Formula Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang

黄连解毒汤

Also known as:

Coptis Decoction to Resolve Toxicity

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Drains Fire
  2. Resolves Toxicity

Historical Origin

Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library (752 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang

Main Actions

Drains Fire
Resolves Toxicity

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 752 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Its main actions are: 1) drains Fire and 2) resolves Toxicity.

 

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.

 

From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as septicemia, pyemia or dysentery for instance.

Ingredients in Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Huang Lian Jiao Du 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 Jiao Du Tang
Huang Lian is very useful in draining Fire from the Middle Burner, a region of the body that, if not attended to, can give rise to many complications. It also drains Fire from the whole body.
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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 Jiao Du 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 Jiao Du Tang, it is used because it clears Heat from the Upper Burner.
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Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang
In general Huang Bo's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Clears Kidney Yin Deficient Heat. Applied externally or toxic Fire, especially associated with Dampness."

In the context of Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, it is used because it clears Heat from the Lower Burner.
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Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang
Zhi Zi drains Heat from the Triple Burners through the urine. This herb is particularly helpful in relieving irritability. Once the Fire is effectively drained, the toxin will disappear.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang

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

Contraindications

Because it is very bitter and cold, this formula should only be prescribed for patients with Excess patterns and robust constitution. Since it can easily injure the Yin, it should not be taken long term. If prescribed for conditions of Heat in the Nutritive or Blood Levels according to the Four Level Theory, it can readily injure the Yin.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Huang Lian Jiao Du 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.