As autumn and winter approach, many people are prone to excessive internal heat. Today, we recommend 19 commonly used heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines. Let’s see which one is suitable for you!

Category 1: Tablets

1. Niu Huang Jie Du Pian (Niu Huang Detoxification Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Niu Huang (Bovine Bile), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Bing Pian (Borneol), Gan Cao (Licorice).

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies. Used for internal heat, sore throat, gum pain, oral ulcers, and red, swollen eyes. Clears heat and detoxifies.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 3 tablets each time, 2-3 times a day; for pills, 1 pill each time, 2 times a day, taken with warm water.

【Precautions】Dosage should be reduced for children. Not suitable for pregnant women. Use with caution in those with spleen and stomach deficiency or diarrhea. Not to be taken with tetracycline or phosphate/sulfate medications.

Beijing Tongrentang Niu Huang Jie Du Pian

2. Chuan Xin Lian Pian (Andrographis Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Chuan Xin Lian (Andrographis). Excipients include starch, dextrin, magnesium stearate.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, cools blood and reduces swelling. Used for internal evil toxins, fever from colds, sore throat, and oral ulcers.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 1-2 tablets (large tablets) each time, 3 times a day.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy, and fishy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Those with severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and kidney disease should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

3. Qing Huo Pian (Clear Fire Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Da Qing Ye (Isatis Leaf), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Bo He (Mint).

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and drains fire, promotes bowel movements. Used for sore throat, toothache, dizziness, oral ulcers, red, swollen eyes, and constipation.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 6 tablets each time, 2 times a day.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy, and greasy foods. Use with caution in those without excess heat and pregnant women. Patients with chronic diseases such as heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and kidney disease should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

4. Qing Huo Zhi Mai Pian (Clear Fire Zhi Mai Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Chuan Xin Lian (Andrographis), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon).

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, cools blood and reduces swelling. Used for sore throat, fever, toothache, and red eyes caused by lung and stomach heat.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 2 tablets each time, 2 times a day.

【Precautions】Use with caution in pregnant women. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Those with severe chronic diseases should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

5. Qing Re Xiao Yan Ning Pian (Clear Heat and Reduce Inflammation Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Jiu Jie Cha (Nine-Section Tea).

【Properties】This product is a capsule, containing a black-brown powder; slightly bitter and astringent taste.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces inflammation and relieves pain, relaxes muscles and activates collaterals. Used for influenza, pharyngitis, pneumonia, bacterial dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, appendicitis, burns, abscesses, and cellulitis.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 2-4 capsules each time, 3 times a day.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, cold, greasy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Patients with high fever over 38.5°C should seek medical attention. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

6. Wei C Yin Qiao Pian (Vitamin C Yin Qiao Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Dan Dou Chi (Fermented Soybean), Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum), Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed), Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Gan Cao (Licorice), Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Acetaminophen, Vitamin C, Peppermint Oil. Excipients include starch, beta-cyclodextrin, magnesium stearate, sucrose, talcum powder, gelatin, lemon yellow, brilliant blue, and white wax.

The Hong Kong Department of Health urges not to use Wei C Yin Qiao Pian as it may contain prohibited ingredients.

【Functions and Indications】Relieves exterior symptoms, clears heat and detoxifies. Used for fever, headache, cough, dry mouth, and sore throat caused by influenza.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 2 tablets each time, 3 times a day.

【Precautions】May cause drowsiness, sleepiness, thirst, and weakness; occasional rash, urticaria, drug fever, and granulocytopenia; long-term high-dose use may lead to liver and kidney dysfunction. Contraindicated in severe liver and kidney dysfunction. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, cold, greasy foods. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

7. Pu Di Lan (Dandelion Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ku Di Ding (Bitter Herb), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root). Excipients include starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and film coating material.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling. Used for boils, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 5-8 tablets each time, 4 times a day; reduce dosage for children.

【Precautions】Avoid spicy and irritating foods. Do not take with warming herbs during treatment. Use with caution in pregnant women and those with cold spleen and stomach symptoms such as abdominal pain, preference for warmth, and diarrhea. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

8. San Huang Pian (Three Yellow Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Da Huang (Rhubarb), Berberine Hydrochloride, Huang Qin (Scutellaria) extract. Excipients include starch and magnesium stearate.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, drains fire and promotes bowel movements. Used for red, swollen eyes, oral ulcers, sore throat, gum pain, irritability, thirst, yellow urine, and constipation caused by excess heat in the three burners.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 4 tablets each time, 2 times a day; reduce dosage for children.

