Danggui Aloe Tang

Danggui Aloe Tang

One liang of angelica root, one liang of gallbladder, five qian of aloe, five qian of indigo, one qian of gardenia, one qian of coptis, one qian of huangbai, one qian of scutellaria, five qian of rhubarb, two qian and a half of sandalwood, and five qian of musk. Old formula for treating blood disorders: paste pills, taken with ginger decoction. For treating blood diseases, use wine pills, taken with children's urine—this is especially effective. Among all the organs in the human body, liver fire is the most unruly (1), often accompanying and exacerbating the fire of other meridians, causing harm. This formula uses indigo powder, aloe, and gentian to directly suppress the fire of the liver meridian, while scutellaria, coptis, gardenia, phellodendron, and rhubarb are used to clear the fire from other meridians. When fire is excessive, qi becomes stagnant; therefore, two aromatic herbs are added to promote qi circulation. When fire is excessive, blood becomes deficient; thus, angelica is used as the principal herb to tonify blood. For cases where liver fire has caused rupture, this formula is the most powerful, so do not be concerned that it contains more purgative herbs than tonifying ones.

[Note] (1) Most unruly: meaning the most violent and destructive

[Comment] This formula originates from "Jufang." It clears excess heat and fire from the liver meridian, making it an effective remedy for liver fire ascending and forcing blood to flow abnormally.