Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan - Minor Bupleurum Decoction

The herbal formula "xiao chai hu tang wan" , 小柴胡汤丸, which in english is "minor bupleurum decoction", is categorized within the "harmonize" functional grouping and within the "regulate and harmonize the liver and spleen" sub-category.

You may also see this formula referenced by: Xiao Chai Hu Wan, Hsiao Tsai Hu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Combination.

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

• Shao Yang Syndrome (or "lesser yang stage") - alternating fever and chills, hypochondriac pain, irritability, bitter taste in mouth, poor appetite, nausea.  Often used for illnesses (chronic or short-term) such as the flu, etc. that have "cleared" but not completely.  People will describe not feeling quite right or having a range of low level symptoms for months or longer after a particular illness.  Instead of fever and chills alternating they may manifest with cold extremities and warm interior or other variations.
• A range of liver related conditions including malaria, jaundice, hepatitis, liver cancer, meniere's disease, general protection from medicines that may harm the liver, etc. among issues with other digestive organs - pancreatitis, stomatitis, gastritis.
• Liver/speen disharmonies resulting in broader issues such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual irregularities (PMS, cramping, etc.).
• Other general immune issues such as the common cold, flu, tonsillitis, general seasonal allergies with the right underlying factors.

Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

• Use with caution with yin and/or blood deficiencies.
• Avoid cold, raw, and spicy foods while taking xiao chai hu tang.

Our shop contains xiao chai hu tang wan from the following manufacturers:

($9.99) Add To Cart View Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan - HBW

($30.00) Add To Cart View Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan - Sun Ten

For many reasons such as availability, ecological choices, and/or price, each manufacturer or herbalist may well adjust the exact composition of a specific formula. Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan is generally comprised of the following herbs:

ViewBan Xia (Pinellia Rhizome)

Dries dampness, transforms cold-phlegm, descends rebellious qi - cough with copious sputum especially due to dampness of spleen. Harmonizes stomach, stops vomiting due to lingering phlegm-dampness i…

ViewChai Hu (Thorowax Root, Bupleurum)

Clears shao yang disorders and reduces fever - alternating chills and fever, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, vomiting, stifling sensation in the chest. Relieves liver qi stagnation (often u…

ViewDa Zao (Chinese Date, Jujube)

Tonifies spleen qi - weakness, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, loose stools. Nourishes the blood, calms the spirit - irritability, pale complexion, emotional disturbances, restlessness. Usef…

ViewHuang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root, Scutellaria)

Clears heat, drains fire, especially from the upper warmer - heat patterns with fever, irritability, thirst, cough, thick, yellow sputum, hot sores and swellings. Clears heat, dries dampness - damp-…

ViewRen Shen (Ginseng Root)

Strongly tonify yuan qi - extreme collapse of qi, shortness of breath, cold limbs, profuse sweating, weak pulse (often used alone for this condition after severe blood loss). Tonify lung qi - wheezi…

ViewSheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome)

Release the exterior, wind-cold, regulate ying and wei qi Warms the middle jiao - stomach cold/vomiting Alleviates coughing, warms lung Reduces toxicity of other herbs

ViewZhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root)

This preparation increases the qi tonifying aspects of the heart and spleen along with its general harmonizing function within formulas.  See Gan Cao for complete information.

A single formula, alone, may not be sufficient to fully address a particular TCM diagnostic pattern. Formulas may be used alone, in combinations, and/or in stages. Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan is a candidate for consideration when needing to influence liver qi stagnation.

Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored overall approach, to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain, allergies, chronic illness, cirrhosis, colon cancer, common cold, depression, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps), fatigue, fever, fibromyalgia (cfs), flu, gastritis, hepatitis (b or c), irritability, liver cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc), lung cancer, meniere's disease, pancreatitis, premenstrual syndrome (pms) and/or tonsillitis