Huang Lian Jie Du Tang

(Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level

Pattern:

• Fire toxins in all three Jiao

Actions:

• Drains fire and clears toxicity

Indications:

• High fever, irritability, dry mouth and throat, insomnia
• Hematemesis, epistaxis, or spitting of blood.
• Toxic swellings such as carbuncles, furuncles, other suppurative sores, and deep-rooted boils.
• Damp Heat Jaundice.
• Damp Heat Dysentery.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Red and dry with a yellow coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Rapid and forceful pulse

Western Uses:

• Septicemia
• Dysentery
• Pneumonia
• Acute Urinary Tract Infection
• Purulent Skin Lesions (Furuncles, Carbuncles, and Boils)

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Use only in cases where the patient has a strong constitution
• Do not use in cases where there is fluid or Yin deficiency.
• Do not use over a long period of time.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Modern dosage of Huang Lian is usually 50-75% less than the dosage indicated.

Originally Appeared In:

• Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library (Wai Tai Bi Yao)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Large Intestine, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Gall Bladder, Kidneys

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) Qty: 9 grams Chan: HT, LI, LIV, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Rhizoma Coptidis Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
	Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) Qty: 6 grams Chan: GB, LI, LU, ST Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
	Huang Bai (Phellodendron or Amur Cork tree Bark) Qty: 6 grams Chan: KI, BL Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Cortex Phellodendri Cat: Herbs that Clear Heat and Dry Dampness
	Zhi Zi (Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit) Qty: 6-12 grams Chan: HT, LIV, LU, ST, TB Prop: Bitter, Cold Latin: Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis Cat: Herbs that Drain Fire

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.