Top Ten Famous TCM Formulas (Includes Composition, Usage, Explanation, and Applications)
1. Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction)《Shang Han Lun》
Composition: Ma Huang (Ephedra) 9g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) 9g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 9g, Xi Xin (Asarum) 3g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) 6g, Bai Shao (White Peony) 9g, Ban Xia (Pinellia) 12g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 6g.
Usage: Decoction in water, taken in two doses.
Function: Releases the exterior, disperses cold, warms the lungs, and transforms phlegm.
Indications: External wind-cold with internal water retention. Symptoms include chills and fever, no sweating, cough with abundant clear white phlegm, and in severe cases, difficulty lying down due to wheezing or edema of limbs and face, no thirst, thin white and moist tongue coating, and a floating tight pulse.
Explanation: This formula is for releasing the exterior and clearing phlegm. When there is internal water retention, exposure to external cold can lead to exterior cold affecting internal phlegm, causing cough with clear thin phlegm and wheezing. Once the internal phlegm and external pathogen are resolved, the internal phlegm can be transformed.
Ma Huang is the main herb for inducing sweating, releasing the exterior, and promoting lung function to move water. Gui Zhi assists Ma Huang in releasing the exterior and can also warm and transform Yang Qi, aiding Ma Huang in moving water as an auxiliary herb. Bai Shao harmonizes the nutritive and defensive Qi with Gui Zhi. Gan Jiang and Xi Xin warm the cold in the spleen and lungs, allowing the spleen to disperse essence upwards to the lungs, enabling normal water circulation in the body to prevent phlegm formation. Ban Xia dries and transforms phlegm, treating already formed water retention. Wu Wei Zi astringes the lungs and stops cough, preventing excessive dissipation of lung Qi. Gan Cao harmonizes the properties of the other herbs, moderating the strong and warming nature of Ma Huang, Gui Zhi, and Gan Jiang. Together, these herbs achieve the functions of releasing the exterior, clearing phlegm, stopping cough, and relieving wheezing.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula is a representative for warming and transforming phlegm, promoting lung function and relieving wheezing. For cough with clear white phlegm and no thirst, regardless of whether there is chills and fever, it can be adjusted accordingly. If there is chills without sweating, increase Ma Huang; if there is aversion to wind with sweating, increase Gui Zhi and Bai Shao, or add ginger and jujube to harmonize the nutritive and defensive Qi; if the external cold has resolved but the cough persists, remove Ma Huang and Gui Zhi, and use honey-fried Ma Huang with Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) to enhance lung function and relieve wheezing; if there is abundant clear phlegm and wheezing with difficulty lying down, increase Xi Xin, Ban Xia, and Gan Jiang to warm and transform the cold phlegm.
2. This formula can be modified by adding Shi Gao (Gypsum), known as Xiao Qing Long Jia Shi Gao Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction with Gypsum)《Jin Gui Yao Lue》, for cases with heat symptoms.
3. This formula has certain efficacy in treating chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and pulmonary emphysema.
Precautions: Gan Jiang, Xi Xin, Ban Xia, and Wu Wei Zi are essential herbs for treating cough, wheezing, and phlegm retention. If lung cold and water retention are predominant, the dosage of Wu Wei Zi should be less than that of Gan Jiang and Xi Xin; if there is cough due to lung deficiency with water retention, the dosage of Wu Wei Zi should be increased.
2. Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)《Shang Han Lun》
Composition: Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 9g, Huang Qin (Scutellaria) 9g, Zhi Ban Xia (Processed Pinellia) 6g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 3g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 3 slices, Da Zao (Jujube) 3 pieces, Dang Shen (Codonopsis) 6g.
Usage: Decoction in water.
Function: Harmonizes the exterior and interior, supports the righteous Qi and expels evil.
Indications: For Shao Yang syndrome with alternating chills and fever, fullness in the chest and hypochondria, loss of appetite, irritability, nausea, bitter mouth, dry throat, deafness, and thin white tongue coating with a wiry and rapid pulse.
