Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
调胃承气汤 · Tiáo Wèi Chéng Qì Tāng
The mildest of the three Cheng Qi Tang formulas. It gently drains Stomach and Intestinal heat accumulation with constipation, tidal fever and a dry yellow tongue coating, without the strong moving action of Hou Po and Zhi Shi.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Purgative Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Stomach Heat
- Primary Function
- Mildly purge heat accumulation, harmonise the Stomach
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Drain heat and move the bowels with a mild, harmonising approach
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The mildest of the three Cheng Qi Tang formulas. It gently drains Stomach and Intestinal heat accumulation with constipation, tidal fever and a dry yellow tongue coating, without the strong moving action of Hou Po and Zhi Shi.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Yangming heat is present with constipation but abdominal fullness is mild — a gentler choice than Xiao or Da Cheng Qi Tang, emphasising harmonising the Stomach while draining heat.
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
Classical Composition
- Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Da Huang) 12g
- Natrii Sulfas (Mang Xiao) 9g~12g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Drains heat and harmonizes the stomach without fierce purgation.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for yangming heat with dry stool but a relatively harmonious stomach.
- Signs and symptoms include constipation, thirst, and a full pulse, without the severe focal distension of Da Cheng Qi Tang.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to exuberant heat in the yangming stomach that scorches fluids and drives qi upward.
- Yangming heat with dry stool but a relatively harmonious stomach calls for draining heat without moving qi as strongly as the other Cheng Qi formulas.
Clinical presentation
- Typical signs include thirst, bad breath, swollen gums or a rapid, flooding pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear stomach heat and drain fire while protecting fluids.
- In this formula the emphasis is to drain heat and move the bowels with a mild, harmonising approach.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang is the mild harmonising purge. Xiao Cheng Qi Tang adds Qi-moving for moderate fullness. Da Cheng Qi Tang is the strongest purge for severe heat accumulation with hard fullness. Tao He Cheng Qi Tang combines purge with Blood-invigorating for heat and Blood stasis in the lower abdomen.
Clinical Differentiation
- Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang is used for yangming heat with dry stool but without the severe pi and fullness of Da Cheng Qi Tang.
- It harmonises the stomach while draining heat.
- It is the mildest of the three Cheng Qi formulas and is not used when the abdomen is hard and the pulse is deep and excess.
Safety notes: This formula contains Da Huang and Mang Xiao. It is not appropriate in pregnancy or in deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang?
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang has the actions of mildly purging Heat accumulation and harmonizing the Stomach. It is the gentlest of the classic Cheng Qi Tang family, designed to clear residual dryness-Heat from the Stomach and Intestines while protecting Middle Qi.
Which modern diseases is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within mild Yangming dryness-Heat, including constipation with dry stools due to Heat, mild abdominal fullness and discomfort from residual Heat, certain cases of acute gastritis or mild intestinal stagnation with Heat signs, and oral or gum inflammation associated with Stomach Fire.
Is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang suitable for improving mild constipation with thirst and irritability?
For presentations of dry, difficult stools, mild abdominal fullness (without severe hard distension or intense pain), thirst, irritability or restlessness, possible low-grade or steaming fever, a yellow tongue coating, and a slippery rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms mild Yangming Heat accumulation — TCM commonly applies Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Nong's Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Mild Constipation & Yangming Heat
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Blood Stasis with Heat in the Lower Burner
Da Cheng Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Severe Constipation & Yangming Excess
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Mild Constipation & Abdominal Fullness
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.