BAN XIA BAI ZHU TIAN MA TANG

Wind-Phlegm Resolving • Spleen-Strengthening & Vertigo-Relieving Formula

Symptoms:

Severe vertigo or dizziness (sensation that the room is spinning)

Distending headache or a heavy sensation in the head (as if wrapped in a cloth)

Visual spots or blurred vision

Mild nausea or vomiting of phlegm/fluids

Irritability and inability to rest

Chest fullness or a stifling sensation in the diaphragm

Cold extremities (due to Qi being blocked by phlegm)

Key Indicator: Dizziness accompanied by a heavy head and a greasy tongue coating, caused by "Turbid Phlegm" clouding the clear openings of the head.

Pale tongue with a white, greasy coating; Pulse is wiry and slippery.

Ingredients:

Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 8g | Granulates: 8.1g

Chen Pi (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium)

Raw Herbs: 8g | Granulates: 8.1g

Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus germinatus)

Raw Herbs: 8g | Granulates: 8.1g

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 5g | Granulates: 5.1g

Shen Qu (Massa medicata fermentata)

Raw Herbs: 5g | Granulates: 5.1g

Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 3.1g

Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 3.1g

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 3.1g

Huang Qi (Astragali Radix)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 3.1g

Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 3.1g

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 3.1g

Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex)

Raw Herbs: 1g | Granulates: 1.1g

Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 1g | Granulates: 1.1g

Posology

Granules: 3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Plants: Boil in 1000ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang is a sophisticated formula that targets the "Spleen as the source of Phlegm" and the "Liver as the source of Wind." When the Spleen is weak, it fails to transform fluids, which then turn into "Turbid Phlegm." This phlegm rises with internal Wind to the head, blocking the sensory orifices and causing vertigo.

Tian Ma and Ban Xia are the key pair. Tian Ma calms the Liver and extinguishes Wind to stop dizziness, while Ban Xia dries dampness and transforms the phlegm that "veils" the clear Yang.

Bai Zhu, Cang Zhu, and Fu Ling strengthen the Spleen and leach out dampness. By drying the "marsh" of the middle burner, they prevent more phlegm from forming.

Ren Shen and Huang Qi (in this specific variation) provide an extra boost to the Qi, ensuring the body has the upward momentum to clear the turbidity.

Chen Pi moves the Qi to prevent the tonics from causing stagnation, while Ze Xie helps drain dampness through the urine.

Shen Qu and Mai Ya are digestive ferments that ensure the heavy, damp-clearing herbs don't overwhelm the stomach, assisting in the transformation of food into clear Qi.

Huang Bai (in a small dose) clears tiny amounts of damp-heat, while Gan Jiang warms the middle to assist the Spleen's transformative fire.

Together, these herbs redirect turbid phlegm downward and tonify the middle burner, effectively treating both the vertigo (the branch) and the Spleen deficiency (the root).

Contraindications

Not for use in cases of dizziness caused by Liver Yang Rising from Yin deficiency (red tongue, dry mouth). This formula is specifically for "Damp-Phlegm" patterns. Avoid use during pregnancy unless strictly supervised. Consult a practitioner before use.