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Long Dan Cao (龍膽草), the root of Gentiana, drains damp-heat from the Liver and Gall Bladder and the lower burner, and drains ascendant Liver fire; one of the most bitter and cold herbs.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Gentiana scabra (Radix Gentianae)
Common English Name
Chinese gentian root
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Liver, Gall Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Drains damp-heat from the Liver and Gall Bladder and the lower burner
- Drains ascendant Liver fire
Indications
Liver and Gall Bladder damp-heat with jaundice, foul vaginal discharge, genital itching and swelling, and damp-heat of the ear; and Liver fire with headache, red eyes, deafness and irritability.
Dosage
3-6 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
Chief herb of Long Dan Xie Gan Tang for Liver and Gall Bladder damp-heat and fire.
Cautions & Contraindications
Extremely cold and bitter; avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency and where there is no damp-heat or Liver fire.