Gu Chong Tang — Stabilise the Chong Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Gu Chong Tang — the “Stabilise the Chong Decoction” — is from Zhang Xichun’s early-twentieth-century Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu. It is the principal formula for Spleen-Qi-deficient flooding uterine bleeding (beng lou) — heavy continuous menstrual bleeding, post-partum haemorrhage in the recovery phase, or perimenopausal flooding where the Spleen has lost its grip on the Blood. Combines strong Qi tonics (Huang Qi, Bai Zhu) with multiple astringing herbs (Long Gu, Mu Li, Wu Bei Zi, Wu Wei Zi) and Hai Piao Xiao for direct haemostatic action.

I prescribe Gu Chong Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan, always alongside medical assessment.

TCM pattern

Gu Chong Tang is prescribed for Spleen-Qi deficient flooding (chong/ren collapse):

• Heavy continuous uterine bleeding, often pale or dilute
• Prolonged spotting / metrorrhagia
• Marked fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations
• Pale complexion, possible dizziness
• Cold extremities
• Tongue — pale, possibly with tooth-marks
• Pulse — weak, thin, possibly rapid from blood loss

Key herbs

1. Huang Qi (Rx. Astragali, 18–30g) — chief; strongly tonifies Spleen Qi to hold Blood
2. Bai Zhu (Rz. Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 9–30g) — tonifies Spleen Qi; supports holding Blood
3. Shan Zhu Yu (Fr. Corni, 9–24g) — tonifies Liver-Kidney; astringes Blood (high dose specifically for bleeding)
4. Bai Shao (Rx. Paeoniae Alba, 9–15g) — nourishes Blood; harmonises
5. Long Gu (Os Draconis, 24g calcined) — powerfully astringes leaking
6. Mu Li (Concha Ostreae, 24g calcined) — astringes; calms; helps hold Blood
7. Hai Piao Xiao (Endoconcha Sepiae, 12g) — specifically stops uterine bleeding
8. Qian Cao (Rx. Rubiae, 9g) — stops bleeding while moving Blood to prevent stasis
9. Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis, 1.5g) — strongly astringes
10. Zong Lu Tan (charred trachycarpus fibre, 6g) — stops uterine bleeding

Formula actions

1. Strongly tonifies Spleen Qi to hold Blood
2. Astringes leaking Blood from the Chong and Ren vessels
3. Stops heavy uterine bleeding
4. Prevents Blood stasis from accumulating during bleeding

Conditions treated

1. Flooding menorrhagia from Qi deficiency — see heavy periods
2. Perimenopausal flooding with Qi-deficient pattern
3. Post-partum prolonged lochia beyond normal duration
4. Functional uterine bleeding with Spleen Qi deficiency
5. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding not responding to Ju Yuan Jian
6. Bleeding from uterine fibroids (alongside conventional care)

Cautions

Heavy uterine bleeding always warrants urgent medical assessment to exclude fibroids, polyps, endometrial pathology, malignancy, ectopic pregnancy or bleeding disorders. This formula is supportive within an integrative framework, not a replacement for emergency obstetric / gynaecological care.

Sudden severe bleeding (soaking through a pad every hour, faintness) requires emergency care.

Not appropriate for Heat-pattern or Blood-stasis bleeding — pattern differentiation essential.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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