Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (调胃承气汤) — Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction

Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang is the mildest of the three classical Cheng Qi purgative formulas — a two-herb-plus-liquorice combination used for Yang Ming Heat with mild constipation, particularly where the Middle Burner needs settling. It is the safest of the Cheng Qi trio and the most useful in routine practice.

On this page

Overview
TCM pattern
Ingredients
Actions and indications
Dosing
Cautions and contraindications
Related formulas
Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (调胃承气汤) — Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction — is a classical Chinese herbal formula in the Purgatives (downward-draining) category. Source: Shang Han Lun, by Zhang Zhongjing. I prescribe it as bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.

2. TCM pattern

Mild Yang Ming Fu-organ Heat: constipation with dry stool, mild abdominal fullness, thirst, restlessness, a red tongue with a yellow coat, a slippery rapid pulse. Less severe than the picture requiring Da or Xiao Cheng Qi Tang.

3. Ingredients

Da Huang — Rheum palmatum (rhubarb root) (9–12g) — chief; strongly clears Heat and drains downward
Mang Xiao — Mirabilite / Glauber’s salt (sodium sulfate) (9g) — softens hard, dry stool via osmotic effect
Zhi Gan Cao — Glycyrrhiza uralensis (honey-fried) (3–6g) — moderates the purgative action, protects the Middle, harmonises

4. Actions and indications

Principal actions

Mildly purges Heat
Softens hard, dry stool
Regulates and settles the Middle Burner

Indications

Constipation with dry stool from mild Yang Ming Heat
Fever with dry mouth and mild abdominal distension
Restlessness and irritability with heat and constipation
Adjunct in dental abscess or gum inflammation with Stomach Fire

5. Dosing

As decoction. Modern granule 4–9g/day divided. Take on empty stomach for laxative effect; adjust dose to stool.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Not for weak, elderly or debilitated patients without additional support herbs.
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Not for cold-type constipation or empty-cold abdominal fullness.
Adjust dose downward if diarrhoea develops.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang where the TCM pattern above matches the patient’s presentation, typically as part of a wider prescription tailored to the individual. Return to the Chinese herbal formulas directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.