da xian xiong tang

Major Sinking into the Chest Decoction

About da xian xiong tang

Da Xian Xiong Tang, Major Sinking into the Chest Decoction, is Gan Sui, Da Huang and Mang Xiao. The catalogue classes it among the formulas that drain downward, and records it as purging Heat drastically and expelling fluids bound in the chest.

Ingredients

Herb	Amount
gan sui	0.3 g
da huang	18 g
mang xiao	9 g

Actions and indications

Drastically purges Heat and expels fluids bound in the chest

Major Chest Bind: Heat bound up with fluids from chest to abdomen, classically when an exterior Tai Yang disorder is purged too early and Heat is drawn inward
Hard, painful distension reaching from the chest and epigastrium to the lower abdomen, too tender to be touched
Constipation, restlessness and thirst
Afternoon tidal fever in severe cases
Tongue coat very dry; pulse deep, forceful and tight

Modern uses

Acute pancreatitis
Cholecystitis
Peritonitis
Intestinal obstruction

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Abdominal rigidity
Constipation
Pain aggravated by pressure
Restlessness
Thirst
Tidal fever

Cautions

caution Gan Sui is highly toxic: overdose or misuse can cause severe gut irritation, diarrhea, dehydration and, in serious cases, breathing difficulty; this formula is only for a qualified, licensed practitioner
caution Stop as soon as the bowels move; only a very few doses are ever given
caution The conditions its pattern is compared with (acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, peritonitis, bowel obstruction) are emergencies that need immediate medical care
contraindication Patients who are frail, weak or deficient
contraindication Only for acute excess; not for ordinary or mild constipation
pregnancy Contraindicated in pregnancy

Preparation

Decoction in sequence: Da Huang is cooked first, Mang Xiao dissolved in the strained liquid, and powdered Gan Sui stirred in last; taken warm

Names

Pinyin	da xian xiong tang
English Name	Major Sinking into the Chest Decoction

Classification

Category: Drain Downward