Gancao Xiexin Tang

Gancao Xiexin Tang is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula first recorded in the classical text Jin Gui Yao Lue. It is also known as "Licorice Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium" or "Pinellia and Licorice Combination." The formula consists of several herbs including licorice root (Gan Cao), scutellaria root (Huang Qin), ginseng root (Ren Shen), dried ginger rhizome (Gan Jiang), coptis rhizome (Huang Lian), jujube fruit (Da Zao), and pinellia tuber (Ban Xia)[2][3][1]. The primary mechanism of action is harmonizing the stomach and spleen, directing qi downward, eliminating masses or accumulations in the epigastric region, clearing heat and dampness from the gastrointestinal tract, tonifying qi, warming the middle burner to dispel cold, resolving phlegm-dampness accumulation, stopping vomiting/diarrhea[2][3][1]. It is indicated for conditions such as deficiency of stomach-qi with symptoms like epigastric fullness/distention/hardness/nausea/vomiting/loose stool or diarrhea[7]. Gancao Xiexin Tang acts through multiple mechanisms typical of TCM formulas—modulating gastrointestinal motility/inflammation/secretion via its multi-herb composition. Modern use includes support for gastritis/gastroenteritis/digestive disorders with mixed cold-heat patterns[1][6].

Other names

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang甘草泻心汤甘草瀉心湯Licorice Decoction to Drain the EpigastriumPinellia and Licorice Combination