Bàn Xià Xiè Xīn Tāng

Question 1

Actions

Answer 1

Harmonizes the Stomach, directs rebellious qi downward, disperses clumping, and eliminates focal distention

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

epigastric focal distention
fullness, and tightness with very slight or no pain
dry heaves or frank vomiting
borborygmus with diarrhea
reduced appetite

T: thin, yellow, greasy tongue coat, may be red at the tip
P: wiry, rapid

Question 3

Diagnostic Pattern

Answer 3

Stomach qi disharmony with clumping of cold, constrained fluids, and heat.

Question 4

Herbs

Answer 4

zhì bàn xià
gān jiāng
huáng qín
huáng lián
rén shēn
dà zăo
zhì gān căo

Question 5

zhì bàn xià

Answer 5

acrid, warm
enters Stomach channel and disperses clumping, stops vomiting, eliminates focal distention

Question 6

gān jiāng

Answer 6

acrid, very warm
enters the Spleen and Stomach
assisting in the transformation of thin mucus while restoring yang qi to the middle burner, treats root and branch

Question 7

huáng qín

Answer 7

bitter, cold
similar to huáng lián, strengthening its ability to dry, drain, and direct downward
drain clumping from epigastrium

Question 8

huáng lián

Answer 8

bitter, cold, downward-draining
draining “constraint steaming of dampness and heat”
focuses on the epigastrium

Question 9

rén shēn + dà zăo

Answer 9

benefit the middle burner qi and prevent the dispersing actions of chief and deputies from injuring normal qi
work with chief to stop vomiting

Question 10

zhì gān căo

Answer 10

helps assistants tonify middle qi
harmonize other herbs

Question 11

Cautions and Contraindications

Answer 11

Indicated for focal distention caused by clumping of constrained heat and fluids in the epigastrium. Where such distention is due to qi stagnation or harbored food, this formula will not be effective.