Da Xian Xiong Tang
Star大陷胸汤 (Major Sinking into the Chest Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Da Xian Xiong Tang (Major Sinking into the Chest Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Purges heat and eliminates water accumulation.
Presentation: Jie xiong (stagnant chest): hardness, constipation, afternoon or tidal fever, shortness of breath, irritability, restlessness, thirst, fullness and pain from epigastrium to lower abdomen worse with pressure, dry tongue, deep tight forceful pulse.
Cautions:
- Discontinue immediately once the desired effect is achieved; prolonged use injures qi
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, weak patients, and those just recovered from major illness
- Gan Cao must not be added: incompatible with Gan Sui under the Eighteen Incompatibles (Shi Ba Fan)
Toxicology: Oral LD50 of the decoction in mice is 232 g/kg.
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Diuretic: 12.5 g/kg in mice increased urine output with higher sodium and potassium concentration
- Gastrointestinal: marked increase in intestinal peristalsis and bowel movement induction
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 161.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gan Sui
powdered, mixed into decoction; as printed: Gan Sui (Radix Kansui) 1 spoonful [1g]
|
1g | 4.76% | Jun (Chief) | Drastically eliminates water accumulation and purges heat |
|
Da Huang
pre-decocted; as printed: Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 18g [10g]
|
10g | 47.62% | Chen (Deputy) | Purges heat and drains accumulation |
|
Mang Xiao
as printed: Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 1 cup [10g]
|
10g | 47.62% | Chen (Deputy) | Purges heat and drains accumulation |
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.
Drastic expulsion of fluid combined with purging of heat, together driving out water and heat bound in the chest and epigastrium.
Major chest binding (da jie xiong) with water and heat. Toxic, drastic purgative; for robust patients only, stop once effect is achieved, contraindicated in pregnancy.
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%.
Small but decisive: Gan Sui 1g (cold, 5% of the grams). Dose weighting nearly cancels a herb this small, but it may be what the formula is for.
Taste
- sweet 2%
- bitter 74%
- salty 24%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 100%
- Stomach 95%
- Spleen 48%
- Pericardium 48%
- Liver 48%
- Lung 5%
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
Cook Da Huang first in 6 cups [1,200 mL] water down to 2 cups [400 mL]; strain, add Mang Xiao, boil 1-2 times; mix powdered Gan Sui into 1 cup [200 mL] of the warm decoction. Stop once bowel movement is induced. Modern: decoct at bracketed doses, dissolve Mang Xiao in the strained decoction, then stir in Gan Sui powder.
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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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