Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
旋覆代赭汤 · Xuán Fù Dài Zhě Tāng
A Shang Han Lun formula for epigastric fullness and belching after vomiting or purging has damaged the Middle, with phlegm and rebellious Qi. Xuan Fu Hua and Dai Zhe Shi descend counterflow while Ren Shen supports the Stomach.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Phlegm-Resolving Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Descend rebellious Qi, transform phlegm, benefit the Stomach
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Direct counterflow Qi downward, resolve phlegm and tonify the Middle
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Shang Han Lun formula for epigastric fullness and belching after vomiting or purging has damaged the Middle, with phlegm and rebellious Qi. Xuan Fu Hua and Dai Zhe Shi descend counterflow while Ren Shen supports the Stomach.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for persistent belching and epigastric hardness from phlegm and counterflow after the Middle has been weakened — descending while supporting, rather than pure cold-heat harmonising or pure warming.
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
旋覆花Xuan Fu Hua9g
Inula Flower- lowers qi and disperses phlegm
- directs counterflow downward and calms belching
代赭石Dai Zhe Shi9g
Hematite- assists chief to direct counterflow downward
- lowers qi
- arrests vomiting and dissolves phlegm
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
半夏Ban Xia9g
Pinellia Rhizome- dispels phlegm and dissipates masses
- harmonizes the stomach and directs counterflow downward
生薑Sheng Jiang15g
Fresh Ginger- releases the exterior
- warms the middle and settles nausea
Classical Composition
- Inulae Flos (Xuan Fu Hua) 3 liang (9g)
- Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 2 liang (6g)
- Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 5 liang (15g)
- Haematitum (Dai Zhe Shi) 1 liang (6g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 3 liang (9g)
- Pinelliae Rhizoma (Ban Xia) 5 sheng (9g)
- Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 4 pieces
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Directs counterflow downward
- dissolves phlegm
- boosts qi
- and harmonizes the stomach.
Indications
- Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang is indicated for weak stomach qi with internal obstruction of phlegm-turbidity.
- The symptoms are pi below the heart, belching, or vomiting with saliva.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is pale with a white, glossy coating. The pulse is wiry and weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is the result of unresolved wind-cold constrained within taiyang that has transformed into heat.
- It then transmits to yangming, spreads further to shaoyang, and eventually affects all three yang channels.
- Aversion to cold, absence of sweat, and headache are due to unresolved wind-cold constrained in the taiyang.
- The pathogen, after penetrating into the interior, heats up and attacks the yangming and shaoyang.
- It causes eye pain, nose dryness, orbit pain, dry throat, and impaired hearing.
- These symptoms are related to how the two channels transverse: Yangming originates from both sides of the nose, goes up to the root of nose, passes through the orbits, and travels down.
- Shaoyang winds its way behind the ears, enters, comes out in front of them, passes through the cheeks and reaches the infra-orbital area.
- The appropriate treatment is to release the flesh with acrid-cool medicinals and clear interior heat.
Clinical presentation
- In addition, the superficial and slightly surging pulse is evidence of the exterior pathogen and excessive interior heat.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to direct counterflow Qi downward, resolve phlegm and tonify the Middle.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang descends rebellious Qi with phlegm after Middle damage. Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang harmonises cold-heat for epigastric focal distension. Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang addresses water-food retention with belching. Wu Zhu Yu Tang warms Liver-Stomach cold for vomiting and vertex headache.
Clinical Differentiation
- Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang is commonly indicated for the pattern characterized by middle jiao deficiency, phlegm blockage, and qi counterflow.
- This clinical pattern is marked by pi below the heart, belching, vomiting, hiccups, white, glossy coating, wiry, weak pulse.
Safety notes: Dai zhe shi has a cold nature and tends to descend. Its heavy property can block the stomach. Small dosage should be applied for patients who have stomach deficiency.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang?
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang has the actions of directing rebellious Qi downward, transforming Phlegm, and tonifying the Middle Burner (benefiting the Stomach). It addresses Stomach Qi deficiency complicated by Phlegm obstruction that causes Qi to rebel upward.
Which modern diseases is Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Stomach deficiency with Phlegm and rebellious Qi, including chronic gastritis or functional dyspepsia with persistent belching, gastroesophageal reflux with regurgitation, intractable hiccup, and certain cases of nausea or vomiting associated with Phlegm obstruction and Middle Burner weakness.
Is Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang suitable for improving frequent belching, epigastric fullness, and hiccup?
For presentations of epigastric focal distension or hardness, frequent belching that does not resolve, hiccup, regurgitation or vomiting of thin saliva or Phlegm, a white slippery or greasy tongue coating, and a wiry weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Stomach Qi deficiency with Phlegm obstruction and rebellious Qi — TCM commonly applies Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Rebellious Qi, Belching & Phlegm-Damp
Wu Zhu Yu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Stomach Cold, Vomiting & Vertex Headache
Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Epigastric Fullness with Water Retention & Mixed Cold-Heat
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Epigastric Fullness, Mixed Cold-Heat & Digestive Disharmony
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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.