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Qi and Flavor
A simple visual reference for Chinese Medicine Formulas

Xiao Chai Hu Tang 小 柴 胡 湯


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COMMENTARY


Source: Discussion of Cold Damage (c. 220)

Indication: Shao Yang Syndrome

Symptoms: Alternating fever and chills, dry throat, bitter or sour taste in the mouth, dizziness, irritability, downcast, sensation of fullness in the chest and hypochondria (often experienced as difficulty taking in deep breaths), heartburn, nausea and vomiting, reduced appetite.

Tongue: thin, white coat; Pulse: wiry

This is a cold pathogen constraining Shao Yang and impending its ability to direct the clear upward and the turbid downward. This formula harmonizes the disordered discharge of yang qi that is unable to vent the pathogen. Although the formula is somewhat balanced in temperature, Chai Hu resolves Shao Yang fever at 24 grams. It is also an acrid cool exterior resolver and helps relieve congested heat in the body. This formula is bitter and with Huang Qin, clears heat and drains damp, mainly clearing lurking ministerial fire in the San Jiao.