Xiao Xu Ming Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
小續命湯 · Xiǎo Xù Mìng Tāng
A wind-dispersing formula for wind-strike with exterior cold and upright deficiency.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior wind, support the upright
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Dispel wind and support the upright
- Classical Source
- Qian Jin Yao Fang (Sun Simiao, Tang dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A wind-dispersing formula for wind-strike with exterior cold and upright deficiency.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected for exterior wind-strike with upright deficiency rather than interior wind or qi-deficiency blood stasis.
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
人參Ren Shen6g
Ginseng Root- tonifies qi
當歸Dang Gui6g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes blood
川芎Chuan Xiong3g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- moves blood
白芍Bai Shao6g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
防風Fang Feng6g
Saposhnikovia Root- dispels wind
防己Fang Ji3g
Stephania Root- dispels wind-damp
杏仁Xing Ren6g
Bitter Apricot Kernel- descends lung qi
黃芩Huang Qin3g
Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap- clears heat
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Ephedrae Herba (Ma Huang)
- Cinnamomi Ramulus (Gui Zhi)
- Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui)
- Ginseng Radix (Ren Shen)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gan Cao)
- Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong)
- Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xing Ren)
- Aconiti Radix Lateralis (Fu Zi)
- Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fang Feng)
- Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (Fang Ji)
- Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin)
- Paeoniae Radix (Shao Yao). From Qian Jin Yao Fang.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Dispels wind and supports the upright qi for wind-strike.
Indications
- Wind-strike with exterior cold and upright deficiency.
- Hemiplegia or body pain, chills, fatigue.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Wind-strike with exterior cold and upright deficiency.
- Wind attacks when the upright is weak.
Clinical presentation
Tongue & pulseHemiplegia or body pain, chills, fatigue, white coating, superficial or tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- Dispel wind, support the upright, release the exterior.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Xiao Xu Ming Tang, Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang and Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang address stroke-type patterns. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang tonifies qi and invigorates blood. Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang extinguishes interior wind. This formula dispels exterior wind and supports the upright.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used for wind-strike with exterior and upright deficiency.
- Key points: hemiplegia or body pain with chills and fatigue.
- Distinct from interior wind formulas.
Safety notes: Contains Ma Huang and Fu Zi; not appropriate for heat or yin deficiency. Acute stroke needs medical care.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xiao Xu Ming Tang? Are Da Qin Jiao Tang and Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang the same?
Xiao Xu Ming Tang (小续命汤) is a classic formula from the Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang, centered on dispelling wind, dispersing cold, benefiting qi and invigorating blood for true wind-stroke with sudden stroke, deviation of mouth and eye and hemiplegia. Da Qin Jiao Tang dispels wind, clears heat and nourishes blood, leaning to wind striking the channels. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang tonifies qi and invigorates blood, leaning to qi deficiency with blood stasis sequelae of stroke. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Xiao Xu Ming Tang. Contraindicated in wind-stroke-like patterns from internal stirring of Liver wind.
What is the composition and traditional use of Xiao Xu Ming Tang?
Classic composition: Ma Huang, Fang Ji, Ren Shen, Huang Qin, Gui Xin, Gan Cao, Shao Yao, Chuan Xiong, Xing Ren, Fang Feng each 9 g; Fu Zi 6 g; Sheng Jiang 6 g. It acts to dispel wind, disperse cold, benefit qi and invigorate blood. It is used for sudden stroke with deviation of mouth and eye, sinew and vessel contraction, hemiplegia, stiff tongue with inability to speak, or wind-damp bi pain. Ma Huang, Fang Feng and Fang Ji dispel wind; Gui Xin and Fu Zi warm yang; Ren Shen benefits qi; Chuan Xiong and Shao Yao invigorate blood; Huang Qin counters the warming nature as an assistant; Xing Ren descends qi; Gan Cao and Sheng Jiang harmonize.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang replace it?
Fu Zi is prepared; Ma Huang is nodes-removed. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang leans to qi deficiency with blood stasis without dispelling wind; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Articles
Xiao Xu Ming Tang: Dispelling Wind and Unblocking the Channels
Ma Huang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold Excess & No Sweating
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Qi Deficiency with Blood Stasis & Post-Stroke Sequelae
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Yang Rising, Internal Wind & Hypertension
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.