Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
In traditional TCM context, Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (半夏泻心汤) is a classic herbal formula. It is traditionally used to harmonizes the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi, dissipates Pi masses. Treats epigastric fullness, nausea, borborygmus, and diarrhea from Cold-Heat complex in the Middle Jiao.
At a Glance
Traditional TCM Context
Classic formula · 7 ingredients
Harmonizes the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi, dissipates Pi masses. Treats epigastric fullness, nausea, borborygmus, and diarrhea from Cold-Heat complex in the Middle Jiao.
Direct Modern Evidence
1 exact formula paper
Safety Notes
Formula-specific safety information is limited
Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Traditional TCM Perspective
Traditional Formula Role
A classic Zhang Zhongjing formula from Shang Han Lun for treating Pi Syndrome (epigastric fullness) due to mixed Cold and Heat patterns. Harmonizes the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi, and dissipates masses.
Core TCM Functions
Harmonizes the Stomach, descends rebellious Qi, dissipates Pi masses. Treats epigastric fullness, nausea, borborygmus, and diarrhea from Cold-Heat complex in the Middle Jiao.
What Current Research Does—and Does Not—Show
A systematic review and meta-analysis in the current TCMIO reference set examined Banxia-xiexin tang for functional dyspepsia, reporting on pooled outcomes from multiple studies. The review analyzed total efficacy rates and symptom improvement data.
Research is classified by how closely it matches this formula. Only studies that explicitly name and evaluate the exact formula composition are presented as direct evidence. Variant formulas, family-related formulas, and single-ingredient studies are shown separately.
Exact Formula Research
(1)Studies where the formula name, composition, and study subject are confirmed to match Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Safety & Boundaries
Formula-Specific Safety Notes
Formula-specific safety information is limited. Consult a qualified professional before use.
General Safety Boundary
- TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
- Formula-level safety profiles may differ from individual herb profiles. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner for individualized guidance.
- For herb-specific safety information, see the individual herb profiles: Huang Lian, Ban Xia, Gan Jiang, Sheng Jiang and others.
Formula Composition
The following herbs compose Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang according to traditional formula structure. Roles are labeled in Traditional Formula Context.
Click any herb to view its full detail page.
Huang Lian
黄连
Coptis chinensis
Clears Heat, dries Dampness, drains Fire, resolves toxicity. Key herb for Damp-Heat in the Intestines.
Ban Xia
半夏
Pinellia ternata
Dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, directs rebellious Qi downward, stops vomiting, dissipates nodules. Core herb in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Gan Jiang
干姜
Zingiberis Rhizoma
Warms the Middle Jiao, dispels Cold, restores Devastated Yang. Used for Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold.
Sheng Jiang
生姜
Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sheng Jiang is classified as a warm, pungent herb that Releases the Exterior, disperses Cold, warms the Middle Jiao, stops vomiting, and resolves Phlegm. These functions are described within the framework of TCM pattern differentiation and reflect traditional clinical categorization, not modern pharmacological mechanisms.
Gan Cao
甘草
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Tonifies Spleen Qi, clears heat, detoxifies, moderates other herbs
Dang Shen
党参
Codonopsis pilosula
Tonifies Middle Jiao Qi, strengthens the Spleen, nourishes Blood, generates Fluids. Gentler substitute for Ren Shen.
Sha Ren
砂仁
Amomum villosum
Transforms Dampness, promotes Qi circulation, warms the Spleen, stops diarrhea, calms the fetus.
Traditional Formula Context: Ingredient roles (Chief/Deputy/Assistant/Envoy) reflect traditional TCM formulary theory. These classifications are educational and do not constitute modern pharmacological ranking.
Related Knowledge
Related Symptoms(2)
Related TCM Patterns(3)
Related Conditions(2)
Sources(2)
- 1.
Kim KJ, Ko SJ, Cho SH, Kim J, Park JW. Herbal medicine, Banxia-xiexin tang, for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2023.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: High
Source type: Systematic Review
- 2.
Zhang Zhongjing. Zhang ZJ. Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage). ~200 CE.. 200.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: classic
Source type: classical_text
Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.