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Cura x Cura

Liu Yu Tang六郁汤

Six Constraints Decoction

Regulating Qi 理气剂Promote the Movement of Qi 行气

Ingredients10 herbs

香Xiang Fu香附6 g君 ChiefLeads the formula, opening qi constraint as it does in Yue Ju Wan苍Cang Zhu苍术3 g臣 DeputyDries damp and rouses the Spleen制Zhi Ban Xia制半夏3 g臣 DeputyTransforms phlegm and directs rebellious stomach qi down — the herb Yue Ju Wan does without陈Chen Pi陈皮3 g臣 DeputyMoves qi in the middle burner and helps Ban Xia dissolve phlegm川Chuan Xiong川芎3 g佐 AssistantMoves blood constraint and relieves the muzzy head赤Chi Fu Ling赤茯苓2 g佐 AssistantLeaches damp downward so phlegm has an exit栀Zhi Zi栀子2 g佐 AssistantClears the heat that constraint generates and offsets the warm drying herbs砂Sha Ren砂仁2 g佐 AssistantAromatically wakes the Spleen and stops nausea生Sheng Jiang生姜3 slices佐 AssistantSettles the stomach and moderates the Ban Xia炙Zhi Gan Cao炙甘草1.5 g使 EnvoyHarmonizes the group and protects the middle

Indications

Opens constraint and moves qiTransforms phlegm and dries dampHarmonizes the stomach and settles nausea

The six constraints with damp and phlegm predominating. Qi constraint remains the root, but the fluids have already congealed, so the treatment opens the qi and transforms the phlegm in the same prescription rather than trusting the qi movement alone to clear it.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Chest and epigastric fullness with a heavy, thick tongue coating
  • Nausea, retching or copious sticky sputum from constraint
  • Distending pain of the epigastrium and flanks
  • Poor appetite with a sense of blockage after eating
  • Emotional constraint accompanied by dizziness or a muzzy head
TongueWhite greasy coating
PulseWiry and slippery

Health Categories

Digestive HealthStress & Emotional Balance

Modern Applications

Functional dyspepsiaChronic gastritisNauseaGlobus sensationSomatic anxiety symptoms

Common adjustments

Contraindications

Not for a dry, red, peeled tongue or any yin-deficient picture — this is a drying formula built on Ban Xia, Cang Zhu and Chen Pi. Where phlegm is thick and yellow from real heat, the warm drying herbs need re-thinking rather than simple addition.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Use with caution in pregnancy and only under supervision. It contains prepared Ban Xia, which is traditionally restricted in pregnancy, along with Chuan Xiong and Xiang Fu, which move blood and qi strongly.

References

Source Yi Xue Zheng Chuan 《医学正传》 · Ming

  1. 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.