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An Gong Niu Huang Wan (安宮牛黃丸) clears heat, resolves toxicity, transforms phlegm and opens the orifices; one of the ‘three treasures’ for heat patterns, it is an emergency formula for high fever with delirium or coma.
English Name
Calm the Palace Pill with Cattle Gallstone
Classical Source
Wen Bing Tiao Bian, 1798
Ingredients
- Niu Huang, She Xiang (open orifices) – chief; Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Zhi Zi, Shui Niu Jiao (clear heat)
- Bing Pian, Yu Jin; (classically Zhu Sha & Xiong Huang – toxic minerals); Zhen Zhu
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and resolves toxicity
- Transforms phlegm and opens the orifices (restores consciousness)
Indications
Heat entering the Pericardium: high fever, delirium, restlessness, loss of consciousness or coma, and convulsions (e.g. in severe febrile illness or stroke with heat).
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: deep red with a dry yellow coat. Pulse: rapid.
Modifications
An emergency, short-term formula; conventional emergency care must come first.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contains toxic minerals (cinnabar, realgar) and is for acute emergency use only by qualified practitioners; contraindicated in pregnancy and in cold/closed (yin) collapse. Seek emergency medical care.
