Da Cheng Qi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
大承气汤 · Dà Chéng Qì Tāng
The strongest classical purgative formula for Yang Ming excess Heat with severe constipation, abdominal fullness and hardness, tidal fever and delirium. Attacks hardness, drains fullness and moistens dryness.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Purgative Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Stomach Heat
- Primary Function
- Strongly purge Heat accumulation and constipation
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Strongly purge Heat accumulation, eliminate fullness and moisten dryness
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The strongest classical purgative formula for Yang Ming excess Heat with severe constipation, abdominal fullness and hardness, tidal fever and delirium. Attacks hardness, drains fullness and moistens dryness.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for severe Yang Ming fu excess — hard constipation, abdominal fullness with tenderness and high fever — the strongest of the Cheng Qi family, well beyond the milder Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, and without the Blood-invigorating action that defines Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Da Cheng Qi Tang | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Wu Ling San | Xiao Cheng Qi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Strongly purge Heat accumulation and constipation | Invigorate Blood, clear Heat, purge accumulation | Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang | Mildly purge Heat accumulation |
| Formula Category | Purgative Formulas | Blood-Invigorating Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Purgative Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Stomach Heat | Blood Stasis | Dampness | Stomach Heat |
| Main Conditions | Constipation ·Bloating ·Abdominal Pain ·Fever | Irregular Menstruation ·Dysmenorrhea | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Damp Constitution | Constipation ·Bloating ·Abdominal Pain ·Fever |
| Main Herbs | Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt ·Magnolia Bark ·Immature Bitter Orange | Peach Kernel ·Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig ·Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt ·Honey-fried Licorice | Alisma Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Polyporus ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig | Rhubarb Root and Rhizome ·Magnolia Bark ·Immature Bitter Orange |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Da Cheng Qi Tang is for severe Yang Ming fu excess. Tao He Cheng Qi Tang adds Blood-invigorating action for stasis with Heat. Wu Ling San drains fluid rather than solid accumulation. Milder relatives include Xiao Cheng Qi Tang and Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Da Cheng Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Severe Constipation & Yangming Excess
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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.