Chai Hu Xi Xin Tang
Star柴胡细辛汤 (Bupleurum and Asarum Decoction)
Source: Lecture Notes on Traditional Chinese Traumatology (1963)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Chai Hu Xi Xin Tang (Bupleurum and Asarum Decoction), from Lecture Notes on Traditional Chinese Traumatology (1963).
Associated formula of Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang.
Actions: Dispels stasis; Promotes production of new blood and tissue; Regulates and harmonizes ascending and directing downward
Usage: Modern formula for concussion, cerebral contusion headache and similar head trauma with headache, dizziness and nausea.
Category: Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 573.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chai Hu
as printed: Bupleuri Radix (chai hu) 6g
|
6g | 9.09% | — | |
|
Xi Xin
as printed: Asari Radix et Rhizoma (xi xin) 3g
|
3g | 4.55% | — | |
|
Bo He
as printed: Menthae haplocalycis Herba (bo he) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 6.82% | — | |
|
Dang Gui
as printed: Angelicae sinensis radicis Cauda (dang gui wei) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Tu Bie Chong
as printed: Eupolyphaga/Stelophaga (tu bie chong) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Dan Shen
as printed: Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix (dan shen) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Ban Xia
as printed: Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum (zhi ban xia) 4.5g
|
4.5g | 6.82% | — | |
|
Chuan Xiong
as printed: Chuanxiong Rhizoma (chuan xiong) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Ze Lan
as printed: Lycopi Herba (ze lan) 9g
|
9g | 13.64% | — | |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Coptidis Rhizoma (huang lian) 3g
|
3g | 4.55% | — |
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 neutral (-0.14)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 18%, cool 30%, warm 52%.
Pairs warm and cool. 52% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 48% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Small but decisive: Huang Lian 3g (cold, 5% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- pungent 50%
- sweet 7%
- bitter 30%
- salty 14%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Liver 89%
- Spleen 39%
- Heart 36%
- Pericardium 36%
- Gallbladder 27%
- Lung 18%
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
Decoction.
Relationships
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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.
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