Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
托裡消毒飲 · Tuō Lǐ Xiāo Dú Yǐn
A qi-supporting formula for sores that fail to discharge pus from qi deficiency.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify qi, support the interior, resolve toxin
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify qi, support the interior, resolve toxin
- Classical Source
- Yi Zong Jin Jian (Wu Qian, Qing dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A qi-supporting formula for sores that fail to discharge pus from qi deficiency.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected when sores fail to discharge from qi deficiency rather than early excess toxin or yin sores.
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
金銀花Jin Yin Hua6g
Honeysuckle Flower- resolves toxin
連翹Lian Qiao6g
Forsythia Fruit- resolves toxin
皂角刺Zao Jiao Ci3g
Gleditsia Thorn- expels pus
川芎Chuan Xiong3g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- moves blood
白芍Bai Shao3g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
白芷Bai Zhi3g
Angelica Dahurica Root- dispels and reduces swelling
防風Fang Feng3g
Saposhnikovia Root- dispels wind
桔梗Jie Geng3g
Platycodon Root- diffuses and expels
Classical Composition
- Ginseng Radix (Ren Shen)
- Astragali Radix (Huang Qi)
- Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui)
- Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong)
- Paeoniae Radix (Shao Yao)
- Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Bai Zhi)
- Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fang Feng)
- Lonicerae Flos (Jin Yin Hua)
- Forsythiae Fructus (Lian Qiao)
- Platycodi Radix (Jie Geng)
- Gleditsiae Spina (Zao Jiao Ci). A qi-supporting sore formula.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Tonifies qi to support the interior and resolve toxin in sores.
Indications
- Qi deficiency with sores that fail to discharge.
Tongue & pulsePale complexion, fatigue, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Qi is deficient, so sores fail to discharge pus.
- Toxin remains and the upright is weak.
Clinical presentation
Tongue & pulseSores that fail to discharge, pale complexion, fatigue, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Treatment strategy
- Tonify qi, support the interior, resolve toxin, expel pus.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin, Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin and Yang He Tang address sores. Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin clears early toxin. Yang He Tang warms yang for yin sores. This formula tonifies qi to support discharge.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used when sores fail to discharge from qi deficiency.
- Distinct from excess toxin formulas that clear without tonifying.
Tongue & pulseKey points: pale, fatigue, weak pulse.
Safety notes: Tonifying formula; not appropriate for early excess heat toxin without deficiency.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin? Are Tuo Li Tou Nong Tang and Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin the same?
Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin (托里消毒饮) is a classic formula from the Wai Ke Zheng Zong, centered on tonifying qi and blood, supporting the interior to expel toxin and expelling pus for qi and blood insufficiency with sores that fail to close long after rupture. Tuo Li Tou Nong Tang supports the interior, expels toxin and supplements deficiency, leaning to upright deficiency with excess toxin after pus has formed. Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin clears heat, resolves toxicity, moves blood and reduces swelling, leaning to yang-pattern sores at onset. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin. Use caution before rupture and with blazing heat toxin.
What is the composition and traditional use of Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin?
Classic composition: Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Bai Zhu, Bai Shao, Jin Yin Hua, Bai Zhi, Jie Geng, Zao Jiao Ci, Fu Ling, Gan Cao. It acts to tonify qi and blood, support the interior to expel toxin and expel pus. It is used for qi and blood insufficiency with sores that fail to close long after rupture. Ren Shen and Huang Qi tonify qi and support toxin expulsion; Dang Gui, Bai Shao and Chuan Xiong nourish and move blood; Jin Yin Hua resolves toxicity; Bai Zhi and Zao Jiao Ci expel pus; Bai Zhu and Fu Ling strengthen the Spleen; Jie Geng guides upward; Gan Cao harmonizes.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Tuo Li Tou Nong Tang replace it?
Huang Qi is raw or honey-fried; Ren Shen is raw. Tuo Li Tou Nong Tang leans to expelling pus; it cannot replace detoxifying and closing by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Articles
Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin: Supporting the Interior and Nourishing Qi and Blood
Yang He Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yin-Type Sores, Cold Abscesses & Deficiency Cold
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Qi & Blood Deficiency with Cold
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.