Xuan Bi Tang — Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Xuan Bi Tang — Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction — is the primary Chinese herbal formula for Damp-Heat Bi syndrome (Hot Painful Obstruction) — the pattern where Damp-Heat, rather than Cold-Damp, invades the channels and joints to produce hot, red, swollen and acutely painful joints. Created by the Qing Dynasty physician Wu Jutong (1758–1836 CE) and recorded in his Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases), it addresses the specific pathological mechanism of Damp-Heat obstructing the sinews, channels and joints.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Damp-Heat Bi syndrome (Hot Painful Obstruction), characterised by: joint pain that is hot, red, swollen and intensely tender, worsening with heat and relieved by cold application, fever or a feeling of heat in the affected area, a yellow greasy tongue coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse. This is the opposite of the Cold-Damp Bi pattern addressed by Juan Bi Tang.

Key herbs

1. Fang Ji (Stephania tetrandra root) — the principal herb; clears Damp-Heat from the channels and joints, promotes urination and alleviates pain from Damp-Heat obstruction
2. Xing Ren (Prunus armeniaca seed) — descends Lung Qi and opens the water passages; the Lung governs the skin and channels through which Dampness must be expelled
3. Yi Yi Ren (Coix lacryma-jobi seed) — clears Damp-Heat, promotes urination and relaxes the sinews; particularly effective for Damp-Heat in the joints
4. Hua Shi (Talcum) — clears Heat and promotes urination to drain Damp-Heat downward
5. Lian Qiao (Forsythia suspensa fruit) — clears Heat and resolves toxicity from the channels
6. Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides fruit) — clears Heat from all three burners
7. Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata rhizome, processed) — dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
8. Can Sha (Bombyx mori excrement) — expels Wind-Damp from the channels and harmonises the Middle Jiao
9. Chi Xiao Dou (Vigna umbellata seed) — clears Damp-Heat and promotes urination

Conditions treated

1. Gout — one of the most important formulas for acute gout from Damp-Heat uric acid accumulation in the joints
2. Active rheumatoid arthritis with hot, red, swollen and acutely painful joints (Hot Bi syndrome)
3. Septic arthritis and acute infectious joint inflammation
4. Psoriatic arthritis with Damp-Heat pattern
5. Acute allergic joint reactions with hot, swollen joints

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.