Liu He Tang
Star六和汤 (Harmonize the Six Decoction)
Source: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang — Imperial Medical Department (Song, 1078)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Liu He Tang (Harmonize the Six Decoction), from the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era) by Imperial Medical Department.
Actions: Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach; Resolves dampness and dispels summer-heat.
Presentation: Damp accumulation from inappropriate diet causing Spleen and Stomach dysfunction: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fullness and distention in the chest and diaphragm, white greasy tongue coating.
Cautions:
- Dry and aromatic: not suitable with yin or body fluid deficiency.
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Yi Fang Kao (p. 1083). This record follows the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1082, 1083.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ren Shen
named chief in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San authors' comments; dose printed as 3-5g; as printed: Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) 30g [3-5g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | with Zhi Gan Cao strengthens the Spleen and dispels dampness |
|
Gan Cao
dose printed as 3-5g; as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 30g [3-5g]
|
g | — | Shi (Envoy) | strengthens the Spleen; harmonizes the herbs |
|
Chinese giant-hyssop
dose printed as 6-10g; as printed: Huo Xiang (Herba Agastaches) 60g [6-10g]
|
g | — | dispels exterior dampness and dries interior dampness | |
|
Sha Ren
dose printed as 3-5g; as printed: Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi) 30g [3-5g]
|
g | — | dispels exterior dampness and dries interior dampness | |
|
Ban Xia
dose printed as 3-5g; as printed: Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae, pao (blast-fried) in liquid 7 times) 30g [3-5g]
|
g | — | regulates qi flow and dispels dampness | |
|
Hou Po
dose printed as 12-15g; as printed: Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, zhi (fried) with ginger juice) 120g [12-15g]
|
g | — | regulates qi flow and dispels dampness | |
|
Xing Ren
dose printed as 3-5g; as printed: Ku Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) 30g [3-5g]
|
g | — | regulates qi flow and dispels dampness | |
|
Xiang Ru
dose printed as 12-15g; as printed: Xiang Ru (Herba Moslae) 120g [12-15g]
|
g | — | strengthens the Spleen and dispels dampness | |
|
Bai Bian Dou
dose printed as 6-10g; as printed: Bai Bian Dou (Semen Lablab Album, chao (dry-fried) with ginger juice) 60g [6-10g]
|
g | — | strengthens the Spleen and dispels dampness | |
|
Mu Gua
dose printed as 6-10g; as printed: Mu Gua (Fructus Chaenomelis) 60g [6-10g]
|
g | — | dispels dampness, smooths qi, harmonizes the middle jiao | |
|
Chi Fu Ling
dose printed as 6-10g; as printed: Chi Fu Ling (Poria Rubra) 60g [6-10g]
|
g | — | dispels dampness, smooths qi, harmonizes the middle jiao |
Preparation
Source text: powder; cook 12g with 3 slices Sheng Jiang and 1 Da Zao in 1.5 bowls water to 80%; take warm any time. Today: decoction with bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- This formula = San Wu Xiang Ru Yin + Da Ban Xia Tang + Gan Cao, Chi Fu Ling, Chinese giant-hyssop, Mu Gua, Sha Ren and Xing Ren
- This formula = Xiang Ru San + San Wu Xiang Ru Yin + Da Ban Xia Tang + Gan Cao, Chi Fu Ling, Chinese giant-hyssop, Mu Gua, Sha Ren and Xing Ren
- This formula = Da Ban Xia Tang + San Wu Xiang Ru Yin + Gan Cao, Chi Fu Ling, Chinese giant-hyssop, Mu Gua, Sha Ren and Xing Ren
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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