Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang — Clove & Persimmon Calyx Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang — the “Clove and Persimmon Calyx Decoction” — is from Yan Yong-he’s Song-dynasty Ji Sheng Fang. It is the classical formula for stubborn hiccups from Cold-deficient Stomach with rebellious Qi. Persimmon calyx (Shi Di) is one of the most specific herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia for hiccups; it descends rebellious Stomach Qi. Combined with Ding Xiang (clove) which warms the Stomach and disperses cold, plus Ren Shen and Sheng Jiang for support, this small four-herb formula has remained the principal classical hiccup remedy for over 800 years.

I prescribe Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang is prescribed for Stomach Cold with rebellious Qi causing hiccups:

• Persistent hiccups, often loud and forceful
• Cold sensation in the epigastrium, relieved by warmth
• Possible nausea or mild vomiting
• Cold extremities
• Mild fatigue (Qi deficiency element)
• Tongue — pale, white moist coat
• Pulse — deep, slow

Key herbs

1. Ding Xiang (Fl. Caryophylli, 3–6g) — warms the Stomach; disperses Cold; descends rebellious Qi
2. Shi Di (Calyx Kaki, 6–9g) — specifically descends rebellious Stomach Qi; stops hiccups
3. Ren Shen (Rx. Ginseng, 3–6g) — tonifies middle Qi
4. Sheng Jiang (Rz. Zingiberis Recens, 3–9g) — warms the Stomach; assists descending Qi

Formula actions

1. Warms the Stomach; disperses Cold
2. Descends rebellious Stomach Qi
3. Stops persistent hiccups
4. Tonifies middle Qi

Conditions treated

1. Persistent intractable hiccups from cold pattern
2. Post-operative hiccups in cold-deficient patients
3. Post-stroke hiccups
4. Hiccups in advanced illness with depleted Spleen-Stomach Yang
5. Cold-pattern functional dyspepsia with reflux and belching
6. Chemotherapy-induced hiccups with cold pattern

Cautions

Not appropriate for hiccups from Heat patterns (use Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang variants instead) or Stomach Yin deficiency (use Mai Men Dong Tang variants).

Persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours warrants medical investigation to exclude serious underlying causes (CNS lesions, electrolyte abnormalities, diaphragmatic irritation).

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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