Da Qin Jiao Tang — Major Large Gentian Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Da Qin Jiao Tang — the “Major Large Gentian Decoction” — is from Liu Wansu’s and Li Dong-yuan’s Jin-Yuan-dynasty work. It addresses Wind invading the channels in a Blood-deficient patient — the classical pattern for mild stroke (TIA, mild ischaemic stroke), Bell’s palsy, sudden facial palsy and similar acute channel-Wind presentations. The formula combines surface-releasing Wind-dispersing herbs (Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Fang Feng, Bai Zhi, Qin Jiao) with Blood-nourishing herbs (Si Wu Tang core), Heat-clearers and Spleen support — addressing the Wind without further injuring depleted Blood.

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

TCM pattern

Da Qin Jiao Tang is prescribed for Wind invading the channels in Blood-deficient patients:

• Sudden facial droop or facial paralysis
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side
• Slurred speech
• Stiffness in the limbs, possible difficulty walking
• Possibly mild fever or sweating
• Pale complexion (Blood-deficient background)
• Tongue — pale, possibly with thin white coat
• Pulse — floating, thin or possibly slightly wiry

Key herbs

1. Qin Jiao (Rx. Gentianae Macrophyllae, 6–12g) — chief; expels Wind-Damp from the channels; resolves channel-Bi
2. Qiang Huo (Rz. Notopterygii, 3–6g), Du Huo (Rx. Angelicae Pubescentis, 3–6g), Fang Feng (Rx. Saposhnikoviae, 3–6g) — release Wind from the surface and channels
3. Bai Zhi (Rx. Angelicae Dahuricae, 3–6g) — opens nose; reaches the face channels
4. Xi Xin (Hb. Asari, 1–3g) — expels Wind-Cold; opens orifices (low dose)
5. Chuan Xiong (Rz. Chuanxiong, 6–9g), Dang Gui (Rx. Angelicae Sinensis, 6–9g), Shu Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata, 6–9g), Bai Shao (Rx. Paeoniae Alba, 6–9g) — Si Wu Tang core; nourish and move Blood
6. Sheng Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae, 6–9g) — cools Blood
7. Bai Zhu (Rz. Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 6–9g), Fu Ling (Poria, 6–9g) — tonify Spleen
8. Huang Qin (Rx. Scutellariae, 6–9g), Shi Gao (Gypsum, 6–9g) — clear interior Heat that may accompany channel Wind
9. Zhi Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 3g) — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Expels Wind from the channels
2. Nourishes Blood (the substance Wind needs to be settled)
3. Clears mild interior Heat
4. Restores normal channel circulation

Conditions treated

1. Bell’s palsy (idiopathic facial nerve palsy)
2. Sudden facial palsy from Wind exposure
3. Mild post-stroke recovery with channel Wind pattern
4. TIA recovery with channel Wind pattern
5. Sudden one-sided numbness after Wind exposure
6. Polyneuropathy with Wind-Damp pattern

Cautions

Sudden facial droop, sudden weakness or slurred speech may indicate stroke — call 999 for FAST assessment first. This formula is for the recovery phase after exclusion of acute stroke, or for confirmed Bell’s palsy.

Contains Xi Xin — use only at classical low dose; absolutely contraindicated in renal impairment.

Not appropriate for internal Liver Wind (use Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin or Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang) or Yin-deficient Wind.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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