BA WEI CHU FAN TANG

Clear Heat & Resolve Stagnation • Harmonize the Heart & Stomach

This formula is a modern clinical synthesis, often referred to in integration as a variation of Zhi Ban Hou Po Tang. By combining the "Plum-Pit Qi" resolving power of Ban Xia Hou Po Tang with the heat-clearing irritability-relief of Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang, it becomes a specialized tool for Phlegm-Heat Emotional Disorders.

Symptoms

Emotional Vexation: Feeling restless, agitated, or "on edge" (Fan Zao), often accompanied by sleep disturbances.

Chest & Epigastric Oppression: A physical sensation of tightness, pressure, or a "stuck" feeling in the chest and diaphragm.

Throat Obstruction: The classic "Plum-Pit" sensation—feeling as if something is stuck in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor coughed up.

Phlegm-Heat Signs: Possible nausea, bitter taste in the mouth, or coughing up yellow, sticky phlegm.

Key Indicator: "Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Chest"—where emotional stress has caused Qi to clump, which then generates heat and "cooks" body fluids into thick phlegm.

Tongue: Red body with a greasy, yellow coating.

Pulse: Slippery (Hua) and Wiry (Xuan).

Ingredients

Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules: 13.3g

Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae)

Raw Herbs: 10g | Granules: 8.7g

Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules:13.0g

Zhi Ke (Fructus Aurantii)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules: 13.0g

Jiang Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparata)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules: 13.0g

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules: 13.0g

Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules: 13.0g

Su Geng (Caulis Perillae)

Raw Herbs: 15g | Granules: 13.0g

Description

This formula functions like an "Emotional Exhaust Fan." It simultaneously addresses the physical "clump" of phlegm and the "smoke" of internal heat.

Shattering the Plum-Pit: The combination of Ban Xia, Hou Po, Fu Ling, and Su Geng is the gold standard for "Mei He Qi" (Plum-Pit Qi). It physically breaks up the damp-phlegm stuck in the throat and chest.

Extinguishing the Agitation: While the original Ban Xia Hou Po Tang is warming, this supplemented version adds Zhi Zi, Huang Qin, and Lian Qiao. This allows the formula to treat patients who aren't just "stuck," but are also "burning"—experiencing the red tongue and agitation of internal heat.

The "Two-Way" Movement: Zhi Ke and Su Geng ensure the Qi flows horizontally (expanding the chest), while Hou Po and Ban Xia ensure it flows vertically (descending into the stomach), providing total symptomatic relief.

Posology

Raw Herbs

Decoct in 1000ml of water down to 400ml. Drink in two divided doses.

Granules

4.5 to 9g daily, taken after meals with warm water.

Cautions

Not for "Cold" Phlegm. If the patient has a pale tongue with white, watery coating and feels cold, the cooling herbs (Zhi Zi, Huang Qin) will be too harsh. This is strictly for Phlegm-Heat. Use with caution in patients with very weak Spleen/Stomach digestion, as the heavy doses of bitter, cold herbs can cause loose stools.