Formula Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

苓桂术甘汤

Also known as:

Poria Cinnamon Twig Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction , Poria Ramulus Cinnamomi Atractylodis Glycyrrhiza Decoction

Formula Composition

Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
  2. Strengthens the Spleen
  3. Resolves Dampness

Patterns Treated

Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids, Phlegm, Oedema, Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium

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 Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

Main Actions

Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
Strengthens the Spleen
Resolves Dampness

Key TCM Concepts

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) as a principal ingredient.

 

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

 

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 Gui Zhu Gan Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs or Phlegm-Fluids. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as morning sickness, meniere's disease or basilar insufficiency for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
  • Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
  • Phlegm-Fluids
  • Phlegm
  • Oedema
  • Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium

Common Applications

Morning sickness Meniere's disease Basilar insufficiency Coronary heart disease Hypertension Hypotension Cor pulmonare Mitral valve prolapse Myocarditis Pericardial effusion Gastroptosis Peptic ulcers Chronic gastritis Functional stomach disorders Bronchitis Asthma Pertussis Pleurisy Cataracts Viral conjunctivitis Optic nerve atrophy Central serous retinopathy

Ingredients in Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Fu Ling strengthens the Spleen and release Dampness. It thereby transforms Phlegm-Fluids by addressing the root of this disorder which is the malfunction of metabolism of Body Fluids. The combination of Fu Ling and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twigs) is a delicate way of dealing with mucus and Phlegm accumulation due to cold. One increases the Body Fluids circulation, while the other warms the Qi flow.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Gui Zhi warms the Yang and improves Qi's ability to transform the thin mucus and Phlegm. It also directs the rebellious Qi downward. Its combination with Fu Ling (Poria-cocos mushroom) is a delicate way of dealing with mucus and Phlegm accumulation due to cold. Fu Ling increases the Body Fluids circulation, while Gui Zhi warms the Qi flow.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Bai Zhu strengthens the transforming and transporting functions of the Spleen and dries Dampness. Together with Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twigs), it tonifies the Spleen Yang more strongly so that the excessive Dampness is resolved more easily.
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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 Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Gan Cao strengthen the Qi of the Middle Burner. It has a slighttendency to cause Stagnation, but it can be effectively counteracted by Fu Ling (Poria-cocos mushroom). Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twigs), when combined with Gan Cao, transforms its sweetness into Yang through its own acrid and moving nature.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Phlegm-Fluids due to Damp Heat or patterns characterized by Yin Deficiency and hyperactive Liver Yang, because this formula is acrid and warming.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ling Gui Zhu Gan 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.