Xie Xin Tang
Star泻心汤 (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Xie Xin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction), from the Jin Gui Yao Lue, is used to drain fire-toxin and dry dampness.
Presentation: excess Heart heat: high fever, irritability, restlessness, flushed face, red eyes, dark urine, delirious speech in severe cases; damp-heat in stomach and intestines: epigastric distension, diarrhea, dysenteric disorders.
Syndrome: Syndrome of heat in the Heart and Small Intestine.
Composition strategy:
- Drains heat-toxin and intense Heart heat by purging the intestines and promoting bowel movement
Source: Yang Y. Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2010, p. 94.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Da Huang
as printed: Da Huang (Rhei rhizoma)
|
6g | 50% | Jun (Chief) | drain heat by purging the intestines |
|
Huang Qin
as printed: Huang Qin (Scutellariae radix)
|
3g | 25% | Chen (Deputy) | dry damp-heat of the Large Intestine |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Huang Lian (Coptidis rhizoma)
|
3g | 25% | Chen (Deputy) | reduce Heart heat |
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%.
Taste
- bitter 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Large intestine 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
- Liver 75%
- Heart 50%
- Pericardium 50%
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
Decoction; huang lian and huang qin are now often increased to 9g.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 171.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Nei Shu Huang Lian Tang = this formula + Da Huang Gan Cao Tang + Bo He, Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Zao Jiao Ci and Zhi Zi
- Chu Feng Qing Pi Yin = this formula + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Chen Pi, Fang Feng, Jie Geng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Sheng Di Huang, Xuan Shen and Zhi Mu
- Nu Shen San = this formula + Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang + Xiang Lian Wan + Bing Lang, Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Ding Xiang and Xiang Fu
- Qing Xin Li Ge Tang = this formula + Jie Geng Tang + Bai Hu Cheng Qi Tang + Bo He, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Xuan Shen and Zhi Zi
- Zhu Ye Xie Jing Tang = this formula + Da Huang Gan Cao Tang + Chai Hu, Che Qian Zi, Chi Shao, Fu Ling, Jue Ming Zi, Qiang Huo, Sheng Ma, Ze Xie, Zhi Zi and Zhu Ye
- Si Shun Qing Liang Yin Zi = this formula + Xie Qing Wan + Fang Feng Xiong Gui Tang + Chai Hu, Che Qian Zi, Chi Shao, Mu Zei, Sang Bai Pi and Zhi Ke
- Ge Gen Huo Xiang Shao Yao Tang = this formula + Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San + Jiao Tai Wan + Bai Shao, Chun Pi, Dang Gui, Ge Gen, Qing Pi, Wu Wei Zi, Xiang Fu and Zhi Ke
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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