Da Huang Mu Dan Tang大黄牡丹汤
Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction
Ingredients5 herbs
Indications
Damp-heat and blood stasis knotted in the intestines. Urination is normal, which is how the classical text distinguishes an intestinal abscess from a Bladder problem despite the lower abdominal pain.
Clinical Manifestations
- Early intestinal abscess with fixed right lower abdominal pain
- Localised tenderness that refuses pressure, right leg drawn up
- Intermittent fever with sweating and chills
- Damp-heat abscess patterns of the lower abdomen assessed as pre-suppurative
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Marked heat toxin — combine with heat-clearing toxin-resolving herbs such as Jin Yin Hua 金银花 and Pu Gong Ying 蒲公英
- Stasis prominent with severe fixed pain — increase Tao Ren 桃仁 and add Chi Shao 赤芍
- Pus already formed — the formula is no longer appropriate on its own — surgical assessment comes first
Contraindications
Suspected appendicitis is a surgical emergency: a perforated or gangrenous appendix, or peritonitis, must not be treated with a purge. The classical text itself withholds the formula once pus has formed, and it is unsuitable for the elderly, the frail, and patients after childbirth.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Da Huang and Mang Xiao purge, and Mu Dan Pi and Tao Ren both move blood — the classical prohibition against blood-moving purgatives in pregnancy applies squarely here. Abdominal pain in a pregnant patient needs urgent assessment, not this formula.
Related Formulas
References
Source Jin Gui Yao Lue 《金匮要略》 · Eastern Han
「肠痈者，少腹肿痞，按之即痛如淋，小便自调，时时发热，自汗出，复恶寒……脓未成，可下之，当有血。」
- Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— chapter placement, 功用 and pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.