Formula Toxic-Heat

Gǎn Mào Líng

感冒灵

Also known as:

Cold Efficatious Dedcotion

Formula Composition

Gǎng Méi Gēn
Gǎng Méi Gēn
Sān Chā Kǔ
Sān Chā Kǔ
Ban Lan Gen
Ban Lan Gen
Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua
Yě Jú Huā
Yě Jú Huā
Man Jing Zi
Man Jing Zi
Bo He
Bo He
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula
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From $24.00

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clear Toxic-Heat
  2. Prevent or treat early-stage colds or flu

Patterns Treated

Wind-Heat entering the Lungs, Wind-Cold invading the Lungs

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gǎn Mào Líng

Main Actions

Clear Toxic-Heat
Prevent or treat early-stage colds or flu

Key TCM Concepts

This is a modern formula (developed post-1987 when Taiwan-mainland relations thawed) that revolutionized cold treatment by prioritizing direct antiviral action over classical pattern differentiation.

The genius lies in the two chiefs: Gang Mei Gen and San Cha Ku both clear toxins AND tonify Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) simultaneously—similar to Echinacea in Western herbalism.

This explains why Gan Mao Ling works for both Wind-Heat AND mild Wind-Cold, unlike classical formulas that strictly differentiate.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Common Applications

Early stage flu Covid-19 Sore throat Nasal congestion Fever with chills Common cold headache Early stage common cold Swollen lymph glands

Ingredients in Gǎn Mào Líng

Detailed information about each herb in Gǎn Mào Líng and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Gǎng Méi Gēn
Gǎng Méi Gēn

Ilex Asprella root

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet, Bitter
Organ Affinity Lungs, Liver, Large Intestine
Parts Used Root
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
Gang Mei Geng clears Toxic-Heat while simultaneously regulating and tonifying Lung Qi—a rare dual action. Unlike most Heat-clearing herbs that can weaken the body, Gang Mei Gen strengthens Wei Qi while expelling pathogens. Also opens the chest, generates Body Fluids, and benefits the throat.

This Taiwanese herb, not found in classical materia medica, has extraordinary antiviral properties.
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Sān Chā Kǔ
Sān Chā Kǔ

Evodia Lepta root or leaves

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Roots and leaves
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
San Cha Ku, cold and bitter, clears Toxic-Heat and disperses Wind-Damp-Heat.

According to classical texts, it has direct Wei Qi tonic qualities—extremely rare for a Heat-clearing herb.

Together with Gang Mei Gen, these two comprise 56% of the formula and explain its unusual effectiveness against both Wind-Heat AND mild Wind-Cold patterns.
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Ban Lan Gen
Ban Lan Gen

Woad roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
Ban Lan Gen strongly clears Toxic-Heat, particularly from the throat and blood level. It is a well-researched antiviral with specific activity against respiratory viruses. It also reinforces the chiefs' Toxin-clearing action.
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Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua

Honeysuckle flowers

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried flower bud
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
Jin Yin Hua is a classical Toxic-Heat clearing herb with documented antiviral and antibacterial properties. It releases the Exterior while clearing Toxins, particularly benefiting the throat.

It supports Ban Lan Gen in strengthening the antiviral action.
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Yě Jú Huā
Yě Jú Huā

Wild chrysanthemum flower

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Liver
Parts Used the flowers
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
Ye Ju Hua clears Liver Fire and Toxin-Heat, disperses Wind-Heat from the head and eyes.

It also guides the formula upward to address headache, red eyes, and facial symptoms.

It has a stronger toxin-clearing action than regular Ju Hua.
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Man Jing Zi
Man Jing Zi

Vitex fruits

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
Man Jing Zi disperses Wind-Heat, cools Lung Heat and opens the sinuses. It guides the formula to the upper respiratory tract and nasal passages.
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Bo He
Bo He

Wild mint

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried aerial parts
Role in Gǎn Mào Líng
Bo He disperses Wind-Heat, clears the head and throat, vents rashes.

It also guides the formula to the surface and head region, ensuring the pathogen is expelled outward.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gǎn Mào Líng

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

Contraindications

Avoid in pregnancy, severe Wind-Cold with shivering, and weak digestion. Not for later-stage illness or prolonged use. Stop once symptoms resolve. Do not combine with tonifying formulas during active infection.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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