Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Star桃核承气汤 (Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Breaks up blood stasis and drains it downward.
Presentation: Blood accumulation in the lower jiao: acute lower abdominal pain with normal urination, delirium, irritability, thirst, fever at night, or mania in severe cases.
Composition: Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang plus Tao Ren and Gui Zhi.
Cautions:
- Use only after the exterior pathogen has resolved; release the exterior first if exterior symptoms remain.
- Strongly breaks blood stasis and clears heat - diagnose carefully before use.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy.
- Occasionally causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Herb–drug interactions:
- GnRH-agonist-induced menopausal symptoms (13 Japanese women with endometriosis, adenomyosis or leiomyoma): treated successfully with Tao He Cheng Qi Tang or other Kampo formulas without significant change in serum estradiol.
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Purgative: induced bowel movements in constipated mice, usually within 4 hours.
- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant: inhibited platelet aggregation and coagulation and reduced blood viscosity in vitro.
- Antihyperlipidemic: lowered plasma lipoprotein and triglycerides in animals.
- Hypoglycemic: lowered plasma glucose and insulin in diabetic rats when given on an empty stomach.
- Anti-inflammatory: reduced swelling and inflammation in animals, attributed mainly to Da Huang and Gan Cao.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 873.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tao Ren
as printed: Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 50 pieces [12g]
|
12g | 28.57% | Jun (Chief) | breaks up and dispels blood stagnation |
|
Da Huang
as printed: Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 12g
|
12g | 28.57% | Jun (Chief) | drains heat and blood stagnation downward |
|
Gui Zhi
as printed: Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 6g
|
6g | 14.29% | Chen (Deputy) | opens channels and collaterals to help Tao Ren dispel stasis |
|
Mang Xiao
as printed: Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 6g
|
6g | 14.29% | Zuo (Assistant) | drains heat and softens hardness to help Da Huang purge |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 6g
|
6g | 14.29% | Zuo (Assistant) | supplements qi, harmonizes middle, moderates the harsh herbs to protect qi |
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 slightly cool (-0.71)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 43%, neutral 43%, warm 14%.
Taste
- pungent 7%
- sweet 36%
- bitter 50%
- salty 7%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 71%
- Lung 57%
- Stomach 57%
- Heart 57%
- Liver 57%
- Spleen 43%
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
Source: cook all except Mang Xiao in 7 cups [1,400 mL] water down to 2.5 cups [500 mL], discard residue, add Mang Xiao and bring to a slight boil; take 0.5 cup [100 mL] warm three times daily after meals. May cause loose stools.
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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