30 minutes before meals (食前服, as specified in the classical text), typically twice daily, morning and evening. For prominent insomnia, the evening dose may be taken 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Acute use (insomnia, nausea, acute anxiety): 1-2 weeks. Chronic patterns (recurrent dizziness, long-standing Phlegm accumulation): 2-4 weeks, reassessed by practitioner and modified as the pattern evolves.

Avoid greasy, fatty, and fried foods, as these generate further Dampness and Phlegm, directly opposing the formula's therapeutic purpose. Reduce or avoid dairy products, excessively sweet foods, and alcohol, all of which contribute to Phlegm accumulation. Cold and raw foods (including iced drinks, raw salads, and sashimi) should be minimized, as they impair the Spleen's transforming function and promote Dampness. Favor easily digestible, lightly cooked foods such as congee, steamed vegetables, and small portions of lean protein. Bland foods like Job's tears (yi yi ren), white radish, and winter melon naturally support Dampness drainage. Eating regular, moderate meals rather than large heavy meals supports the Stomach's descending function.

Wen Dan Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat Phlegm-Heat type disorders. This formula was first detailed in the 11th-century medical text "Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders" by the renowned scholar-physician Zhang Zhongjing. In TCM, Wen Dan Tang is employed to harmonize the Gallbladder and Stomach, clear Phlegm, and calm the Mind (spirit).

In modern practice, it is used to alleviate anxiety, depression, vertigo, and chronic mental disorders. Its calming properties can assist with sleep disorders and support cognitive health. Additionally, it is sometimes recommended for improving digestive health.

Gan Cao (Licorice): Glycyrrhizin in Gan Cao can cause pseudoaldosteronism (potassium loss and sodium/water retention), potentially interacting with diuretics (especially thiazides and loop diuretics, compounding potassium loss), cardiac glycosides such as digoxin (hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity), corticosteroids (additive mineralocorticoid effects), and antihypertensive medications (opposing their blood-pressure-lowering action through fluid retention).

Ban Xia (Pinellia): No major direct drug interactions are well-documented for processed Pinellia at standard doses. However, its sedative and antiemetic properties may theoretically potentiate the effects of CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, or antiemetics. Caution is advised with concurrent use.

Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange): Contains synephrine, which has sympathomimetic properties. This may interact with MAO inhibitors and sympathomimetic drugs, and could theoretically affect blood pressure or heart rate. Patients on antiarrhythmic drugs should be monitored.

General: As a Phlegm-resolving and Qi-regulating formula, Wen Dan Tang may influence gastrointestinal motility and absorption, potentially affecting the bioavailability of concurrently administered oral medications. It is advisable to separate administration by at least one to two hours from pharmaceutical drugs.