BAN XIA XIE XIN TANG

Harmonize the Stomach & Drain the Epigastrium • Cold-Heat Complex Formula

Symptoms / Indications:
Focal Distension: A sensation of fullness, tightness, or a "soft lump" in the epigastrium (below the heart) that is not painful when pressed.

Nausea and frequent vomiting.

Borborygmus: Loud stomach growling or gurgling sounds accompanied by diarrhea.

Reduced appetite and a feeling of "rejection" of food.

Dry heaves or a bitter taste in the mouth.

Key Indicator: The "Cold-Heat Complex"—where the patient has signs of Heat (bitter taste, yellow tongue) and Cold (diarrhea, abdominal gurgling) simultaneously.

Tongue: Thin, yellow, and greasy coating; Pulse: Wiry and rapid.

Ingredients:

Ban Xia (Jiang) (Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 19.1g

Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 19.2g

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 19.1g

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 19.1g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granulates: 12.8g

Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granulates: 6.4g

Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus)

Raw Herbs: 4 pieces | Granulates: 4.3g

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 Xie Xin Tang is a masterpiece of balance from the Shang Han Lun. It addresses a state where the Qi of the Middle Burner is stuck. Because the Spleen and Stomach cannot pivot correctly, Yang cannot ascend and Yin cannot descend. This creates a "clump" of pressure in the epigastrium.
Zhi Ban Xia is the Chief herb. It is essential for "opening the clumps" and directing rebellious Stomach Qi downward to stop nausea and vomiting.
Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) warms the middle and dispels the Cold in the intestines that causes the borborygmus and diarrhea.
Huang Qin and Huang Lian are the Bitter/Cold deputies. They drain the "clumping Heat" from the Stomach. When combined with the acrid Ginger, they create the "Acrid-Opening and Bitter-Descending" action that unlocks the epigastrium.
Ren Shen, Zhi Gan Cao, and Da Zao form the supportive base. They tonify the Spleen and Stomach Qi (the root), providing the energy needed to restart the "Middle Pivot" and ensuring the bitter/cold herbs don't further weaken the digestion.

By simultaneously warming the cold, draining the heat, and tonifying the deficiency, this formula restores the natural flow of Qi, effectively "draining" the pressure in the epigastrium.

Contraindications

Not for use in cases of "True Focal Distension" caused by actual food stagnation (where the epigastrium is hard and painful to the touch) or patterns involving pure Heat or pure Cold. This formula is specifically for the complex of both. Consult a practitioner before use.