Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang蒿芩清胆汤
Sweet Wormwood and Scutellaria Decoction to Clear the Gallbladder
Ingredients8 herbs
Indications
Damp-heat with phlegm-turbidity lodged in shaoyang. The Gallbladder is heat-constrained while the Stomach is fouled by damp phlegm, so the alternating pattern carries a heavy, greasy quality instead of a clean swing between cold and heat.
Clinical Manifestations
- Alternating chills and fever with the fever clearly predominant
- Bitter taste with fullness below the diaphragm
- Nausea or vomiting of sour fluid or sticky yellow phlegm
- Distending rib-side pain with scanty dark urine
- Lingering summer-damp febrile illness
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Vomiting and sour regurgitation predominant — add Huang Lian 黄连 with a small dose of Zi Su Ye 紫苏叶
- Damp heavier than heat, greasy coat thick — add Huo Xiang 藿香, Bai Dou Kou 白豆蔻 and Yi Yi Ren 薏苡仁
- Rib-side pain marked, jaundice appearing — add Yu Jin 郁金 and Yin Chen 茵陈
- Heat dominant with thirst and a dry yellow coat — increase Huang Qin 黄芩 and add Zhi Zi 栀子
Contraindications
Not for alternating chills and fever arising from qi or yin deficiency, and not where the tongue is dry and peeled — the aromatic, drying and percolating herbs will further consume fluids.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Use with caution in pregnancy — the formula contains prepared Ban Xia and several draining, damp-percolating herbs. Prescribe only under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
References
Source Chong Ding Tong Su Shang Han Lun 《重订通俗伤寒论》 · Qing
- Classical source as recorded in the standard formula-studies chapter.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.