Formula Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness

Lian Po Yin

莲朴饮

Also known as:

Coptis Magnolia Decoction , Coptis and Magnolia Bark Drink , Goldthread Magnolia Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi
Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Lu Gen
Lu Gen
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Heat
  2. Transforms Dampness
  3. Regulates Qi
  4. Harmonizes the Middle Burner

Patterns Treated

Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, Damp-Heat in the Stomach, Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen

Historical Origin

Discussion of Sudden Turmoil Disorders (1862 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Lian Po Yin

Main Actions

Clears Heat
Transforms Dampness
Regulates Qi
Harmonizes the Middle Burner

Key TCM Concepts

Lian Po Yin is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) and Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1862 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and 2) transforms Dampness.

 

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 Lian Po Yin is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, Damp-Heat in the Stomach or Damp-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as gastroenteritis, typhoid or paratyphoid for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
  • Damp-Heat in the Stomach
  • Damp-Heat
  • Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen

Common Applications

Gastroenteritis Typhoid Paratyphoid Peptic ulcers Asthma Acute viral hepatitis

Ingredients in Lian Po Yin

Detailed information about each herb in Lian Po Yin 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 Lian Po Yin
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 Lian Po Yin, it is used because it drains Heat and dries Dampness in the Middle-Burner.
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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 Lian Po Yin
Hou Pu is one of the most effective herbs for transforming Dampness and promoting the movement of Qi, especially in the Middle 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 Lian Po Yin
In general Zhi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory."

In the context of Lian Po Yin, it is used because it clears the Heat stagnating in the chest and epigastrium.
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Dan Dou Chi
Dan Dou Chi

Fermented soybeans

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Fermented preparation obtain from the ripe bean
Role in Lian Po Yin
In general Dan Dou Chi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and scatters Wind, Cold and Heat, especially when there is Yin Deficiency. Relieves stuffy sensation in the chest and irritability."

In the context of Lian Po Yin, it is used because it clears the Heat stagnating in the chest and epigastrium.
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Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu

Sweetflag rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Lian Po Yin
In general Shi Chang Pu's main actions are as follows: "Opens the Orifices, awakens the Mind (Shen) and expels Wind-Damp Phlegm. Harmonizes the Earth element and dispels Damp. Applied internally or externally for Wind-Cold-Damp painful obstruction."

In the context of Lian Po Yin, it is used because it transforms Dampness and revives the Spleen.
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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 Lian Po Yin
Ban Xia dries Dampness and is very effective in directing the Rebellious Stomach Qi downward, thereby stopping vomiting and/or nausea
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Lu Gen
Lu Gen

Common reed rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh or dried rhizome
Role in Lian Po Yin
Lu Gen clears and transforms Damp-Heat, generates Fluids, harmonizes the Stomach, and stops vomiting and/or nausea.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Lian Po Yin

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

Contraindications

Indicated only for Damp-Heat type disorders. It must not be used where the symptoms that characterize the disorder are due to Damp-Cold.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Lian Po Yin may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.