long dan xie gan tang

Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver

About long dan xie gan tang

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver, is Long Dan Cao, Huang Qin, Zhi Zi, Mu Tong, Che Qian Zi, Ze Xie, Chai Hu, Sheng Di Huang and Dang Gui. The catalogue classes it among the formulas that clear Heat from the organs.

Ingredients

Herb	Amount
long dan cao	3 g
huang qin	6 g
zhi zi	6 g
mu tong	3 g
che qian zi	9 g
ze xie	6 g
chai hu	3 g
sheng di huang	9 g
dang gui	6 g

Actions and indications

Drains excess Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder

Fire of the Liver and Gallbladder blazing upward
Headache, often one-sided or migraine-like, with dizziness
Eyes red, swollen and sore
Sudden deafness or tinnitus with a blocked feeling; swelling of or discharge from the ears
Bitter taste, dry throat, and dry mouth without much thirst
Short temper and irritability; red face
Pain in the flanks, chest or armpits
Constipation with dark, scanty urine

Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao and San Jiao

Damp-Heat in the Liver channel or San Jiao pouring downward
Urination painful, difficult or turbid, with burning in the urethra; blood in the urine; yellow urine
Swelling, itching or sores of the genitals; sweating in the groin
Foul-smelling yellow vaginal discharge
Swelling or eczema of the scrotum
Periods coming early, the blood reddish-purple
Tongue red, or red at the edges, with a yellow or yellow greasy coat; pulse wiry, rapid and forceful

Modern uses

Migraine headache
Viral hepatitis
Eczema
Intercostal neuralgia
Gallstones
Uveitis
Conjunctivitis
Corneal ulcers
Acute glaucoma
Central retinitis
Acute suppurative otitis media
Herpes zoster (initial stage)
Herpes simplex (early stages)
Herpes genitalia
Pyelonephritis
Cystitis
Urethritis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Orchitis
Epididymitis
Hyperthyroidism
Endometritis
Meniere's disease
Jaundice
Vaginal inflammation
Vaginal itch
Obesity
Headache
Epistaxis
Nebula
Hemoptysis
Alopecia
Dysentery
Acute gastritis
Hiccups
Vertigo
Itching in the elderly
Acute tonsillitis
Hematochezia
Acute pus-forming infection of the perineum
Abdominal pain with painful urination
Acute pus-forming infection of the penis
Hematuria
AIDS/HIV
Dizziness
Bipolar disorder
Asthma
Syphilis
Constipation
Fibrocystic breast disease
Acute icteric hepatitis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Nephritis
Gonorrhea
Leukemia
Bartholinitis
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Fallopian tube infection
Uterine prolapse
Cervicitis
Allergic rhinitis
Diabetes mellitus
Atopic dermatitis
Mania
Anxiety neurosis
Breathing problems related to stress
Myalgic encephalomyelitis
Schizophrenia
Psychosis
Tinnitus
Deafness
Acute pancreatitis
Anorexia
Menopause syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome
Hematemesis
Drug-induced dermatitis
Palpitations
Short menstruation
Rectal prolapse
Indigestion
Metrorrhagia
Neck pain and stiffness
Dysmenorrhea
Herpes with HIV/AIDS
Hangover
Sore throat
Hepatitis C
Chronic tonsillitis
Leukorrhea
Optic neuritis
Venereal ulcer
Groin lymphadenitis
Genital eczema
Boils and carbuncles of the nasal vestibule and outer ear canal
Hypertension
Swollen eyelids
Eye pain
Acute prostatitis
Scrotal eczema
Scrotal abscess
Acute cholecystitis
Acute pyelitis
Encephalitis B
Chronic viral infections
Psoriasis
Viral dermatosis
Inflamed, swollen genitals
Perineal itching in women
Perineal infection
Furuncle of the nasal vestibule
Rosacea
Prostatitis
Vaginal pain
Insomnia
Infertility
Keratitis
Acne vulgaris
Common warts
Soft warts
Cough
Otitis media
Chancre
Oliguria
Trigeminal neuralgia
Lacrimation
Manic depression
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Sperm abnormality
Behcet's disease
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Urinary tract infection
Shingles
Male sexual dysfunction
Spermatorrhea
Erysipelas
Endometriosis
Ovaritis
Mastitis
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Oral lichen planus
Sciatica
Prostatic hypertrophy
Boils
Hysteria
Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome
Epstein-Barr virus syndrome
Impotence
Stress
Chronic pancreatitis
Depression
Allergic purpura
Thrombocytopenic purpura
Fatigue
Enuresis
Hernia
Liver cancer
Oral leukoplakia
Thrush
Otorrhea
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Cervical polyps
Urolithiasis
Itching with HIV/AIDS
Vaginitis
Acute conjunctivitis
Acute otitis media
Ear canal boils or carbuncles
Herpes simplex
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease
Swollen testes

