Formula Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices

Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan

牛黃清心丸

Also known as:

Wan's Cattle Gallstone Pill to Clear the Heart , Wan Shi Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan

Formula Composition

Niu Huang
Niu Huang
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Huang Qin
Huang Qin
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Yu Jin
Yu Jin
Zhu Sha
Zhu Sha
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
  2. Calms the Mind
  3. Opens up the Orifices

Patterns Treated

Heat invading the Pericardium

Historical Origin

Essential Teachings about Pox and Rashes Passed down in Medical Lineages (1568 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan

Main Actions

Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Calms the Mind
Opens up the Orifices

Key TCM Concepts

Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1568 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and resolves Toxicity and 2) calms the Mind.

 

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 Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Heat invading the Pericardium. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as viral encephalitis, meningitis or pertussis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heat invading the Pericardium

Common Applications

Viral encephalitis Meningitis Pertussis Aphthous ulcers

Ingredients in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Niu Huang
Niu Huang

Ox gallstones

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver
Parts Used Gallstones (hardened deposits of bile that form in the ox's gallbladder)
Role in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Niu Huang excels at clearing intense Heat from the Heart and Liver while also removing pathogens from the Pericardium. At the same time, this ingredient is very adapted to dislodge Phlegm, to open the orifices, to extinguish Wind, and to stop tremors.
View herb details
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 Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Huang Lian , together with Baikal skullcap root (Huang Qin) and Cape jasmine fruit (Zhi Zi), other deputies in this formula, is good at clearing Heat, draining Fire, and resolving toxicity. They are used here to help the Ox gallstone in clearing Heat from the Heart and resolving toxicity. Indeed, according to authoritative Chinese Medicine literature, Huang Lian "enters the Heart and Pericardium where it is the ultimate at draining fire. It is also able to enter the Liver. While it can guide into both of these Meridians, it is especially entrusted [to guide other herbs] to enter the Heart".
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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 Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
In general Huang Qin's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome."
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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 Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
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."
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Yu Jin
Yu Jin

Turmeric tubers

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Yu Jin enters the Heart and Liver Meridians to cool the Blood, clears the Heat, promotes proper movement of Qi, and releases areas of stagnation. It helps Ox gallstone (Niu Huang) to clear the Heart and open the orifices.
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Zhu Sha
Zhu Sha

Cinnabar

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
In general Zhu Sha's main actions are as follows: "Calms the spirit and Heart. Stops convulsions. Clears Heat and toxins."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for long-term use due to the intense bitter and cold nature of this formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.