Herb Formulas Notebook

Wen Dan Tang

Warm the Gallbladder Decoction


Source: Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns and Formulas Related to the Unification of the Three Etiologies (1174)


Category: Formulas that Dispel Phlegm

Pattern: Disharmony between the Stomach and Gallbladder with severe Phlegm-Heat obstructing the Qi dynamic

Key Symptoms: Nausea or vomiting, insomnia or dream-disturbed sleep with strange or unusual dreams, palpitations, dizziness, anxiety
Secondary Symptoms: Timid and being easily startled, indeterminate gnawing hunger, seizures accompanied by copious sputum, bitter taste in the mouth, focal distention of the chest, slight thirst

Tongue: Greasy yellow coating
Pulse: Rapid and slippery, or rapid and wiry
Abdomen: Splashing sounds in the upper abdomen, focal distention in epigastric region, pulsation in the umbilical region


Ingredients

Zhu Ru 6g
Zhi Shi 6g
Zhi Ban Xia 6g
Chen Pi 9-15g
Fu Ling 4.5g
Zhi Gan Cao 3g
Sheng jiang 2-6sl
Da Zao 1pc


Preparation: Decoction.


Actions: Regulates the Qi, transforms Phlegm, clears the Gallbladder, harmonises the Stomach



Notes:
Ploberger (2017), in Westliche und traditionell chinesische Heilkräuter, offers the following alternative using western herbs:

Radix Inulae(Elecampane)4g(Emperor)
Herba et Radix Taraxaci(Dandelion)4g(Envoy)
Pericarpium Citri ret.(Orange peel)5g(Assistant)
Radix Glycyrrhizae(Licorice root)4g(Assistant)
Rhizoma Pinelliae(Pinellia)4g(Assistant)
Herba Millefolii(Yarrow)3g(Assistant)
Stigmata Maydis(Zea Corn-Silk)4g(Assistant)
Rhizoma Zingiberis recens(Fresh Ginger)2g(Envoy)

A typo has missed the dosage for orange peel in the original book so it has been estimated for this formula. I have put it reasonably high due to it being the chief herb in his version of Er Chen Tang, upon which formula is based, despite only being an assistant.



Research Links:



Reference Notes: (click to display)

These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted.