Huang Lian Tang黄连汤

Coptis Decoction

Harmonizing 和解剂Harmonize Intestines and Stomach 调和肠胃

Ingredients7 herbs

HerbDosageWhat it does in this formula

黄Huang Lian黄连Coptidis Rhizoma9gClears the heat held in the chest 甘Zhi Gan Cao甘草炙Glycyrrhizae Radix Praeparata9gAugments qi, eases the cramping pain and harmonizes the formula 干Gan Jiang干姜Zingiberis Rhizoma9gWarms the cold occupying the Stomach and intestines 桂Gui Zhi桂枝Cinnamomi Ramulus9gUnblocks yang qi so the upper and lower halves communicate again 人Ren Shen人参Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma6gRestores middle-burner qi weakened by the mixed pattern 半Ban Xia (prepared)半夏洗Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum9gSettles Stomach counterflow and stops the vomiting 大Da Zao大枣擘Jujubae Fructus4枚Supports the Spleen and softens the harshness of the cold and warm herbs

Indications

Balances heat above and cold belowHarmonizes the Stomach and redirects counterflow downwardUnblocks yang qi and relieves abdominal pain

Heat above with cold below: heat is lodged in the chest while cold pathogenic qi occupies the Stomach and intestines. Yang qi cannot descend and turbid yin cannot rise, so pain and counterflow appear together.

Clinical Manifestations

Abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting
A hot, uncomfortable chest with a cold, aching abdomen
Vomiting with loose stools
Bitter or sour reflux together with a cold-intolerant abdomen
Gastritis with mixed cold and heat signs

TonguePale body with a white coat, sometimes yellow at the root

PulseWiry, or wiry and rapid

Health Categories

Digestive Health

Modern Applications

Gastritis Peptic ulcer Gastroesophageal reflux Vomiting Abdominal pain Enteritis

Common adjustments

Abdominal pain severe — add Bai Shao 白芍 — with Gan Cao it relaxes the cramping
Vomiting persistent — increase Sheng Jiang 生姜 or add a little Wu Zhu Yu 吴茱萸
Cold in the lower burner marked — increase Gan Jiang 干姜
Chest heat with irritability marked — increase Huang Lian 黄连

Contraindications

Not for abdominal pain from a purely cold or purely hot pattern — the formula only makes sense when the two are separated above and below. Not for pain with constipation and a hard, tender abdomen, which calls for a purgative approach instead.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Use with caution in pregnancy — the formula contains prepared Ban Xia and warming, blood-moving Gui Zhi. Prescribe only under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.

Related Formulas

References

Source Shang Han Lun 《伤寒论》 · Eastern Han

「伤寒，胸中有热，胃中有邪气，腹中痛，欲呕吐者，黄连汤主之。」
— 《伤寒论》(classical source, public domain)

Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
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）— appended-formula note and 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.