Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang丁香柿蒂汤
Clove and Persimmon Calyx Decoction
Ingredients4 herbs
Indications
Hiccup from stomach cold with qi deficiency. Cold contracts the stomach and deficiency leaves it unable to send qi downward, so the qi rebels upward as a hiccup that keeps returning.
Clinical Manifestations
- Persistent hiccup with a cold, empty feeling in the epigastrium
- Hiccup after cold food or in cold weather
- Belching or hiccup during convalescence
- Hiccup after abdominal surgery in a weakened patient
- Nausea with a preference for warm drinks
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Cold pronounced — add Gan Jiang 干姜 and Wu Zhu Yu 吴茱萸
- Qi deficiency marked with fatigue — increase Ren Shen 人参 and add Bai Zhu 白术
- Phlegm present with a greasy coating — add Zhi Ban Xia 制半夏 and Chen Pi 陈皮
- Hiccup obstinate — add Dai Zhe Shi 代赭石 and Xuan Fu Hua 旋覆花
- Heat signs appear with thirst and a yellow coating — this is the wrong pattern — change to a cooling formula such as Xin Zhi Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang 新制橘皮竹茹汤
Contraindications
Not for hiccup from stomach heat, where the mouth is bitter, the tongue red and the patient thirsty — Ding Xiang and ginger would drive the heat higher. Hiccup persisting beyond a couple of days, or accompanied by vomiting, weight loss or difficulty swallowing, requires conventional investigation, since it can signal disease of the diaphragm, oesophagus or central nervous system. Ding Xiang is traditionally regarded as antagonistic to Yu Jin and the two are not combined.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Use with caution in pregnancy and only under supervision. Ding Xiang is hot and acrid and moves qi downward. Hiccup or persistent nausea in pregnancy should be assessed by a clinician rather than self-treated.
Related Formulas
References
Source Zheng Yin Mai Zhi 《症因脉治》 · Ming
- Classical source text (public domain).
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）— 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.