Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Da Qing Long Tang

大青龙汤

Also known as:

Major Blue Green Dragon Decoction

Formula Composition

Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Shi Gao
Shi Gao
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Promotes sweating
  2. Releases the Exterior
  3. Clears Interior Heat

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs, Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Da Qing Long Tang

Main Actions

Promotes sweating
Releases the Exterior
Clears Interior Heat

Key TCM Concepts

Da Qing Long Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ephedra (Ma Huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) promotes sweating and 2) releases the Exterior.

 

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 Da Qing Long Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs or Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, influenza or suppurative keratitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
  • Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation

Common Applications

Upper respiratory tract infections Influenza Suppurative keratitis Conjunctivitis Sinusitis Bronchial asthma Viral pneumonia Lobar pneumonia Pulmonary gangrene Septicemia Scarlet fever Erysipelas Dermatitis Sebaceous cysts Psoriasis

Ingredients in Da Qing Long Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Da Qing Long Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
In general Ma Huang's main actions are as follows: "Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination."

In the context of Da Qing Long Tang, it is used because it is a particularly strong diaphoretic that also disseminates the Lung Qi and treats wheezing.
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Shi Gao
Shi Gao

Gypsum

Temperature Cold
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
Shi Gao clears Internal Heat without inhibiting the dispersing action of the diaphoretics or further damaging the Yin Fluids.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
Gui Zhi works together with Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang), another assistant herb of this formula, to assist the key herb - Ephedra (Ma Huang) - in strongly opening the pores, inducing sweating, and scattering Wind-Cold.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
Da Zao works together with Liquorice (Gan Cao), another assistant herb here, to tonify the Middle Burner Qi and provide the Essence from which the Fluids can be replenished. They actively facilitate sweating in a context where Fluids may have been damaged by Internal Heat, while also moderating the drying action of the acrid and warming diaphoretic herbs.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
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."
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Da Qing Long Tang
Xing Ren directs Lung Qi downward and balances the dispersive action of the key herb here, Ephedra (Ma Huang). Also, its oily nature moderates the damage to the Lungs made by Ephedra's drying effect.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Da Qing Long Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula is strongly diaphoretic (induces sweating). It should be administered gradually and stopped once sweating has been induced. The formula is contraindicated in lesser Yin patterns, in cases of Yang Deficiency, in Wind-Stroke patterns with Deficiency of the Exterior, and in all cases where sweating is associated with an increase in irritability, restlessness, and Heat (i.e., cases of Yin or Blood Deficiency). It is also inappropriate for Wind-Cold fettering the Exterior with severe accumulation of Fluids in the Interior.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Da Qing Long Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.