Chinese: 回春丹
Pinyin: Huí Chūn Dān
Other names: Special Pill to Restore Life
Number of ingredients: 19 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Conditions for which it may be prescribed: MeaslesDiphtheriaSepticemia and six other conditions
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Arrests spasms and convulsions
- Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm
Contraindications: Contraindicated during pregnancy. This formula is used for acute childhood... Contraindicated during pregnancy. This formula is used for acute childhood convulsions associated with Excess patterns and is inappropriate for chronic childhood convulsions due to waning of the Spleen and Kidney Yang. If this diagnosis cannot be clearly made in a specific case, it is best not to use the formula. see more
Source date: Late 18th century
Source book: Medicinal Teachings from the Respectfully Decorated Hall
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Hui Chun Dan is a 19-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) and Musk (She Xiang) as principal ingredients.
Invented in Late 18th century, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices. Its main actions are: 1) opens the sensory orifices and 2) arrests spasms and convulsions.
In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.
In this case Hui Chun Dan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as acute encephalitis, acute meningitis or measles for instance.
On this page, after a detailed description of each of the nineteen ingredients in Hui Chun Dan, we review the patterns and conditions that Hui Chun Dan helps treat.
The nineteen ingredients in Hui Chun Dan
Niu Huang is a king ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
1. Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang)
Part used: Gallstones (hardened deposits of bile that form in the ox's gallbladder)
Nature: Cold
Category: Herbs that cool the Blood
Niu Huang is bitter, cool, and aromatic. It enters the Heart and Liver Channels. It clears Heat, resolves toxicity, clears Phlegm, opens the sensory orifices, extinguishes Wind, and controls spasms and convulsions. It thereby addresses all of the major aspects of this disorder.
She Xiang is a king ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
2. Musk (She Xiang)
Part used: Musk gland of the deer
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: SpleenHeartLiver
Category: Herbs that open the Orifices
She Xiang is highly aromatic and opens the sensory orifices. This herb is specifically indicated for childhood convulsions and seizures.
Tian Zhu Huang is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang)
In general Tian Zhu Huang's main actions are as follows: "Clears Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs. Clears Heat in the Heart and relieves convulsions and tremors. "
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it clears Heat and transforming Phlegm. It also cools the Heart and controls spasms and convulsions.
Chuan Bei Mu is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
4. Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu)
Part used: Dried bulb
Nature: Cool
In general Chuan Bei Mu's main actions are as follows: "Clears Hot Phlegm and stops cough. Clears Lung Heat caused by Yin Deficiency. Clears Heat and reduces hard lumps and swellings."
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it clear Heat and transform Phlegm..
Dan Nan Xing is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
5. Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing)
In general Dan Nan Xing's main actions are as follows: "To clear Heat and resolve Phlegm, dispel Wind and stop convulsions"
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it clear Heat and transform Phlegm..
Gou Teng is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
6. Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng)
Part used: Dried stems and thorns from the branches
Nature: Cool
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: LiverPericardium
Category: Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Gou Teng enters both the Liver and Pericardium Channels, and is
an important substance for extinguishing Liver wind, clearing Heat, and resolving spasms and convulsions.
Quan Xie is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
7. Scorpions (Quan Xie)
Part used: The whole dried scorpion
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: Liver
Category: Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
In general Quan Xie's main actions are as follows: "Extinguishes Interior Wind and stops tremors and convulsions. Clears Toxic-Heat and relieves nodules and rashes. Removes Stagnation and relieve pain. "
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it extinguishes Wind and controlling spasms and convulsions.
Tian Ma is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
8. Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma)
Part used: Dried tuber
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Liver
Category: Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Tian Ma extinguishes Wind and controlling spasms and convulsions. It also harmonizes the Stomach, transform Phlegm, direct Rebellious Qi downward, and stop vomiting.
Jiang Can is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
9. Silkworms (Jiang Can)
Part used: the whole worm
Nature: Neutral
Category: Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
In general Jiang Can's main actions are as follows: "Antispasmodic, subdues Internal Wind. Expels Wind and stops pain. Clears Toxins and dissipates nodules. "
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it extinguishes Wind and controlling spasms and convulsions.
Da Huang is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
10. Rhubarb (Da Huang)
Part used: Dried root and rhizome
Nature: Cold
Taste(s): Bitter
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomachLarge intestineLiverPericardium
Category: Purgative herbs that drain downward
Da Huang clears Heat and drains Fire. Its purgative action removes accumulation and Stagnation, which enables it to eliminate the accumulation of Phlegm-Heat from the Stomach and Intestines.