Symptoms

Axillary pain
Bitter taste in the mouth
Chest pain
Constipation
Dark menstrual blood
Dark urine
Difficult urination
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Dry throat
Ear discharge
Early menstruation
Eye pain
Flushed face
Genital itching
Headache
Hearing loss
Hematuria
Hypochondriac pain
Irritability
Painful urination
Red eyes
Sweating
Swelling
Testicular swelling
Tinnitus
Turbid urine
Vaginal discharge

Modifications

Middle Jiao Heat: + huang lian, + shi gao
Insomnia: + bai zi ren
Psoriasis from toxic Damp-Heat: + huang bai, + jin yin hua, + zi hua di ding, + ye ju hua, + lian qiao, + fu ling, − chai hu, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Viral skin disease: + ku shen, + bei xie, + ma dou ling, − long dan cao
Pale red vaginal discharge with a wiry, rapid pulse: + chi shao, + lian xu
Painful red eyes with a severe headache: + ju hua, + sang ye
Tremor: + gou teng, + chuan bei mu
Coughing blood when Liver Fire attacks the Lung: + mu dan pi, + ce bai ye
Pelvic inflammatory disease: + huang bai, + hong teng, + bai jiang cao, − long dan cao
Icteric hepatitis: + yin chen, − che qian zi, − ze xie
Heavy vaginal discharge from Damp-Heat: + huang bai, − gan cao, − huang qin
Jaundice from Damp-Heat: + yin chen, + da huang, − gan cao, − sheng di huang