【Adverse Reactions】Occasional nausea, vomiting, rash, and drug fever, which disappear after stopping the medication.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women. Contraindicated in patients with hemolytic anemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Patients with severe chronic diseases should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

Category 2: Pills

9. Niu Huang Xiao Yan Wan (Niu Huang Anti-Inflammatory Pills)

【Main Ingredients】Niu Huang (Bovine Bile), Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl), Chan Su (Toad Venom), Qing Dai (Indigo), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Da Huang (Rhubarb).

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and relieves pain. Used for sore throat, furuncles, and abscesses.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 10 pills each time, 3 times a day; reduce dosage for children; can also be used externally by grinding and applying to the affected area.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women.

10. Niu Huang Qing Wei Wan (Niu Huang Clear Stomach Pills)

【Main Ingredients】Artificial Niu Huang, Da Huang (Rhubarb), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Bo He (Mint), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Fan Xie Ye (Senna), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Qian Niu Zi (Morning Glory Seed, roasted), Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange, sand-fried), Bing Pian (Borneol).

【Functions and Indications】Clears stomach fire, moistens dryness, and promotes bowel movements. Used for excess heat in the heart and stomach, dizziness, oral ulcers, gum pain, sore throat, constipation, and red urine.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 2 pills each time, 2 times a day.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women.

11. Shang Qing Wan (Upper Clear Pills)

【Main Ingredients】Huang Lian (Coptis), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Zhi Zi (Gardenia, ginger-fried), Shu Da Huang (Prepared Rhubarb), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Bo He (Mint), Chan Tui (Cicada Slough), Chi Shao (Red Peony), and 21 other ingredients.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat, disperses wind, brightens the eyes, and relieves pain. Used for excess heat in the upper burner causing: sudden red, swollen, painful eyes, hot tears, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, irritability, and dry constipation.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 6 grams each time, 2 times a day.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, greasy foods. Patients with chronic diseases should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

12. Liu Shen Wan (Six Divine Pills)

【Main Ingredients】Chan Su (Toad Venom), She Xiang (Musk), Niu Huang (Bovine Bile), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Zhen Zhu (Pearl), Bing Pian (Borneol), etc.

【Functions and Indications】Cools and detoxifies, reduces inflammation and relieves pain. Used for throat ulcers, sore throat, throat wind, throat abscesses, children’s heat sores, and various abscesses.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 3 times a day, taken with warm water; for children, 1 pill for 1 year old, 2 pills for 2 years old, 3-4 pills for 3 years old, 5-6 pills for 4-8 years old, 8-9 pills for 9-10 years old, and 10 pills for adults. Can also be applied externally to red, swollen skin by grinding 10 pills with a little cold boiled water or rice vinegar, applying around the area several times a day until swelling subsides. If redness and swelling have begun to suppurate or rupture, do not apply further.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women, use with caution in athletes.

13. Fang Feng Tong Sheng Wan (Siler and Clear Pills)

【Main Ingredients】Fang Feng (Siler), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Bo He (Mint), Ma Huang (Ephedra), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Mang Xiao (Glauber’s Salt), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Gan Cao (Licorice), and 17 other ingredients.

【Functions and Indications】Releases the exterior and clears heat and detoxifies. Used for external cold and internal heat, with symptoms of chills, high fever, headache, dry throat, short red urine, and constipation.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 1 bag each time, 2 times a day.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, greasy, seafood, and other foods. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

Category 3: Oral Liquids and Granules

14. Qing Re Jie Du Kou Fu Ye (Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying Oral Liquid)

【Main Ingredients】Shi Gao (Gypsum), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Di Huang (Rehmannia), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Tian Di Ren (Sweet Herb), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Long Dan Cao (Gentian), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon). Excipients include sucrose, sodium saccharin, orange flavor, sodium glutamate, sodium benzoate.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies. Used for fever, red eyes, irritability, thirst, and sore throat caused by heat toxin; also for flu and upper respiratory infections with the above symptoms.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 10-20 ml each time, 3 times a day.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, cold, greasy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Not suitable for those with wind-cold colds. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

15. Kang Bing Kou Fu Ye (Antiviral Oral Liquid)

Image: Xiangxue Pharmaceutical

【Main Ingredients】Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Shi Chang Pu (Acorus), Guang Huo Xiang (Agastache), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), etc.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and dispels dampness, cools blood and detoxifies. Used for wind-heat colds, warm disease fever, upper respiratory infections, influenza, mumps, and other viral infections.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 10 ml each time, 2-3 times a day (before breakfast and after lunch and dinner), reduce dosage for children.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Patients with severe clinical symptoms, prolonged illness, or concurrent bacterial infections should add other treatment medications.

