Tao Hua Tang
Star桃花汤 (Peach Blossom Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Tao Hua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Warms up the middle jiao and binds the Intestines.
Presentation: Diarrhea or dysentery due to deficiency and cold of the middle jiao: chronic diarrhea or dysentery with dark blood and pus in the stools, dysuria, abdominal pain that is alleviated by pressure and warmth, pale tongue, white tongue coating, and a fine, slow and weak pulse.
Cautions:
- Astringent formula for chronic deficiency diarrhea/dysentery; contraindicated when caused by damp-heat accumulation
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 787.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chi Shi Zhi
as printed: Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) 48g [30g]
|
30g | 43.48% | Jun (Chief) | warm and astringent; binds the Intestines, relieves diarrhea, prevents rectal prolapse |
|
Gan Jiang
as printed: Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis) 3g [9g]
|
9g | 13.04% | Chen (Deputy) | warms the middle jiao and dispels interior cold |
|
Jing Mi
as printed: Geng Mi (Semen Oryzae) 1 cup [30g]
|
30g | 43.48% | Zuo (Assistant) | nourishes the Stomach and harmonizes the middle jiao |
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.
Astringing the intestines combined with warming the middle, the pair treats chronic cold-type dysentery with pus and blood.
Traditionally with Jing Mi (non-glutinous rice). Not for damp-heat dysentery.
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 warm (+0.70)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 44%, warm 44%, hot 13%.
Taste
- pungent 13%
- sweet 65%
- sour 22%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Stomach 100%
- Lung 56%
- Spleen 56%
- Large intestine 44%
- Heart 13%
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 Gan Jiang, Geng Mi and half the Chi Shi Zhi in 7 cups [1,400 mL] of water until the rice is cooked; take the warm strained decoction with 1 spoonful [1g] of powdered Chi Shi Zhi three times daily; stop once effective. Today may be decocted at the bracketed doses.
Relationships
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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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