CHUAN XIONG CHA TIAO SAN

Wind-Dispersing • Headache-Relieving • Exterior-Releasing Formula

Symptoms

Headache (temporal, frontal, or generalized)

Sensitivity to wind or drafts

Stiff neck or nape tension

Sneezing, nasal congestion, or mild fever

Possible chills or mild body aches

Tongue: Normal or slightly pale with thin coating
Pulse: Floating and tight, sometimes wiry

Ingredients

Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 6g * Granules: 20.0g

Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 6g * Granules: 20.0g

Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma seu Radix)

Raw Herbs: 6g * Granules: 20.0g

Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba)

Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules: 10.0g

Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Herba)

Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules: 10.0g

Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules: 10.0g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)

Raw Herbs: 3g * Granules: 10.0g

Posology

Granules: 3–9g per day after meals, dissolved in hot water.

Raw Herbs: Boil 1000–1200ml water, drink 1–3 cups daily.

Description

Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San is specifically formulated to expel pathogenic Wind from the head and upper body, relieving headaches and associated symptoms:

Chuan Xiong is the chief herb, invigorating the blood and moving Qi to relieve pain, especially in the head.

Bai Zhi disperses Wind, unblocks nasal passages, and alleviates frontal headaches.

Qiang Huo releases exterior Wind-Cold, targeting headaches and body aches in the nape and occiput.

Bo He clears Wind-Heat, vents the exterior, and alleviates mild fever or irritability.

Jing Jie expels Wind and promotes circulation at the surface, enhancing the dispersing action of the formula.

Fang Feng protects against further Wind invasion while assisting in headache relief.

Gan Cao harmonizes the formula and moderates the potentially harsh actions of acrid herbs.

Together, these herbs create a precise synergy: dispersing external Wind, clearing minor Heat or Cold, alleviating pain, and restoring balance to the head and sensory channels. This formula is particularly effective for tension headaches, sinus pressure, or acute exterior pathogenic attacks that manifest in the head.

Contraindications

Not suitable for headaches caused by Liver Yang rising or Blood deficiency

Use with caution in patients with weak digestion or loose stools