Skip to content
Cura x Cura

Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang旋覆代赭汤

Inula and Hematite Decoction

Regulating Qi 理气剂Direct Rebellious Qi Downward 降气

Ingredients7 herbs

旋Xuan Fu Hua旋覆花9g君 ChiefSends qi downward, dissolves phlegm and stops the belching人Ren Shen人参6g佐使 Assistant–EnvoyRebuilds the stomach qi that the earlier treatment depleted生Sheng Jiang生姜15g臣 DeputyThe largest dose in the formula — settles the stomach, stops retching and scatters gathered fluids代Dai Zhe Shi代赭石6g臣 DeputyWeighs rebellious qi down; used in a small dose so its heaviness does not burden a weak stomach甘Zhi Gan Cao甘草炙9g佐使 Assistant–EnvoyAugments qi and harmonizes the formula半Zhi Ban Xia半夏洗9g臣 DeputyTransforms phlegm, disperses the knot below the heart and turns counterflow down大Da Zao大枣擘4枚佐使 Assistant–EnvoySupports the middle and moderates the descending group

Indications

Directs rebellious qi downward and stops belchingTransforms phlegm and disperses the hard fullness below the heartAugments qi and harmonizes the stomach

Stomach deficiency with phlegm obstruction and qi counterflow. The stomach is too weak to send qi downward, phlegm-fluid gathers under the heart, and the qi rebels upward as belching, hiccup or vomiting. Both sides must be addressed: weight the qi down and rebuild the stomach.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Persistent belching or hiccup that will not settle
  • Hard fullness below the heart with no pain
  • Nausea, retching or vomiting of watery saliva
  • Regurgitation of food some time after eating
  • Belching and nausea after a course of over-strong treatment
TonguePale with a white slippery coating
PulseWiry and weak

Health Categories

Digestive Health

Modern Applications

Persistent hiccupGastro-oesophageal refluxGastroparesisFunctional dyspepsiaChemotherapy-induced nauseaChronic gastritis

Common adjustments

Contraindications

Not for vomiting or belching from stomach yin deficiency, where the tongue is red and peeled — Ban Xia and ginger would dry it further. Persistent vomiting, hiccup lasting more than a couple of days, difficulty swallowing, weight loss or vomiting of blood must be investigated conventionally before being treated as a pattern. Dai Zhe Shi is a mineral (haematite) and is not used long-term or in large doses; only processed Ban Xia is used. Xuan Fu Hua is wrapped for decoction because its fine hairs irritate the throat.

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

Pregnancy

Use with caution in pregnancy and only under supervision. Dai Zhe Shi is a heavy mineral traditionally used cautiously in pregnancy and Ban Xia is traditionally restricted. Persistent vomiting in pregnancy needs medical assessment; it is not a self-treatment situation.

References

Source Shang Han Lun 《伤寒论》 · Eastern Han

「伤寒发汗，若吐若下，解后，心下痞硬，噫气不除者，旋覆代赭汤主之。」
— 《伤寒论》(classical source, public domain)
  1. 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）— 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.