Explanation: When the pathogen is in the exterior, sweating is appropriate; when it is in the interior, purging is appropriate. However, in Shao Yang disease, the pathogen is between the exterior and interior, so neither sweating nor purging is appropriate. Therefore, Chai Hu is used to disperse the Shao Yang pathogen, while Huang Qin drains heat from the half interior. These two herbs work together to resolve the alternating chills and fever, fullness in the chest and hypochondria, and irritability. Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang are added to harmonize the stomach and stop nausea; Dang Shen, Gan Cao, and Da Zao tonify Qi, support the righteous Qi, and expel evil, while ginger and jujube harmonize the nutritive and defensive Qi.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula is effective for diseases with pathogens in the half exterior and half interior, characterized by alternating chills and fever. If there is irritability without nausea, remove Ban Xia and Dang Shen, and add Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) instead; if there is thirst, remove Ban Xia and add Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root).
2. It can treat malaria by removing Gan Cao and adding Cao Guo (Tsaoko Fruit) and others.
3. It can clear damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, such as in jaundice-type infectious hepatitis and cholecystitis. In this case, remove Dang Shen, Sheng Jiang, and Gan Cao, and add Yin Chen (Artemisia) and Long Dan Cao (Gentian) and others.
4. This formula can be used for women experiencing external pathogens before and after menstruation, pyelonephritis, pleuritis, with symptoms of alternating chills and fever.
3. Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction)《Shang Han Lun》
Composition: Da Huang (Rhubarb) 12g, Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 9g, Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange) 9g, Mang Xiao (Glauber’s Salt) 12g.
Usage: Decoction in water.
Function: Harshly purges heat accumulation.
Indications: 1. Dry heat accumulation in the intestines and stomach. Symptoms include hard and dry stools, abdominal distension and pain, high fever, delirium, and a yellow dry tongue coating with a deep and forceful pulse.
2. Heat accumulation with diarrhea. Symptoms include watery diarrhea with a foul smell, abdominal distension and pain that does not decrease upon palpation, dry mouth and tongue, and a slippery and rapid pulse.
Explanation: This formula is a harsh purgative that has the function of unblocking the bowels and purging heat. Da Huang is the main herb for its bitter cold nature to purge heat and unblock the bowels; Mang Xiao is added for its salty cold nature to purge heat and soften hardness; Zhi Shi and Hou Po are used to resolve stagnation and eliminate fullness, promoting Qi movement and resolving accumulation. Together, these four herbs effectively purge heat accumulation.
Clinical Applications:
1. The main diagnostic points for this formula are “distension,” “fullness,” “dryness,” and “hardness” with a forceful pulse.
2. This formula can be modified by removing Mang Xiao, known as Xiao Cheng Qi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction). It is used for similar indications but with milder symptoms.
3. This formula can be modified by removing Zhi Shi and Hou Po, adding Gan Cao, known as Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction). It is used for Yang Ming syndrome with thirst, constipation, abdominal pain, and a yellow dry tongue coating.
Precautions:
1. This formula is a harsh purgative; it is not suitable for those with Qi deficiency, Yin deficiency, or unresolved exterior conditions, or for those without heat accumulation in the intestines.
2. This formula has a strong effect; it should be stopped immediately if the patient is in a critical condition, as overuse can deplete the righteous Qi. It is contraindicated in pregnant women.
4. Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria)《Shang Han Lun》
Composition: Fu Ling (Poria) 9g, Zhu Ling (Polyporus) 9g, Ze Xie (Alisma) 12g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 9g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) 6g.
Usage: Decoction in water.
Function: Promotes urination, drains dampness, strengthens the spleen, and transforms Qi.
Indications: Edema caused by internal dampness, diarrhea, urinary difficulty, and cough with clear phlegm, dizziness, and palpitations.
