Si Ni Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
四逆汤 · Sì Nì Tāng
The classic formula for Yang collapse (Si Ni syndrome). Presents with icy cold extremities, preference for lying curled up, watery diarrhoea, and a faint pulse. Strongly restores Yang.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Yang-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Restore Yang, rescue from collapse
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Restore devastated Yang, rescue from collapse, and warm the Middle Jiao
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The classic formula for Yang collapse (Si Ni syndrome). Presents with icy cold extremities, preference for lying curled up, watery diarrhoea, and a faint pulse. Strongly restores Yang.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for critical Yang collapse — icy cold extremities, faint pulse and profound exhaustion — a rescue formula rather than a maintenance one, distinct from Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang's digestion-centred Spleen-Kidney warming and from the channel-level Cold that Dang Gui Si Ni Tang addresses.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Si Ni Tang | Si Ni San | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Restore Yang, rescue from collapse | Course Liver Qi, resolve constraint, harmonize | Warm channels, nourish Blood, disperse Cold | Tonify Qi, warm channels, relieve numbness |
| Formula Category | Yang-Tonifying Formulas | Harmonising Formulas | Blood-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Yang Deficiency | Qi Stagnation | Blood Deficiency | Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Cold Limbs ·Abdominal Pain ·Stomach Discomfort ·Fatigue & Low Energy | Cold Limbs ·Hypochondriac Distension ·Bloating ·Emotional Depression | Cold Limbs ·Joint Discomfort ·Low Back Pain | Cold Limbs ·Numbness in Limbs ·Joint Discomfort |
| Main Herbs | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root ·Dried Ginger ·Honey-fried Licorice | Bupleurum Root ·Immature Bitter Orange ·White Peony Root ·Honey-fried Licorice | Chinese Angelica Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Asarum / Wild Ginger ·Tetrapanax Pith | Astragalus Root ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Si Ni Tang is for critical Yang collapse. Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang addresses severe Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency with digestive focus. Dang Gui Si Ni Tang and Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang address channel/Blood patterns rather than systemic Yang collapse.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Si Ni Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yang Collapse, Cold Extremities & Shock
Related Products
Hoi Tin Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) 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.