Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

From “Chong Ding Pu Tong Shang Han Lun”

[Composition] 6 grams of Qing Hao, 9 grams of Dan Zhu Ru, 4.5 grams of Zhì Ban Xia, 9 grams of Chi Fu Ling, 6 grams of Huang Qin, 4.5 grams of Ji Ke, 4.5 grams of Chen Pi, 9 grams of Bi Yu San (including talc, licorice, and indigo).

[Administration] Decocted in water and taken orally.

[Indications] Gallbladder fire combined with dampness, gastric reflux and phlegm.

[Suitable Symptoms] Alternating chills and fever, chest and flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, chest tightness and discomfort, nausea and hiccups, abdominal distension and fullness, acid reflux and belching, yellowish, greasy tongue coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse.

[Functions] Clear gallbladder and eliminate dampness, harmonize the stomach and eliminate phlegm.

[Formula Explanation] When gallbladder fire is combined with dampness, alternating chills and fever, chest and flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, and chest tightness and discomfort occur; when gastric reflux and phlegm are present, nausea and hiccups, abdominal distension and fullness, and acid reflux occur. Gallbladder fire originates from liver stagnation! When liver wood overcomes the earth, gastric reflux and phlegm arise. In this formula, Qing Hao is bitter, cool, and aromatic, clearing and penetrating the pathogenic heat in the liver and gallbladder, while also possessing aromatic properties to help eliminate dampness as the primary treatment. Huang Qin is bitter and cold, entering the gallbladder to clear heat and dry dampness as an auxiliary treatment. Wen Dan Tang harmonizes the stomach, descends the rising qi, eliminates dampness, and removes phlegm as complementary treatments. Bi Yu San clears heat and promotes water drainage, allowing dampness and heat to be expelled through urine—this is a guiding and harmonizing approach.

[Clinical Additions and Subtractions]

When used in combination with Zuo Jin Wan, the efficacy is even greater; adding grass fruit and grass nut enhances the stomach-harmonizing and fullness-reducing effects; adding mulberry branches, Coix seed, and loofah fiber can help clear the meridians and relieve pain; removing Chen Pi and Ban Xia and adding Yin Chen can treat damp-heat jaundice.

[Reference Materials]

① “Qing Hao’s fragrance clears the meridians, leading pathogenic qi out from the Shaoyang gallbladder meridian—though its potency is slower than that of Chai Hu, which opens and clears the skin’s pores, Qing Hao’s ability to dispel filth and open the meridians is superior. Thus, in recent times, people favor Qing Hao while fearing Chai Hu.” (from “Chong Ding Pu Tong Shang Han Lun”)

② “The fire in the gallbladder is intense, so Qing Hao, Huang Qin, and Dan Zhu Ru are used as the principal herbs to clear gallbladder fire. When gallbladder fire is intense, it will inevitably affect the stomach, causing fluid stagnation and phlegm formation; therefore, Ji Ke and Er Chen are used to harmonize the stomach and eliminate phlegm. However, the qi in the lower burner must be flowing smoothly, so the fire in the gallbladder can be cleared and harmonized, and Bi Yu is used to guide the fire downward. Using Chi Fu Ling allows dampness and heat to be eliminated, and all of these substances leave through the bladder—this is an excellent formula for harmonizing the gallbladder meridian. For cases of chest discomfort and vomiting, or when chills and fever resemble malaria, this formula is always effective.” (from “Chong Ding Pu Tong Shang Han Lun”)

[Commentary] This formula can be used with adjustments for both acute and chronic cholecystitis, as well as for acute and chronic hepatitis.

II. Harmonizing Liver and Spleen

“When you see a liver disease, know that the liver transmits to the spleen”—when liver disease spreads to the spleen, liver wood overcomes earth, also known as liver-spleen imbalance. To treat such conditions, use the method of harmonizing liver and spleen. Common symptoms include bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, chest and flank fullness, abdominal distension and pain, and loss of appetite.