Formula Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify

Huang Long Tang

黄龙汤

Also known as:

Yellow Dragon Decoction

Formula Composition

Da Huang
Da Huang
Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Jie Geng
Jie Geng
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clear Heat from the Interior
  2. Supports the Original Qi

Historical Origin

Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huang Long Tang

Main Actions

Clear Heat from the Interior
Supports the Original Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Long Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Rhubarb (Da Huang) and Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1445 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify. Its main actions are: 1) clear Heat from the Interior and 2) Supports the Original Qi.

 

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 typhoid, paratyphoid or meningitis for instance.

Ingredients in Huang Long Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Huang Long Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Huang Long Tang
In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Huang Long Tang, it is used because it helps to drain Heat and unblock the bowels along with Mirabilite.
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Mang Xiao
Mang Xiao

Mirabilites

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Salty
Organ Affinity Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used The rock crushed as a powder
Role in Huang Long Tang
In general Mang Xiao's main actions are as follows: "Purges Stagnation in the Intestines caused by Heat and Dryness, Cools Heat and abates swelling"

In the context of Huang Long Tang, it is used because it helps to drain Heat and unblock the bowels along with Rhubarb.
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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 Long 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 Long Tang, it is used because it reduces fullness and distention.
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Huang Long Tang
In general Hou Pu's main actions are as follows: "Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung."

In the context of Huang Long Tang, it is used because it spreads Qi and helps the key ingredients to moving Qi so as to expel stools.
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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 Long Tang
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Huang Long Tang, it is used because it protect the Normal Qi by tonifying the Original Qi.
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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 Huang Long Tang
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 Huang Long Tang, it is used because it protect the General Qi and tonifies the Blood.
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Jie Geng
Jie Geng

Platycodon roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Huang Long Tang
Jie Geng removes Lung and Large Intestine Qi Stagnation. It also has an uplifting action that helps to counteract the downward-draining action of the key ingredients. This allows the Stagnation to be eliminated without causing a collapse of the Middle Qi.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Huang Long Tang
Sheng Jiang adjusts and regulates the nutritive and protective Qi. It regulates the disparate actions of the other ingredients, and ultimately hasten recovery.
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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 Long Tang
Da Zao adjusts and regulates the nutritive and protective Qi. It regulates the disparate actions of the other ingredients, and ultimately hasten recovery.
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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 Long Tang
Gan Cao assists the other tonifying ingredients in supporting the normal Qi and strengthening the Stomach and Spleen. It also plays a role to harmonize the actions of the other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Long 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 Long 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.