Explanation: The main herbs Fu Ling, Zhu Ling, and Ze Xie promote urination and drain dampness; Bai Zhu strengthens the spleen and promotes the movement of dampness, enhancing the action of Fu Ling; Gui Zhi warms Yang to assist bladder Qi transformation, allowing water to flow naturally. Together, these herbs can treat various conditions caused by internal dampness.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula transforms Qi, promotes urination, and strengthens the spleen, commonly used for conditions of internal dampness, urinary difficulty, and diarrhea. After adjustments, it can treat various diseases, such as spleen and stomach dampness, loose stools, and short urination, using Si Ling San (Four-Ingredient Powder) by removing Gui Zhi; if there is cold dampness obstructing the spleen with abdominal distension and diarrhea, use Wei Ling Tang (Stomach and Spleen Powder) by combining this formula with Ping Wei San; if there is severe edema, add Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), and Da Fu Pi (Areca Peel) to enhance diuretic and anti-edema effects; for damp jaundice with urinary difficulty, use Yin Chen Wu Ling San (Yin Chen Five-Ingredient Powder) by adding Yin Chen.
2. In《Shang Han Lun》, this formula originally treats Tai Yang syndrome with unresolved exterior pathogens that have transmitted to the bladder, causing urinary difficulty. Symptoms include headache, fever, thirst, vomiting after drinking, and difficulty urinating with a white tongue coating and floating pulse.
5. Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder)《Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang》
Composition: Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 12g, Bai Shao (White Peony) 12g, Dang Gui (Angelica) 12g, Fu Ling (Poria) 12g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 12g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 6g.
Usage: Decoction in water. Alternatively, the above herbs can be powdered, with 6g taken each time, and decocted with a little ginger and mint. Take three times a day.
Function: Soothe the liver, nourish the blood, and strengthen the spleen.
Indications: Pain in the flanks, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, fatigue, poor appetite, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, and wiry and weak pulse due to liver Qi stagnation and blood deficiency.
Explanation: Chai Hu soothes the liver and relieves stagnation; Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish the blood and soften the liver, forming the main herbs of the formula; Bai Zhu and Fu Ling strengthen the spleen and harmonize the middle, serving as auxiliary herbs; mint and ginger enhance the formula’s ability to disperse and regulate; Zhi Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. Together, these herbs relieve liver stagnation, nourish blood, and strengthen the spleen, leading to symptom resolution.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula is commonly used for chronic hepatitis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and neurosis associated with liver Qi stagnation and blood deficiency.
2. If there are significant signs of deficiency heat, add Dan Pi (Moutan Root) and Chao Zhi Zi (Stir-fried Gardenia) to create Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Moutan and Gardenia Free and Easy Wanderer Powder).
3. For dysmenorrhea due to liver Qi stagnation and blood deficiency, add Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) or Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) to create Hei Xiao Yao San (Black Free and Easy Wanderer Powder).
6. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Blood Mansion Drive Out Stasis Decoction)《Yi Lin Gai Cuo》
Composition: Dang Gui (Angelica) 9g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) 9g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 12g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 9g, Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange) 6g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 6g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) 5g, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 3g, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 5g, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 9g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 3g.
Usage: Decoction in water.
Function: Invigorates blood, dispels stasis, promotes Qi, and alleviates pain.
Indications: Chest pain due to blood stasis, poor blood circulation, persistent pain like a needle, or prolonged hiccups, internal heat, irritability, palpitations, insomnia, and a dark red tongue with stasis spots or points, and a rough or tight pulse.
Explanation: The main herbs Tao Ren, Hong Hua, and Chuan Xiong invigorate blood and dispel stasis; Dang Gui and Chi Shao nourish and invigorate blood, while Niu Xi promotes blood circulation and directs blood downward. These three herbs assist the main herbs in invigorating blood and dispelling stasis; Sheng Di Huang pairs with Dang Gui to nourish blood and harmonize, preventing blood stasis from harming Yin; Chai Hu, Zhi Ke, and Jie Geng relieve Qi stagnation in the chest, treating Qi stagnation symptoms, and promoting both Qi and blood circulation. Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. Together, these herbs promote blood circulation and resolve stasis.
