BAN XIA BAI ZHU TIAN MA TANG

Transform Phlegm-Dampness • Calm Liver Wind • Fortify the Spleen

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Gastrodia Decoction) is the quintessential classical formula for Liver Wind and Phlegm-Dampness Ascending to the Head. This specific classical preparation emphasizes heavy spleen-fortifying and damp-draining roots (Bai Zhu and Fu Ling) alongside Sheng Jiang and Da Zao to harmonize the middle burner, offering a targeted approach for phlegm-based vertigo, headaches, and digestive sluggishness.

Symptoms

• Core Issue: Severe dizziness, spinning vertigo, or heavy headaches with a sensation as if the head is wrapped tightly in a wet towel.

• Digestive & Systemic Signs: Nausea, vomiting of clear mucus or fluid, chest fullness, reduced appetite, heavy limbs, and lethargy.

• Conditions: Meniere’s syndrome, labyrinthitis, tension or vascular headaches accompanied by nausea, and post-meal brain fog.

• Triggers: Symptoms flare up with rainy/damp weather, overeating greasy or rich foods, or during times of mental and physical fatigue.

• Key Indicator: "Phlegm-Dampness Obstructing the Clear Orifices"—when a weakened Spleen fails to transform fluids, producing internal phlegm that is driven upward by Liver Wind to cloud the sensory organs.

• Tongue: Pale, puffy body with tooth marks and a thick, white, greasy coating.

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

Ingredients

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 30g | Granules: 28.3g 

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs: 24g | Granules: 22.6g

Ban Xia [Jiang] (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granules: 11.3g

Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granules: 11.3g

Gan Cao [Sheng] (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 10g | Granules: 9.4g 

Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granules: 5.7g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granules: 5.7g

Da Zao / Hong Zao (Jujubae Fructus)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granules: 5.7g

Description

This classic proportioning of Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang relies on a high ratio of Spleen-draining and Qi-fortifying herbs (Bai Zhu and Fu Ling) to resolve the root cause of dampness while Tian Ma and Ban Xia address the acute symptoms.

Treating the Branch (Vertigo & Nausea): Tian Ma specifically calms the internal "gale" rising from the Liver to the head. Combined with ginger-processed Ban Xia, it clears the "thick fog" blocking the clear passages, relieving pressure, dizziness, and nausea.

Treating the Root (Spleen Deficiency): By using a high dose of Bai Zhu (28.3g) and Fu Ling (22.6g), the formula aggressively dries up the digestive "swamp." It restores the Spleen's transportation function so that fluids do not coalesce into phlegm.

Harmonizing the Center: The synergistic trio of Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, and Gan Cao protects the gastric lining, ensures smooth digestion, and assists in dispersing cold dampness.

Posology

Raw Herbs: Decoct the full formula in 1000–1200ml of water down to approximately 400ml. Strain and divide into 2 warm doses daily, preferably taken 30–45 minutes after meals.

Granules: If converting this specific proportion into granule extract, consult the manufacturer's concentration ratio (typically 6g to 12g total daily powder dose dissolved in warm water).

Spoons:
Our measuring spoons have an approximate capacity of 0.50 g. This should be taken into consideration when following the recommended dosage instructions for each product.

Cautions & Contraindications

Yin Deficiency with Heat: Contraindicated for dizziness caused by Liver Yang Hyperactivity due to Yin Deficiency (presenting with a red tongue, no coating, dry throat, and night sweats).

Pure Liver Fire: Do not use if vertigo is accompanied by bright red eyes, severe irritability, and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Discontinue or modify the formula once the thick, greasy tongue coating clears and dizziness resolves.