Da Huang Mu Dan Tang
Star大黄牡丹汤 (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Da Huang Mu Dan Tang (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction), from the Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Drains heat and breaks up stagnation; Disperses nodules and reduces swellings.
Presentation: Early intestinal abscess: abdominal swelling/distention; abdominal pain worse on palpation (like lin zheng but urination normal); pain eased by flexing right leg, worse extending right leg and hip; fever; perspiration; aversion to cold; thin greasy yellow tongue coating.
Cautions:
- Not for intestinal abscess of the damp-cold type.
- Not suitable for pregnant women, the elderly, or weak/deficient patients.
- Da Huang need not be post-decocted (aim is clearing damp-heat, not purging); dissolve Mang Xiao in the decoction just before taking.
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Antibacterial: potent in vitro inhibition of Staphylococcus, moderate against E. coli.
- Anti-inflammatory: formula and ingredients reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Gastrointestinal: stimulates intestinal peristalsis and appendix contraction.
- Antioxidant: strongest scavenger of DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals among formulas tested; suggested relevance to cerebral ischemia.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1378.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Da Huang
as printed: Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 12g [18g]
|
18g | 23.08% | Jun (Chief) | quickly purges damp-heat, disperses stagnation |
|
Mang Xiao
as printed: Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 0.3 cup [9g]
|
9g | 11.54% | Chen (Deputy) | softens nodules, reduces swelling |
|
Mu Dan Pi
as printed: Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan) 3g [9g]
|
9g | 11.54% | Chen (Deputy) | activates blood, cools blood |
|
Tao Ren
as printed: Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 50 pieces [12g]
|
12g | 15.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | activates blood, cools blood |
|
Dong Gua Zi
as printed: Dong Gua Zi (Semen Benincasae) 0.5 cup [30g]
|
30g | 38.46% | Zuo (Assistant) | clears damp-heat, drains pus from Intestines |
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 cool (-1.19)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 35%, cool 50%, neutral 15%.
Taste
- pungent 6%
- sweet 46%
- bitter 42%
- salty 6%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 89%
- Stomach 73%
- Lung 54%
- Liver 50%
- Small intestine 39%
- Heart 27%
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 all but Mang Xiao in 6 cups [1,200 mL] water down to 1 cup [200 mL]; strain, dissolve Mang Xiao, bring to a quick boil and take at once. Bracketed doses may be used today.
Relationships
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Formula family
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
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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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