Formula Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

Gua Lou San

瓜蒌散

Also known as:

Trichosanthes Powder , Snake gourd Powder

Formula Composition

Gua Lou
Gua Lou
Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Ru Xiang
Ru Xiang
Mo Yao
Mo Yao
Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi
Qing Pi
Qing Pi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving

Patterns Treated

Liver Qi Stagnation, Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Historical Origin

Fu Qing Zhu's Gynecology (1826 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Gua Lou San

Main Actions

Remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving

Key TCM Concepts

Gua Lou San is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1826 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Its main action is that it remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving.

 

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 Gua Lou San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation or Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as mastitis or breast engorgement for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Liver Qi Stagnation
  • Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Common Applications

Mastitis Breast engorgement

Ingredients in Gua Lou San

Detailed information about each herb in Gua Lou San and their roles

Kings
Gua Lou
Gua Lou

Snake gourds

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried fruit
Role in Gua Lou San
In general Gua Lou's main actions are as follows: "Clears Phlegm-Heat conditions with thick difficult to expectorate sputum. Regulates the Qi of the chest and relieves constriction and swellings of the chest and Lungs. Lubricates the Intestines."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it resolves Phlegm and affects the breast.
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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 Gua Lou San
In general Jin Yin Hua's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Dispels Wind-Heat derived from an External pathogen. Expels Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner. Relieves Carbuncles."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it resolves Toxic Heat.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gua Lou San
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it nourishes and moves Blood.
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Ru Xiang
Ru Xiang

Frankincense

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver
Parts Used An aromatic resin obtained from boswellia trees
Role in Gua Lou San
In general Ru Xiang's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and Qi and relieves pain. Disperses Wind-Damp from the Meridians and relaxes the sinews. Reduces swelling and aids in wound healing."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it invigorates Blood and eliminates Stagnation.
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Mo Yao
Mo Yao

Myrrh

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried resin of the tree
Role in Gua Lou San
In general Mo Yao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and relieves Stagnation and pain caused by Blood Stagnation. Assists in wound healing."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it invigorates Blood and eliminates Stagnation.
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Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi

Angelica roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Gua Lou San
In general Bai Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind. Disperses Wind and Cold from the Yang Brightness channels. Relieves Wind-Damp Cold painful obstruction. Dries Dampness and pus and reduces swelling. Opens the nasal passages."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it expels pus.
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Qing Pi
Qing Pi

Green tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the young or immature fruits
Role in Gua Lou San
In general Qing Pi's main actions are as follows: "Smooths the flow of Liver Qi and releases Stagnation. Reduces Food Stagnation. Dries Damp and reduces Phlegm."

In the context of Gua Lou San, it is used because it moves Qi and it specifically affects the breasts.
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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 Gua Lou San
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 Gua Lou San, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Gua Lou San

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

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