Formula Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines

Huang Lian Tang

黄莲汤

Also known as:

Coptis Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Da Zao
Da Zao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Regulates Cold and Heat
  2. Harmonizes the Stomach
  3. Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huang Lian Tang

Main Actions

Regulates Cold and Heat
Harmonizes the Stomach
Directs Rebellious Qi downward

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Lian Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines. Its main actions are: 1) regulates Cold and Heat and 2) harmonizes the Stomach.

 

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 gastritis, hyperacidic stomach or allergic colitis for instance.

Ingredients in Huang Lian Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Huang Lian 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 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 Tang, it is used because it is bitter and cold. It drains the Excessive Heat from the chest and harmonizes the Stomach.
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Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Huang Lian Tang
Gan Jiang is acrid, warm and dispersing herb which expel Cold from the lower body to stop pain. It also excels at warming the Spleen.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Huang Lian Tang
Gui Zhi is acrid, warm and dispersing herb which expel Cold from the lower body to stop pain. It also enters the nutritive Qi to remove Stagnation and harmonize its interaction with the Protective Yang.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Huang Lian Tang
Ban Xia is acrid and warm. It plalys a role of harmonizing the Stomach by directing Rebellious Qi downward to stop nausea and vomiting. It also expands the chest and removes Stagnation to reduce focal distention.
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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 Huang Lian Tang
Gan Cao augments the Qi and strengthen the Spleen, assisting the Middle Burner to maintain its normal functions along with other assistants. Also serving as the envoy, it has the additional task of harmonizing the opposing flavors and actions unfolded by the various herbs in this formula.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huang Lian Tang
Ren Shen augments the Qi and strengthen the Spleen, assisting the Middle Burner to maintain its normal functions.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Huang Lian Tang
Da Zao augments the Qi and strengthen the Spleen, assisting the Middle Burner to maintain its normal functions.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Lian Tang

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

Contraindications

This formula is indicated for vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort with a Heat above and Cold below presentation. This recipe will not work if the symptoms are caused by Qi Stagnation or food Stagnation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Huang Lian 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.