Formula Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

Huang Qin Tang

黄芩汤

Also known as:

Scutellaria Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Da Zao
Da Zao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Heat
  2. Alleviates dysenteric disorders
  3. Stops pain
  4. Harmonizes the Middle Burner

Patterns Treated

Heat in Lessor Yang

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 Qin Tang

Main Actions

Clears Heat
Alleviates dysenteric disorders
Stops pain
Harmonizes the Middle Burner

Key TCM Concepts

Huang Qin Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from the Organs. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and 2) alleviates dysenteric disorders.

 

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 Qin Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heat in Lessor Yang. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as bacillary dysentery, acute colitis or pelvic inflammatory disease for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heat in Lessor Yang

Common Applications

Bacillary dysentery Acute colitis Pelvic inflammatory disease

Ingredients in Huang Qin Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
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 Qin Tang
Huang Qin is bitter and cold. It drains Heat from the Lesser Yang and Yang Brightness, resolves toxicity, and stops dysentery and diarrhea.
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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 Qin Tang
Bai Shao drains Heat from the Middle Burner, while its sourness astringes and contains the Yin. White peony root with Liquorice is also forms a synergistic pairing that is specific for abdominal cramping and pain.
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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 Qin Tang
Gan Cao resolves toxicity and, in conjunction with Jujube dates (Da zao), harmonizes the Middle Burner, augments the Qi, and enriches the Yin. Both herbs thus serve as assistants and envoys in this formula.
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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 Qin Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."

In the context of Huang Qin Tang, it is used because it is harmonizes the Middle Burner, augments the Qi, and enriches the Yin.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Qin Tang

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

Contraindications

Not indicated for the initial stages of dysenteric or feverish disorders with pronounced exterior symptoms. It is also contraindicated for dysenteric disorders due to Cold or Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Huang Qin 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.