Formula Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

黄连温胆汤

Also known as:

Warm Gallbladder Decoction with Coptis , Warm Gallbladder Decoction with Goldthread

Formula Composition

Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Hot Phlegm
  2. Clears Gallbladder Heat
  3. Regulates Qi
  4. Harmonizes the Stomach

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium

Historical Origin

Warp and Woof of Warm-Heat Diseases (1852 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Main Actions

Clears Hot Phlegm
Clears Gallbladder Heat
Regulates Qi
Harmonizes the Stomach

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1852 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) clears Hot Phlegm and 2) clears Gallbladder 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 Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart or Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as hypertension, angina or myocarditis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
  • Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium

Common Applications

Hypertension Angina Myocarditis Premature atrial contractions Pericarditis Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Cholecystitis Morning sickness Chronic hepatitis Asthma Chronic bronchitis Depression Insomnia Early stage schizophrenia Psychosis Autonomic dystonia Sequelae of stroke

Ingredients in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
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 Wen Dan Tang
Ban Xia is the principal substance in the materia medica for transforming Phlegm and regulating the Stomach Qi.
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Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru

Bamboo shavings

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried middle shavings
Role in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Zhu Ru enters the Stomach to expel Heat and stop nausea, and the Gallbladder to calm the Mind, release Stagnation, and alleviate irritability.
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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 Huang Lian Wen Dan 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 Wen Dan Tang, it is used because it balances the hot and warm properties of the other ingredients of the formula.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
In general Zhi Shi's main actions are as follows: "Regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. Moves Qi downward and helps constipation. Reduces Stagnant Phlegm and lessens distention and pain. For prolapse of organs when used with the appropriate herbs."

In the context of Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, it is used because it reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi and is particularly effective in treating focal distention.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Chen Pi dries Dampness and expels Phlegm while regulating the Qi and harmonizes its circulation in the Stomach.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Fu Ling , together with Liquorice (Gan Cao), strengthens the Spleen, leaches out Dampness, and harmonizes the functions of the Middle Burner.
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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 Wen Dan 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."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Lian Wen Dan 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 Wen Dan 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.