangming pattern.
- This clinical pattern is marked by alternating chills and fever, fullness and discomfort in the chest and rib-side, epigastric fullness and pain, vomiting, yellow tongue coating, constipation, and a powerful wiry, rapid pulse.
Safety notes: This formula both harmonises and drains. It is not appropriate for shaoyang without yangming bind, nor in deficiency constitutions or pregnancy.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Da Chai Hu Tang?
Da Chai Hu Tang has the actions of harmonizing Shaoyang and draining interior Yangming Heat. It is used when Shaoyang has not resolved and Yangming Excess has already formed — the so-called combined Shaoyang–Yangming pattern.
Which modern conditions is Da Chai Hu Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to robust individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Shaoyang plus Yangming Excess, including some acute cholecystitis or biliary colic pictures of this pattern, pancreatitis presentations after medical evaluation, and febrile illness with hypochondriac fullness, vomiting, and constipation.
Is Da Chai Hu Tang suitable for alternating chills and fever with constipation and vomiting?
For presentations of alternating chills and fever, bitter taste, chest and hypochondriac fullness, vomiting, abdominal fullness or pain, constipation or hard stool, a yellow coating, and a wiry forceful pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms combined Shaoyang–Yangming — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. Acute abdomen or jaundice with high fever needs urgent medical care.
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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.