Formula Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat

Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang

竹叶石膏汤

Also known as:

Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction

Formula Composition

Shi Gao
Shi Gao
Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Jing Mi
Jing Mi
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Heat
  2. Generates Body Fluids
  3. Strengthens and regulates Qi

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang

Main Actions

Clears Heat
Generates Body Fluids
Strengthens and regulates Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Gypsum (Shi Gao) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Qi-level Heat. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and 2) generates Body 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.

 

From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as pneumonia, encephalitis b or meningitis for instance.

Ingredients in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Shi Gao
Shi Gao

Gypsum

Temperature Cold
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Shi Gao is cold in nature and it clears lurking Heat from the Lungs and Stomach. Its acrid flavor vents pathogenic Heat to the Exterior and helps to invigorate Qi Its sweetness generates Body Fluids and stops thirst.
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Dan Zhu Ye
Dan Zhu Ye

Lophatherum herbs

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Small Intestine, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem and leaf
Role in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Dan Zhu Ye is sweet, bland and cold. It enters into the Lung, Heart and Stomach Channels. It clears Stagnant Heat through the urine but also vents it from the Upper Burner.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Ren Shen , working together with Dwarf lilyturf root， moistens the Lungs and nourishes the Yin, benefits the Stomach and generates Body Fluids, as well as clears Heat from the Heart and eliminates irritability.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Mai Dong , working together with Ginseng, moistens the Lungs and nourishes the Yin, benefits the Stomach and generates Body Fluids, as well as clears Heat from the Heart and eliminates irritability.
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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 Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Gan Cao , together with Rice sprouts, serves two Functions. They assist Ginseng in tonifying the Qi, and they harmonize the Middle Burner and nourish the Stomach, thereby protecting the Stomach against injury from Gypsum.
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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 Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Ban Xia directs rebellious Qi downward and thereby stops the vomiting. It is a warm and acrid herb and may therefore appear to be inappropriate in this formula. However, in concert with the Heat-clearing and Fluid-generating ingredients, it invigorates the Spleen Qi and reduces the Stagnation properties of Dwarf lilyturf root.
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Jing Mi
Jing Mi

Rice sprouts

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Seed kernels
Role in Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Jing Mi , together with Liquorice, serves two Functions. They assist Ginseng in tonifying the Qi, and they harmonize the Middle Burner and nourish the Stomach, thereby protecting the Stomach against injury from Gypsum.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang

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

Contraindications

This formula is not appropriate for febrile diseases where both the normal and pathogenic Qi are abundant, when the fever remains high, or when the Qi and Yin have not yet been injured.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zhu Ye Shi Gao 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.