Show all 215 modifications

Waking, startling or taking fright easily: + long chi, + ci shi
Stuffy, uncomfortable chest and epigastrium: + xiang fu, + yu jin, + zhi ke
Constipation: + da huang
Constipation (alternative): + da huang, + mang xiao
Painful, difficult urination: + yin chen, + fu ling
Acute glaucoma: + xuan shen, + qiang huo
Red, swollen, painful eyes: + chuan xiong, + ju hua
Urinary tract infection: + bian xu, + qu mai, + bai mao gen, + lian qiao
Marked visual disturbance (or combined with Xi Gan Ming Mu San): + ju hua, + jue ming zi
Excess Dampness: + hua shi, + yi yi ren, − huang qin, − sheng di huang
Penile sores, or a scrotum that is red and swollen: + lian qiao, + huang lian, + da huang, − chai hu
Genital itching, as an external wash (combined with Ba Zheng San): + she chuang zi, + ku shen
Itchy nipples: + ju ye, + fo shou
Blocked nose, sinusitis or rhinitis from Liver and Gallbladder Fire: + ju hua, + bai zhi
Blocked nose or rhinitis from Liver and Gallbladder Fire, with severe headache (combined with Huo Dan Wan): + ju hua, + bai zhi
Blocked nose or rhinitis from Liver and Gallbladder Fire, alternative (combined with Huo Dan Wan): + cang er zi, + bai zhi, + e bu shi cao, + shi jue ming, + gou teng
Prostatitis from toxic Heat: + huang bai, + hu zhang, + pu gong ying, + bai jiang cao, − mu tong, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei)
Eczema: + mu tong, + jing jie
Blood in the urine: + chao pu huang, + xiao ji
Heavy bleeding: + chao pu huang, + xiao ji, + qian cao gen, + ce bai ye
Intense Heat: + huang lian, + ling yang jiao
Dryness: + mai men dong, + xuan shen, + zhi mu
Alternative herbs, indication not stated: + chao pu huang, + xiao ji
Damp-Heat prostatitis with a bitter taste (combined with Yun Nan Bai Yao): + bai jiang cao, + pu gong ying, + long dan cao
Damp-Heat prostatitis with a hardened prostate: + ze lan, + ru xiang, + tao ren, + chi shao
Damp-Heat prostatitis with sexual dysfunction: + bei xie, + yin yang huo
Severe itching: + ku shen, + bai xian pi
Pustules weeping yellow fluid: + pu gong ying, + jin yin hua
Acute eczema: + huang bai, + yi yi ren, + fu ling, + bei xie, + hua shi, + che qian zi, + mu dan pi
Eczema mainly on the upper body: + sang ye, + ju hua, + bai xian pi, + chan tui, + di fu zi
Insomnia from rising Liver Yang without Fire: − huang qin, − zhi zi
Keratitis: + fang feng, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + pu gong ying, + ban lan gen, − mu tong, − che qian zi
Insomnia from rising Liver Yang without Fire, with headache, dizziness and tinnitus: + tian ma, − huang qin, − zhi zi
Suppurative cataract: + san qi, + tao ren, + hong hua
Hypertension: + xia ku cao, + jue ming zi, + gou teng
Cholecystitis: + ku lian pi, + da huang
Cholecystitis (alternative): + yin chen hao, + da huang
Erythematosis: + zhi ke, + da huang
Leukemia: + ban zhi lian, + bai hua she she cao
Alternative herbs after the leukemia entry, indication not stated: + yin chen hao, + da huang, + chuan lian zi
Leukemia with excess Heat: + ban zhi lian, + bai hua she she cao
Migraine (combined with Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin): + ju hua, + bai shao
Diabetes mellitus (combined with Huang Lian Jie Du Tang): + han fang ji, + can sha, + lian zi xin, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Shingles above the waist: + sheng ma
Shingles below the waist: + huai niu xi
Sciatica: + hu zhang, + di long
Painful orchitis: + yan hu suo, + chuan lian zi
Orchitis with hardening of the testicle: + ju he, + tao ren, + hong hua, − sheng di huang
Orchitis with blood in the urine: + hu zhang, + bai mao gen
Orchitis with frequent, burning, painful urination: + huang bai, + shi wei
Orchitis with prostatitis: + bei xie, + li zhi he
Orchitis with painful urination and urethritis: + gan cao, + tu fu ling
Orchitis: + chuan lian zi, + li zhi he, + yan hu suo
Male sexual dysfunction: + zhi mu, + hai piao xiao, + qian cao gen
Dampness causing male sexual dysfunction: + zhi mu, + hai piao xiao, + qian cao gen, + ze xie, + che qian zi
Dampness causing male sexual dysfunction (alternative): + zhi mu, + hai piao xiao, + qian cao gen, + long dan cao, + zhi zi, + huang bai
Male sexual dysfunction with Yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney: + zhi mu, + hai piao xiao, + qian cao gen
Male sexual dysfunction with unusually thick semen in nocturnal emissions (combined with Er Zhi Wan): + zhi mu, + hai piao xiao, + qian cao gen, + dan shen, + tu fu ling, + chuan lian zi, + bie jia, + shu di huang
Bartholinitis: + pu gong ying, + zi hua di ding, + ye ju hua
Scrotal eczema: + bai xian pi, + di fu zi, + cang zhu
Pelvic inflammatory disease (alternative): + huang qi
Constipation in polycystic ovary syndrome: + da huang, + mang xiao
Cervicitis: + bai jiang cao, + huang bai, + huang qi
Behcet's disease in a patient with deficient Liver-Kidney Yin: + mo han lian, + nu zhen zi
Qi-deficient Behcet's disease: + huang qi, + dang shen
Severe itch in Behcet's disease: + ku shen, + bai xian pi
