DAO CHI SAN

Heart-Clearing & Diuretic • Heat-Draining & Rebellious Qi-Descending Formula

Symptoms

Mouth and tongue sores (painful, red ulcers).

Irritability and restlessness (Fan Zao), especially at night.

A sensation of heat in the chest.

Urinary discomfort: Scanty, dark, or painful urination (possibly even bloody).

Thirst for cold drinks.

Tongue: Red body, particularly at the tip, with a thin, yellow coating.

Pulse: Rapid (Shuo) and forceful, or thin and rapid.

Ingredients

Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa)
Raw Herbs 9g Granules 33.4g

Tong Cao (Medulla Tetrapanacis)
Raw Herbs 6g Granules 22.2g

Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum gracile)
Raw Herbs 6g Granules 22.2g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Raw Herbs 6g Granules 22.2g

Posology

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

Raw Herbs
Boil in 1000–1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Dao Chi San works on the principle that the Heart and Small Intestine are interior-exterior related. Instead of just "cooling" the Heart, it "conducts" (Dao) the "red" (Chi—referring to the Heart and Blood) heat downward through the Small Intestine and out through the urine.

Sheng Di Huang is the chief herb; it clears heat from the blood level and nourishes Yin to ensure the heat doesn't dry out the body's fluids.

Mu Tong is the deputy; it unblocks the path of the Small Intestine and drains the Heart Fire through the urine.

Dan Zhu Ye assists in clearing heat from the Heart and Chest while promoting urination.

Gan Cao harmonizes the formula and relieves the pain of the mouth sores and urinary tract. It also prevents the cold herbs from injuring the Stomach.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Spleen/Stomach Deficiency with loose stools or poor appetite.

Not for use in cases of urinary difficulty due to Kidney Yang deficiency (cold signs).

Use with caution during pregnancy.

Caution: Do not use long-term as the cold nature can eventually weaken the Zheng Qi.