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Long Dan Cao龙胆草

Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma · Chinese Gentian Root · Gentian

Herbs that Clear Heat 清热药《神农本草经》

Overview

The root and rhizome of Chinese gentian — among the most bitter things in the dispensary, and cold with it. It works in a single direction: downward, into the Liver and Gallbladder, drying damp-heat in the lower burner and draining fire that has flared upward. That double reach is why it leads Long Dan Xie Gan Tang 龙胆泻肝汤, a formula that treats red painful eyes and a bitter mouth at the top of the body and genital itching and discharge at the bottom with the same herb.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Cold

Channels

Liver · Gallbladder

Typical Dosage

3–6 g in decoction
龙胆草Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Clears heat, dries dampnessDamp-heat in the lower burner: jaundice, genital itching and swelling, thick discharge, damp eczema of the groin, hot painful urination.
  • Drains Liver and Gallbladder fireRed sore eyes, ear swelling or sudden deafness, headache with a bitter taste, flank pain, irritability and quick anger.
  • Settles fright and convulsionHigh fever with convulsions in children, where Liver heat has stirred up wind.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Long Dan Cao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Damp-heat jaundice, genital itching and discharge
    - Hot painful urination and damp eczema of the groin
    - Red painful eyes, ear swelling and sudden deafness
    - Headache, bitter taste, flank pain and irritability from Liver fire
    - Convulsions with high fever

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

HepatitisConjunctivitisOtitisVaginitisUrinary tract infection

Contraindications

Cautions

One of the coldest and most draining herbs in regular use: it injures the Spleen and Stomach and is wrong in deficiency cold with poor appetite and loose stools, and wrong again in yin deficiency with dryness. It is taken after food, never on an empty stomach and never above the prescribed dose — large amounts have caused headache, dizziness, flushing, nausea and, at the extreme, a slowed pulse. Courses are kept short and supervised; long unsupervised use is not appropriate, and it is not a herb to take alongside liver disease without the practitioner's knowledge.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not used in pregnancy without practitioner supervision — it is markedly cold and draining

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.