Damp-type Behcet's disease: + da huang, + cang zhu
Otitis media: + xin yi hua, + cang er zi
Bartholinitis (alternative): + huang bai, + chi shao, + zi hua di ding, − sheng di huang
Bartholinitis with marked redness, swelling, heat and pain of the vulva: + huang bai, + chi shao, + zi hua di ding, + jin yin hua, + pu gong ying, + ban bian lian, − sheng di huang
Bartholinitis with severe swelling, distention and pain of the vulva: + huang bai, + chi shao, + zi hua di ding, + ru xiang, + mo yao, + bai zhi, + zao jiao ci, − sheng di huang
Bartholinitis with severe vulval itching where Damp-Heat predominates: + huang bai, + chi shao, + zi hua di ding, + yi yi ren, + di fu zi, − sheng di huang
Itching in the elderly: + mu li, + huang bai, + bai ji li, + bai xian pi
Itching in the elderly, with vulval itch and fishy-smelling discharge: + mu li, + huang bai, + bai ji li, + bai xian pi, + tu fu ling, + she chuang zi
Scrotal itching in the elderly: + mu li, + huang bai, + bai ji li, + bai xian pi, + chan tui
Anal itching in the elderly: + mu li, + huang bai, + bai ji li, + bai xian pi, + ku shen, + di fu zi
Emaciation: + da huang, − ze xie
Blood in the urine (alternative): + zhi da huang, + xiao ji, + huai jiao
Severe blood in the urine: + zhi da huang, + xiao ji, + huai jiao, + di yu, + da ji
Blood in the urine with very painful urination or severe flank pain: + zhi da huang, + xiao ji, + huai jiao, + chuan lian zi tan, + yan hu suo
Bipolar disorder, for a rapid effect: + da huang
No ejaculation (combined with Bei Xie Fen Qing Yin): + chuan shan jia, + lu lu tong, + wang bu liu xing
Semen that fails to liquefy (combined with Bei Xie Fen Qing Yin)
Fever in Behcet's disease: + shi gao, + zhi mu
Behcet's disease with swelling of the legs: + fu ling, + zhu ling, + chi xiao dou
Behcet's disease with pustules, blisters or folliculitis: + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao
Behcet's disease with sores of the eyes: + jue ming zi, + qing xiang zi
Behcet's disease with sores on the external genitals: + zao jiao zi, + huang bai, + tu fu ling
Pus in Behcet's disease: + pu gong ying, + ban zhi lian
Constipation in Behcet's disease: + da huang
Behcet's disease with sore throat: + ban lan gen, + niu bang zi
Liver-channel Damp-Heat fever with red, swollen, painful eyes: + ju hua, + xia ku cao
Liver-channel Damp-Heat fever with thick yellow pus from the ears: + ban lan gen, + pu gong ying
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue or Epstein-Barr syndrome from Damp-Heat, Heat predominant: + hua shi, − che qian zi
Stress, high blood pressure, long-standing middle-ear infection or ringing ears: + shi chang pu
Severe tinnitus: + shi chang pu, + ci shi
Stress, high blood pressure, long-standing middle-ear infection or ringing ears, where Phlegm or Phlegm-Heat is present: + shi chang pu
Stress, high blood pressure, long-standing middle-ear infection or ringing ears, plus constipation: + shi chang pu, + da huang
One or two of these herbs, indication not stated: + gua lou, + tian hua fen, + zhe bei mu, + zhu ru
Tinnitus with a discharge of pus: + shi chang pu, + da qing ye, + ban lan gen
Stress, high blood pressure, long-standing middle-ear infection or ringing ears, plus severe headache and sore red eyes: + shi chang pu, + ju hua, + sang ye
Stress, high blood pressure, long-standing middle-ear infection or ringing ears, plus internal Wind such as tics or spasms: + shi chang pu, + gou teng, + shi jue ming, + ci shi
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Heat predominant (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang): + jin yin hua, + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + lian qiao, + zhi shi, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Heat predominant, with high fever (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang): + jin yin hua, + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + lian qiao, + zhi shi, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, + shi gao, + ban lan gen, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Heat predominant, with nausea and vomiting (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang): + jin yin hua, + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + lian qiao, + zhi shi, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, + zhu ru, + zhi ban xia, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Heat predominant, with sluggish appetite (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang): + jin yin hua, + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + lian qiao, + zhi shi, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, + mai ya, + shan zha, + shen qu, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Heat predominant, with Blood stasis (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang): + jin yin hua, + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + lian qiao, + zhi shi, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, + dan shen, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Damp predominant (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang): + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − long dan cao
