San Zhong Kui Jian Tang: A Classic Formula for Treating Hard Swellings
- Hongji Medical
- May 23
- 4 min read
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang comes from Lan Shi Mi Cang (Secrets of the Orchid Chamber), Volume 3, by Li Dongyuan (Li Gao), a prominent physician of the Jin-Yuan Dynasty and a key figure in the “Spleen-Stomach School.”
Known as Master Dongyuan, he emphasized the spleen and stomach as the foundation of health, central to treating diseases.
This formula was developed by Li Dongyuan to treat “ma dao sores,” characterized by hard, stone-like lumps that may appear below the ears, extending to the collarbone, on the shoulders, or under the armpits.
Formula Explanation of San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang contains many herbs, organized according to the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herbs: Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Huang Bai, Long Dan Cao.
Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Huang Bai clear heat, detoxify, and dry dampness, addressing heat-related toxins.
Long Dan Cao clears liver and gallbladder fire and drains damp-heat from the lower body.
Supporting Herbs: Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Chai Hu.
Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish and activate blood, harmonizing the liver and spleen.
Chai Hu soothes the liver, relieves stagnation, lifts yang, and disperses heat.
Assistant Herbs: San Leng, E Zhu, Tian Hua Fen, Zhi Mu, Lian Qiao.
San Leng and E Zhu activate blood, resolve stasis, move qi, and reduce masses.
Tian Hua Fen and Zhi Mu clear heat, generate fluids, and relieve dryness and thirst.
Lian Qiao clears heat, detoxifies, and reduces swelling and nodules.
Envoy Herbs: Gan Cao, Jie Geng, Sheng Ma, Ge Gen.
Gan Cao harmonizes the formula and moderates the herbs’ intensity.
Jie Geng, Sheng Ma, and Ge Gen open the lungs, clear the throat, resolve phlegm, and guide the formula’s actions to specific areas.
Pathogenesis Analysis of San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang addresses conditions caused by “phlegm-qi stagnation” and “phlegm-stasis binding.” When qi and blood flow poorly, phlegm and blood stasis accumulate, forming swellings and nodules in areas like the neck, armpits, or breasts. These can become severe, potentially leading to pus or ulceration.
Li Dongyuan noted that these swellings often appear along the Shao Yang channels (Triple Burner and Gallbladder meridians). Stagnation in these channels causes heat and toxins to build up, forming hard lumps.
If the lumps resemble “scrofula” (hard nodules under the chin or jaw, resistant to suppuration), they may also involve the Yang Ming (Stomach) meridian, further complicating the condition.
Effects of San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang is used to treat various swellings, especially those linked to the Shao Yang and Yang Ming meridians. Its indications include:
Pain: Rib pain, neck and shoulder soreness, headaches, ear pain, mid-shoulder pain.
Symptoms: Excessive phlegm, alternating chills and fever, constipation, bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, thirst, dizziness.
Modern Conditions: Periodontal disease, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, thyroid enlargement, breast lumps, liver cancer, lymph node swelling.
The formula works by clearing qi and blood stagnation, resolving phlegm, dispersing nodules, clearing heat, and detoxifying. Herbs like Huang Lian, Huang Qin, and Huang Bai clear heat and toxins; Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish and activate blood; San Leng and E Zhu resolve stasis; and others harmonize the liver and spleen. This multi-faceted approach reduces swellings and nodules effectively.
Main Effects:
Clear Heat and Detoxify: Removes heat toxins, especially in the Shao Yang and Yang Ming meridians.
Reduce Swellings and Nodules: Dissolves lumps like lymph node swelling, thyroid enlargement, or breast lumps.
Activate Blood and Resolve Stasis: Improves circulation to relieve pain and clear stasis.
Harmonize Liver and Spleen: Soothes the liver, relieves stagnation, and nourishes blood.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, San Zhong Kui Jian Tang is widely used for benign tumors, lipomas, and cysts, including:
Thyroid Tumors: Effectively reduces thyroid enlargement, especially from iodine deficiency.
Breast Tumors: Relieves breast lumps and hardness by dispersing nodules.
Cancers: Supports treatment of pancreatic, liver, colorectal, and lymph node cancers.
Snoring: Improves snoring caused by chronic sinusitis.
Precautions
When using San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, consider the following:
Consult a Doctor: Seek professional advice before use to avoid adverse reactions.
Scope of Use: Best for benign tumors above the chest; less effective for malignant tumors.
Side Effects: Generally safe, but monitor for individual reactions, especially in patients with liver or kidney issues.
Contraindications: Ineffective for sleep apnea; other treatments are needed.
Conclusion
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, introduced by Li Dongyuan in Lan Shi Mi Cang, is a key formula for clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing swellings. It targets lumps related to the Shao Yang and Yang Ming meridians, offering relief for various conditions.
In modern medicine, it is effective for benign tumors, lipomas, cysts, and some cancer support. Proper consultation and individualized use are essential for optimal results, blending traditional wisdom with modern care.
