tiao wei cheng qi decoction

Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Decoction is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula first described in "Discussion of Cold Damage" (Shang Han Lun) around 220 AD. It consists of three main herbal ingredients: Da Huang (rhubarb root/rhizome), Mang Xiao (mirabilite, sodium sulfate), and Gan Cao (licorice root). The formula is designed to mildly purge heat accumulation from the stomach and intestines, primarily by draining heat, promoting bowel movements, moistening dryness, harmonizing the stomach, relieving toxicity, reducing inflammation, alleviating pain/spasms, and regulating qi. Its primary indications are constipation with dry stools due to excess or stagnant heat in the stomach/intestines ("Yang Ming Organ Heat"), irritability without abdominal fullness or distention, bleeding/swollen gums due to stomach fire/heat patterns. In modern practice it may be used for acute simple intestinal obstruction or acute cholecystitis under TCM supervision[1][2][5]. The mechanism involves purgation via stimulation of intestinal peristalsis by anthraquinones from rhubarb; osmotic laxative effect from mirabilite; anti-inflammatory/modulatory effects from licorice.

Other names

Tiao Wei Cheng Qi TangRegulate the Stomach and Order the Qi DecoctionStomach Regulating and Qi-Infusing DecoctionStomach Regulating and Purgative DecoctionRhubarb and Mirabilitum DecoctionRhubarb and Mirabilitum CombinationChoi-Joki-To (Japanese)