Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)

Si Ni San (Frigid Extremities Powder)

Sub-Category: Formulas that Harmonize Lesser Yang-stage Disorders

Pattern: Liver (Qi Stagnation) attacking the Spleen and Stomach

Actions: Spreads Liver Qi and regulates the Spleen Eliminates internal heat and reduces stagnation.

Indications: Cool or cold extremities (fingers and toes) Possible irritability with distension and fullness in the epigastria and chest. Bitter taste in the mouth and dry throat. Possible abdominal pain with diarrhea. Dysmenorrhea and distending breast pain.

Possible Tongue Appearance: Red or dusky tongue with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns: Wiry pulse, possibly rapid

Western Uses: Gastritis Peptic Ulcer Cholecystitis Cholelithiasis Hepatitis Intestinal Obstruction Mastitis Breast Fibroids Hernia Pancreatitis

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions: Do not use in cases where cold extremities are due to Blood deficiency from true heat and false cold Use with caution in cases of excess Yin with full cold or Yang deficiency with empty cold.

Preparation Notes: Decoction.

Originally Appeared In: On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula: Pericardium, Gall Bladder, Liver, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

Chai Hu (Thorowax Root , Bupleurum) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: GB, LIV, PER, TB Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Cool Latin: Radix Bupleuri Cat: Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange) Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: LI, SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Spicy, Slightly Cold Latin: Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi

Bai Shao (White Peony Root) Qty: 12-24 grams Chan: LIV, SP Prop: Bitter, Sour, Cool Latin: Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Blood

Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi