San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
散腫潰堅湯 · Sàn Zhǒng Kuì Jiān Tāng
A classical formula for hard swollen masses and scrofula from heat toxin and phlegm.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Phlegm-Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear heat, resolve toxin, soften hardness, reduce swelling
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear heat toxin and soften hard masses
- Classical Source
- Li Dongyuan school / classical
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for hard swollen masses and scrofula from heat toxin and phlegm.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for hard heat-toxin and phlegm masses or scrofula, rather than soft phlegm goiter, yang-type early abscess, or yin-type cold abscess.
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AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
知母Zhi Mu9g
Anemarrhena Rhizome- clears heat and enriches yin
玄參Xuan Shen12g
Scrophularia Root- nourishes yin and clears deficiency fire
連翹Lian Qiao9g
Forsythia Fruit- clears heat-toxin and dissipates clumps
桔梗Jie Geng6g
Platycodon Root- diffuses the lung and guides upward
升麻Sheng Ma3g
Cimicifuga Rhizome- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
柴胡Chai Hu3g
Bupleurum Root- courses liver qi
- raises the
- clears and releases shaoyang
葛根Ge Gen6g
Kudzu Root- releases the exterior
- generates fluids and relaxes the nape
白芍Bai Shao6g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
- softens the liver and relieves spasmodic pain
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 9g
- Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) 6g
- Cortex Phellodendri (Huang Bai) 6g
- Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (Zhi Mu) 9g
- Radix Scrophulariae (Xuan Shen) 12g
- Fructus Forsythiae (Lian Qiao) 9g
- Radix Platycodonis (Jie Geng) 6g
- Rhizoma Cimicifugae (Sheng Ma) 3g
- Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) 3g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
- Radix Puerariae (Ge Gen) 6g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears heat
- transforms phlegm
- and dissipates goitrous binds.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for phlegm-fire binding in the neck.
- Signs and symptoms include hard goitrous or scrofulous masses with heat signs.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is wiry and rapid or slippery.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by phlegm and heat binding in the lung or chest.
- Phlegm-fire binding in the neck produces hard goitrous or scrofulous masses with heat signs.
Clinical presentation
- Heat condenses fluids into sticky yellow phlegm; constrained lung qi then produces cough, chest tightness and a rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and unblock the chest and lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to clear heat toxin and soften hard masses.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang, Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin and Yang He Tang address masses or sores. Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang softens phlegm goiter; Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin clears yang-type abscess toxin; Yang He Tang warms yin-type cold abscesses. San Zhong Kui Jian Tang clears heat toxin and softens hard masses for scrofula and hard swellings from heat and phlegm.
Clinical Differentiation
- San Zhong Kui Jian Tang is used for phlegm-fire binding in the neck as hard goitrous or scrofulous masses.
- It is distinguished from Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang (softer phlegm-qi goiter) and from Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (yang sores in the flesh).
Safety notes: This formula is attacking and transforming. It is not appropriate for soft deficiency lumps or for yin-type swellings.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of San Zhong Kui Jian Tang?
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang has the actions of clearing Heat-toxin, transforming Phlegm, invigorating Blood, and dispersing hard swellings. Li Dongyuan designed it so stone-hard lumps along the Shao Yang and Yang Ming channels can either scatter or break down.
Which modern conditions is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Phlegm-Fire and stasis forming hard lumps, including scrofula or hard cervical nodes of this excess pattern, some firm goiter or neck-shoulder swellings, and hard Yang-type lumps from the ear down to the clavicle or hypochondrium — always after imaging and medical diagnosis.
Is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang suitable for a hard, stone-like lump on the neck?
For presentations of a firm swelling below the ear, along the neck to the clavicle, on the shoulder, or under the ribs, possibly with bitter taste, thirst, and a wiry rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms excess Heat-Phlegm-stasis — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. Any neck mass needs proper medical evaluation before herbs are considered.
Related Products
Hoi Tin San Zhong Kui Jian Tang (Disperse Swelling and Ulcerate Hardness Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Han's San Zhong Kui Jian Tang (Scattering Nodules & Resolving Hardness Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Scrofula, Goiter & Hard Phlegm-Stagnation Masses
Yang He Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yin-Type Sores, Cold Abscesses & Deficiency Cold
Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Goiter, Scrofula & Phlegm-Stagnation Masses
Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Heat Toxin, Early-Stage Abscesses & Swollen Sores
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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.