Pai Nong Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
排膿湯 · Pái Nóng Tāng
A classical formula for abscess with pus, from the Jin Gui Yao Lue.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Phlegm-Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear heat, expel pus
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear heat and expel pus
- Classical Source
- Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A classical formula for abscess with pus, from the Jin Gui Yao Lue.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected when pus has formed and a simple expelling formula is appropriate.
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
Classical Composition
- Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gan Cao) 6g
- Platycodi Radix (Jie Geng) 3g
- Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 3g
- Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 4 pieces. From the Jin Gui Yao Lue.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears heat and expels pus.
Indications
- Abscess with pus.
- Cough with purulent sputum, or sores that have formed pus.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Heat and toxin form pus in the lung or sores.
- Jie Geng opens and expels, Gan Cao resolves toxin.
Clinical presentation
- Cough with purulent sputum, or sores with pus, chest discomfort.
Treatment strategy
- Clear heat, expel pus, resolve toxin.
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Pai Nong Tang | Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin | Qing Fei Tang |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clear heat, expel pus | Clear heat, resolve toxin, reduce swelling, invigorate blood, stop pain | Clear Lung heat, resolve phlegm, stop cough |
| Formula Category | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Phlegm-Heat | Damp-Heat | Lung Heat |
| Main Conditions | Cough | Fever·Sore Throat | Cough·Sore Throat |
| Main Herbs | Licorice Root·Platycodon Root·Fresh Ginger·Jujube / Chinese Date | Angelica Dahurica Root·Fritillaria Bulb·Saposhnikovia Root·Red Peony Root·Chinese Angelica Root | Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap·Mulberry Root Bark·Platycodon Root·Ophiopogon Tuber·Fritillaria Bulb |
| Classical Source | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Ming-Qing classical formulary | Classical TCM formulary |
Clinical Perspective
Pai Nong Tang, Wei Jing Tang and Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin address abscess differently. Wei Jing Tang clears lung heat and expels pus more strongly. Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin is for early sores. This is a simple Jin Gui pus-expelling formula.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used when pus has formed in lung abscess or sores.
- Key points: purulent discharge.
- Distinct from early toxin formulas that clear before pus forms.
Safety notes: Not a substitute for conditions requiring urgent medical care. Not appropriate before pus has formed if strong clearing is needed.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pai Nong Tang? Are Pai Nong San and Wei Jing Tang the same?
Pai Nong Tang (排脓汤) is a classic formula from related records in the Jin Gui Yao Lue, centered on expelling pus, resolving toxicity and harmonizing the nutritive and defensive for sores, carbuncles, intestinal abscess and lung abscess. Pai Nong San expels pus and reduces swelling, leaning to early swelling and pain before rupture. Wei Jing Tang clears the Lung, transforms phlegm and expels pus, leaning to lung abscess. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Pai Nong Tang. Use caution when pus has not formed and in pure deficiency without excess.
What is the composition and traditional use of Pai Nong Tang?
Classic composition: Gan Cao about 6 g, Jie Geng about 9 g, Sheng Jiang about 3 g, Da Zao ten pieces. It acts to move qi and blood, harmonize the nutritive and defensive, expel pus and resolve toxicity. It is used for sores, carbuncles, intestinal abscess and lung abscess with vomiting of pus. Jie Geng expels pus and opens; Gan Cao resolves toxicity and harmonizes the center; Sheng Jiang and Da Zao harmonize the nutritive and defensive.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Pai Nong San replace it?
Sheng Jiang is raw; Gan Cao is raw or honey-fried according to the situation. Pai Nong San leans to reducing swelling; it cannot replace Pai Nong Tang by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Articles
Pai Nong Tang: Moving Qi and Resolving Accumulation
Qing Fei Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Lung Heat, Cough, Phlegm & Sore Throat
Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Heat Toxin, Early-Stage Abscesses & Swollen Sores
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.