Objective This study was designed to reveal the formula rules of Xiaochaihu Granules(XCHG) based on the network pharmacol. technol.Methods The active components and targets of XCHG were selected through the databases and literatures, and the interactive anal. was carried out among the herbs.The herb-component-target network of XCHG was built, and the KEGG pathways of herbs were enriched.The antipyretic mechanisms and the formula rules of XCHG were explained based on the TNF pathways.Results Nine components, such as quercetin and β-sitosterol, were shared by two or more herbs.The targets and pathways of the monarch herb CH were enriched in antiviral, antipyretic, immune, inflammatory effects, etc., which played a leading role in the XCHG prescription.The minister herb HQ could enhance the effect of CH, and meantime increase XCHG′s antibacterial effects.The adjuvant herb DS and DZ could replenish Qi to invigorate the spleen and nourishing blood to promote body fluid, through the endocrine, relaxin, and cardiovascular pathways and targets;BX and SJ could harmonize the stomach and stop vomit, through the nerve activity, nerve conduction, and hormone secretion pathways and targets.Guide herb GC could influence the metabolism and distribution of drugs to harmonize seven herbs.Conclusion In terms of antipyretic mechanisms, XCHG′s twenty-seven targets were enriched in TNF signaling pathway, in which five targets were acted by all the seven herbs(NF-κB, AP-1, PTGS2, MMP9 and CASP3), performing key roles in the antipyretic effect.This study demonstrated that the effects of XCHG formula are probably through the superposition of single-component concentration, superposition of single-target action, and multi-target cooperation.