Formula Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Huang Lian E Jiao Tang

黄连阿胶汤

Also known as:

Coptis Colla Asini Decoction , Coptis and Ass-Hide Gelatin Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
E Jiao
E Jiao
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Ji Zi Huang
Ji Zi Huang
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Enriches the Yin
  2. Causes Fire to descend
  3. Eliminates irritability
  4. Calms the spirit

Patterns Treated

Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Lesser Yin Heat Transformation

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 Huang Lian E Jiao Tang

Main Actions

Enriches the Yin
Causes Fire to descend
Eliminates irritability
Calms the spirit

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Lian E Jiao Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) and Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind. Its main actions are: 1) enriches the Yin and 2) causes Fire to descend.

 

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 Huang Lian E Jiao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency or Lesser Yin Heat Transformation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as nervous exhaustion, autonomic dystonia or erectile dysfunction for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
  • Lesser Yin Heat Transformation

Common Applications

Nervous exhaustion Autonomic dystonia Erectile dysfunction Aphthous ulcers Hypertension

Ingredients in Huang Lian E Jiao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Huang Lian E Jiao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
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 Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
In general Huang Lian's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat especially in the Lower Burner. Eliminates Fire toxicity especially when there is associated Dampness. Acts as a sedative by eliminating Heart Fire. Eliminates Stomach Fire. Expel parasites"

In the context of Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, it is used because it directly clears Fire from the Heart and thereby calms the Mind.
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E Jiao
E Jiao

Donkey-hide gelatin

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Solid glue prepared from the dried or fresh skin of donkeys
Role in Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
In general E Jiao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies and nourishes Blood. Stops bleeding. Moistens and lubricates Yin."

In the context of Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, it is used because it indirectly controls the Heart Fire by enriching the Yin and nourishing the Blood.
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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 Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
In general Huang Qin's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome."

In the context of Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, it is used because it drains Heat from the Upper Burner and the Intestines.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."

In the context of Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, it is used because it enriches and retains the Yin to harmonize the functions of the Qi.
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Ji Zi Huang
Ji Zi Huang

Chicken egg yolks

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys
Parts Used The egg yolk, raw or cooked
Role in Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
In general Ji Zi Huang's main actions are as follows: "Nourishes Yin and moisturizes Dryness. Nourishes blood and dispels Wind."

In the context of Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, it is used because it enters the Heart and Kidneys, tonifies the Yin and Blood, and resolves Heat toxicity.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Lian E Jiao Tang

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, Huang Lian E Jiao 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.