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Damp predominant, without constipation (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang and San Ren Tang): + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − long dan cao, − da huang
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Damp predominant, with jaundice (combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang and San Ren Tang): + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − long dan cao
Cholecystitis or gallstones, Damp predominant, with jaundice (alternative, combined with Yin Chen Hao Tang and San Ren Tang): + yu jin, + hai jin sha, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, + jin qian cao, − mu dan pi, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − long dan cao
Hepatitis C: + hua shi, + qing dai
Hepatitis C with Heat turning into Fire: + hua shi, + qing dai, + da huang
Hepatitis C with Yin damaged by Heat (combined with San Ren Tang): + hua shi, + qing dai, + mai men dong, + tian men dong, + wei ling xian, + jin qian cao
Hepatitis C with jaundice: + hua shi, + qing dai, + yin chen hao
Nausea and vomiting in hepatitis C: + hua shi, + qing dai, + zhu ru, + chen pi
Hepatitis C where fatty food is disliked or stools hold undigested food: + hua shi, + qing dai, + shan zha, + mai ya, + shen qu
Severe pain: + chuan lian zi, + yan hu suo
Fever with jaundice: + yin chen hao, + huang bai
Roundworms in the bile duct (combined with Dan Dao Qu Hui Tang or Yin Chen Hao Tang)
Nosebleed with hypertension: + chuan niu xi, + bai mao gen, − chai hu
Nosebleed with heavy bleeding: + chuan niu xi, + bai mao gen, + qian cao gen, + xian he cao, − chai hu
Nosebleed with hypertension and severe Heat: + chuan niu xi, + bai mao gen, + huang lian, + ling yang jiao fen, − chai hu
Nosebleed with hypertension and Dryness: + chuan niu xi, + bai mao gen, + mai men dong, + xuan shen, + zhi mu, − chai hu, − che qian zi, − ze xie
Insomnia, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, bipolar disorder, depression or premenstrual syndrome: + zhen zhu mu, + ye jiao teng, + he huan pi
Severe insomnia, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, bipolar disorder, depression or premenstrual syndrome: + zhen zhu mu, + ye jiao teng, + he huan pi, + bai zi ren
Insomnia, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, bipolar disorder, depression or premenstrual syndrome, with a full, uncomfortable abdomen: + zhen zhu mu, + ye jiao teng, + he huan pi, + xiang fu, + yu jin, + zhi ke
Waking easily, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, bipolar disorder, depression or premenstrual syndrome, with a full, uncomfortable abdomen: + zhen zhu mu, + ye jiao teng, + he huan pi, + long chi, + ci shi
Genital herpes: + ku shen, + bai xian pi, − long dan cao, − mu tong
Genital herpes with fever: + ku shen, + bai xian pi, + jin yin hua, + lian qiao, − long dan cao, − mu tong
Genital herpes with swollen lymph nodes: + ku shen, + bai xian pi, + xia ku cao, + mu li, + xuan shen, + hai zao, − long dan cao, − mu tong
Genital herpes with pain of the low back and sacrum: + ku shen, + bai xian pi, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, − long dan cao, − mu tong
Genital herpes with infection: + ku shen, + bai xian pi, + ban lan gen, + zi cao, − long dan cao, − mu tong
Shingles: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Shingles with constipation: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + da huang, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Dry throat in shingles: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + xuan shen, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Facial shingles: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + shi jue ming, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Shingles with Dampness: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + cang zhu, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Alternative herb after the shingles with Dampness entry, indication not stated: + niu bang zi
Shingles with lesions on the legs: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + huai niu xi, + huang bai, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Chest or lower-belly shingles: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + ku shen, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Painful, aching shingles: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + yan hu suo, + mo yao, + ru xiang, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Shingles with itching: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + jiang can, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Shingles with Spleen deficiency and tiredness: + da qing ye, + mu dan pi, + chi shao, + zi cao, + ju hua, + jin yin hua, + tao ren, + huang lian, + huang qi, + dang shen, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Vomiting blood: + mu dan pi, + bai mao gen, + ou jie, + mo han lian, + qian cao gen, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − chai hu, − zhi gan cao, − dang gui (wei)
