Da Huang Huang Lian Xie Xin Tang
Star大黄黄连泻心汤 (Rhubarb and Coptis Infusion to Drain the Epigastrium)
Source: Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Da Huang Huang Lian Xie Xin Tang (Rhubarb and Coptis Infusion to Drain the Epigastrium), from Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220).
Associated formula of Xie Xin Tang.
Actions: Drains fire; Resolves toxicity; Dries dampness
Indications: Hot focal distention: epigastric distention soft to pressure with a floating pulse at the middle position
Pattern: Formless heat pathogen collecting in the epigastrium
Usage: Gentler than the principal formula and widely used for inflammation of the head, upper body and digestive tract, upper-orifice bleeding, and heat harassing the spirit.
Category: Formulas that Clear Heat and Resolve Toxicity.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 173.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Da Huang
as printed: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (da huang) 12g
|
12g | 66.67% | — | |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Coptidis Rhizoma (huang lian) 6g
|
6g | 33.33% | — |
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.
Together they drain fire and purge heat from the Heart and Stomach, relieving focal distention and bleeding caused by heat.
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 cold (-2.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 100%.
Taste
- bitter 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
- Liver 100%
- Pericardium 67%
- Heart 33%
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
Infusion: steep in 2 cups of water just starting to boil, press out the dregs, take warm in two doses.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Qin Jiao Wan = this formula + Fang Feng, Huang Qi, Ku Shen, Lou Lu, Qin Jiao and Wu Shao She
- Nei Shu Huang Lian Tang = this formula + Xie Xin Tang + Da Huang Gan Cao Tang + Bo He, Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Zao Jiao Ci and Zhi Zi
- Mu Xiang Bin Lang Wan = this formula + Da Huang Lian Bai Tang + Xiang Lian Wan + Bing Lang, Qian Niu Zi, Chen Pi, E Zhu, Qing Pi and Xiang Fu
- Da Qing Tang = this formula + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang + Chuan Xin Lian, Da Qing Ye, Hu Zhang, Jin Yin Hua, Pu Gong Ying and Yu Xing Cao
- Chu Feng Qing Pi Yin = this formula + Xie Xin Tang + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Chen Pi, Fang Feng, Jie Geng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Sheng Di Huang, Xuan Shen and Zhi Mu
- Nu Shen San = this formula + Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang + Xie Xin Tang + Xiang Lian Wan + Bing Lang, Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Ding Xiang and Xiang Fu
- Qing Xin Li Ge Tang = this formula + Xie Xin Tang + Jie Geng Tang + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Bo He, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Xuan Shen and Zhi Zi
- Zhu Ye Xie Jing Tang = this formula + Xie Xin Tang + Da Huang Gan Cao Tang + Chai Hu, Che Qian Zi, Chi Shao, Fu Ling, Jue Ming Zi, Qiang Huo, Sheng Ma, Ze Xie, Zhi Zi and Zhu Ye
- Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan = this formula + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang + Bo He, Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Ge Gen, Jiang Huang, Jie Geng, Ju Hua, Lian Qiao, Tian Hua Fen and Xuan Shen
- Hai Zang Di Huang San = this formula + Dao Chi San + Chan Tui, Dang Gui, Fang Feng, Gu Jing Cao, Ji Li, Mu Zei, Qiang Huo, Sha Yuan Zi, Shu Di Huang, Shui Niu Jiao and Xuan Shen
- Si Shun Qing Liang Yin Zi = this formula + Xie Qing Wan + Fang Feng Xiong Gui Tang + Xie Xin Tang + Chai Hu, Che Qian Zi, Chi Shao, Mu Zei, Sang Bai Pi and Zhi Ke
- Ge Gen Huo Xiang Shao Yao Tang = this formula + Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San + Xie Xin Tang + Jiao Tai Wan + Bai Shao, Chun Pi, Dang Gui, Ge Gen, Qing Pi, Wu Wei Zi, Xiang Fu and Zhi Ke
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. 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.
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