Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang调胃承气汤
Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction
Ingredients3 herbs
Indications
Dry heat bound in the Stomach and intestineswhere the fullness and blockage of a full bowel-excess pattern are absent or mild. The problem is heat and dryness, not qi stagnation, so qi-breaking herbs are unnecessary and would only injure the middle.
Clinical Manifestations
- Constipation with thirst and restlessness
- Steaming fever that radiates from within
- Delirious speech in a febrile illness
- Nosebleed, blood in the vomit or rashes driven by Stomach heat
- Swollen painful gums, mouth ulcers, sore throat from Stomach fire
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Marked distension and blockage — the pattern belongs to Xiao Cheng Qi Tang or Da Cheng Qi Tang rather than here
- Fluids already damaged, tongue dry and stripped — pair with fluid-generating herbs such as Xuan Shen 玄参 and Mai Men Dong 麦门冬 rather than purging harder
Contraindications
Not for constipation from deficiency of qi, blood or fluids, and not while an exterior pattern is unresolved. Mang Xiao is a sodium salt — a consideration where sodium is being restricted. Stop as soon as the stool moves.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Even in this gentler arrangement Da Huang and Mang Xiao are a purging pair that pulls strongly downward; the added Gan Cao softens the action on the stomach but does not make the formula safe to use while pregnant.
Related Formulas
References
Source Shang Han Lun 《伤寒论》 · Eastern Han
「太阳病三日，发汗不解，蒸蒸发热者，属胃也，调胃承气汤主之。」
- 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.