Wen Dan Tang 溫聸湯 - Warm the Gallbladder Formula
Bamboo and Hoelen Combination
WEN DAN TANG History
Source Text: Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns, and Formulas Related to Unification of Three Etiologies. Pinyin source name: San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun, Author: Chen Yan (1174 AD) Southern Song Dynasty
Originally this formula was designed to treat a type of deficiency that resulted in irritability which developed as a result of a serious illness. It was thought to free the warming qi of the Gallbladder. Although the formula has been changed over the course of many years and its uses expanded its original name has been retained.
WEN DANG TANG Ingredients:
| Rz. Pinelliae Preparatum | Ban Xia | 15 % |
| Caulis Bambusae In Taeniam / Shaved Bamboo | Zhu Ru | 15 |
| Fr. Aurantii Immaturus / Immature Bitter Orange | Zhi Shi | 15 |
| Per. Citri Reticulatae / orange peel | Chen Pi | 23 |
| Poria Mushroom / fruiting body | Fu Ling | 5 |
| Glycyrrhizae Radix / Licorice Root | Gan Cao | 5 |
| Fr. Jujube / Red date | Da Zao | 5 |
| Rz. Zingiberis Recens / Fresh Ginger Root | Sheng Jiang | 7 |
WEN DAN TANG Formula Presentation:
The English translation of this formula is "Warm the Gallbladder Decoction", but in fact the nature of the herbs in this formula are not warming or hot, and its overall effect can be considered sedating and slightly cooling. The source text records this prescription for use with those who are easily startled by events, have nightmares or dream disturbed sleep, shortness of breath, fatigue and heart palpitations, and/or spontaneous sweating.
These parameters can be expanded to treat patients with a wider scope of problems if they fit the pattern of treatment and present with confirmations of the following symptoms: may be dizzy or nauseous with possible vomiting that leaves a bitter taste or sticky feeling in the mouth, are easily frightened or startled, or are panicky or with panic attacks perhaps resulting from a recent shock, or are jumpy with inability to calm down, they may express timidity, often with insomnia (tossing or turning with inability to fall asleep) or dream disturbed sleep (usually with nightmares), and perhaps a stifling feeling in their chests. They often have a greasy or slippery coat on their tongues due to phlegm in the body.
WEN DAN TANG Actions:
The actions of Wen Dan Tangs' herbs help clear the phlegm and minor heat signs that are obstructing the qi dynamic between the Stomach and Gallbladder which in this case is blocking the warming fire of the kidneys resulting in what the Chinese termed a "cold Gallbladder." Hence the name, "Warm the Gallbladder Decoction", comes from freeing the bodies natural ability to "warm" the organ on its own via the Shaoyang channels (consisting of the Gallbladder and Pericardium channels in Chinese medical theory)
WEN DAN TANG's TCM Uses
Interestingly in Chinese the words for being timid and scared stiff translates to "timid gallbladder" and "scared and broken Gallbladder". In English the word Gall stands in for boldness or nerve. All reinforcing the thought behind this relationship of courage and the function of the GallBladder and in keeping with what is found in Chinese medical theory.
- Moves Qi
- Dissolves and transforms Phlegm
- Cools and Clears the Gallbladder
- Harmonizes the Middle
- Dries Dampness
- Clears Heat
Safety of WEN DAN TANG
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.
Dosage and Administration of WEN DAN TANG
Tablets: 5 tablets, 3 times a day
Granules: 2-4 grams, taken 2-3 times a day, best on an empty stomach
Whole Herbs: Using a container made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel (no aluminum, iron or copper) boil 1 packet of herbs in 2-quarts of water or until 2 cups of medicine remain. Chen Pi should be added during the last 5 minutes of boiling.
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 Chinese Herbal Decoctions
Chinese herbs are boiled for 20 - 60 minutes, the dregs are strained out and the "tea" is taken warm or at room temperature. Boiling times are averaged according to the composition of the formula. Flower and leaf will yield medicine in 5 -20 minutes. Roots take 20 to 40 minutes; Shells and minerals must cook for at least one hour. A few herbs, like mint or tangerine peel (in this formula), must be quick-boiled for only 1-5 minutes to retain their volatile oils. These herbs are added separately to the boiling mixture just before completion.
WEN DAN TANG Modifications:
This formula is also commonly modified to create formulas such as:
* 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)
* 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.