Clinical Applications:
1. The diagnostic points for this formula include chest pain, dark red tongue, and rough or tight pulse.
2. For blood stasis with menstrual disorders, remove Jie Geng and add Xiang Fu (Cyperus) and Chao Chuan Xiong (Stir-fried Ligusticum); for hypochondriac masses due to blood stasis, add Yu Jin (Curcuma) and Dan Shen (Salvia) to enhance blood circulation.
7. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)《Pi Wei Lun》
Composition: Huang Qi (Astragalus) 15g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 10g, Dang Shen (Codonopsis) 15g, Dang Gui (Angelica) 6g, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) 6g, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 5g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) 5g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 5g.
Function: Tonifies the spleen and stomach, augments Qi, and raises Yang.
Usage: Decoction in water.
Indications: Spleen and stomach Qi deficiency and Qi sinking. Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, pale tongue, weak pulse, or heat with sweating, thirst for warm drinks, prolapse of the rectum, uterine prolapse, chronic diarrhea, and chronic malaria.
Explanation: This formula primarily treats spleen and stomach Qi deficiency and sinking Qi. Huang Qi is the main herb for tonifying the middle and augmenting Qi, raising Yang; Dang Shen, Bai Zhu, and Zhi Gan Cao tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen and stomach as auxiliary herbs; the spleen is the source of Qi and blood, and spleen deficiency can easily lead to Qi stagnation, so Chen Pi is used to regulate Qi and resolve stagnation; Sheng Ma and Chai Hu work together with Huang Qi and Dang Shen to raise the sinking Qi. When Qi deficiency leads to blood deficiency, Dang Gui is used to nourish blood and harmonize. Together, these herbs tonify the middle, augment Qi, and raise Yang, strengthening the spleen and stomach.
Clinical Applications:
1. For those with a history of Qi deficiency, prone to colds, or experiencing Qi deficiency with external pathogens causing prolonged fever, fatigue, and sweating, this formula can be used.
2. This formula can also be used for conditions of Qi deficiency leading to prolapse of the stomach, kidney, or eyelids. Adding Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Lining) or Ji Guo (Chicken Egg) can enhance the contraction of smooth muscle in the internal organs, improving efficacy.
3. For chronic diseases with symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, fatigue, and pale tongue, this formula can be adjusted accordingly.
8. Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)《Ji Sheng Fang》
Composition: Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 9g, Fu Shen (Poria) 10g, Huang Qi (Astragalus) 12g, Long Yan Rou (Longan Fruit) 10g, Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed) 10g, Dang Gui (Angelica) 12g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 5g, Yuan Zhi (Polygala) 10g, Mu Xiang (Saussurea) 10g.
Usage: Add Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 6g and Da Zao (Jujube) 3 pieces, decoct in water.
Function: Tonifies the spleen, nourishes the heart, augments Qi, and replenishes blood.
Indications: Heart and spleen deficiency leading to palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, poor appetite, fatigue, pale complexion, pale tongue, and weak pulse.
Explanation: The formula’s main herbs, Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen, ensuring the spleen and stomach are strong, allowing Qi and blood to flow; Dang Gui nourishes blood and harmonizes, ensuring Qi can stabilize blood; Long Yan Rou, Suan Zao Ren, and Yuan Zhi nourish the heart and calm the spirit, while Mu Xiang regulates Qi and awakens the spleen, preventing stagnation. Sheng Jiang and Da Zao harmonize the nutritive and defensive Qi. Together, these herbs tonify the spleen, nourish the heart, augment Qi, and replenish blood.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula is used for heart and spleen deficiency, characterized by palpitations and insomnia; for blood deficiency with menstrual disorders, it can be combined with E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), and Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) for blood replenishment and hemostasis.
