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Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang (葛根黃芩黃連湯) releases the muscle layer and exterior while clearing interior damp-heat from the Intestines; the principal formula for heat or damp-heat diarrhoea and dysentery.
English Name
Kudzu, Scutellaria and Coptis Decoction
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
- Ge Gen – chief (release exterior, raise clear yang); Huang Qin, Huang Lian (clear damp-heat)
- Zhi Gan Cao
Actions & Functions
- Releases the exterior and the muscle layer
- Clears interior damp-heat and stops diarrhoea
Indications
Interior damp-heat (often with a residual exterior): acute diarrhoea or dysentery with a burning anus, foul stool, fever, thirst, irritability, and possibly sweating.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: red with a yellow coat. Pulse: rapid.
Modifications
With marked dysentery, add Mu Xiang; with vomiting, add Ban Xia.
Cautions & Contraindications
For heat/damp-heat diarrhoea; not for diarrhoea from deficiency-cold.
