Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng
Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng (龙胆泻肝汤, “Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction”) comes from Yi Fang Ji Jie (1682 CE). Drains the fire of the Liver and Gallbladder, eliminates heat-humidity of the Lower Jiao.
Main action
Drains the fire of the Liver and Gallbladder, eliminates heat-humidity of the Lower Jiao
Intense drainage formula. The classic says: 'as bitter as bile', reflecting its power. It should be used with diagnostic precision and for short periods.
Indications
- Severe headache with anger
- Rib pain
- red eyes
- Acute tinnitus
- Jaundice
- Genital itching
- Yellow leucorrhoea
- painful urination
- Tongue
- Red, yellow and greasy coating
- Pulse
- Rope, fast and slippery
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lóng Dǎn Cǎo 龙胆草 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Drains fire from the Liver and Gallbladder, eliminates damp heat |
| Huáng Qín 黄芩 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Drains heat from the Liver, Lung and Gallbladder |
| Zhī Zǐ 栀子 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Drains heat from all three heaters |
| Zé Xiè 泽泻 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Drains moisture from the Lower Jiao |
| Mù Tōng 木通 | Minister (臣 chén) | 6g | Drains heat-humidity through urine |
| Chē Qián Zǐ 车前子 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Drains heat-humid, diuretic |
| Shēng Dì Huáng 生地黄 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Nourishes Yin, prevents bitters from damaging Yin |
| Dāng Guī 当归 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Nourishes Blood, prevents damage from drains |
| Chái Hú 柴胡 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Guide to the Liver and Gallbladder |
| Gān Cǎo 甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Harmonizes, protects the Stomach |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction: boil 30 min, take 2 times/day. Do not use more than 1-2 weeks in a row
Current uses being studied
- Acute shingles
- Urinary infections
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Acute hepatitis
- Hypertension with severe headache
Precautions
- Only for excess conditions, NEVER in deficiency
- Do not use long term: damages the Yin and Spleen
- Mu Tong (Aristolochia) should be avoided: nephrotoxic; replace with Deng Xin Cao
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 龙胆泻肝汤
- English name
- Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction
- Source
- Yi Fang Ji Jie (1682 CE)
- Dynasty
- Qing
- Category
- Harmonize the Liver
- Constitutions
- Damp-Heat Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