Chronic or recurring vomiting of blood: + mu dan pi, + bai mao gen, + ou jie, + mo han lian, + qian cao gen, + hua rui shi, + san qi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − chai hu, − zhi gan cao, − dang gui (wei)
Vomiting blood, plus heartburn or reflux: + mu dan pi, + bai mao gen, + ou jie, + mo han lian, + qian cao gen, + huang lian, + wu zhu yu, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − chai hu, − zhi gan cao, − dang gui (wei)
Hypertension from rising Liver Yang with marked Heat and Wind: red face and eyes, shaking hands, numb tongue or limbs: + mu li, + zhen zhu mu, + gou teng, + chou wu tong, + ju hua, + bai ji li, + xi xian cao, + di long, + tian ma, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − chai hu
Hypertension from rising Liver Yang with marked Heat and Wind, red face and eyes, shaking hands, numb tongue or limbs, and severe headache: + mu li, + zhen zhu mu, + gou teng, + chou wu tong, + ju hua, + bai ji li, + xi xian cao, + di long, + tian ma, + chuan xiong, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − chai hu
Hypertension from rising Liver Yang with marked Heat and Wind, red face and eyes, shaking hands, numb tongue or limbs, and nausea with vomiting: + mu li, + zhen zhu mu, + gou teng, + chou wu tong, + ju hua, + bai ji li, + xi xian cao, + di long, + zhu ru, + zhi ban xia, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − chai hu
Dermatitis from medication: + lian qiao, + jin yin hua, + bai mao gen, + guan mu tong, + bai xian pi, + di fu zi, − mu tong, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei)
Dermatitis from medication, Heat marked: + lian qiao, + jin yin hua, + bai mao gen, + guan mu tong, + bai xian pi, + di fu zi, + shi gao, + zhi mu, − mu tong, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei)
Dermatitis from medication, Dampness marked: + lian qiao, + jin yin hua, + bai mao gen, + guan mu tong, + bai xian pi, + di fu zi, + fu ling pi, + dong gua pi, − mu tong, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei)
Dermatitis from medication, itch marked: + lian qiao, + jin yin hua, + bai mao gen, + guan mu tong, + bai xian pi, + di fu zi, + quan xie, + ku shen, − mu tong, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei)
Nosebleed: + qian cao gen, + huai hua mi, − mu tong, − dang gui (wei)
Headache: + xia ku cao, + jiu chao ju hua, + jiang can, − che qian zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Stubborn headache: + xia ku cao, + jiu chao ju hua, + jiang can, + quan xie, − che qian zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Headache in hypertension: + xia ku cao, + jiu chao ju hua, + jiang can, + ge gen, + gou teng, − che qian zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Headache at the vertex: + xia ku cao, + jiu chao ju hua, + jiang can, + wu zhu yu, − che qian zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Headache at the temples: + xia ku cao, + jiu chao ju hua, + jiang can, + bai ji li, − che qian zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Headache with dizziness: + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + gou teng, − mu tong, − ze xie, − gan cao
Hernia from Phlegm-Heat (combined with Ju He Wan)
Overactive thyroid with Middle Jiao Heat: + huang lian, + shi gao
Constipation in hyperthyroidism: + da huang
Hypertension with severe headache and dizziness: + shi jue ming, + zhen zhu mu
Hypertension with dry mouth and tongue: + xuan shen, + shi hu
Vaginal discharge from Fire in the Heart and Liver: + huang lian
Blood-stained vaginal discharge: + mu dan pi, + chi shao
Vaginal discharge with constipation (combined with Ba Wei Dai Xia Fang)
Liver cancer: + guan mu tong, − mu tong, − chai hu
Oral leukoplakia: + yi yi ren, + fu ling, + hou po, − zhi zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Oral leukoplakia, Spleen clearly deficient: + yi yi ren, + fu ling, + hou po, + dang shen, + bai zhu, − zhi zi, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Oral leukoplakia, Blood static: + yi yi ren, + fu ling, + hou po, − zhi zi
Spermatorrhea with Yin deficiency: + he shou wu, + nu zhen zi, + bai shao, − mu tong, − ze xie, − che qian zi, − chai hu
Gingivitis and periodontitis: + mai men dong, + zhi mu, + bai mao gen, + xian he cao
Discharge or pus from the ear: + ban lan gen, − sheng di huang
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: + ge gen, + sheng di huang, + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + mu dan pi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − gan cao
Subarachnoid bleeding, very drowsy: + ge gen, + sheng di huang, + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + mu dan pi, + shi chang pu, + yu jin, + yuan zhi, − mu tong, − ze xie, − gan cao
