Huang Lian Decoction (Huang Lian Tang) is also a formula for Jueyin disease, utilizing both cold and heat to primarily treat gastrointestinal symptoms. It embodies the functions of acrid dispersing, bitter descending, and sweet tonifying, with a pathogenesis and treatment method similar to Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.For 173, in cases of cold damage with heat in the chest, evil qi in the stomach, abdominal pain, and a desire to vomit, Huang Lian Decoction is the main treatment.Ingredients: Huang Lian (Coptis), Gan Cao (Licorice), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Ban Xia (Pinellia), Da Zao (Jujube).The pattern of Huang Lian Decoction belongs to the mixed cold and heat of Jueyin disease, with more pronounced symptoms of cold including water retention. Therefore, in addition to Huang Lian clearing heat, there are also Ren Shen and Zhi Gan Cao to strengthen the stomach and benefit qi, while Ban Xia, Gan Jiang, and Gui Zhi warm and transform water retention.
1 Stop Vomiting:
Desire to vomit: This does not necessarily mean actual vomiting, but rather an extreme discomfort in the upper abdomen, feeling oppressed and distended, unable to eat, wanting to vomit but unable to, feeling restless and desperate, referred to as “evil qi in the stomach.”
Pathogenesis: Evil qi obstructs the middle jiao, with cold and heat intermingling, causing the spleen and stomach to lose their normal ascending and descending functions, leading to a blockage between upper and lower…
Treatment focuses on restoring normal descent—using the bitter and acrid method (Huang Lian bitterly descends to drain heat, Rou Gui acridly disperses to relieve pain and anxiety, Gan Jiang acridly opens to stop diarrhea and salivation, Ban Xia acridly dries to stop vomiting and transform phlegm). “In later generations, using Huang Lian to treat vomiting is the most effective” (Ben Jing Shu Zheng).
2 Alleviate Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain: Pain in the umbilical region, especially cold pain in the lower abdomen, paroxysmal cramping pain, with light tenderness, and a preference for warmth.
Rou Gui “stops internal cold qi and unbearable pain.”
Rou Gui pattern: Pain in the lower abdomen. Wang Hao Gu “For lower abdominal pain, only Gui can relieve it.”
Extension of abdominal pain: Weak urination, urinary incontinence, frequent urination; impotence, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emissions; dysmenorrhea, infrequent menstruation, or amenorrhea. Huang Lian Decoction can treat prostate diseases, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive system diseases.
3 Clear Heat in the Chest
Or a burning sensation in the chest and abdomen, with oral and tongue ulcerations; or a feeling of chest tightness and palpitations, often accompanied by insomnia.
This indicates that Huang Lian Decoction clears heat above and aids sleep.
Huang Lian and Rou Gui—Jiao Tai Wan, treats the disharmony between heart and kidney leading to anxiety and insomnia.
Disclaimer:The prescriptions listed in this public account article are for learning and exchange purposes only. Non-TCM professionals should not use these prescriptions without guidance from a physician!
Editor ◈ Xia Zhenzhong