2. For late menstruation with pale color and low volume, or amenorrhea, and for excessive menstruation with dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue, this formula can be used.
3. It can also be used for chronic illness with symptoms of spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and irritability.
9. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)《Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue》
Composition: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) 240g, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) 120g, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) 120g, Ze Xie (Alisma) 90g, Fu Ling (Poria) 90g, Dan Pi (Moutan Root) 90g.
Usage: Grind into powder, refine with honey into pills or decoct as a soup.
Function: Nourishes the liver and kidneys.
Indications: Liver and kidney Yin deficiency with symptoms of sore lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, or tidal fever, heat in the palms and soles, thirst, dry throat, red tongue with little coating, and thin rapid pulse.
Explanation: Shu Di Huang nourishes the kidneys and fills essence; Shan Yao strengthens the spleen and secures essence, while Shan Zhu Yu nourishes the liver and astringes essence, forming the three tonifying herbs. Ze Xie drains kidney fire and prevents Shu Di Huang from being too cloying; Fu Ling drains dampness to assist Shan Yao’s strengthening action, while Dan Pi clears liver fire and balances the warming nature of Shan Zhu Yu, forming the three draining herbs. Together, these six herbs nourish while also draining, complementing each other to achieve the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula is a representative for nourishing Yin; adding Huang Bai (Phellodendron) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) creates Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Six-Ingredient Pill), enhancing its ability to nourish Yin and lower fire, used for symptoms of tidal fever and night sweats due to Yin deficiency; adding Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) creates Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Qi and Ju Six-Ingredient Pill), focusing on nourishing the liver and kidneys to improve vision for symptoms of liver and kidney deficiency; adding Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) creates Du Qi Wan (Single Qi Pill) for kidney deficiency with asthma and hiccups; adding Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) and Wu Wei Zi creates Mai Wei Di Huang Wan (Mai Wei Six-Ingredient Pill) for lung and kidney Yin deficiency with cough and hemoptysis.
2. This formula can be adjusted for conditions such as neurasthenia, tuberculosis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney tuberculosis, hypertension, and functional uterine bleeding, all related to liver and kidney Yin deficiency.
3. This formula can be combined with Dang Gui, Chai Hu, and Wu Wei Zi for treating retrobulbar neuritis, central retinal inflammation, and optic atrophy with certain efficacy.
10. Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)《San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun》
Composition: Ban Xia (Pinellia) 6g, Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) 6g, Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange) 6g, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) 9g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 3g, Fu Ling (Poria) 5g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 3g, Da Zao (Jujube) 3 pieces.
Usage: Decoction in water.
Function: Regulates Qi, transforms phlegm, clears the gallbladder, and harmonizes the stomach.
Indications: Disharmony between the gallbladder and stomach, phlegm-heat disturbance. Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.
Explanation: Ban Xia is the sovereign herb, descending and harmonizing the stomach, drying dampness and transforming phlegm. Zhu Ru is the minister herb, clearing heat and transforming phlegm, stopping nausea and alleviating irritability; Zhi Shi promotes Qi movement and transforms phlegm. Chen Pi regulates Qi and dries dampness, while Fu Ling strengthens the spleen and drains dampness, allowing phlegm to be eliminated. Ginger, jujube, and licorice benefit the spleen and harmonize the actions of the other herbs. Together, these herbs regulate Qi, transform phlegm, clear the gallbladder, and harmonize the stomach.
Clinical Applications:
1. This formula is indicated for phlegm-heat disturbance with symptoms of white greasy tongue coating, wiry or slippery pulse.
2. If there is internal heat, add Huang Lian (Coptis) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) to clear heat and alleviate irritability; if there is dry mouth and tongue, remove Ban Xia and add Mai Dong and Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root) to moisten dryness and generate fluids; for epilepsy and convulsions, add Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema) and Gou Teng (Uncaria) to extinguish wind and stop spasms.
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