16. Shuang Huang Lian Kou Fu Ye (Double Huang Lian Oral Liquid)

【Main Ingredients】Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Lian Qiao (Forsythia); excipients include sucrose.

【Functions and Indications】Releases wind and clears the exterior, clears heat and detoxifies. Used for colds caused by wind-heat, with symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 20 ml (2 vials) each time, 3 times a day; reduce dosage for children or follow medical advice.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, cold, greasy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Not suitable for those with wind-cold colds. Patients with diabetes and severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease should take under medical guidance. Children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, the elderly, and those with weak spleen and stomach should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

17. Qing Kai Ling Kou Fu Ye (Qing Kai Ling Oral Liquid)

(Capsules, Soft Capsules, Granules, Drops, Tablets)

【Main Ingredients】Bile Acid, Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl), Pig Deoxycholic Acid, Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Water Buffalo Horn, Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle). Excipients include sucrose, beta-cyclodextrin, and menthol.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, calms and soothes the spirit. Used for exterior wind-heat and internal fire toxin causing fever, irritability, sore throat, red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; also for upper respiratory infections, viral influenza, acute pharyngitis, and acute bronchitis with the above symptoms.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 20-30 ml each time, 2 times a day; reduce dosage for children.

【Precautions】Contraindicated in pregnant women. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, cold, greasy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Not suitable for those with wind-cold colds. Patients with chronic illnesses should use with caution if diarrhea occurs. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

18. Ban Lan Gen Ke Li (Ban Lan Gen Granules)

【Main Ingredients】Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root). Excipients include sucrose and dextrin.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, cools blood and benefits the throat. Used for sore throat and dry mouth caused by lung and stomach heat; also for acute tonsillitis with the above symptoms.

【Dosage】Dissolve in hot water. Half to 1 bag (5-10g) each time, 3-4 times a day.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy, and fishy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Patients with diabetes and severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

19. Yi Qing Jiao Nang (Yi Qing Capsules)

【Main Ingredients】Huang Lian (Coptis), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), starch, talcum powder, magnesium stearate.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat, drains fire, detoxifies, transforms stasis, cools blood, and stops bleeding. Used for symptoms of heat toxin and blood heat causing fever, irritability, red eyes, oral ulcers, sore throat, gum pain, and constipation; also for pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and gingivitis with the above symptoms.

【Dosage】Oral administration, 2 capsules each time, 3 times a day.

【Adverse Reactions】Occasional rash, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

【Precautions】Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods. Do not take with nourishing Chinese herbs during treatment. Patients with diabetes and severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease should take under medical guidance. Other precautions are detailed in the product instructions.

Friendly Reminder:

Heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese patent medicines are often bitter and cold in nature. Long-term use may damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, leading to loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Therefore, they should not be taken for extended periods, especially by those with spleen and stomach deficiency (who are prone to diarrhea). Niu Huang Xiao Yan Wan, Liu Shen Wan, and other prescription medications require a prescription for purchase. If you are currently using other medications, please consult a physician or pharmacist before using heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese patent medicines. Additionally, note that:

Chinese patent medicines containing Niu Huang and Shi Gao should not be used with tetracycline or neomycin. For example: Niu Huang Jie Du Pian, Niu Huang Xiao Yan Wan, Fang Feng Tong Sheng Wan, etc.

Chinese patent medicines containing Chan Su should not be used with digoxin. For example: Liu Shen Wan, Niu Huang Xiao Yan Wan, etc.

Previous Highlights:

These two ancient Chinese medicine formulas have been used for thousands of years and are most suitable for symptoms of qi and blood deficiency.

For heart and spleen deficiency, insomnia, and vivid dreams, Gui Pi Wan can be used.

Huang Jing Wan consists of only two herbs and is remarkably effective for treating qi and blood deficiency, especially in those who are pale and thin.