Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Star小陷胸汤 (Minor Sinking into the Chest Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Sinking into the Chest Decoction), from the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Clears heat and dissolves phlegm; Opens the chest and disperses stagnation.
Presentation: Phlegm-heat stagnation in the chest: distention and fullness in the chest and epigastric regions with pain upon palpation; cough with yellow, sticky sputum; a yellow, greasy tongue coating; and a slippery, rapid pulse.
Cautions:
- May cause loose stools and diarrhea because the formula is cold and lubricating
- Not recommended with Spleen and Stomach deficiency and cold
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Expectorant and antitussive: ingredients show marked expectorant and antitussive effects
- Gastrointestinal: marked inhibition of gastric acid production in mice
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1235.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gua Lou
dose printed as 20-30g; as printed: Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis) 1 big fruit [20-30g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | clears heat, dissolves phlegm, relieves chest and epigastric pain |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) 3g [6g]
|
6g | 33.33% | Chen (Deputy) | sedates heat, relieves epigastric distention |
|
Ban Xia
xi (washed); as printed: Ban Xia, xi (washed) (Rhizoma Pinelliae) 0.5 cup [12g]
|
12g | 66.67% | Zuo (Assistant) | eliminates phlegm, breaks up qi stagnation to relieve chest distention |
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 nature not shown: the chief herb (Gua Lou) has no dose in grams.
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 33%, warm 67%.
Pairs warm and cool. 67% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 33% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 67%
- bitter 33%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
- Lung 67%
- Large intestine 33%
- Heart 33%
- Gallbladder 33%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Gua Lou.
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 text: first cook Gua Lou in 6 cups [1,200 mL] water down to 3 cups [600 mL]; discard residue, add other herbs and reduce to 2 cups [400 mL]; take warm in three equal doses. Today may be decocted at the bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Xie Gan Tang = this formula + Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin + Yin Chen Hao Tang + Ban Lan Gen, Chi Shao, Chong Lou, Huang Bai, Huang Qin, Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Shi
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.
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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