Part 1 - Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Part 1 - Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Part 1 - Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Xiao chai hu tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is one of the most commonly used herbal formulas
today. Historically, it was used to treat shaoyang syndrome. Today, it is used to successfully treat
many disorders including hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cancer, jaundice, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis,
pancreatitis, nephritis, acute tonsillitis, parotitis, stomatitis and many more. To achieve optimal
therapeutic outcome, it is of critical importance to learn beyond the traditional aspect of this
formula. Understanding of topics such as pharmacological effect, clinical studies and research,
toxicology and herb-drug interactions will greatly empower the practitioners to properly select the
best herbal formula for treatment. Listed below is the herbal monograph on Xiao chai hu
tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), an excerpt from Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by
John and Tina Chen, to be published by Art of Medicine Press in fall, 2007.
Composition
Dosage/Preparation/Administration
The source text specifies to cook the ingredients in 12 cups [2400 mL] of water until 6 cups [1200
mL] of the liquid remain. Discard the residue and cook the strained decoction again until it is
reduced to 3 cups [600 mL]. Take 1 cup [200 mL] of warm decoction per dose, three times daily.
Today, the decoction may be prepared using the dosages suggested in brackets.
Harmonizes shaoyang
Clinical Manifestations
1. Shaoyang syndrome: alternating spells of fever and chills, chest and hypochondriac fullness and
discomfort, irritability, a bitter taste in the mouth, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, a
dry throat, a thin, white tongue coating and a wiry pulse.
2. Any of the following disorders with shaoyang characteristics: gynecological disorders with heat
in the uterus, liver or chong (thoroughfare) channel; malaria; jaundice; or any internal injury
characterized by shaoyang syndrome.
Clinical Applications
Hepatitis, viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis and carcinoma, hepatocellular
carcinomas, jaundice, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, fever, fever in cancer, nephritis,
chronic renal insufficiency, acute tonsillitis, infectious parotitis, stomatitis, common cold, influenza,
measles, bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, allergic rhinitis, bronchial
asthma, reflux esophagitis, antral gastritis, gastritis, gastric pain, gastric prolapse, constipation,
Meniere's syndrome, dizziness, seizures, migraine, angina, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome,
morning sickness, postpartum infection, postpartum fever, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome
and malaria.
Explanation
Because the disease resides between the exterior and the interior, it is not suitable to use only
exterior-releasing herbs or only purgative herbs. Use of only exterior-releasing herbs will not treat
the interior condition, and use of only heat-clearing or downward-draining herbs will bring the
pathogens from the exterior into the interior. Therefore, the harmonizing method is the most
appropriate treatment approach in this condition.
Chai hu (Radix bupleuri) is the main herb for treating shaoyang disorders. The light quality of chai
hu (Radix bupleuri) lifts and disperses stagnation, as well as releases to the exterior. Huang
qin (Radix scutellariae), a bitter and cold herb that enters the gallbladder channel, is ideal for
clearing shaoyang heat. Together, chai hu (Radix bupleuri) disperses the exterior while huang
qin (Radix scutellariae) clears the interior to achieve the harmonizing effect. Ban xia (Rhizoma
pinelliae), besides harmonizing the stomach to relieve nausea and vomiting, disperses stagnation
in the body. Sheng jiang (Rhizoma zingiberis recens) helps ban xia (Rhizoma pinelliae) harmonize
the middle jiao. It also reduces the toxicity of ban xia (Rhizoma pinelliae). Ren shen (Radix et
rhizoma ginseng), zhi gan cao (Radix et rhizoma glycyrrhizae praeparata cum melle), and da
zao (Fructus jujubae) tonify stomach qi, nourish body fluids and harmonize the ying (nutritive)
and wei (defensive) levels. The combination of chai hu (Radix bupleuri) and ren shen (Radix et
rhizoma ginseng) also provides a mutual check and balance for each other: chai hu (Radix
bupleuri) prevents the tonic effect of ren shen (Radix et rhizoma ginseng) from retaining the
pathogens in the body, while ren shen (Radix et rhizoma ginseng) prevents the dispersing effect
of chai hu (Radix bupleuri) from damaging qi. Combined, these herbs expel the pathogens and
strengthen bodily constitution.
Because the shaoyang stage is unstable and often short and transient, the symptoms listed above
may not be clinically present all at the same time. Therefore, as suggested in shang han
lun (discussion of cold-induced disorders), this formula can be applied even if there is only
one shaoyang symptom clinically present.
Modifications
Infectious Disorders:
For icteric jaundice and hepatitis, add zhi shi (Fructus aurantii immaturus), yin chen (Herba
artemisiae scopariae), bai shao (Radix paeoniae alba) and jin qian cao (Herba lysimachiae).
For damp-heat jaundice, add yin chen (Herba artemisiae scopariae), zhi zi (Fructus gardeniae)
and ban lan gen (Radix isatidis).
For jaundice with more heat, add zhi zi (Fructus gardeniae) and huang bo (Cortex phellodendri
chinensis).
For jaundice resulting from hepatitis or cholecystitis, add zhi shi (Fructus aurantii
immaturus), yin chen (Herba artemisiae scopariae), bai shao (Radix paeoniae alba) and jin qian
cao (Herba lysimachiae).
Gynecological Disorders:
Cautions/Contraindications
Xiao chai hu tang should be used with caution in patients of yin and/or blood deficiencies, in
patients of upper excess and lower deficiency, or in patients of liver fire. Inappropriate use of this
formula may result in headache, dizziness or bleeding gums.
In general, there is no sweating associated with relief of symptoms following the administration
of Xiao chai hu tang, since it harmonizes, rather than releases the exterior. However, some
patients do show sweating prior to recovery. They should be monitored closely to prevent
excessive sweating from injuring yin.
Avoid cold, raw, pungent and spicy foods while taking this formula.1
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Editor's Note: Part 2 of this article will appear in the August 2007 issue of Acupuncture Today.