Drain Downward — herbs and formulas (泻下剂)

Drain Downward formulas use purgative herbs to remove accumulated Heat, food stagnation, fluid retention or toxin via the bowels. The classical formulas are powerful and short-acting — used in acute presentations of Yang-Ming organ fullness or for resolving stubborn lower-burner accumulations.

Sub-categories

Purge Heat accumulation — Da Cheng Qi Tang, Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Moisten the intestines — Ma Zi Ren Wan, Run Chang Wan
Warm purgation for Cold accumulation — Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Driving out water (very strong) — Shi Zao Tang

Herbs in this category

The following individual herbs belong to this category in the Chinese Materia Medica:

Purgative downward-draining herbs

Moistening laxative herbs

Formulas in this category

The following classical and modern formulas in this category are detailed individually in the formula directory:

Da Cheng Qi Tang — Yang Ming organ-Heat with severe constipation
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang — milder Yang Ming Heat
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang — mild Heat with stagnation
Ma Zi Ren Wan — Large Intestine Dryness
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang — intestinal abscess (Heat with stasis)

Browse the full formula directory for over 260 individual formula pages.

When this category is used

Formulas that Drain Downward are typically prescribed for: acute constipation, intestinal obstruction, accumulation patterns, Yang-Ming fullness, abdominal pain with retained heat. The choice of specific formula within the category is determined by precise Eight Principles pattern differentiation in clinical consultation.

About prescribing

Chinese herbal formulas are dispensed by qualified practitioners following individual TCM diagnosis. The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

Return to the Chinese herbal medicine main page or browse individual herbs.