Ban Xia is a deputy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
11. Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Part used: Dried rhizome and tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it redirects Rebellious Qi downward and stops the vomiting.
Zhu Sha is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
12. Cinnabar (Zhu Sha)
Part used: The mineral itself
Nature: Cool
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Heart
Category: Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
In general Zhu Sha's main actions are as follows: "Calms the spirit and Heart. Stops convulsions. Clears Heat and toxins."
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it calms the Heart.
Chen Pi is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
13. Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it harmonizes the Stomach, transform Phlegm, direct Rebellious Qi downward, and stop vomiting.
Bai Dou Kou is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
14. Cardamon Fruits (Bai Dou Kou)
Part used: Fruits
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomachLung
Category: Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Bai Dou Kou promotes the movement of Qi, reduces focal distention, transforms turbid Dampness, and stops vomiting.
Tan Xiang is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
15. Sandalwood (Tan Xiang)
Part used: The wood
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomachHeartLung
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
Tan Xiang moves the Stomach and Intestines Qi, regulating and smoothing the functions of the Stomach and Intestines in order to restore the normal ascending and descending functions of the Spleen and Stomach.
Tu Si Zi is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
16. Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi)
Part used: Dried ripe seeds
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi moves the Stomach and Intestines Qi, regulating and smoothing the functions of the Stomach and Intestines in order to restore the normal ascending and descending functions of the Spleen and Stomach.
Zhi Ke is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
17. Bitter Oranges (Zhi Ke)
Part used: Dried ripe fruit
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomach
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
In general Zhi Ke's main actions are as follows: "To regulate the flow of Qi, remove its stagnation, and alleviate distension."
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it eases Stagnation in the Middle Burner and reduces distention.
Chen Xiang is an assistant ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
18. Agarwood (Chen Xiang)
Part used: Wood shavings
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: SpleenStomachKidneyLung
Category: Herbs that regulate Qi
Chen Xiang directs Qi downward so that Phlegm will descend. If the flow of Qi is smooth, then the Phlegm can be reduced, which will discourage the further generation of
Phlegm-Heat. Once the Phlegm-Heat is eliminated, the orifices will open and the patient will recover.
Gan Cao is an envoy ingredient in Hui Chun Dan. This means that it directs the formula towards certain area of the body and/or harmonizes the actions of other ingredients.
19. Liquorice (Gan Cao)
Part used: Dried root and rhizome
Nature: Neutral
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleenStomach
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."
In the context of Hui Chun Dan, it is used because it clears Heat as well as regulates and harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients.
Hui Chun Dan is used to treat Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
It's important to remember that herbal formulas are meant to treat patterns, not "diseases" as understood in Western Medicine. According to Chinese Medicine patterns, which are disruptions to the body as a system, are the underlying root cause for diseases and conditions.
As such Hui Chun Dan is mostly used to treat the pattern "Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium" which we describe below.
But before we delve into Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium here is an overview of the Western conditions it is commonly associated with:
Acute encephalitis Acute meningitis Measles Scarlet fever Diphtheria Septicemia Pediatric seizure disorder Seizure disorder Acute gastroenteritis
Again it wouldn't be correct to say "Hui Chun Dan treats acute encephalitis" for instance. Rather, Hui Chun Dan is used to treat Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, which is sometimes the root cause behind acute encephalitis.
Now let's look at Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, a pattern that TCM practitioners commonly treat with Hui Chun Dan.
The Pericardium is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Pericardium in Chinese Medicine
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Pulse type(s): Overflowing (Hong), Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian), Full (Shi)
Symptoms: Coma Mucus Thirst Anxiety Aphasia Red face Insomnia Shouting Dull face Chest pain Palpitations Rapid breath Restlnessness Rash behaviour Mental confusion Incoherent speech Mental depression Violent behaviour Muttering to oneself Dream disturbed sleep Bitter taste in the mouth Rattling sound in the throat Uncontrolled laughing or crying Feeling of oppression of the chest
Hui Chun Dan is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium. This pattern leads to symptoms such as palpitations, red face, bitter taste in the mouth and rattling sound in the throat. Patients with Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium typically exhibit overflowing (Hong), rapid (Shu), slippery (Hua), wiry (Xian) or full (Shi) pulses.
The Pericardium is the guard and the first defense line of the Heart. Therefore when the Heart was invaded by Phlegm and Fire, the Pericardium suffers as well. Actually the related mental symptoms of these two Organs by Phlegm and Fire are quick similar with just different severe levels.
Fire... read more about Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
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