Formula Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold

Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang

苓甘五味姜辛汤

Also known as:

Poria Licorice Schisandra Ginger and Asarum Decoction

Formula Composition

Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Xi Xin
Xi Xin
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms the Lungs
  2. Transforms congested Fluids

Patterns Treated

Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs, Cold-Phlegm, Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang

Main Actions

Warms the Lungs
Transforms congested Fluids

Key TCM Concepts

Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) warms the Lungs and 2) transforms congested Fluids.

 

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 Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs or Cold-Phlegm. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
  • Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs
  • Cold-Phlegm
  • Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm

Common Applications

Chronic bronchitis Chronic asthma Obstructive pulmonary disease

Ingredients in Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Gan Jiang warms the Lungs, disperses Cold, and transforms thin mucus. It also warms the Spleen Yang to eliminate Dampness.
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Xi Xin
Xi Xin

Wild ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Xi Xin warms and disperses Cold from the Lungs to transform thin mucus. Aromatic and piercing, it successfully opens up the clumped Qi, thereby assisting the formula's key herb (Dried ginger - Gan Jiang) to unblock stagnation to facilitate the normal dissemination of Lung Qi and the dispelling of Pathogenic Cold and thin mucus.
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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 Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Fu Ling strengthens the Spleen and leaches out Dampness and thereby treating the Cold-Phlegm problem at its source.
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Wu Wei Zi restrains the leakage of Lung Qi and prevents its depletion by the dispersing actions of the other herbs.
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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 Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin 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."

In the context of Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the Middle Burner and the actions of the other herbs in the formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin 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, Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin 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.