Tao He Cheng Qi Tang — Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi

On this page

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

Overview

Tao He Cheng Qi Tang — Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi — is a powerful classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun that combines Blood-moving and stasis-breaking herbs with purgative herbs to break up Blood stasis that has accumulated in the lower body (particularly the uterus and lower abdomen) and simultaneously purge the Heat and accumulation that has built up around the stasis. It is one of the most potent formulas for acute and severe Blood stasis conditions and is the primary formula for the TCM pattern called “Blood accumulation in the lower burner” (xia jiao xu xue).

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Blood stasis with Heat accumulation in the lower burner, characterised by: fixed, pressing pain in the lower abdomen (particularly below the umbilicus) that is worsened by pressure, possible fever or feeling of heat, constipation, restlessness and possible manic behaviour in severe cases (from Blood stasis disturbing the Shen), dark blood in the stool, a purple or dark-red tongue, and a deep, choppy and forceful pulse.

Key herbs

1. Tao Ren (Prunus persica seed) — the principal herb; breaks up Blood stasis and softens hardness in the lower body
2. Da Huang (Rheum palmatum root) — purges Heat and Blood stasis downward through the intestines; clears the accumulation
3. Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia twigs) — warms the channels and assists Blood invigoration; prevents the cold purgative herbs from causing Cold stagnation
4. Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas / sodium sulfate) — softens hardness and purges accumulation; assists Da Huang in clearing the stasis
5. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — moderates the harsh action of the purgative herbs and harmonises the formula

Conditions treated

1. Endometriosis with severe, fixed lower abdominal pain and Blood stasis with Heat — one of the stronger formulas for active, painful endometriosis
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with Blood stasis and Heat accumulation in the lower burner
3. Constipation from Blood stasis and Heat accumulation in the lower abdomen
4. Post-traumatic Blood stasis in the lower body with Heat accumulation
5. Post-surgical Blood stasis with Heat in the lower abdomen

A powerful attacking formula contraindicated in pregnancy, Qi or Blood deficiency and Cold patterns. Not for long-term use.

Cautions

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