Ban Xia Hou Po Tang

Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction

Move Constrained Qi • Transform Phlegm • Relieve the Feeling of a "Lump in the Throat"

Ban Xia Hou Po Tang is one of the most elegant classical formulas for treating the intersection of emotional constraint and physical symptoms. Designed to regulate Qi, transform phlegm, and descend rebellious Qi, this formula is best known for addressing the classic "plum pit Qi" presentation—a persistent sensation of something stuck in the throat despite no physical obstruction.

By addressing both the emotional and physiological aspects of stagnation, Ban Xia Hou Po Tang relieves chest oppression, throat tightness, digestive discomfort, and nausea while helping restore the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body.

For practitioners, it remains one of the most valuable formulas when emotional stress manifests physically, particularly in patients who hold tension internally rather than expressing it outwardly.

Traditional Indications

• Sensation of a lump in the throat (Plum Pit Qi)
• Throat tightness without physical obstruction
• Chest oppression or fullness
• Frequent sighing
• Emotional constraint
• Anxiety with digestive symptoms
• Nausea
• Difficulty swallowing due to Qi stagnation

TCM Pattern

Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Obstruction

Ban Xia Hou Po Tang regulates Liver Qi, transforms phlegm, harmonizes the Stomach, and redirects rebellious Qi downward. It addresses emotional stagnation that has begun affecting both the respiratory and digestive systems.

Modern Clinical Applications

Many practitioners rely on Ban Xia Hou Po Tang when supporting patients experiencing:

• Globus sensation (functional throat tightness)
• Psychosomatic throat symptoms
• Anxiety with chest tightness
• Emotional repression
• Functional dyspepsia
• Stress-induced nausea
• Upper digestive tension
• Somatic manifestations of chronic stress

Its ability to address both emotional and physical symptoms makes it especially valuable for patients whose stress presents through the throat, chest, or digestive tract.

Ingredients

• Ban Xia — 30%
• Hou Po — 25%
• Fu Ling — 20%
• Sheng Jiang — 15%
• Zi Su Ye — 10%

Crafted using our signature Two-Cured Decoction™ process—combining a traditional hot water decoction with a secondary high-proof alcohol extraction—to capture both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble herbal constituents for a full-spectrum tincture.

Practitioner Favorites

Anxiety + Phlegm Heat + Chest Tightness

60% Ban Xia Hou Po Tang + 40% Wen Dan Tang

Excellent for patients whose emotional constraint is accompanied by phlegm-heat, insomnia, anxiety, or a restless mind.

Emotional Constraint + Hormonal Imbalance

50% Ban Xia Hou Po Tang + 50% Xiao Yao San

A favorite combination for patients with emotional stagnation that fluctuates with hormonal cycles, stress, or chronic Liver Qi constraint.

Single Herb Pairings

For further customization, consider adding:

• Yuan Zhi — to open the Heart orifices, calm the Shen, and resolve phlegm affecting cognition.
• Shi Chang Pu — to address brain fog, memory concerns, and persistent phlegm misting the mind.

Urban Herbs Practitioner Advantage

Every 16 oz amber bottle is designed for fast, customized dispensing in clinical practice. Blend Ban Xia Hou Po Tang with complementary formulas to create individualized prescriptions in minutes—giving your patients the convenience of a liquid tincture while providing your practice with a flexible, space-saving herbal pharmacy.

Double-extracted. Ready to dispense. Built for practitioners.

Why Practitioners Keep Ban Xia Hou Po Tang on the Shelf

Some patients don't present with obvious pathology—they present with symptoms that seem to defy conventional explanation.

The patient who constantly clears their throat.

The patient who feels like they "can't swallow."

The patient whose chest tightens whenever life becomes overwhelming.

Ban Xia Hou Po Tang fills an important role in a complete herbal pharmacy because it addresses the physical manifestations of emotional constraint without simply calming the mind. It restores the movement of Qi, transforms phlegm, and relieves the tension that accumulates in the throat and chest.

Practitioners frequently reach for Ban Xia Hou Po Tang when treating:

• Globus sensation ("plum pit Qi")
• Emotional stress held in the throat
• Anxiety accompanied by digestive tension
• Chest fullness without structural pathology
• Functional nausea
• Patients who internalize stress rather than express it

Because Urban Herbs tinctures are designed for blending, Ban Xia Hou Po Tang becomes even more versatile when combined with other classic formulas to individualize treatment for complex emotional and digestive presentations.

Rather than stocking dozens of condition-specific products, practitioners can create customized prescriptions from a complete pharmacy of classical formulas—saving time, shelf space, and inventory costs while delivering truly personalized care.

One bottle. Endless opportunities to restore the free flow of Qi.

Practitioner Snapshot

Category

Qi Regulating Formulas

Primary Actions

• Regulates Liver Qi
• Transforms Phlegm
• Descends Rebellious Qi
• Relieves Plum Pit Qi
• Harmonizes the Stomach
• Opens the Chest

Best For

• Globus sensation
• Throat tightness
• Chest oppression
• Emotional constraint
• Stress-related digestive symptoms
• Functional nausea
• Psychosomatic disorders

Pairs Well With

• Wen Dan Tang
• Xiao Yao San
• Er Chen Tang
• Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Clinical Personality

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Qi Moving
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Phlegm Transforming
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Emotional Regulation
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Digestive Harmonizing
⭐⭐☆☆☆ Shen Calming

Clinical Pearl

When a patient says, "It feels like there's something stuck in my throat, but every test comes back normal," Ban Xia Hou Po Tang should immediately come to mind. This formula excels where emotional constraint and phlegm combine to create real, physical symptoms without structural disease—a presentation seen frequently in modern practice.