Formula Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

Wen Dan Tang

温胆汤

Also known as:

Bamboo and Poria Combination , Warm Gallbladder Decoction

Formula Composition

Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru
Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Da Zao
Da Zao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Phlegm
  2. Clears Gallbladder
  3. Regulates Qi
  4. Harmonizes the Stomach

Patterns Treated

Phlegm Misting the Heart, Gallbladder Deficiency, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fluids, Phlegm, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Phlegm-Heat, Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat, Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Historical Origin

Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns, and Formulas Related to the Unification of the Three Etiologies (1174 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wen Dan Tang

Main Actions

Clears Phlegm
Clears Gallbladder
Regulates Qi
Harmonizes the Stomach

Key TCM Concepts

Wen Dan Tang is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1174 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) clears Phlegm and 2) clears Gallbladder.

 

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 Wen Dan Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm Misting the Heart, Gallbladder Deficiency or Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as menopausal syndrome, morning sickness or hypertension for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm Misting the Heart
  • Gallbladder Deficiency
  • Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
  • Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
  • Phlegm-Fluids
  • Phlegm
  • Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
  • Phlegm-Heat
  • Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
  • Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Common Applications

Menopausal syndrome Morning sickness Hypertension Angina Myocarditis Premature atrial contractions Pericarditis Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Cholecystitis Chronic hepatitis Asthma Chronic bronchitis Depression Insomnia Early stage schizophrenia Psychosis Autonomic dystonia

Ingredients in Wen Dan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Wen Dan Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Wen Dan Tang
Ban Xia is the principal substance in the materia medica for transforming Phlegm and regulating the Stomach Qi.
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Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru

Bamboo shavings

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried middle shavings
Role in Wen Dan Tang
Zhu Ru enters the Stomach to expel Heat and stop nausea, and the Gallbladder to calm the Mind, release Stagnation, and alleviate irritability.
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Zhi Shi
Zhi Shi

Immature Bitter Oranges

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried unripe fruit
Role in Wen Dan Tang
In general Zhi Shi's main actions are as follows: "Regulates the flow of Qi in the Middle Burner and reduces Food Stagnation. Moves Qi downward and helps constipation. Reduces Stagnant Phlegm and lessens distention and pain. For prolapse of organs when used with the appropriate herbs."

In the context of Wen Dan Tang, it is used because it reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi and is particularly effective in treating focal distention.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Wen Dan Tang
Chen Pi dries Dampness and expels Phlegm while regulating the Qi and harmonizes its circulation in the Stomach.
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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 Wen Dan Tang
Fu Ling , together with Liquorice (Gan Cao), strengthens the Spleen, leaches out Dampness, and harmonizes the functions of the Middle Burner.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Wen Dan Tang
Sheng Jiang regulate the relationship between the Gallbladder and stand assists the other herbs in stopping the vomiting.
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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 Wen Dan 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."
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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 Wen Dan 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."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wen Dan 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, Wen Dan 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.