Formula External formulas for External disorders

Zi Dang Gao

紫当膏

Also known as:

Lithospermum and Tangkuei Ointment

Formula Composition

Zi Cao
Zi Cao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Ma You
Ma You
Feng La
Feng La
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Envoys
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears Heat and cools the Blood
  2. Resolves toxicity
  3. Moistens Dryness
  4. Relieves pain and itching

Patterns Treated

Toxic-Heat

Historical Origin

Complete Book of Patterns and Treatments in External Medicine (1831 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zi Dang Gao

Main Actions

Clears Heat and cools the Blood
Resolves toxicity
Moistens Dryness
Relieves pain and itching

Key TCM Concepts

Zi Dang Gao is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao) and Dong Quai (Dang Gui) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1831 AD, it belongs to the category of external formulas for External disorders. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat and cools the Blood and 2) resolves toxicity .

 

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 Zi Dang Gao is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Toxic-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as lip sores, eczema or psoriasis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Toxic-Heat

Common Applications

Lip sores Eczema Psoriasis Seborrheic dermatitis Sunburn Chilblains Minor burns

Ingredients in Zi Dang Gao

Detailed information about each herb in Zi Dang Gao and their roles

Kings
Envoys
Zi Cao
Zi Cao

Lithospermum roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used The root
Role in Zi Dang Gao
Zi Cao clears Heat, cools the Blood, and resolves Toxicity. When the Toxic-Heat are resolved and the damaged skin is moistened, the pain and itching will cease.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zi Dang Gao
Dang Gui moistens the skin and invigorates the Blood. When the Toxic-Heat are resolved and the damaged skin is moistened, the pain and itching will cease.
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Ma You
Ma You

Sesame oil

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine
Parts Used Pressed oil
Role in Zi Dang Gao
In general Ma You's main actions are as follows: "Moistens the Large Intestines and unblock stools. Neutralizes toxins. "

In the context of Zi Dang Gao, it is used because it neutralizes toxins.
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Feng La
Feng La

Beeswax

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen
Parts Used The wax
Role in Zi Dang Gao
Feng La detoxifies, stops discharge and relives pain. It also promotes wound healing and the generation or new tissues.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zi Dang Gao

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, Zi Dang Gao may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.