Formula Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior

Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang

葛根黄连黄芩汤

Also known as:

Kudzu Scutellaria and Coptis Decoction , Coptis Scute and Pueraria Combination , Pueraria Scutellaria Coptis Decoction , Kudzu , Baikal Skullcap and Goldthread Decoction

Formula Composition

Ge Gen
Ge Gen
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases the Exterior
  2. Drains Heat

Patterns Treated

Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

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 Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang

Main Actions

Releases the Exterior
Drains Heat

Key TCM Concepts

Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior. Its main actions are: 1) releases the Exterior and 2) drains Heat.

 

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 Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as stomach flu, acute enteritis or bacillary dysentery for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine

Common Applications

Stomach flu Acute enteritis Bacillary dysentery Enteric fever Toxic gastroenteritis Pneumonia Encephalitis B Measles Coronary artery disease Hypertension Cerebrovascular disease Cervical spine disease Perimenopausal syndrome Rectal prolapse Stroke Eczema Diabetes

Ingredients in Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ge Gen
Ge Gen

Kudzu roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang
Ge Gen clears Heat, releases the Exterior, and treats dysenteric diarrhea by raising the Spleen and Stomach's Clear Yang. It is a particular herb for patterns where Heat is developed from a Cold Pernicious Influence.
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Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang
Huang Lian is bitter and it dries Dampness in the Stomach and Intestines so as to stop the diarrhea. It also drains Heat, particularly the Yang brightness-warp Heat.
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Huang Qin
Huang Qin

Baikal skullcap roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Lungs, Small Intestine, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang
Huang Qin is also bitter and cold, which is useful in draining Heat from the Lungs and to stop wheezing. It helps to treat relatively superficial levels of the body. It is often used to dysenteric disorders due to Damp Heat by entering into the Intestines.
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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 Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin 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."

In the context of Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the actions of the other herbs and protects the Middle Burner from further injury.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for patients with dysenteric disorders but without fever Also contraindicated for patients with submerged, slow pulse.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ge Geng Huang Lian Huang Qin 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.