Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Star半夏白术天麻汤 (Pinellia, White Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction)
Source: Yi Xue Xin Wu — Cheng Guopeng (Qing, 1732)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, White Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction) treats wind-phlegm obstructing the channels causing dizziness and headache. The formula addresses phlegm-dampness rising with wind, producing vertigo, dizziness, and headache with nausea. It is the primary formula for Menière's disease and vertigo from phlegm-wind obstruction.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ban Xia | 9g | 18.75% | Jun (Chief) | Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, directs rebellious qi downward |
| Tian Ma | 6g | 12.5% | Jun (Chief) | Extinguishes internal wind, stops dizziness and headache |
| Bai Zhu | 9g | 18.75% | Chen (Deputy) | Strengthens the Spleen and dries dampness to cut off phlegm at its source |
| Fu Ling | 6g | 12.5% | Chen (Deputy) | Strengthens the Spleen and leaches out dampness |
| Chen Pi | 6g | 12.5% | Zuo (Assistant) | Regulates qi and transforms phlegm |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 6.25% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle and the other herbs |
| Sheng Jiang | 3g | 6.25% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the Stomach and checks Ban Xia's toxicity |
| Da Zao | 6g | 12.5% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the middle burner |
Total weight: 60g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.69)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 31%, warm 69%.
Taste
- pungent 31%
- sweet 47%
- bitter 16%
- bland 6%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 88%
- Stomach 63%
- Lung 56%
- Heart 19%
- Kidney 13%
- Liver 13%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoct in water 25–30 minutes. Take warm in 2 divided doses.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day. Useful long-term for chronic Menière's. Modify for individual presentations.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
Full-screen graph →Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
Formula family
A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang.
No notes yet.