Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (甘草瀉心湯) harmonises the Stomach and disperses focal distension while more strongly tonifying the qi; for epigastric focal distension from mixed cold-heat with marked Stomach deficiency, and classically for Hu Huo disorder (mouth and genital ulcers).
English Name
Licorice Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue
Ingredients
Actions & Functions
- Harmonises the Stomach and disperses focal distension
- Tonifies the qi (marked deficiency)
Indications
Mixed cold-heat with Stomach deficiency: epigastric focal distension, borborygmus and diarrhoea, irritability, and recurrent mouth and genital ulcers (Hu Huo / Behcet-type).
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: thin yellow greasy coat. Pulse: weak and rapid (or wiry).
Modifications
A variant of Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang with more Gan Cao.
Cautions & Contraindications
For focal distension with deficiency; balance carefully.