Subarachnoid bleeding, speech confused: + ge gen, + sheng di huang, + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + mu dan pi, + huang lian, − mu tong, − ze xie, − gan cao
Subarachnoid bleeding, limbs paralysed: + ge gen, + sheng di huang, + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + mu dan pi, + sang zhi, + chuan niu xi, + di long, − mu tong, − ze xie, − gan cao
Subarachnoid bleeding, spasms and contractures: + ge gen, + sheng di huang, + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + mu dan pi, + tian ma, + jiang can, + gou teng, + quan xie, − mu tong, − ze xie, − gan cao
Primary dysmenorrhea with fever, bitter taste, dry throat, and pain of the head and eyes: + mu dan pi, + zhi zi
Primary dysmenorrhea with fever, bitter taste, dry throat, and pain of the head and eyes (alternative): + xia ku cao, + bai ji li, + shi jue ming
Cervicitis or cervical polyps with abdominal pain (combined with Zhi Dai Tang): + chuan lian zi, + yan hu suo
Cervicitis or cervical polyps where stagnant Liver Qi invades the Spleen, with poor appetite and a full, painful abdomen (combined with Zhi Dai Tang): + hu po, + huo xiang, + cang zhu, + qin pi
Cervicitis or cervical polyps with discharge and spotting (combined with Zhi Dai Tang): + huai hua mi, + di yu, + qian cao gen
Anicteric viral hepatitis: + yin chen hao, + ban lan gen, + bai jiang cao, + yu jin, + dan shen, + fu ling, + hou po, − mu tong, − ze xie, − chai hu, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Anicteric viral hepatitis with marked pain below the ribs: + yin chen hao, + ban lan gen, + bai jiang cao, + yu jin, + dan shen, + fu ling, + hou po, + chuan lian zi, + yan hu suo, − mu tong, − ze xie, − chai hu, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Anicteric viral hepatitis with marked epigastric distention and stuffiness: + yin chen hao, + ban lan gen, + bai jiang cao, + yu jin, + dan shen, + fu ling, + hou po, + sha ren, + zhi ke, − mu tong, − ze xie, − chai hu, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Anicteric viral hepatitis (alternative): + yin chen hao, + ban lan gen, + bai jiang cao, + yu jin, + dan shen, + fu ling, + hou po, + shan zha, + ji nei jin, − mu tong, − ze xie, − chai hu, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Turbid vaginal discharge: + ren shen, + tian men dong, + mai men dong, + huang lian, + zhe bei mu, + wu wei zi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − ze xie, − sheng di huang, − dang gui (wei)
Urinary stones: + guang jin qian cao, + ji nei jin
Headache (alternative): + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao
Headache with red eyes: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + jue ming zi
Headache with irritability: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + zhi mu
Headache, restless and sleepless: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + suan zao ren, + zhen zhu mu
Headache with pain below the ribs: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + yu jin
Headache with pain below the ribs (alternative): + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + ku shen
Headache with irregular menstruation: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + chi shao
Headache with night sweats: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + huang bai
Headache with constipation: + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + da huang, + mang xiao
Vaginal itching: + huang bai, + xu duan, + he shi, − zhi zi, − mu tong, − che qian zi, − chai hu, − dang gui (wei), − gan cao
Itching associated with HIV/AIDS: + fang feng, − dang gui (wei)

Cautions

caution Spleen and Stomach deficiency with Cold: avoid, or use with care and suitable changes, since its many bitter, cold herbs readily worsen poor appetite, loose stools or cold limbs
contraindication Deficiency of Yin, Yang or Blood, including Liver and Kidney Yin or Blood deficiency without true excess Fire or Damp-Heat; the draining herbs would deplete the patient further
contraindication Not for long-term use: give it as a short course while excess Fire or Damp-Heat signs are present, then stop or modify it
pregnancy Bitter, cold and diuretic; use in pregnancy only with caution and under qualified guidance
caution Mu Tong must come from a non-toxic source such as Chuan Mu Tong; products made with Guan Mu Tong, which contains aristolochic acid, have caused kidney failure and been withdrawn from sale
caution Several conditions it is used for need prompt medical assessment: acute cholecystitis, any jaundice, a swollen painful testicle (possible torsion), pelvic inflammatory disease and hypertension

Preparation

Decoction; also available as granules or ready-made pills. Long Dan Cao and Zhi Zi may be stir-fried first to temper their bitter cold for a weak Stomach

Names

Pinyin	long dan xie gan tang
English Name	Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver

Classification

Category: Clear Heat from Organs