Formulas: Clear Heat from the Organs

Question 1

Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang/Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction

Answer 1

Facilitates the flow of Lung qi, clears heat, and calms wheezing by directing rebellious qi downward.

This is heat lodged in the Lungs where it obstructs the flow of qi.

Bronchitis, pneumonia, also used for pediatric bed-wetting. Asthma, coughing, wheezing.

Question 2

Xie Bai San/Drain the White Powder

Answer 2

Drains heat from the Lungs and calms wheezing.

This is lurking fire due to constrained heat in the Lungs.

Skin is hot to the touch.
Barking cough (Lung Heat) with heat signs, wheezing, fever. Dry cough.

Question 3

Qing Wei San/Clear the Stomach Powder

Answer 3

Drains Stomach fire, cools the blood, and nourishes the yin.

This is heat accumulation in the Stomach.

Bleeding gums, toothache, bad breath from heat accumulating in the Stomach. More excess heat, more cooling formula than Xie Huang San.

Question 4

Xie Huang San/Drain the Yellow Powder

Answer 4

Clears lurking fire from the Spleen and Stomach.

Formula written for children: tongue thrusting is a primary symptom.

Clear fire from the tongue.

Question 5

Yu Nu Jian/Jade Woman Decoction

Answer 5

Drains heat from the Stomach and nourishes the yin.

This is kidney yin deficiency with vigorous Stomach fire.

Treatment for periodontal disease and diabetes (middle burner Xiao Ke). Considered to be a variation of Bai Hu Tang.

Question 6

Zuo Jin Wan/Left Metal Pill

Answer 6

Clear Liver heat, directs rebellious qi downward, and stops vomiting.

This is heat in the Liver channel causing disharmony between the Liver and Stomach with pain localized along the Liver channel.

Common cause of acid reflux (esophageal erosion). Heat that is causing pain in the esophagus.
Gnawing hunger that feels better when you eat.

Question 7

Bai Tou Weng Tang/Pulsatilla Decoction

Answer 7

Clears heat, resolves toxicity, cools the blood, and alleviates dysenteric disorders.

This is hot dysenteric disorder due to heat toxin searing the Stomach and Intestines. Principle formula.

Question 8

Xie Qing Wan/Drain the Green Pill

Answer 8

Clears the Liver and drains fire.

This is constrained fire in the Liver channel. Tremors or convulsions may be present. More fire and wind than with the use of Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.

Question 9

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang/Gentian Decoction to Drain the Liver

Answer 9

Drains fire excess from the Liver and Gallbladder, and clears and drains damp-heat from the lower burner.

This is heat excess in the Liver and/or Gallbladder channels. Wide range of applications including migraines, UTI, Herpes. Very commonly used!

Question 10

Dao Chi San/Guide Out the Red Powder

Answer 10

Clears the Heart and promotes urination. Conducts heat out of the Heart channel through the Small Intestine.

UTI with heart signs (anxiety, insomnia, mouth sores).