Da Chai Hu Tang — Major Bupleurum Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

What is Da Chai Hu Tang?

Da Chai Hu Tang — Major Bupleurum Decoction — is a classical Shang Han Lun formula for the combined Shao Yang and Yang Ming pattern. In modern practice it is one of the most widely used formulas in Chinese herbal medicine for biliary disease, gallstones, cholecystitis and pancreatitis with marked Liver-Gallbladder stagnation and Stomach-Intestine heat.

I prescribe Da Chai Hu Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Da Chai Hu Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Shao Yang and Yang Ming combined pattern: alternating chills and fever, bitter taste, distending pain and fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, nausea or vomiting, constipation or sticky difficult stool, irritability, a yellow tongue coat and a wiry, full pulse.

Key herbs

1. Chai Hu — chief herb; releases the Shao Yang and spreads Liver Qi
2. Huang Qin — clears Shao Yang heat
3. Da Huang — drains heat and unblocks the bowels
4. Zhi Shi — moves stagnant Qi and reduces distension
5. Bai Shao — softens the Liver and relieves spasmodic pain
6. Ban Xia — descends rebellious Stomach Qi and stops vomiting
7. Sheng Jiang, Da Zao — harmonise and protect the middle

Formula actions

1. Harmonises Shao Yang and drains internal heat
2. Spreads Liver Qi and relieves Gallbladder stagnation
3. Moves stagnant Qi, unblocks the bowels and reduces distension

Conditions treated

1. Biliary colic, gallstones and chronic cholecystitis with Liver-Gallbladder Qi stagnation and heat
2. Acute and chronic pancreatitis with epigastric pain, fullness and constipation, alongside conventional management
3. Functional dyspepsia and GERD with stuck Liver Qi attacking the Stomach
4. Hypertension and metabolic syndrome in robust constitutions with constipation and a wiry pulse
5. Migraine with a bitter taste, irritability and constipation

Cautions

Contraindicated in pregnancy, deficient cold patterns, and chronic loose stools (Da Huang content). Patients with confirmed gallstones or pancreatitis should remain under the joint care of their consultant; herbs are supportive, not a replacement for surgical or medical management when indicated.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.

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