XIAO CHAI HU TANG

Exterior–Interior Regulation • Liver & Gallbladder Harmonization • Qi Protection

Symptoms

Alternating fever and chills

Dry throat and bitter taste in the mouth

Dizziness or vertigo

Wiry pulse

Fullness or discomfort in the chest and hypochondria

Nausea or vomiting

Cough or shortness of breath

Palpitations

Urinary difficulty

Agitation or restlessness, especially during menstruation or postpartum

This formula is also indicated when heat enters the blood chamber, commonly seen in women after childbirth or during menstruation, presenting with emotional agitation, constraint, and internal heat.

Ingridients

Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix )

Raw herbs: 12g           Granules: 16g

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) 

Raw herbs: 9g           Granules: 12g

Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata Rhizoma)

Raw herbs: 12g           Granules: 16g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma recens) 

Raw herbs: *           Granules: 16g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix)

Raw herbs: 6g           Granules: 8g

Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus)

Raw herbs: 15g           Granules: 20g

Posology

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

Raw Plants
Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per da

Description

Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a classical formula that harmonizes the Shao Yang level, the pivot between the exterior and interior of the body. When pathogenic factors become trapped at this level, the body cannot fully expel them nor completely internalize them, resulting in alternating fever and chills, digestive upset, and emotional disturbance.

The chief herb, Chai Hu, vents constrained pathogens from the Shao Yang and spreads Liver qi. It restores the proper movement of protective yang, alleviating alternating fever and chills while relieving chest and hypochondrial constraint. Its guiding action ensures the entire formula reaches the Liver and Gallbladder.

Huang Qin acts as the primary counterpart, clearing internal heat from the Liver and Gallbladder. While Chai Hu releases constraint outward, Huang Qin anchors and drains heat inward, creating a balanced regulatory action rather than excessive dispersing or purging.

Jiang Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang work together to harmonize the Stomach and descend rebellious qi. They transform phlegm, relieve nausea and vomiting, and support the smooth interaction between the Shao Yang and the middle burner. Sheng Jiang also protects the Stomach from the bitter, cooling nature of Huang Qin.

Zhi Gan Cao and Da Zao harmonize the formula, protect the middle burner, and moderate the actions of the stronger herbs. Together, they stabilize the interior, nourish qi, and support emotional calm.

In cases of heat entering the blood chamber, this formula helps resolve constrained heat and Liver qi stagnation while calming agitation of the spirit, making it particularly valuable during menstruation or postpartum recovery.

Contraindications

Not suitable for pure exterior patterns or fully internalized excess heat

Use with caution in cases of Yin deficiency without Shao Yang signs

Contraindicated when there is true deficiency cold of the middle burner without alternating fever and chills