2025.03.12, Issue 985.
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang (Huang Lian Warm Gallbladder Decoction) is a classic formula commonly used in TCM clinical practice for eliminating phlegm-heat. Its main effects include clearing heat, transforming phlegm, promoting dampness elimination, descending rebellious qi, and stopping vomiting. It is primarily composed of Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) as the main herb, combined with the Wen Dan Tang (Warm Gallbladder Decoction).
The components of Wen Dan Tang mainly include herbs that transform phlegm and dampness: Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Ban Xia (Pinellia Ternata), Fu Ling (Poria), and Gan Cao (Licorice). These four herbs are also part of another formula called Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Decoction), which can also clear and transform phlegm turbidity. Huang Lian clears heat, Zhi Shi regulates qi, and Zhu Ru transforms phlegm, while the components from Er Chen Tang, such as Chen Pi and Ban Xia, can eliminate dampness. Therefore, this formula is primarily used for issues caused by phlegm-heat accumulating in the middle jiao.
For example, it can be used for symptoms arising from heat evil or damp evil, particularly when phlegm-heat is heavy, leading to nausea and vomiting, where the vomit is mostly mucus, referred to in TCM as tan xian (phlegm and saliva), especially thick and yellow mucus, along with bitter mouth and dry throat.
In modern times, excessive consumption of spicy and stimulating foods or frequent alcohol intake can easily damage the spleen’s function, leading to phlegm-dampness, which can transform into heat phlegm, obstructing the meridians and resulting in a series of diseases primarily characterized by damp-heat.
Thus, Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang is mainly used to treat heat evil, damp evil, or damp-heat evil, as well as phlegm-heat symptoms arising from accumulation in the middle jiao.
It is important to note that if phlegm-dampness is heavy and turbid, and the condition is prolonged and difficult to cure, a re-evaluation and treatment adjustment is necessary.
Damp-heat generates phlegm, which can affect the Shaoyang organs in the hands and feet, impacting the Xin Bao (Pericardium), leading to feelings of fright, anxiety, forgetfulness, excessive thinking, a greasy yellow tongue coating, and internal heat in the chest and abdomen, indicating that this formula may be appropriate.
For treatment: A 53-year-old female patient with 5 years of insomnia, worsening for 1 week. The patient has recurrent insomnia and has taken Laura with no significant effect. It was suggested to change the medication to Olanzapine, which allowed her to sleep, but after stopping due to concerns about side effects, she experienced sleeplessness, restlessness, anxiety, bitter mouth, dry mouth, a red tongue with a yellow greasy coating, and a wiry slippery pulse.
Phlegm-heat disturbing the spirit, Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang:
Huang Lian 12g, Zhu Ru 15g, Qing Ban Xia 60g, Fa Ban Xia 60g, Sheng Gan Cao 12g, Zhi Shi 15g, Zhu Ru 15g, Fu Shen 30g, Yi Ren (raw) 40g, Chen Pi 12g, Ye Jiao Teng 50g, Sheng Long Gu 30g, Sheng Mu Li 30g, three doses.
After taking three doses, the patient was able to sleep for 4-5 hours, and further adjustments were made.
Mo Jinyi, attending physician. Passionate about TCM, advocates for Zhang Zhongjing’s medicine, skilled in the differentiation of the six meridians, proficient in using classical formulas, and integrates the academic works of Zhang Xichun, Li Dongyuan, Li Ke, etc., specializing in the use of pure Chinese medicine to treat various common and frequently occurring diseases.
Skilled in using classical formulas to treat fever, unexplained fever, external diseases, spleen and stomach disorders, cough, headache, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, dizziness, insomnia, diabetes, asthma, facial sores, acne, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, post-operative chest obstruction, chest pain, heart failure, and other conditions.
Feel free to add me on WeChat: mojinyi8870 for health consultations and mutual learning and exchange of TCM knowledge.