Professor Tong Xiaolin is an expert in using Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) to treat diabetes. This article introduces the principles of using Huang Lian in terms of compatibility, dosage, and contraindications, providing excellent guidance for clinical use.
Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) – Excerpt
1. Key Principles of Huang LianHuang Lian is bitter in taste, and diabetes, commonly referred to as “sweet disease,” cannot be overlooked. Its bitter and cold nature does not harm the stomach and pairs well with ginger as a counteracting herb.For lowering blood sugar, a larger dosage is recommended, while for stomach regulation, a smaller dosage is preferable. The spicy nature of ginger helps to dispel stagnation, while the bitterness of Huang Lian regulates Qi.For small doses of Huang Lian, three to five grams, it should be combined with ginger to regulate the spleen and stomach. For detoxification and clearing heat, a larger dose is required, especially for conditions like abscesses and heat in the stomach. The bitter and cold nature of Huang Lian can lead to constipation, so it should be paired with Da Huang (Rhubarb) to mitigate this effect. Caution is advised when using Huang Lian for liver diseases, and it should be combined with Yin Chen (Artemisia capillaris) to protect the liver along with Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis).Note:Huang Lian is the primary herb for treating diabetes. Diabetes is commonly known as “sweet disease.” All diseases can be countered by their opposites. The natural opposite of sweetness is bitterness. Therefore, almost all bitter herbs can lower blood sugar.For example: Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Long Dan Cao (Gentiana), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ku Gua (Bitter Melon), and Ku Ding Cha (Bitter Tea) are all bitter and cold herbs that can lower metabolism and treat infections and inflammation related to diabetes. When combined with warming herbs like Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), or Pao Jiang (Processed Ginger), the harmful effects of bitterness and cold on the stomach can be alleviated.Application Points: ① Adjust dosage based on blood sugar levels. ② Always combine with Gan Jiang to prevent stomach damage from bitterness and cold.For those with normal spleen and stomach function, the ratio of Huang Lian to Gan Jiang should be 6:1; for those with weak spleen and stomach, the ratio should be 3:1 or 1:1. This combination preserves the blood sugar-lowering effects while mitigating the bitter and cold nature.However, for diabetic patients with liver disease (including fatty liver), caution is required when using Huang Lian and Chai Hu (Bupleurum). The dosage should not be excessive, the duration should not be prolonged, and liver function should be regularly monitored.2. Huang Lian with GingerThose who do not understand the counteracting nature may view Huang Lian as a fierce herb, fearing it will harm the stomach; however, those who truly understand its bitter and cold nature regard Huang Lian as a divine herb specifically for treating sweet disease.Note:Ginger acts as a counteracting herb for Huang Lian, alleviating its bitter and cold nature while preserving its blood sugar-lowering effects. Ginger can be fresh, dried, or processed, depending on the specific situation.The bitter and cold nature can often harm the stomach, which is a common adverse reaction of bitter and cold herbs, and this is a key limitation in their application, especially for those with a constitution leaning towards deficiency and cold. However, the effects of these bitter and cold herbs are often irreplaceable.From my years of experience, ginger is the most effective warming herb for the stomach and the best adjunct for bitter and cold herbs, greatly expanding their indications while preventing stomach damage. The concept of “Zuo” (adjunct) in TCM emphasizes this, showcasing its charm.Gan Jiang is a key adjunct herb for using bitter and cold herbs to lower blood sugar. Its warming and cold-dispelling effects are difficult to replace with other warming herbs (such as Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), or Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia)). Bitter is the natural opposite of sweet, so most bitter and cold herbs can lower blood sugar, but long-term use of bitter and cold herbs can easily harm the stomach. Using Gan Jiang as a counteracting herb for bitter and cold finally resolves this issue. Even in mid to late stages, bitter and cold herbs can still be used to lower blood sugar.Sheng Jiang can also be used to assist bitter and cold herbs. Its main difference from Gan Jiang is its stronger ability to disperse and induce sweating. Diabetic patients may fall into two categories: one with excess heat and the other with Qi deficiency. For those with excess heat, Sheng Jiang can assist bitter and cold herbs to induce sweating and help clear heat, making the patient feel comfortable while sweating.However, for those with Qi deficiency, excessive sweating can harm the vital energy, so diabetic patients with Qi deficiency and excessive sweating should not use Sheng Jiang as a counteracting herb but should use Gan Jiang instead.This article is excerpted from “Weixin Yiji – Tong Xiaolin’s New TCM Theory,” published by Shanghai Science and Technology Press. Chief Editor: Tong Xiaolin.
Zhong Sheng Herbal Slices – Huang Lian
Warm Reminder: Please follow medical advice when using Chinese herbs and do not self-medicate!
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