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San Huang Shi Gao Tang三黄石膏汤

Three-Yellow Gypsum Decoction

Releasing Exterior and Interior Together 表里双解剂Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior 解表清里

Ingredients10 herbs

石Shi Gao石膏45 g君 ChiefCools the blazing qi-level fire that drives the whole presentation麻Ma Huang麻黄9 g臣 DeputyOpens the shut exterior so trapped epidemic heat can vent outward淡Dan Dou Chi淡豆豉9 g臣 DeputyVents the exterior and relieves the vexing heat lodged in the chest黄Huang Qin黄芩9 g佐 AssistantDrains fire from the Lung and upper burner黄Huang Lian黄连9 g佐 AssistantDrains Heart and Stomach fire, settles the agitation黄Huang Bai黄柏9 g佐 AssistantDrains fire from the lower burner栀Zhi Zi栀子9 g佐 AssistantCarries fire out of all three burners through the urine生Sheng Jiang生姜3 slices佐 AssistantGuards the Stomach against the bitter-cold core and assists the outward venting大Da Zao大枣2 pieces佐 AssistantProtects the middle burner and moderates the harshness of the formula
细Xi Cha细茶a pinch使 EnvoyClears the head and leads fire downward

Indications

Drains fire toxin from all three burnersVents epidemic heat outward through the exteriorCools blazing heat while protecting the Stomach

Epidemic heat toxin flooding both exterior and interior— the surface is still shut, the fire is already at full height, and both must be treated in the same dose.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Epidemic fever with heat filling exterior and interior
  • Red face, dry nose, parched mouth and great thirst
  • Heat in the palms, soles and chest with agitation
  • Macular rash of yang-toxin type
  • Restless, shouting delirium at the peak of fever
TongueDeep red with dry yellow coating
PulseSurging and large, or flooding and rapid

Health Categories

Skin HealthCognitive & Memory SupportImmune SupportCold & Flu Relief

Modern Applications

Epidemic feverHigh feverDeliriumMaculopapular rashAcute infection

Common adjustments

Contraindications

Only for a genuinely excess, blazing-hot pattern. Not for deficiency fever, yin-deficient heat, or any case where sweat is already pouring. The dose of Ma Huang here is not small — anyone with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or on stimulant medication should not take it without a practitioner's supervision.

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

Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy — a full dose of Ma Huang together with heavy bitter-cold fire-draining herbs. Fever in pregnancy must be assessed by a practitioner directly.

References

Source Shang Han Liu Shu 《伤寒六书》 · Ming

  1. Classical source of record (public domain).
    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）— 附方 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.