Long Dan Xie Gan Tang 龍膽瀉肝湯 - Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver
Formula to Purge Liver Fire with Gentiana
History of Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Source: Analytic Collection of Medical Formulas (Yi Fang Ji Jie), Wang An, 1682 AD
LONG DAN XIE GAN TANG TCM Uses
Treats various patterns due to excess liver and gallbladder fire rising or damp-heat descending.
- Drains fire from liver and gallbladder
- Clears Damp Heat from the Lower Burner
- Detoxifies liver and gallbladder
LONG DAN XIE GAN TANG Ingredients
|
Botanical Name
|
Pin Yin Name
|
%
|
Formula Functions
|
| Rx. Gentianae | Long Dan Cao | 9 % |
Drains Excess Heat from the Liver/Gallbladder |
| Rx. Scutellariae | Huang Qin | 10 |
Drains Fire, dries Dampness and calms rising Liver Yang. |
| Fr. Gardeniae | Zhi Zi | 10 |
Clears Heat, sooths irritability and drains Damp/Heat. |
| Caulis Akebiae | Mu Tong | 9 |
Promotes urination. |
| Sm. Plantaginis | Che Qian Zi | 15 | Promotes urination and clears Heat. |
| Rz. Alismatis | Ze Xie | 12 | Promotes urination and clears Damp Heat. |
| Rx. Bupleuri | Chai Hu | 2 |
Disperses Heat due to friction from Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Rx. Rehmanniae | Sheng Di Huang | 15 |
Nourishes Yin and clears Heat. |
| Dong Quai Tails | Dang Gui Wei | 12 |
Nourishes Blood without causing Stasis. |
| Licorice Root | Gan Cao | 6 | Harmonizes the Middle Jiao and regulates other herbs. |
Safety of LONG DAN XIE GAN TANG
- Do not use for very weak individuals.
- Use caution for those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold.
- Contraindicated for those with Yin, Yang or Blood Deficiency.
- Contraindicated for long-term use.
Use caution during pregnancy. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care provider before taking any supplement.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is powerful and reliable, but it can be complex. As TCM is not based on symptoms alone, self-diagnosis and self-treatment aren't recommended. Best to start a low cost online-herbal-consultation.
Common Combinations for Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
- With Chai Hu and Huang Qin, for Liver/ Gallbladder Damp-Heat.
- With Zhi Zi, drains Heart Fire.
- With Huang Qin, drains Fire, Eliminates Dampness.
- With Gan Cao, for hepatitis and upper right quadrant pain.
- With Sheng Di Huang, nourishes Yin and Blood
- With Dang Gui, nourishes Yin and Blood.
Long Dan Xie Gan Dosage
Capsules: 3 capsules 2-3 times a day, or as prescribed
Tablets or Pills: 5-8 tablets, 2-3 times a day
Granules: 2-4 grams, taken 2-3 times a day, best on an empty stomach
Whole Herbs: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang formula is composed mainly of roots, so the boiling time should be at least 40 minutes, the dregs are strained out and the "tea" is taken warm or at room temperature. Good quality herbs will permit a second boiling.
Using a container made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel (Don't use aluminum, iron or copper) boil 1 packet of herbs in 2-3 quarts of water until 2 cups of medicine remain. Adjust the lid to regulate water evaporation.
Strain herbs; save and refrigerate for a second boiling. Drink 1 cup in the AM. And 1 cup in the PM. If desired, repeat the following day, using the saved herbs from the refrigerator.
Tips on Boiling & Taking Chinese Herbal Decoctions
The potent odors and flavors of Chinese herbs are legendary. Boiling the herbs and drinking the tea will provide the fullest experience of these medicines. Be sure to ventilate the room to reduce the strong odors. Holding your nose (or your breath) while drinking the herbs virtually eliminates the taste, and taking something sweet afterwards will eliminate any aftertaste.
Always refrigerate herbs and medicine you intend to re-use or take later. Reheat refrigerated liquids to room temperature before drinking them.
* What’s the Difference Between, PIAN, WAN, TANG, SAN, SHUI and GAO?
- PIAN = Tablet (modern looking pill)
- WAN = Pill (old-style or handmade pill, or black teapill)
- TANG = Water Decoction (boiled whole herbs)
- SAN = Powder (milled or granulated)
- SHUI = Tincture (extract with alcohol or other solvent)
- GAO = Paste (topical unguent or plaster)
** Information is for educational purposes and not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.